Skip to main content

Samsung hopes curvy screens will make its pricey smartphones more desirable

Samsung's counting on curves in the right places to sell its expensive future smartphones

Samsung Galaxy Note Edge top screen 2
Image used with permission by copyright holder
Samsung has already talked about its plan to reinvigorate declining profits by improving its low and mid-range hardware, but that doesn’t mean it’s going to stop making cool high-end hardware. In a report published by Reuters, a senior designer for Samsung discussed how the company is looking at curved touchscreen technology to make its premium phones more desirable.

We’ve already seen the first example in the Galaxy Note Edge, where the screen cascades over the side of the device, creating a second screen used for shortcuts, notifications, and dedicated apps. The Samsung executive talks about the difficulty in making a unique, attractive design in a world obsessed with large displays (ironically, a shift Samsung itself promoted), and says “A curved screen is a big solution for overcoming those challenges.”

Samsung’s next major smartphone release is likely to be the sequel to the Galaxy S5, tentatively known as the Galaxy S6, which has been referred to as a “dream phone,” in several rumors already. An analyst, speaking at a conference in Korea, discussed the possibility of the Galaxy S6 using a double edged cascading display, taking it a step beyond the Note Edge.

However, while Samsung is responsible for making the curved displays, it’s going to need the help of developers to ensure it doesn’t just become a forgettable gimmick. The Note Edge’s additional display area has some handy tools, but Samsung has to encourage innovation outside of the software it builds into the phone, if people are to see the tech as something worth investing in. Simply making the screen look different may not be enough.

Samsung isn’t the only one thinking unusual screen technology will make more people buy its expensive smartphones. LG Display recently showed a three-year plan for its Plastic OLED flexible screens, which it wants to bring to smartphones, tablets, computers, and televisions. It has already used a version of the bendy, hard-wearing display on the G Watch R and the G Flex smartphone.

Editors' Recommendations

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 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
Everything Samsung announced at its Galaxy S24 event
A person holding the Samsung Galaxy S24 Ultra.

Samsung Galaxy S24+ (left) and Galaxy S24 Ultra Andy Boxall / Digital Trends

It's official. Samsung held its latest Galaxy Unpacked event on January 17 and has three new smartphones to start the new year. On top of that, it also introduced its new artificial intelligence platform, teased the upcoming "Galaxy Ring," and more.

Read more
The best Samsung Galaxy S23 screen protectors in 2023: our 10 favorites
Holding the Samsung Galaxy S23 with the display turned on.

Samsung's Galaxy S24 may be just around the corner, but that doesn't mean the Samsung Galaxy S23 isn't still a great phone that's worth protecting, especially its gorgeous AMOLED 2X edge-to-edge display.

Even though that screen is made from the latest Gorilla Glass, it's still susceptible to scratches and scuffs, so unless you plan to use a folio case, we'd strongly recommend an extra layer of protection to keep your display looking pristine. That's even more true if you're the adventurous type, since even the most durable cases for your Galaxy S23 are only fighting half the battle.

Read more