Rumor | Samsung's Galaxy Z Fold might turn into a true next-gen Galaxy Note after all

The Galaxy Z Fold3's very own custom S Pen has been widely perceived as the final nail in the coffin for the classic Galaxy Note line. This might seem particularly ironic in the face of leaks concerning the Galaxy Z Slide, a hypothetical first-gen rollable display device from the South Korean giant that just might be intended to supercede that premium foldable in the end.

This prospect may have gotten many consumers thinking the technology in question would also be a good fit for specifically Note-style use-cases. Now, it seems the OEM has also caught these vibes - sort of.

This impression is based on Samsung's new patent for a device that also folds - however, it does so in pretty much the opposite manner to that of the Z Folds to date. It results in a form-factor that can switch from phone-like dimensions to those of a small tablet, and, potentially most importantly, does so around a compartment that accomodates a stylus.

The pen does not have a silo per se; rather, it is deployed via a corresponding slot on the back of the folding portion of the display, where it is most likely retained magnetically (and, thus, still technically within the device) when not in use.

This means the accessory in question is markedly skinny and tall as a result. Some might find it harder to hold and write with as a result, although some others might accept it as a trade-off for the futuristic nature of the extendable screen it is designed to go with.

Therefore, the new IP - approved today (September 21, 2021) by the Chinese national intellectual property office CNIPA - just might represent the evolution of a Galaxy Note series now allegedly destined to stick around after all. Should this be the case, Samsung has in fact secured the trademark that could go along with it: Flex Note.

This might evoke memories of the Galaxy Note Edge, which emerged as an alternative to the Note 4 back in the day and was probably pivotal in the rise of the curved display as a result. Therefore, this newly-rumored Flex Note could prove a re-boot of this story that many may want to follow.

On the other hand, should that truly be the case, one might wonder why the trademark (filed in July 2021 with the Korean trademarking authority KIPRIS) does not read "Galaxy Note Flex" instead.