- Samsung announced an “unbreakable” smartphone display on Thursday.
- It uses plastic instead of glass and is flexible.
- It’s for smartphones and other gadgets, and may be used in Samsung’s first foldable phone.
Samsung said on Thursday that it has developed an “unbreakable” and flexible display that may soon be used in smartphones and other gadgets.
Unlike traditional smartphone displays, which are typically covered in glass that can be prone to cracking or shattering, Samsung coats its new panels with a “fortified plastic window.” The solution didn’t break in drop tests from 4-6 feet, Samsung said, which is why it’s making the “unbreakable” claim.
Samsung says its claims were tested and verified by Underwriters Laboratories, a company that does testing for the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA).
Plastic has been used in smartphones before, but it has some downsides. Motorola’s plastic “ShatterShield” screen prevented some damage to smartphone displays, but they were more prone to scratching than glass displays.
Samsung’s new screen is likely to make a debut in its foldable smartphone. Samsung said last year consumers should expect it to launch sometime in 2018.
