Skip to main content
  1. Home
  2. Mobile
  3. News

Rumor: Samsung may be planning a special edition Galaxy Note 3 with a flexible screen

By
Samsung Galaxy Note 3 Hands On Action Memo
Image used with permission by copyright holder

Check out our review of the Samsung Galaxy Note 3 phablet.

The Samsung Galaxy Note 3 has only just been announced, but Samsung is already planning a special edition of the device, at least according to the latest rumor. Published by the Korean site Chosun.com and quoting sources inside the industry, Samsung will apparently announce a Note 3 with a flexible screen before the end of October. It sounds like the phone will be a special limited edition of the Note 3, and the report states the announcement will be, “domestic.” In other words, the flexible Note 3 may only be released in South Korea, at least early on in its life.

Recommended Videos

A flexible screen was one of the many features rumored for inclusion on the standard Note 3, but one which obviously didn’t come true. However, the rumor was based on fact, as it’s well-known Samsung is hard at work developing flexible screen tech, and has demonstrated prototypes – such as the weirdly named Youm – in the past. Could it now be at the stage where it wants to test the waters with a limited run?

Related

We’ve also heard about a similar tactic related to the Galaxy Gear smartwatch, revealed alongside the Galaxy Note 3 last month, where the device about to be put on sale may be followed up by a more refined, cheaper version in the near future. Similarly, Samsung was also rumored to reveal a cheaper edition of the Note 3 with an LCD display replacing the Super AMOLED panel, and a less capable camera. Let’s face it, Samsung loves to come up with many different versions of its hardware already, so it’s tough to dismiss this type of rumor entirely.

So just how different would a flexible screen Galaxy Note 3 be to the one with which we’re already familiar? Chances are, it won’t be any different visually, as nothing else in the phone will be flexible. Instead, the screen will be almost unbreakable and impervious to scratches. Samsung has recently used sapphire glass, which has similar properties, to cover the small screen on the Galaxy Gear.

At the moment this is just a rumor, but as it’s not totally outlandish there’s a chance it’ll turn into something more. Just don’t be surprised if the resulting phone is not sold outside of Samsung’s home country for a while.

Editors' Recommendations

Topics
Andy Boxall
Andy Boxall
Senior Mobile Writer
Andy is a Senior Writer at Digital Trends, where he concentrates on mobile technology, a subject he has written about for…
The best Samsung Galaxy S24 Ultra screen protectors: 7 top picks
The Galaxy S24 Ultra's screen.

Your Samsung Galaxy S24 Ultra is undoubtedly a prized possession. It's the epitome of cutting-edge technology and style, boasting a massive 6.8-inch display that's a feast for the eyes. But as much as it's a marvel of engineering, it's also a fragile device that requires careful handling. Just imagine the horror of dropping your phone and shattering the screen! Not only will it ruin the visual appeal, but it could also cost you a fortune to repair.

Fortunately, there's a simple solution to make such a catastrophe less likely: a screen protector. These handy accessories come in various styles, materials, and price points to cater to different needs and budgets. From tempered glass protectors that offer robust protection against scratches and cracks to film protectors that provide a more subtle shield, there's something for everyone. Better still, they'll work just fine with the growing number of excellent Galaxy S24 Ultra cases.

Read more
The best Samsung Galaxy S24 screen protectors: our 10 favorites
Two Samsung Galaxy S24 units standing upright next to each other.

The Samsung Galaxy S24 may not be a seismic shift, but it has allowed Samsung to make some strong improvements to an already solid formula. One of the biggest comes to the display, which has increased in size to 6.2 inches, but crucially, now comes with a dynamic refresh rate that shifts between 1-120Hz. While not a tangible change on the level of the new Galaxy AI features, this improvement brings the phone up to the level of the ultra-flagship Galaxy S24 Ultra, and makes it a very tasty morsel indeed.

But a gorgeous screen is only gorgeous if it stays that way, and grime, chips, and even cracks can quickly mar your view if you're not careful. A good way to stop harm to your new smartphone's screen is to put something in the way — and screen protector is made to do that (when paired with a good case). Here are some of the best Samsung Galaxy S24 screen protectors you can buy today.

Read more
Samsung may have made a horrible decision with the Galaxy S24
The Samsung Galaxy S24 standing upright next to the Galaxy S24 Plus.

The big Android dogs from Samsung  —the Galaxy S24 series — are out to challenge the smartphone supremacy crown in 2024. There are minor design improvements, a faster chip, a slightly tweaked camera, a big jump in thermal management capacity, and loads of AI hype around them.

Some of those AI features come courtesy of Qualcomm’s Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 for Galaxy silicon, while others are built in-house or with some help from Google. But behind the scenes, Samsung has again employed a controversial two-chip sales formula.

Read more