Google, Will It Venture into Foldable Smartphone Production?

[Asia Economy Reporter Eunmo Koo] There are prospects that Google may start producing its own foldable smartphone.

On the 23rd (local time), IT specialized media SamMobile mentioned the possibility of Google producing a foldable smartphone, stating that Samsung Display is preparing to supply foldable panels to Google, Oppo, Xiaomi, and others.

According to SamMobile, Samsung Display views the foldable market as a growth driver and is expected to ship up to 1 million foldable panels this year. Samsung Display's foldable panels are currently used in Samsung Electronics' 'Galaxy Z Flip' and 'Galaxy Z Fold2'.

SamMobile also disclosed detailed information about the panels Samsung Display is preparing to supply to Google, Oppo, and Xiaomi, citing a domestic report. According to the report, Google has requested Samsung Display to develop a 7.60-inch panel. However, it is unclear which form factor Google will choose, and there remains a possibility that it will remain at the prototype stage.

Meanwhile, Oppo is expected to use a clamshell panel similar to the Galaxy Z Flip, with the panel size anticipated to be a 7.7-inch in-folding panel, larger than the Galaxy Z Flip's 6.7 inches. Additionally, Xiaomi is reportedly considering a form factor not different from the Galaxy Z Fold2. Previously, Xiaomi had already unveiled a prototype equipped with a 7.92-inch panel last year, and it is reported to have recently requested an 8.03-inch foldable panel.