Samsung may reveal foldable smartphone prototype in Q3: reports

Samsung plans to commence production of a prototype foldable smartphone only in the latter half of 2017, which meant, production of the actual consumer models would only start in early 2018, according to ET News. Regular production however, depended on how well the prototypes were received.

Though Samsung had been talking about foldable smartphones for years now, it had not been able to present a working prototype till now, commentators point out.

However, they expect 2017 to be special after 2016 proved to be the year of the Galaxy Note fiasco, which had led to renewed calls for a more innovative device.

The prototype would not only test the actual quality and performance of the foldable devices but would also gauge market reception.

Samsung wanted to position its foldable devices ''one-step higher than regular flagship smartphones,'' ETNews reported. The new smartphone would offer ''luxurious design and high-quality,'' which would have a halo effect on Samsung's entire line-up.

Commentators point out that Samsung seemed to be following the same strategy it used with Edge displays.

The Korean company conducted test run on the Note Edge, and then expanded the concept on the Galaxy S6 Edge and S7 Edge, and now Edge design was set to completely replace flat screens on the Galaxy S8 and S8 Plus.