Smartphones have replaced a truly astounding number of things in everyday life, from cameras to calculators, and alarm clocks to wallets; and, based on the current state of foldables, ereaders – such as Amazon‘s ever-popular Kindle line – could be next.
The ereader is a great product in its own right, able to store an entire library’s worth of literature. What’s more, advancements in the category have lead to higher-resolution displays, tonal backlights for easier-on-the-eye late-night reading, longer battery life, faster charging, and even water resistance – ensuring that your poolside progress through that steamy new romance novel remains unimpeded when the noisy kids two sun-loungers down try to outdo one another in a game of ‘cannonball’.
But as innovative as such ereader advancements might seem in a vacuum, smartphones – even though they lack the same specializations – are otherwise already several steps ahead on a technical level, and closing the gap on the traits that define Kindles and the like as the superior reading gadgets.
When it comes to legibility in bright conditions, smartphone screen tech is catching up with ereaders (Image credit: Future | Alex Walker-Todd)
I first came to this realization when the original iPad launched. Being able to see comics in full color on a large-but-portable high-fidelity backlit LCD was a truly revelatory experience at the time, and one that made me question my Kindle loyalty, even then. More recently, however, it’s the OnePlus Open which has been the device to show me a viable ereading future beyond my trusty Kindle Oasis.
For one, even Amazon’s best Kindles haven’t yet ventured into color visuals and, personally, being able to enjoy full-fidelity cover art makes a real difference to the excitement of starting a new book. Sure, the newly-launched Kobo Libra Color and Kobo Clara Color‘s Kaleido 3 E Ink displays are impressive in their ability to display 4,096 hues, but compared to the Open’s one billion color-capable AMOLED, there’s no contest.
Of course, color visuals alone do not a superior viewing experience make, but the OnePlus Open doesn’t stop there, screen-wise. It’s also impressively bright, offering one of the brightest foldable displays currently on the market, which means it’s one of the best screens for reading in bright conditions, in spite of the display technology at play. And while the Open may not have the perfect riposte to an E Ink display, other phone makers are now pushing technologies that could soon see smartphone outdoor legibility right up there with your Kindle’s.
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(Image credit: Future | Alex Walker-Todd)
TCL 50 XL NxtPaper in Ink Paper mode
(Image credit: Future | Alex Walker-Todd)
(Image credit: Future | Alex Walker-Todd)
TCL 50 XL NxtPaper in True Tone mode
(Image credit: Future | Alex Walker-Todd)
(Image credit: Future | Alex Walker-Todd)
(Image credit: Future | Alex Walker-Todd)
TCL 50 XL NxtPaper in Color Paper mode
Along with the obvious suite of spec bumps the Samsung Galaxy S24 Ultra has received, one of the less appreciated upgrades is the reduced reflectivity of its display, which the company has managed to cut by a impressive 75%. Then there’s TCL‘s NxtPaper technology, which having seen first-hand on the TCL 50 XL NxtPaper, I think could be the answer to the prayers of those who want a device that has E Ink-like legibility and low reflectivity, while also offering the traditional benefits of a full-color backlit smartphone screen.
While the Open has an Eye Comfort mode that allows for warmer color temperatures and monochromatic viewing, Xiaomi takes the experience on its phones one step further by including a texture slider in its Paper reading mode that simulates a more paper-like grain on-screen. While I haven’t verified the science, personal opinion and anecdotal evidence from other users online suggests that it ups the ease of reading even further.
Then there’s the form factor to consider – a foldable may be thicker than a Kindle, but it offers a similarly sized display while being able to collapse down into a far more compact (and more pocketable) footprint. And although battery life is still measured in days, rather than weeks – because of those countless other things smartphones are equipped to do – 67W fast charging is on-hand to refill the Open in around 30 minutes, while Kindles take an hour or more to charge.
So, while there’s still work to do in the quest to make the foldable smartphone the one device to rule them all, the chapter in which you pack your phone and your Kindle before your next long-haul flight or weekend away may be coming to an end.
Folding phones have come a long way since the original Samsung Galaxy Fold came out in 2019. They’re smaller, more durable and, even if they aren’t exactly the most budget-friendly phones, they’re more affordable now, too. Whereas you may not have considered a foldable phone as your daily driver five years ago, they’re much more viable options today — and you have many more to choose from. If you’ve been toying with the idea of switching to a folding phone, or you’re ready to upgrade the foldable you already have, we at Engadget can help with your decision-making process. We’ve spent hundreds of hours and many days testing and reviewing the best foldable phones on the market right now — here’s everything you need to know before picking one up.
