Samsung might have had a tough year with the Galaxy Note 7, but if you look past its battery issues you’ll see a company that has been pretty forward-thinking when it comes to using new technologies.
This could be taken to a whole new level in 2017 as reports are suggesting that Samsung will release a foldable smartphone that you’ll actually be able to buy.
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A prototype Windows smartphone with a flexible OLED display is seen during Samsung's keynote address.
Jae C. Hong/AP
As you may or may not know, Samsung has its own display business, this has allowed to it to release the curved screen Samsung Galaxy S7 edge, as well as becoming a leader in the curved TV market.
Over the years it has also been slowly but steadily showing off foldable screen concepts at technology shows like CES and MWC.
Well now, according to the Korea Herald, Samsung is finally ready to unveil a finished product in the form of a smartphone that will fold out to become a 7-inch tablet.
According to its sources the smartphone is almost nearly ready, and so any final decision will be based purely on whether or not Samsung thinks we’re actually going to want a foldable smartphone.
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Bloomberg via Getty Images
With Apple’s 10th anniversary iPhone 8 expected to arrive this year, Samsung will be under extra scrutiny to show that it is still the market leader for making Android smartphones.
Taking risks has paid off for Samsung in the past, the release of the Samsung Galaxy S6 edge showed that even a slightly gimmicky feature like the curved screen was enough to sway buyers and the resulting S7 edge turned it into a full-blown design feature.
Of course creating a phone that’s also a tablet is an entirely different kettle of fish, and that kettle could seriously backfire on them.
Best Smartphones You Can Buy Right Now:
Apple iPhone 7
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Eduardo Munoz / Reuters
This is Apple’s best iPhone ever, and if we’re honest it’s one of their most innovative devices yet. It has an incredible camera, is water-resistant and boasts a stunning bright new display. Of course it can’t escape the rumours surrounding next year’s device but if you’re looking to buy a smartphone right now, and Apple are on your radar, this is the phone for you.
Google Pixel
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The Huffington Post UK
This is Google’s iPhone. It’s that simple. As such there are achievements and compromises. If you’re after an incredibly well-built, powerful Android flagship, Google have given you a truly five-star smartphone. If you’re a photographer, the Pixel’s camera and cloud storage option make this a no brainer. It's not cheap though, with the XL costing over £800.
OnePlus 3T
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The Huffington Post UK
The OnePlus 3T is simply a continuation of the ethos that makes OnePlus phones so good. It’s exceptionally well-built, powerful and offers you everything you could want in an affordable and meaningful package. No smartphone will give you more value for money.
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Samsung Galaxy S7 edge
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Bloomberg via Getty Images
With a new curved back and larger 5.5-inch display the Samsung Galaxy S7 edge is more about evolution than revolution. The S7 edge now sports a water-resistant body, embedded camera and a MicroSD card slot. The S7 edge is also Samsung's most powerful smartphone yet, so powerful in fact that Samsung have actually had to equip a tiny water-cooling system inside the phone. The good news though is that means you'll never have to worry about getting a warm hand.
Apple iPhone SE
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The Huffington Post UK
Incredibly, Apple's familiar-looking iPhone SE manages to boast the same performance as its top-of-the-range iPhone 6s making it the most powerful 4-inch smartphone available. If you're keen to return to the days of one-handed texting then Apple's bite-sized iPhone is the smartphone for you.
LG G5
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ASSOCIATED PRESS
The LG G5 sets itself apart from rivals like the S7, Xperia XA and the iPhone 6s by being something utterly unique. The G5 is the first commercial 'modular' phone, allowing you to swap out the bottom for new accessories. So far there's an audio one made in partnership with Bang & Olufsen and a camera-focused attachment which gives you extra camera controls.
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Huawei P9
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JACK TAYLOR via Getty Images
The Huawei P9 is a smartphone designed for capturing life. Thanks to a partnership with photography legends Leica this dual-lens camera can take pictures that'll put your dedicated camera to shame. Of course it helps that the P9 is also a pretty great Android smartphone as well.
Google Nexus 5X
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The Nexus 5X strikes the ultimate balance between power and affordability. Taking over the responsibility from the frankly excellent Nexus 5, Google's new smartphone boast an ultra-light body but still crams in a fingerprint sensor, the latest version of Android marshmallow and a Full-HD display.