"Galaxy Z Flip3 to Feature Virtual Buttons on the Side"

[Asia Economy Reporter Eunmo Koo] There are expectations that Samsung Electronics' foldable smartphone, the 'Galaxy Z Flip,' will feature virtual buttons in its successor model.

On the 23rd (local time), according to Dutch IT media LetsGoDigital, Samsung Electronics is reported to expand the touch detection area around the buttons on the 'Galaxy Z Flip3 (tentative name)' to enhance user convenience.

The virtual button expected to be applied to the Galaxy Z Flip3 is anticipated to be located at the lower part of the left frame when the phone is unfolded. The touch detection area will be expanded in the opposite direction of the physical button, which is expected to be placed at the upper part of the left frame, to improve the ease of button use regardless of whether the phone is open or closed.

Samsung Electronics' next foldable smartphone is also expected to include IP-rated dust and water resistance features. IT media SamMobile reported this on the 19th (local time), and if this feature is applied to the successor foldable model as reported, the Galaxy Z Fold3 and Galaxy Z Flip3 will become the first foldable phones to officially obtain an IP rating.

However, it is not yet known whether the dust and water resistance rating will be IP68. The IP rating quantifies dust and water resistance performance, and the 'Galaxy S21 Ultra' has an IP68 rating. The first digit '6' indicates protection against dust and other foreign substances, and the second digit '8' indicates water resistance, with higher numbers representing greater durability.

Meanwhile, LetsGoDigital previously speculated that the successor model of the Galaxy Z Flip would be named 'Galaxy Z Flip3' instead of 'Galaxy Z Flip2.' This is to align the series numbering with Samsung Electronics' other foldable phone, the 'Galaxy Z Fold2,' by skipping Galaxy Z Flip2.

LetsGoDigital explained, "If the Galaxy Z Flip2 and Galaxy Z Fold3 are released together, the Galaxy Z Flip2 might be perceived as an existing product." The Galaxy Z Flip, a horizontally folding smartphone, was released in February last year, and a 5G model was unveiled in July of the same year.

This content was produced with the assistance of AI translation services.