Note: For this guide, we’re focusing on devices that are widely available in North America and Europe. That’s because while there are even more options for people who live in Asia (especially China), they are often difficult to buy from abroad and may not support your local carriers.
How we test
When evaluating foldables, we consider the same general criteria as we do when we’re judging the best smartphones. Devices need to have good battery life (at least a full day’s use), bright displays (peaks of at least 1,000 nits), sharp cameras and responsive performance. That said, foldable phones come in different shapes (and sizes); there are varying designs that may appeal to different types of people.
For those who prefer more compact and stylish devices, flip-style foldables resemble old-school namesakes but with flexible interior displays (typically six to seven inches diagonally) and smaller exterior screens. Alternatively, for power users and people who want to maximize mobile productivity, there are larger book-style foldables (with seven to eight-inch main displays) that can transform from a candy bar-style phone to essentially a small tablet when opened.
Are foldable phones worth it? A note on durability
Aside from their displays, the biggest difference between foldable phones and more traditional handsets is durability. That’s because while some models like the Pixel Fold and Samsung’s Galaxy Z line offer IPX8 water resistance (which is good for submersions of up to five feet for 30 minutes), their flexible screens – which are largely made from plastic – present some unique challenges.
Most foldables come with factory-installed screen protectors. However, unlike regular phones, users are instructed not to remove them without assistance from approved service centers. Thankfully, Samsung does offer one free screen protector replacement for its foldables, while Google charges between $29 and $129 depending on the warranty status of your device. That said, while we can’t do long-term testing for every foldable phone on the market, after personally using the Galaxy Z Fold 3 and Galaxy Z Fold 4 each for a year, I’ve found that Samsung’s pre-installed screen protector tends to start bubbling nine to 12 months after purchase. So you’ll probably want to factor in that your foldable may need some sort of servicing after about a year unless you plan on removing the screen protector entirely (which is possible, but goes against most manufacturers’ instructions).
Furthermore, foldable phone owners need to be mindful about keeping sharp objects away from their flexible displays, as rocks, keys or even pressing down very hard with a fingernail can leave permanent marks. In the event that you need to get a flexible screen serviced, you’re potentially facing a much higher repair bill when compared to a typical phone (up to $500 or more depending on the model and the severity of the damage). In short, while the ruggedness of foldable phones has improved a lot, they’re still more delicate than traditional handsets, which is something you need to account for.
Despite a growing number of challengers, Samsung’s Galaxy Z Fold line remains the best flagship foldable on sale today and one of the best Android phones, period. On the Z Fold 5, Samsung introduced its new Flex Hinge, which has slimmed down the phone’s dimensions while allowing it to close completely flat. It boasts blazing performance thanks to its Qualcomm Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 chipset, excellent battery life and the flexible internal display’s brightness is the best you can get with a peak of 1,750 nits. And, thanks to new multitasking gestures and updated taskbar, its capacity for mobile productivity is simply unmatched. If that’s not enough, unlike most of its competitors, the Z Fold 5 offers native stylus support, though you have to shell out extra for one of Samsung’s S-Pens (and a case if you want somewhere to stash it). The biggest downside is that with a starting price of $1,800, the Z Fold 5 is still extremely expensive. — Sam Rutherford, Senior Reporter
While the Z Fold 5 may be our favorite big foldable overall, the Pixel Fold isn’t far behind. Its wider design means its 5.8-inch exterior display feels a lot more usable than the Z Fold 5’s skinnier 6.2-inch Cover Screen. Additionally, that extra width results in a flexible main screen with a landscape orientation, so it’s super easy to open the Pixel Fold and launch straight into watching a TV show or movie; no need to rotate the device. And, despite being Google’s first foldable device, the Pixel Fold (12.1mm) is thinner than Samsung’s alternative (13.4mm) while boasting better camera quality and a longer 5x optical zoom. The phone also has IPX8 water resistance and Google’s excellent Pixel-only software including features like the Hold for me, Call Screener, the Pixel Recorder app and more. — S.R.
