Samsung may launch an outward-foldable phone this September, before Huawei's Mate X release

Foldable phones and 5G were supposed to be the most impactful technologies launching this year, yet neither managed to wow anyone up until now, especially when we factor in Samsung’s debacle with the Galaxy Fold and Huawei postponing the launch of the Mate X. We have already seen quite a few patents from both companies, and, while Huawei is currently dealing with the U.S. bans, which may delay the launch of previously planned handhelds, Samsung, on the other hand, is already planning to launch a new foldable this fall.

The Korea Herald and The Investor inform that Samsung’s next foldable phone will feature an outward-folding mechanism and it is supposed to launch before Huawei’s Mate X that was postponed for a September release. The Investor source states that “the launch date has yet to be unveiled, but it’s likely to be earlier than the date set for Huawei. Suppliers have already begun mass-producing major parts, and possibly even the phone itself.”

With this move, Samsung intends to be the first company to launch inward-folding, as well as outward-folding phones. Sources inform that Samsung was supposed to launch the outward-folding device first, but decided for the inward-folding one in the meantime. The Korean company has more foldable devices scheduled for release throughout 2020, including clamshell-like phones that close and open vertically.

As far as the Galaxy Fold is concerned, the latest reports are contradictory. Samsung Display representatives claim that they are producing the folding display for the galaxy Fold, while other sources inform that Samsung may have already ditched the original Galaxy Fold for an improved version that integrates 5G compatibility. This new version is expected to launch in July.