The Samsung Galaxy Z Flip is a landmark release of sorts, as it’s the first foldable phone to offer ultra-thin glass (UTG). This means it should provide improved durability compared to a foldable with a plastic-only screen.
Now, Weibo tipster Digital Chat Station reports that Huawei and Xiaomi have purchased “ultra-thin flexible glass.” Furthermore, the leaker suggests the two brands could use it for products with foldable screens or “surround screens.”
Huawei has already released two foldable phones in the Mate X and Mate XS, so you have to think the firm would use UTG on a future foldable device.
Xiaomi`s apparent interest in UTG isn’t quite as straightforward though. The manufacturer hasn’t released a foldable just yet, although it has demonstrated a rather interesting prototype.
Xiaomi did however launch the Mi Mix Alpha concept phone last year, featuring a screen that wraps around the back of the handset. Nevertheless, UTG isn't as durable as typical protective glass, so we wouldn't count on seeing the tech on a phone with a non-folding screen.
Either way, Samsung chose to add a plastic layer above the Galaxy Z Flip's UTG layer, apparently serving as shatter protection in case the glass breaks. This plastic layer is still more susceptible to scratches than glass though. It's theoretically possible we could see Huawei and Xiaomi adopt this approach too, but hopefully they have alternative solutions in mind.