Smartphone manufacturers always aim to impress their consumers. Flagship models usually flaunt the best materials and construction, which Samsung plans to innovate with Metal 12.
Research teams behind each new model come up with a right mix of quality and durability that gives gadgets their premium feel. Select luxury phone brands have dabbled with precious metals and stones. However, the top choices so far for regular top-tier commercial variants are mineral glass, ceramics, leather, synthetic sapphire, magnesium, aluminum, and other lightweight metals.
Samsung intends to change that when it revealed plans to start using a special alloy of aluminum and magnesium called Metal 12.
When Weight Matters
Unlike Apple's elusive Liquidmetal material that has yet to make its debut on any device other than the rumored SIM ejector tool, Samsung's Metal 12 alloy recently made its debut. The lightweight and durable materials were reportedly used by the latest Notebook 9 model, which was on display during CES 2018 last week.
Sources note that the material definitely felt premium to the touch and apparently makes devices lighter, thereby enhancing both quality and portability.
Future Application
The Samsung Notebook 9 2018 was just an example of how Metal 12 can substantially decrease the overall weight of a device. According to the South Korean hardware manufacturer's trademark application, the material is applicable for other products like wearables, smartphones, and tablets.
It was oft-rumored that future gadget models from the brand will use a magnesium alloy chassis. It probably suggests that future mobile phone production might rely on the new material extensively.
Some analysts predict that usage might be limited to the new Galaxy S series, the future Galaxy Note lineup, and maybe on the upcoming Galaxy Wear catalog.
A Replacement For Aluminum
As of now, Aluminum has been the go-to-choice for a lightweight frame or chassis for electronics. However, it's notably prone to dents and scratches. Going for a more resilient metal usually meant added heft.
A good mix of different materials can also add to a device's premium appeal and several examples include the Essential Phone with its ceramic and titanium construction. Also, the Xiaomi Mi Mix and Mi Mix 2 both flaunt a ceramic uni-body build and Motorola previously flaunted a Kevlar wrapped model. Microsoft likewise has the same idea to depend on a Magnesium alloy to keep its Surface lineup sturdy and lightweight.
It remains to be seen how Samsung applies or licenses the usage rights for Metal 12. For now, the Notebook 9 2018 already proves that its special alloy is both incredibly light, yet unbelievably strong.
