It only took four years for this technology to really begin to break through. Folding (or foldable) smartphones are gradually showing their screens among manufacturers. The number of references is still quite limited today, but the ranges are likely to expand as the mastery of the necessary technology evolves and its cost decreases. And for good reason. Folding smartphones offer many advantages. Equipped – for the moment – with one or two screens, they allow, depending on the situation and the needs, to take advantage sometimes of a normal or minimal display with the panel placed in front, sometimes of an enlarged display thanks to the flexible Oled panel. The key is saving space for an even larger screen.
Two types of foldable smartphones coexist: the book or fold type models and the so-called Flip, clamshell models. The first, when folded, adopt the rectangular template of the vast majority of today’s mobiles but thicker. They then unfold like opening a book to make way for a larger screen. The latter are more compact. Closed, they take up half the space of a traditional smartphone (but double the thickness). When opened vertically – like old flip phones – they leave room for a standard-size screen. They are thus less bulky and less heavy than the models in book format but on the other hand offer a smaller display. The foldable Oled panel of the Fold can thus reach a diagonal of more than 7 inches in a more square format and more conducive to consulting websites, photos or videos, reading, writing emails, etc. Real visual comfort.
Samsung was one of the very first manufacturers to offer a folding smartphone in 2019 with its Galaxy Z Fold. The Chinese Huawei followed suit with its Mate X which, unlike Samsung’s smartphone, has only one screen placed on almost the entire outer surface of the device. Since then, other manufacturers have embarked on the adventure such as Razr (Motorola), but also Oppo or Xiaomi, the latter two having nevertheless reserved their first models for the Asian market. However, the situation changes in 2023, with the arrival in Europe last February of Oppo’s Find N2 Flip and the upcoming release of Honor’s Magic Vs and Xiaomi’s Mi Fold 2. Models from OnePlus and even Google are also expected for this year. Finally, the summer should also be an opportunity for Samsung to renew, as usual, its Galaxy Z range (Flip and Fold).
How to choose the format of a folding smartphone?
Fold or Flip, the two formats of folding smartphones each have their advantages and disadvantages.
Display size: advantage over Fold
If you want to take advantage of a very wide screen to watch videos, write emails or read web pages comfortably, the models in book format are made for you. Once unfolded, they offer a slab that can reach a diagonal of almost 8 inches. It is the size of a small tablet. With a clamshell model, it will be necessary to be satisfied with a screen of 6.8 inches at most, the size of a large traditional smartphone.
Weight and size: advantage of the Flip
If you are looking for a discreet smartphone, which fits easily in a pocket and knows how to be forgotten in a handbag, forget the Fold models. The Flips, with their compact format, almost square when folded, play the card of discretion which does not prevent them from offering the comfort of use of traditional models once opened. They are also much lighter. At Samsung, the Galaxy Z Flip4 weighs 187 g against 263 g for the Z Fold4.
Solidity: advantage to Flip
Smartphones remain devices that need to be handled many times a day. The more compact size of the Flip format works in its favor. One hand is usually enough to unfold this type of smartphone where two hands are needed to unfold a book-format smartphone and hold it to ensure a good grip without fatigue. The risk of accidental falls is therefore increased. The imposing size of the Fold also prevents them, even when folded, from nesting easily in a trouser pocket. They are therefore most often kept by hand or in a bag with the risk of shocks. Note that Flips like Folds can be covered with a protective shell. This accessory, often unsightly, further penalizes the Folds which take on additional overweight. Finally, the hinge, the most important element on this type of device, is longer on the Fold and therefore more subject to twists.
Why choose a folding smartphone?
Undeniable readability for the Folds, welcome compactness for the Flips, foldable smartphones nevertheless have other assets up their sleeve to seduce. These are top-of-the-line models and as such they usually feature exemplary components. They thus have two or even three good level photo modules. In addition, their foldable appearance allows these photo sensors to be used both for classic shots and for selfies where traditional smartphones have a front camera offering lower image quality. On the processor side, they generally rely on the flagship of the moment backed by enough RAM (8 or 12 GB) to be very responsive. Moreover, they are not left out when it comes to autonomy. The book models in particular, because of their large screen, consume more energy and must therefore deal with substantial batteries (which partly explains their weight). Finally, choosing a folding smartphone is also having fun by having a device built on a technology that is certainly still young but already well mastered. A good way to impress the gallery.
What are the disadvantages of folding smartphones?
The prices of these devices are still very high even if they have been revised downwards. Samsung’s first Galaxy Z Fold was charged more than 2000 euros when it was released in 2019. Today, it is still difficult to go below 1000 euros for the book models and 800 euros for the clamshell models unless to wait for major promotions from manufacturers or online merchants. To find cheaper, it will be necessary to turn to models a little older but still marketed. The second-hand market is not really recommended for folding smartphones because of one crucial element: the hinge. This is by far the most sensitive component of these devices. Even if the manufacturers claim a number of openings and closings capable of being spread over several years of use, it is difficult to know how the previous owner treated it. In addition, the flexible screen is also subject to wear. The fold, at the location of the hinge, can mark the display more or less quickly. Note also that if it is not seen much when the screen is on, the fold is nonetheless detectable when you slide your finger on the screen.
Finally, the hinge, still it, can also be a source of malfunction. Depending on its design, dust or moisture can get inside and prevent the normal operation of the smartphone. This was particularly the case with the very first models.