The Samsung Galaxy Z Flip was supposed to be a better foldable device as it was expected to use glass instead of plastic for its flexible display. However, it seems that the “bendable” 6.7″ screen just as fragile like any other foldable smartphone that has a plastic layer at the top.
Following Samsung’s response on the matter, Zac of Jerryrigseverything has given the Galaxy Z Flip a closer look which finally reveals its actual glass display.
According to Samsung, the “Ultra Thin Glass” (UTG) on the new clamshell device comes with an extra protective layer which is somewhat similar to the Samsung Galaxy Fold. To confirm this, Zac had removed the display from the body of the phone and he managed to peel the outer protective layer.
Like the original Fold, this layer is not meant to be removed and peeling it will actually damage the display. This is pretty obvious since the protective layer covers the entire panel and the edges are actually tucked underneath the bezel.
With the ugly plastic layer removed, the screen now appears to look a lot like glass. As Zac scraps through the screen, you can see glass fragments forming at the tip of his tool.
Since this is a teardown, he continued to dismantle the rest of the device which reveals the brush bristles that supposedly keep dust from getting in. In his video, he only noticed the side bristles but there are actually more along the width of the hinge which is hidden on the edge of the exterior cover. You can see that on iFixit’s video below:
Although the added bristles provide additional protection for its sophisticated hinge, you are still advised to keep it away from dust and water. iFixit took a step further by experimenting with purple dust and it really does get into its internals as shown in the video.
So to sum it up, yes, Samsung is indeed using glass on the Galaxy Z Flip but it’s really ultra-thin and it doesn’t really provide extra durability like your typical smartphone display.