For those who want a big foldable that isn’t quite as expensive, the OnePlus Open is a very interesting option. Starting at $1,700, its Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 chip offers similar performance to the Z Fold 5, but the Open features displays that are slightly larger and brighter. It’s also thinner and lighter while packing a larger battery and its Open Canvas software delivers an innovative tile-based UI for multitasking. Sure, its triple rear camera module is bulky, but image quality is as good if not slightly better than the Z Fold 5 (though, still short of the Pixel Fold). But the best part is that, thanks to OnePlus’ trade-in deal, you can exchange any old phone you have lying around for $200 off, which brings the Open’s final price down to $1,500. That still isn’t cheap, but it pushes the Open closer to being somewhat affordable. — S.R.
Packing a faster Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 chip, better cameras and longer battery life than the previous Flip 4, the Galaxy Z Flip 5 is our favorite compact foldable. This year, Samsung even added its new Flex Hinge, which makes the phone thinner while also eliminating the gap between its screen when closed. Also, thanks to its larger 3.4-inch external display, the latest model can do much more without needing to open it up including displaying rich notifications, widgets and buttons. You can even run full Android apps on the cover display, though you’ll have to mess around with Samsung’s Good Lock software first. Its display is also brighter and more colorful than what you get from rivals, and starting at $1,000, it’s not that much more expensive than a more conventional high-end phone. — S.R.
Pros
Useful external screen
Compact when folded
New hinge enables gapless design
Cons
A lot of settings to dig through to maximize use
Short battery life compared to typical Android phones
While the Razr+ (or the Razr 40 Ultra for those outside North America) may not be quite as sophisticated as the Galaxy Z Flip 5, what it lacks in tech it makes up for with its personality. It’s available in three colors, with the magenta model featuring a soft vegan leather back. In addition, its exterior display features a neat cutout that wraps around its cameras and compared to Samsung’s flip-style foldable, it’s actually a touch easier to use. There’s no need to fool around with extra settings just to view all your favorite Android apps. And for those who are nostalgic for the original Razr from the early 2000s, Moto even included an easter egg that features a retro UI. Unfortunately, its water resistance is much less substantial, as it’s only rated to withstand spills or small splashes. — S.R.
Pros
Useful and roomy external display
Folds in half to become very compact
Can be own tripod for photos or videos
Cons
Cameras cannot compare to flagships
Long-term durability and security remains a concern
The non-plus Moto Razr (aka the Razr 40 internationally) is the company’s first attempt to make a more affordable flip-style foldable. Starting at £800 (U.S. pricing still TBA), it’s one of the least expensive options on sale today. However, it features a much smaller 1.5-inch exterior display along with a slower Snapdragon 7 Gen 1 chipset and somewhat underwhelming cameras. On the bright side, it features the same display you get on its more expensive sibling. The one difference is that it’s limited to 144Hz instead of 165Hz due to its less powerful processor. And, similar to the magenta Razr+, all the colors of the basic Razr (Sage Green, Vanilla Cream, Summer Lilac) come with a soft vegan leather back. — S.R.
As mentioned earlier, there’s an abundance of exotic – and often more advanced – foldables well beyond the Samsungs and Motorolas of the world. However, you either need to have access to phone importers or actually live in Asia, and don’t mind sideloading missing Google apps on your own.
Xiaomi Mix Fold 3
The best overall book-style foldable is none other than the Xiaomi Mix Fold 3, which specs include Qualcomm’s latest Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 processor, four Leica-enhanced rear cameras (including a 5x zoom periscope) and a 4,800mAh battery within its surprisingly slim body – 10.86mm when folded, and 5.26mm when unfolded. Xiaomi even goes as far as boasting a 500,000-fold durability – more than doubling that of the Galaxy Z Fold 5. Despite its absence in the western markets, the Mix Fold 3’s newly-added 50W wireless charging option would be much welcomed over there. The phone comes with a protective case for both halves of the body, with the rear shell offering a kickstand for easier video playback and video calls. One Hong Kong-based specialist can send a Mix Fold 3 to the US from around $1,500 with shipping included, which is still much cheaper than Samsung’s equivalent. — Richard Lai, Senior Reporter
Honor Magic V2
Another worthy contender is the Honor Magic V2, which currently holds the title for the slimmest foldable phone available. We’re talking about just 9.9mm thick when folded, and a mere 4.7mm thick when opened, but it’s still a full-blown flagship device. Weighing at just 231g (8.15oz), this is the lightest book-style foldable phone as well. Funnily enough, the Magic V2 also packs the largest battery capacity in this category, offering 5,000mAh of juice thanks to Honor’s silicon-carbon battery – a breakthrough tech in the mobile industry. The obvious trade-off here is the missing wireless charging feature, but you do get a durability rating of 400,000 folds. Sadly, due to limited availability, the Magic V2 costs slightly more – around $1,670, shipping included, from the same Hong Kong shop. — R.L.
