Samsung’s upcoming foldable smartphone Galaxy Z Flip may have a display with a built-in speaker

Samsung’s upcoming Z Flip foldable clamshell smartphone may feature a different type of in-ear speakers that will help users answer calls without invading privacy even when the smartphone is folded. Currently, users can only answer calls on the Samsung Galaxy Z Flip 6 using the phone’s speaker when the flip is open, which does not allow for privacy of the conversation. Reports indicate that Samsung and LG are working on a new solution that will remedy this shortcoming and help create more space for other smartphone components.

A recent report by Korean news site Sisa Journal claims that Samsung is working with LG to develop a new type of display that could eliminate the traditional in-ear speaker found in most smartphones. This innovation is primarily aimed at foldable devices, especially clamshell models, which currently need to be fully open for users to answer calls privately.

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How will this happen?

The display in development will reportedly use piezoelectric technology to generate sound by vibrating the screen, potentially replacing the in-ear speaker typically placed behind punch-hole displays. According to the report, this piezoelectric speaker will be integrated into the display layers, eliminating the need for additional hardware. By combining the speaker and display, you can free up valuable space for other components, eliminating the limited space in foldable clamshell smartphones.

Researchers point out that by integrating this speaker technology with an external display, users can enjoy two separate audio sources, allowing them to put their ear to an external display for the first time and answer calls privately.

Although piezoelectric technology itself is not new, Xiaomi was the first to use it in the production Mi Mix smartphone in 2016. This device, only available in China, featured a piezoelectric acoustic ceramic speaker and instead used the ultrasonic proximity sensor of a standard infrared sensor, aiming to create a nearly bezel-less display at the top.

Interestingly, Mi Mix has placed the selfie camera in a thicker bezel at the bottom of the phone to ensure an unobstructed viewing experience at the top of the screen. The phone also boasted a ceramic back panel. However, when the Mi Mix 2 was launched in India, it did not continue with this innovative speaker technology, instead opting for a more conventional audio setup.