Earlier this year, Samsung released its new folding phone - the Galaxy Z flip. This is their second attempt at a folding phone but they are not the only tech company developing this new form of device. Popular mobile brands like Motorola, Huawei, and Oppo are also following suit and creating versions of this new foldable design. Where a bent screen in the past would mean a trip to the repair shop, folding screens are the new design innovation that offers some benefits over a general smartphone. Let us delve deeper into the world of foldable phones to determine whether they are just innovation for innovation's sake or if they truly are the future of smartphones.
The Benefits of Foldable Phones & Foldable Tech
This new form of smartphone presents more benefits above being a neat party trick. Here are some reasons a folding phone can offer an improved experience over your current smartphone.
Versatility
The foldable phones' main benefit is its versatility. These devices offer the compact mobility of your smartphone but can also unfold to offer the practicality of a larger tablet. Now, watching entertaining videos on a tablet-sized screen, and being able to use a larger workspace is possible, and it fits in your pocket.
Samsung's new Galaxy Z Flip offers a change in versatility. Its clamshell design emulates the flip phones of old but it does not transform into a tablet-sized device. Instead, it's flexibility shines in its ability to fold and then squeeze into the smallest of pockets.
Multitasking Ability
Not only can some Foldable phones double as tablets, but their larger screen also allows the devices to run multiple apps at once. Needing to swap between apps like Youtube, Google, and Messenger on your smartphone causes interruptions. Samsung's Galaxy Fold large tablet-sized screen has more space and processing power than a phone and can run three apps on the screen. This innovation reduces interruptions and improving usability. Neat!
Are Foldable Phones Real-World Ready?
Phones have become devices for everyday use. In response to durability, Samsung reported that it's Galaxy Fold can fold up to 200,000 times. This estimates that the device can last 5 years even if folded 100 times a day.
This seems promising for foldable phones' being real-world ready, but numerous issues have been already reported by device owners. Owners of the original Galaxy Fold found that dust made its way into the hinge impairing the hinge's mobility. Samsung advised that the Fold was not water or dust resistant, further bringing in to question the durability of the device.
Unfortunately, other reports on Samsung's new Galaxy Z flip have shown issues with its revolutionary foldable glass screen display. Although the glass screen does bend, this thin screen layer of glass and plastic was shown to scratch easily - even from a fingernail. Considering the device's primary input method being your finger, and the devices' steep $1380 (USD) price tag, this may not entice potential buyers.
Future Tech or Passing Fad
Whilst there are reported issues with the available devices, revisions to current model designs continue to mitigate these issues. This leads to the conclusion that folding phones are future tech - not just a passing fad.
New phones are on their way, each with their own design innovations - including Xiaomi's 'double-folding' phone. Even now, designs are building upon each other, learning from other previous design mistakes.
You may find even yourself with more than just foldable phones in your future household. Interestingly, LG is already applying this technology towards it's 'Roll-up' TV. Foldable phones seem to be finding their footing right now but it will be interesting to see how our phones and other devices will be looking in a few years' time.
