Foldable OLEDs Demonstrate Unprecedented Resilience

Samsung Display is making a strong statement about the robustness of its foldable phone technology. At MWC26 in Barcelona, the company demonstrated the durability of its foldable OLED panels by subjecting them to a series of demanding tests, including repeated impacts from golf balls and basketballs.

During the golf ball test, an automatic putting machine repeatedly struck a foldable phone. Despite the repeated impacts, the screen continued to function normally, displaying video and responding to touch. A similar test involved a basketball backboard constructed from 18 foldable phones, which successfully withstood impacts from a robot arm throwing basketballs.

The tests directly addressed concerns about the fragility of foldable displays, with the panels showing no abnormalities even after numerous impacts, according to reports from the event.

Galaxy S26 Ultra Privacy Feature Outperforms Traditional Films

Beyond durability, Samsung Display also highlighted a new privacy feature integrated into the Galaxy S26 Ultra. This Flex Magic Pixel™ technology offers a significant advantage over conventional privacy films.

While both methods limit visibility from side angles, the Galaxy S26 Ultra’s technology offers selective privacy. It can darken specific areas of the screen – such as notification pop-ups or password input fields – while maintaining overall screen brightness and clarity. Traditional privacy films, in contrast, reduce readability across the entire display.

“While the protective film is a method of ‘making the screen dark overall’, Samsung Display’s approach is closer to ‘designing only the necessary parts to be invisible’.”

Report from the event

SK Telecom CEO Jeong Jae-heon reportedly expressed his admiration for the technology, stating, “It will be difficult for film companies.”

The IQ Era and the Future of Displays

Samsung Display’s presence at MWC26, under the theme “The IQ Era,” underscores the company’s vision for displays as “intelligent interfaces that understand and respond to users and their surroundings.” The company showcased a range of AI-optimized OLED technologies, including the Mini PetBot companion robot and the AI Toy House interior décor item.

FAQ

• What was the purpose of the golf ball and basketball tests? To demonstrate the durability of Samsung Display’s foldable OLED panels.
• What is ‘Flex Magic Pixel™’? A panel-integrated privacy technology for the Galaxy S26 Ultra.
• How does the Galaxy S26 Ultra’s privacy feature differ from privacy films? It offers selective privacy, darkening only specific areas of the screen while maintaining overall clarity.

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