Samsung to continue procuring foldable phone hinges from KH Vatec

Samsung is expected to continue procuring most of the hinges it will use for its upcoming foldable phones from South Korean vendor KH Vatec, TheElec has learned.

The hinges are used to connect either side of the folding display panels. It also protects them from external shock.

KH Vatec had been the exclusive supplier of such hinges when Samsung launched its first foldable phone, the Galaxy Fold, in 2019.

The following year, Samsung added S-Connect as a secondary supplier of hinges but KH Vatec has an overwhelming lead in terms of volume over them, according to sources with direct knowledge of the matter.

Another vendor, AUFlex, also aimed to be included as a supplier but this will likely not happen, the sources said.

AUFlex, which is a supplier to Samsung Display, will need to supply its hinges to Chinese smartphone companies first to build up a resume before approaching Samsung Electronics’ supply chain for the hinges, they added.

Meanwhile, the South Korean tech giant is aiming to ship 13 million units of its new foldable phones this year.

If achieved, this will be an 80% increase from its shipment for Galaxy Z Fold 3 and Galaxy Z Flip 3 last year which reached 7.1 million units.