Foldable Phones aren’t new, but they have taken big steps forward in design, versatility and even price over the last two years.
If you want a bigger screen for media consumption, productivity or multitasking, consider a folding phone. But before you do, take a look at some pros and cons.
1. Larger Screen
Foldable phones are a little bit bigger than traditional flat smartphones, and that extra size makes for some interesting design challenges. Fortunately, the latest foldables have made the most of advances in flexible OLED displays and complex hinges. The Galaxy Z Fold 6 is our current favourite, with a stylish and durable design and a powerful Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 processor that handles everything from apps to video games well. It also has a large and clear inner display that’s ideal for multitasking and viewing media. The only thing we can complain about is the slight crease that runs along the hinge, but improvements in design and materials make it harder to see even when the phone is closed.
If you want to experience the future of mobile devices, Samsung and Google’s second-generation foldables are both worth checking out. They have refined their designs to minimize the crease and add a larger secondary screen. If you’re looking for an alternative to the Galaxy and Pixel, OnePlus’s new Open foldable is also worth considering. It starts at less than half the price of the Z Fold 5 and offers comparable performance, cameras and battery life.
2. Multi-Tasking
Foldable phones have a compact smartphone form factor when closed and can unfold to resemble a tablet for media consumption and productivity. The larger, more spacious display allows you to run two apps side-by-side, making them a perfect choice for multitasking.
The large, flexible screen also helps with other tasks like typing and photography. Many devices offer an onscreen split keyboard to support typing with both hands, which makes it easier to work efficiently on your phone. They can also be adjusted to different angles for different uses, such as typing or aiming a camera to capture better shots.
To ensure a smooth experience, the best foldable phones feature premium processing power, high-resolution screens, and fast wireless connectivity. The HONOR Magic V2 RSR, for example, has a Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 processor that is built to handle intensive tasks like photo editing or video gaming. Meanwhile, the Google Pixel Fold has a Tensor G2 chip that is optimized for AI performance. Its 256GB storage and 12GB RAM also make it capable of running demanding apps without lag.
3. Drag-and-Drop
Foldable phones require special software to manage various modes of the devices. These apps need to handle complex hinge systems, screen layers and delicate hardware with care.
One way that software developers do this is by using drag-and-drop functionality. When a user selects an object, such as a file or folder icon, and holds down the mouse button while sliding it, the system sends an event to the application that controls the object. The event tells it that the object has been dragged, and may also include information like its identifier and where it is being dropped.
HONOR models often use this technology to help manage UI elements as the phone folds. For example, moving an icon in a table cell will cause the row to expand or shrink as the device opens and closes. This makes the foldable phone easier to use and less likely to misbehave. The technology is also helpful for moving images and text around in apps.
4. Flexibility
The emergence of foldable phones has been a long-awaited development for many smartphone users. This technology combines the portability of a mobile phone with the tablet-sized display of a laptop to create a hybrid device that is ideal for both work and entertainment.
The flexibility of these devices enables you to do multiple tasks at once, without having to open and close apps. For instance, you can read an email on the cover screen while typing a response in the note app and accessing your calendar on the inner display. In addition, you can drag and drop images or text between different applications to easily share them with friends.
Another important feature is the ability to fold out the outer display for typing and photography. Some foldable phones can also be positioned at an angle to frame and capture photos from different angles that are not possible with a traditional handset.
Some of the early-generation foldable phones have faced issues with durability and hinge robustness, but engineering innovations are addressing these concerns with new materials and improved designs. For example, Samsung and Huawei’s “Hideaway Hinge” and Falcon Wing design are able to withstand thousands of folds with minimal degradation in performance.
5. Durability
Foldable phones are no longer a gimmick, and many of the latest models have cutting-edge specs, advanced AI features, and sleek designs. This makes them a great option for people who want to combine the nostalgia of flip phones with a bigger, tablet-sized display that fits in their pocket.
Modern foldable phones have improved hinge designs and screen materials that can handle repeated folding. However, the inner display is still a weak point that could break if dropped or handled roughly. Additionally, they tend to have lower water resistance ratings than slab phones and may not be as durable in dusty environments.
If you plan to use a foldable phone outdoors or frequently carry it in your pockets, consider how rugged it is and whether it’s worth the higher repair costs than a traditional device. It’s also worth familiarizing yourself with the available repair options from the manufacturer or third-party companies. Be sure to also check out the latest discounts and trade-in deals, as these can make a pricey foldable more affordable. If you’re ready to invest in a foldable phone, visit a smartphone store to try out different models and see which one suits your lifestyle.
