Samsung will finally unveil the first-ever foldable smartphone in a prototype project called Galaxy X. Reports indicate that Samsung is bringing the design to Barcelona during the Mobile World Congress by the end of this month.

Samsung has long been able to obtain a patent over foldable display panels but still can't decide which of the two available design is what consumers want. The first design is inward-foldable similar to a book while the other one bends outward.

IBTimes reported that Samsung is going to showcase the product but will invite only top officials and executives, not really to the public. Reports said that Samsung has a dedicated close room where they will ask what other companies think of the design.

To recall, Korea Herald has also said that Samsung is hesitant to prematurely introduce the design to the public. Samsung is still recuperating out of heavy losses it suffered from ill-fated Galaxy Note 7 and it can't afford another bad reception. In other words, Samsung is going to play safe by producing and upgrading its existing lineup unless there is a clear market for innovative products like foldable display.

So how did Samsung achieve this foldable display? Kolon Industries made around 1 million units of transparent polyimide films called CPI which is completely foldable and can replace the hard glass panels being used today. Most of these initial production was sent to Samsung while others to LG. Both Samsung and LG can already make foldable phones on very limited number, until Kolon can manufacture more CPIs in 2018.

Meanwhile, there are indications that battery-maker Samsung SDI is working on new prototype for foldable batteries. These type of batteries are still not necessary for the meantime because Samsung can still be placed on flat sides instead of foldable area. HI Investment ad Securities said that foldable batteries are still in research and development stage and has not really pushed forward.