Oppo Find N3 Flip
If you’d prefer a smaller flip-style foldable from overseas, the Oppo Find N3 Flip is the only triple-camera option at the time of writing this guide. While others only offer a main camera and an ultra-wide camera, the Find N3 Flip benefits from an additional 32-megapixel 2x portrait shooter next to its 3.26-inch external screen (and you still get a 32-megapixel selfie camera on the inside). As a bonus, this clamshell has a physical mute switch, a whopping 600,000-fold durability and a generous 4,300mAh battery. That said, wireless charging is again a no-show here. You can pick up a Find N3 Flip in either black, gold or pink, and importing from Hong Kong should cost around $1,090 with shipping included. There’s no price advantage in this case, so it’s more about how much you want Oppo’s designs, features and accessories than anything else. — R.L.
Google may be shaking things up with the launch of the Pixel 9 series later this year because we could see four individual models, including a renamed Pixel 9 Pro Fold. This nugget of information comes from a “Google insider” who spoke to Android Authority. According to their source, the quartet consists of the base Pixel 9, the Pixel 9 Pro, a new Pixel 9 Pro XL, and the aforementioned foldable. Not much is known about the individual devices. Neither specs nor features were mentioned in the leak. However, all four together in the same lineup suggests they deliver similar performance, which will be a big deal for Pixel Fold fans in particular.
You see, the original Pixel Fold was a bit of a disappointments. It’s still a solid smartphone, but the Tensor G2 chipset in the Pixel Fold and Pixel 7 series proved to be a dud. Performance is decent but not amazing, and phones with the Tensor G2 tend to have poor battery life. Plus, in our experience, those devices can run unusually hot. Remember, when it launched the Fold cost $1,800 in the US. You can’t fault people for wanting more.
It was assumed up until recently that the Pixel Fold 2 would adopt the Tensor G3 chipset and address all of the previous models problems. But we’re still waiting for the next foldable to be unveiled.
Possible hardware
It’s hard to say for sure what kind of the hardware will be found under the hood. To reiterate, device specs were not in the report. An earlier leak suggests the next phones will use an expected Tensor G4 chipset. That system on a chip (SoC) is slated to be on the Pixel 9 and the 9 Pro. Logic dictates it’ll be the same hardware on a Pixel 9 Pro Fold.
Design-wise, Android Authority claims the Pixel 9 Pro Fold will look similar to the other three models. The site says they saw renders of the smartphone, but didn’t share any of them. They instead posted an image of what was then known as the Pixel Fold 2 from yet another leak from late February.
What’s in a name?
While we’re on the topic of names, there’s a possibility “Pixel 9 Pro Fold” will not be the official name at launch. Android Authority says the name change from “Fold 2” to the current moniker was a recent development. The current branding may simply be a placeholder until a proper title has been finalized.
As always, take this leak with a grain of salt. Things could always change. We won’t have to wait long to learn more as Google I/O 2024 kicks off in about a month. At the event, we expect to see the Pixel 8a plus a teaser for the new series.
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Some of the greatest icons of the streets of Paris are les dames d’un certain âge pulling their grocery trolleys down the sidewalk. In my mind, theirs always seem to be rickety things, giant wire baskets on cheap plastic wheels all holding a tarp-like bag into which they can put wine, cheese, leeks, and baguettes. Trolleys are supremely practical, particularly if you are on foot or even in the Métro, but thanks to a touch of modernization, they may be ready to make the leap across the pond.
Photograph: KELSEY MCCLELLAN
Spanish trolley manufacturer Rolser is leading that charge. The company sells a full line of trolleys, including my favorite, the Wallaby Tweed 2 Wheel Foldable Shopping Trolley. First, and kinda crucially, it’s good-looking, trading the rattling basket for a folding tubular frame with a 40-liter bag that, at roughly 7.5 inches deep, 13 inches wide, and 26 inches tall, looks a bit like a giant, fold-flat pannier. That sturdy fabric allows the bag to have sharp corners, and it’s rubberized to keep your Cheerios from getting soggy if you get caught in the rain. Combine that with fat-toothed zippers nestled in natty contrasting tape and the whole thing has a surprising hipness. Plus, big wheels with a 6.5-inch diameter and a bit of squish help smooth out bumps in the pavement.
