Samsung reportedly could launch a foldable smartphone as soon as January.  The Sydney Morning Herald reports that there were rumors today about Samsung undergoing testing of a highly specialized product which is a touchscreen smartphone with a foldable display.

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These features are seen in two different hardware options: Snapdragon 620 processor and Snapdragon 820 processor. The anonymous source in China said that it may appear first in South Korea only and be released as soon as January 2016. The source also suggested that Samsung has already heavily invested for Snapdragon 820's testing. What the form factor will be is still in question, whether a phablet that folds down to pocket size or folds out to tablet size.

The rumored device is internally known as "Project Valley" or Project V in June which was still under in extremely early stages of development. Having a hint this week that the dual-display hindset could open close via a hinge similar to Nintendo 3DS portable console, a new patent may look like a flip phone. The current prototypes had 3GB RAM, a microSD slot, and a non-removable battery, which are seen in latest iterations of Samsung's flagship Galaxy smartphones. This prototype has videos that show more sophistication in being touchscreen inside and outside the phone.

During an analyst event late 2013, Samsung has initially highlighted plans for fully foldable screens by 2016. The company displayed in the 2013 International Consumer Electronics Show the flexible Youm display technology according to PC Magazine. There is definitely competition to other companies since Polyera has introduced last month the compelling wearable Wove Band and is expected to launch in mid-2016. And LG has announced in July 2014 a truly flexible plastic-based organic light-emitting diode panel, making Samsung think of launching a project on an innovative flexible design to give them an edge over competitors.

Tagsfoldable phone, Project Valley, Project V, Samsung new smartphone