The Future of Foldable Phones: Are They Ready for the Mainstream?
From a science-fiction possibility just a few years ago, foldable phones are now a reality – a crucial step in the evolution of handsets. What will it take actually to make them mainstream? Let’s explore the hidden challenges and breakthroughs on the horizon.
The Evolution of Foldable Phones
Foldable phones – now a cliché among today’s models – have actually been around for a little while and, having taken their early steps as commercially available devices in 2019, have been gradually becoming a cornerstone of the smartphone world.
Samsung was an early market leader with its Galaxy Z series, but other companies, such as:
- Google – Pixel Fold
- Motorola – Razr Series
Have lately been getting in on the foldable game, among many others.
Technological Advancements
The latest foldable phones boast impressive specs and features:
Better Displays
With impressive high-definition screens, it’s as if the flexible displays of foldables didn’t even have a Fold.
Great strides have been made regarding the screens on modern foldable phones, with their pixel-packed panels offering incredible viewing experiences.
For example, the 7.6-inch inner screen on the Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 5 offers a high resolution of 2,176 by 1,812 pixels. What’s more, they’re OLED screens, meaning better contrast, higher brightness, faster refresh rates and lower power consumption than older LCD screens.
There have been great steps to reduce the visibility of the interfacing part between unfolded display panels, too.
Improved Toughness
We are getting closer to industrialising screens that are more resistant to scratches and dents.
Durability is another aspect of paramount concern in foldable phones. Early models were memorably slammed in the press for their not-so-robust construction.
These days, folding phones are made from significantly stiffer materials than they were several years ago, and their hinge mechanisms have become much more robust.
For instance, Samsung’s latest Galaxy Z Fold 4 has an armour aluminium frame, which is stronger than the aluminium used in its previous generation and is lighter.
Displays are rated for hundreds of thousands of folds, and some models now feature IP ratings, which describe the degree of water resistance.
Dust resistance is still a challenge in part due to the need for a hinge. Samsung has in fact filed an ‘Ironflex’ patent portfolio, which outlines the strength and robustness of its particular implementation.
Multitasking Strength
The big screen with better software makes foldables a productivity powerhouse fit to rival tablets and laptops.
Multitasking, a handy task on a big screen, is one area where foldables show a clear benefit as a result of more usable screen real estate when unfolded.
For example, up to three apps can be opened, arranged and flipped to different sides on the Samsung Z Fold 3 (2021) multitasking view, powered by its One UI.
The practical way in which such software tweaks (including the extension to a desktop-like Dex mode) combine to transform the device from phone-like to productivity tablet-like is what intrigues us.
In contrast to the Galaxy Z Fold 3, the Galaxy Z Flip 3 (2021) is a more clearly phone-like device with small folded and large unfolded screen form factors – and a default single-app UI.
With both size trade-offs and interactivity changes, it’s even more challenging to get it just right for foldables, and there’s more to be done in this space – from app optimisation to make the most of large, unfolded screens to editing the user interface to enhance multitasking.
This will include continued improvements in display technology, durability, hardware multitasking, and other enhancements that will broaden the consumer appeal of foldable phones.
Indeed, as this technology continues to mature, expect to see even better variations appearing, where foldable phones will firmly plant their flag in the mid-to-high end of the model market.
Market Reception
Currently, most foldable phone reviews are favourable: 7 million units of the Samsung Galaxy Z Flip3 were estimated to have been sold worldwide as of August 2022.
This appears to put the foldable phone on track for mainstream acceptance. The market for the foldable phone is also forecast to expand: it is expected to reach 100 million unit shipments by 2026, which is a considerable passage of time.
Challenges to Mainstream Adoption
Despite the progress, several challenges hinder the widespread adoption of foldable phones:
- Expensive – Folded phones are still more expensive than traditional mobile phones, and this may become a crucial factor for many consumers.
- Reliability Issues – The inward fold design means that the inner screens need to be soft and flexible, but they are more likely to be damaged.
- Practicality – Is there a practical advantage of foldable phones over current models (even though they are more expensive than conventional ones)?
The Road Ahead
In the longer term, foldable phones will only get better. The development of new materials and technology will help resolve the current issues and could make these devices more attractive to larger numbers of consumers.
The arrival of 5G, along with enhancements in battery life and camera technology, will only add to the value proposition of foldable phones.
SUMMARY
Foldable phones are soon to become a more common sight in everyone’s hands. They cannot completely replace the ‘normal trade type’ of smartphones, at least in the near future, but their various advantages and evolving potential in the coming years indicate that they are finally ready and eligible to possess a more prominent position in our mainstream marketplace. Once the manufacturers break through the current technical difficulties, foldable phones will slowly develop into an irresistible product for consumers seeking more variety and a better new user experience.
