The Comeback of Folding Phones & What It Means for You
6 min read
6 min read
by Milica Stankić
Smartphones have started to look boring – a sentiment we’ve been hearing for a while now. But let’s rewind a bit! The beginning of this new century brought many interesting gadgets including the original flip phones. Back in the day, the everyday scene you could witness anywhere around the world looked pretty much the same: busy people walking around getting to their jobs while talking on their flip phones, moms taking pictures of their children with their foldable, and trendy girls chatting and dramatically flipping the phones. The foldables were just everywhere!
It was a long and remarkable era of flip phones, but as soon as smartphones arrived, it was a thing of the past. But the great news is that foldables are making a stylish and upgraded comeback!
Foldable smartphones have recently generated a lot of excitement in the tech world, and they represent a significant step forward in mobile device design. The big question is: How do people really feel about incorporating foldable smartphones into their daily lives in the long run?
Counterpoint Research’s most recent Global Foldable Smartphone Tracker and Forecast project predicts that global shipments of foldable smartphones will surpass the big number of 100 million units by 2027. The dominant market players in this surge are anticipated to be Samsung and Apple (although still without any flip phone model), jointly holding the largest market share.
Exploring diverse folding mechanisms, foldable phones usually offer three primary designs: the space-saving fold-in design, the expansive fold-out design, and the versatile dual-hinge designs. These variations cater to different user preferences, providing flexibility in both form and function. With a bigger display, you can easily experience the future and multitask, and it all fits your on-the-go lifestyle. These pocket-friendly phones prioritize productivity features, as each phone comes with an external cover screen that is sufficiently large for comfortable app usage without the need to open the phone. Besides, having two screens is always better than just one!
All these advances have some disadvantages, though, as there was initially some doubt due to durability issues, which were present back in the day as well. According to the manufacturers, the latest advancements in foldable display technology have revitalized folding phones by resolving durability issues and introducing revolutionary user experiences. These developments include strong, flexible materials that enable streamlined designs to flow naturally into larger displays. This invention makes folding phones more practical and creates new opportunities for user engagement. Even though these problems have been addressed, possible creases and wear are still a concern to many.
The foldable phone market is witnessing fierce competition among key industry giants and innovative newcomers. From unique designs to enhanced features, manufacturers are pushing the boundaries to captivate user attention and secure a prominent position in this fast-evolving market.
When considering a foldable phone purchase, it’s advisable to assess your budget and usage requirements, among other factors. Folding phones are generally priced in the same range as premium non-folding devices such as the iPhone 15 Pro and Pixel 8 Pro, both starting above $1000. Keep in mind that foldable phone repairs tend to be more complex and expensive than on a traditional phone.
Samsung is undoubtedly the leader in the field of foldables, as they continue to impress with their upgraded foldable technology. The greatest choice for both productivity and fun is the Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 5. With its book-style hinge that runs from top to bottom, the Galaxy Z Fold 5 is designed with media and productivity in mind. Its ability to expand into a small tablet is one of its key features. Yet, the $1,800 price tag is still difficult to accept and puts the phone beyond the reach of the majority of people. Besides the new hinge on this model folds flat, but its long-term durability remains uncertain.
In contrast, the Galaxy Z Flip 5 folds in half horizontally to provide a more fashionable and small package. The size of the cover screen on the phone’s exterior, allows you to snap pictures, send messages, and seek directions without ever opening it. And it is also a cheaper option from Samsung.
Motorola is a pioneer in the flip phone era! The nostalgic clamshell design they are famous for is now adapted to the modern design in the Motorola Razr Plus (2023). You can use practically any app on it without opening the phone thanks to its 3.6-inch cover screen, and its lengthy battery life will last you through a busy day.
And for all the Google fans, the Google Pixel Fold, featuring an inbuilt 7.6-inch screen, is one simple but quality cheaper foldable model. Although it only allows two apps to be open at once on the inner screen, this makes it a more user-friendly gadget for those who are new to foldables.
If you prefer to keep it on the low and not too mainstream, OnePlus Open is the One for you! Fast cable charging and decent battery life are features of OnePlus’s first foldable. You can watch videos on the go with its quite large 7.82-inch inner display, which unfolds from its spacious 6.3-inch exterior display.
Despite persistent rumors of Apple developing a foldable iPhone, the company has yet to introduce one. As of February, there are now rumors of iPhone Flip models in different sizes and the possibility of a folding tablet with a screen similar to that of an iPad Mini, although the launch of a flexible screen device may be delayed until 2025, according to earlier reports.
The rise of foldable phones doesn’t signal the disappearance of traditional smartphones. There’s a misconception that foldables are poised to entirely replace current smartphones; however, they are more likely to represent the next generation of premium devices. If you are seeking innovation and versatility in a smartphone, a folding phone is the perfect choice! And if you’re accustomed to budgeting for devices within this price bracket, investing in a flip phone shouldn’t pose a significant departure from your usual spending. As the tech develops and new models come out, there are indications that prices may continue to decrease in the near future as flip phones gain popularity.
Global Foldable Smartphone Shipments to Cross 100 Million by 2027 – Counterpoint.com
Best Foldable Phones of 2024 – TomsGuide.com
iPhone Flip: Everything we know about Apple’s foldable phone plans – TomsGuide.com
