Forget Samsung Galaxy Fold 2: The Galaxy Z Flip 2 is getting this big upgrade

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A new patent suggests that the Galaxy Z Flip 2 is getting a third camera to better justify its high price

Samsung Galaxy Z Flip 2
(Image credit: Tom's Guide)

The Galaxy Z Flip 2 could be getting a much-welcomed camera upgrade that may make it a compelling alternative to the upcoming Samsung Galaxy Fold 2 — and better justify the flip phone's high price.

The source is two patents, found on EUIPO by LetsGoDigital, which then created the renders you see here. There are two versions: the first with the cameras oriented horizontally like the current Galaxy Z Flip, and the second with them arranged vertically more like Samsung's other smartphones. The internal camera remains inside a central punch-hole.

Galaxy Z Flip 2 patent

(Image credit: LetsGoDigital)

Adding an extra camera to the right of the existing pair of cameras makes sense in that it evolves from the existing design, but it does mean that the external "cover screen" gets even smaller than it already is. The vertical version seems like the way to go, as it leaves more space for the external display to expand, allowing it to show more useful information while the Galaxy Z Flip is closed.

Galaxy Z Flip 2 patent

(Image credit: LetsGoDigital)

We'd expect this third camera to be a telephoto lens, since the current Galaxy Z Flip already has a 12MP main and 12MP ultrawide lens. It would be fantastic if it got the 48MP 10x hybrid zoom system from the Galaxy S20 Ultra, but it may well be the 3x optical zoom 64MP sensor that is used on the Galaxy S20 and Galaxy S20 Plus.

Assuming Samsung keeps to a similar schedule next year as it had this year, we'd probably see a new Z Flip in February 2021, when we'll also likely see the Galaxy S30. In the meantime, we can look forward to the expected reveal of the Galaxy Fold 2 and Galaxy Note 20 around August this year. 

Richard Priday
Richard Priday
Assistant Phones Editor

Richard is based in London, covering news, reviews and how-tos for phones, tablets, gaming, and whatever else people need advice on. Following on from his MA in Magazine Journalism at the University of Sheffield, he's also written for WIRED U.K., The Register and Creative Bloq. When not at work, he's likely thinking about how to brew the perfect cup of specialty coffee.