Samsung Flex Hybrid promises a foldable and slidable laptop future

Samsung Display will show off its latest concept for a hybrid display at CES 2023. Aptly called the Flex Hybrid, the display can slide and fold simultaneously. Samsung says it’s a prototype for future laptops, although we can also imagine tablets using the concept.

The Flex Hybrid has a foldable design on the left side and slidable tech on the right. Users can watch movies and videos on the 10.5-inch display with a 4:3 aspect ratio or on the 12.4-inch larger screen with a 16:10 aspect ratio.

Unfortunately, Samsung Display didn’t go into much detail about when we can expect products to use the Flex Hybrid. TCL had also showcased something similar last year, combining a foldable and rollable display into one, but we are yet to see any actual devices using the screen.

These concepts are definitely interesting to see, but their commercial viability is another thing. Manufacturing products at scale using unique displays like these can be challenging for various reasons, but laptop makers are increasingly crossing these hurdles. The Flex Hybrid certainly looks like something a Lenovo or Asus could experiment with next.

Meanwhile, Samsung Display will also show off a 17-inch slidable display at CES 2023. The company previously previewed it at Intel Innovation 2022, but this will be the first public appearance for the screen.

There are two concepts for the slidable — Flex Slidable Solo, which expands in one direction, and Flex Slidable Duet, which extends in both directions. The display measures 13-14 inches when folded, making it highly portable.