I love using my trolley because it allows me to make a full grocery run without having to lug heavy bags all over my neighborhood, but what I immediately noticed about my Wallaby once I started using it was how many compliments I got every time I hit the street with it. A nice lady at the Mexican grocery down the block switched from admiring its practicality to making sure she knew the make and model before I left the store. Two other people on that same outing went out of their way to ask about it. At the grocery store, I came to appreciate a feature on this model where you fold it in half and then use a row of plastic hooks to clamp the empty trolley to the grocery cart while you shop. At the register, you want to make sure you load heavy stuff in first to keep from crushing more delicate or more delicate items, and there’s a large zipper that runs down most of the outer panel, making loading and unloading a bit easier. While other models have a cinch with a flap at the top, this one just has a stiff flap that gets in the way a bit when it’s time to load it. However, there are also a few well-placed pockets, both on the top flap and inside the bag for items like pens, keys, and produce bags. As someone who frequently marches around the supermarket with the grocery list on a clipboard, I like the large pouch on the back of the bag that accommodates it nicely.
Out of the sidewalk, it functions surprisingly well under load. Rolser has both a recommended load limit of 55 pounds and a “maximum load” of 88 pounds. For months, I’ve pushed mine toward what feels like it could be the limit, stuffing it with a few six packs, a big jug of kombucha, milk, and other heavy groceries to fill the bag. With its fairly large wheels and sturdy frame, it handles just fine. One day, I loaded it about two-thirds full with a fat stack of cookbooks to donate to the Seattle Public Library and, while the tires felt a little splashy on the way over to the Columbia Branch, the multi-block walk was still pretty easy. If you happen to have extra totes, those can be hung over the main bag, helping you free up a hand for waving to your jealous neighbors.
The SwitchEasy Orbit Universal Magnetic Stand is an incredibly handy little stand that’s sturdy and easy to use. It’s seamlessly blended into my daily iPhone habits — and unlike most products I review, everyone I show it to instantly wants one.
The handy stand props up your iPhone on a table, desk or kitchen counter. Its puck shape allows you to orient your phone vertically or horizontally. It collapses and folds flat, so you can carry it around.
You can also stick on double-sided tape and attach it to the back of your monitor as a camera mount for your iPhone.
I’ve been using it for a few months now at my desk and around the house. Here’s why I recommend it.
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Much like the final installment in the Harry Potter, Hunger Games and Twilight movie franchises, the MagSafe component in your iPhone is made up of two parts. There’s a magnetic circle that provides most of the grip and charging capability — plus a small line of magnets that snaps your device into a vertical position. (You can see both of these elements exposed in the Apple clear case.)
Flip it around as needed. Photo: SwitchEasy
The SwitchEasy Orbit leaves out the second piece of the MagSafe equation. This means you can freely rotate your iPhone as it remains attached to the Orbit from portrait to landscape.
You leave your phone in portrait. You start to play a YouTube video or put on a show, you spin it to landscape. A FaceTime call comes in, and you spin it back to portrait.
Dare I say, it is very easy to switch.
Leaving it on my desk
If you have a big iPhone and want to keep it a little more vertical, you might not have room to plug in a cable. Photo: D. Griffin Jones/Cult of Mac
You can leave your iPhone attached to the SwitchEasy stand all day long on your desk. Unlike more-permanent charging stands, you don’t have to worry about taxing your battery by leaving it on a charger all day long.
If you do want to charge your iPhone while it’s on the SwitchEasy Orbit, you might have some trouble with a larger iPhone. In the vertical orientation, I have to tilt it back quite far to have enough room for a Lightning cable — and I only have the mid-size iPhone 12 Pro. To get around this, I sit the Orbit on top of my Mac mini to get more space beneath.
Carrying it around the kitchen
Here, I simulate the act of eating lunch while watching YouTube with a spoon sitting in an empty bowl as I watch my own Cult of Mac videos. Photo: D. Griffin Jones/Cult of Mac
When I go downstairs for lunch, I just fold it down and carry my phone with the Orbit attached on the back. It adds a noticeable hunchback to the phone, but it’s not unwieldy.
Around the kitchen, it’s handy for propping up my phone as I check a recipe or play a video.
At the table, I tend to prop it up just a little higher by sitting it on a butter dish, an upside-down bowl or whatever is nearby. I try to avoid the bad ergonomics of looking too far down at my phone as much as possible.
Stand or stick
I chose to use the SwitchEasy Orbit with the rubbery foot as opposed to the sticky foot. Photo: D. Griffin Jones/Cult of Mac
I’ve been describing the Orbit thus far as a portable stand — but that’s not the only way to use it. In fact, you must make a choice when you take it out of the box.
In the box, you will find two attachable pieces for the bottom half of the Orbit. Both come perfectly sized for the bottom puck. One of them is a rubber mat, designed to keep the Orbit stable on a surface. The other is a piece of double-sided tape, so you can more permanently affix the Orbit to a display.
What does it do? Photo: D. Griffin Jones/Cult of Mac
The bottom puck has a tiny button on the bottom. I’m not entirely sure what it’s for. I expected it to act like a small suction cup, but it doesn’t seem to do anything. Maybe it’s for use with the double-sided tape layer, but I couldn’t find any reference to its function online.
Update: I figured it out. Hold the button down and the rubber pad on the bottom will spin. This is so that you can glue the Orbit to the back of a monitor, hold the button down and rotate it out of the way when it’s not in use.
Collapsible design for portability
When you’re not using the SwitchEasy Orbit, you can collapse the stand and fold it together into a small puck. As you collapse the stand, it makes a very satisfying click, with a slightly louder clack when you reach the end.
The hinge is very sturdy. It’s not hard to adjust, nor is it jittery — it’s pleasant and smooth. It sticks out quite far, but I can forgive that for how nice and solid it feels.
Several times I have had friends over, they see it sitting on my kitchen counter or dining room table, they ask what it is, I show them, and they want to steal it from me. I can’t blame them — it’s a convenient and handy little stand.
Amid the latest reports that Samsung is working on a pricier and more premium Galaxy Z Fold 6 variant, two intriguing screenshots have emerged through the land of X (formerly Twitter). They suggest that Samsung is developing cheaper versions of its foldable devices under the Fan Edition brand.
How legitimate are these “leaks?” We’re unsure, so we can’t put too much faith into them. The source doesn’t seem to have a spotless track record, and these screenshots raise some unusual questions, so keep all that in mind as we explore further.
These alleged Samsung foldable phones mentioned in the image gallery above are called ‘Galaxy Z Fold FE’ and ‘Galaxy Z Flip FE.’ The Flip FE appears to have 8GB of RAM, 256GB of storage, and possibly a Snapdragon 7-series chip.
The alleged Galaxy Z Fold FE is a bit of a red flag. If you look closely, the blurred-out screenshot indicates that the phone isn’t powered by an Exynos 2200 or Exynos 2400 chip but another unknown Exynos SoC that starts with “2.” It could be the non-existent Exynos 2300. It could be an old “leak” that no longer reflects Samsung’s current plans.
Furthermore, according to this X user citing their sources, only one of these Fan Edition foldable phones will be released. Exactly which is unclear.
Needless to say, these screenshots come with a big caveat, and we don’t recommend taking them at face value. However, they are not the first to suggest that Samsung might be working on a Fan Edition foldable phone, so maybe there could be some truth to them. We can’t be too sure and wouldn’t bet on it, but take the information for what it is with a proverbial pinch of salt.
Samsung is expected to host its next Unpacked event in early July. As we get closer to the unveiling, Samsung’s real intentions will be reflected through leaks and rumors with a higher degree of accuracy. Stay tuned.
Apple‘s foldable iPhone plans are dead. It’s just too hard to bridge the gap between current foldable display technology and Apple’s exacting demands. Except I don’t buy this latest rumor, not at all.
At the time, Dr. Choi told me Samsung was pursuing a couple of avenues to decrease the crease. One would widen the bend to make it less obvious, and the other was looking at new materials. At least Dr. Choi had a sense of humor about it, telling me that getting rid of the crease is “part of his homework.”
Perhaps Apple CEO Tim Cook looked at each of them and sniffed, “Nope, not for us!”
Samsung is not alone in this. I have yet to see a foldable that doesn’t have a crease you can clearly see and feel. OnePlus Open has less of it, but it’s still visible. Google Pixel Fold has it, and adds a weird quirk where you have to press the phone sides again to make the screen flat.
In its efforts to design and build the ultimate foldable, I’m sure Apple’s taken a close look at every folding-screen device on the market. Perhaps Apple CEO Tim Cook looked at each of them and sniffed, “Nope, not for us!” He’s probably demanding that the iPhone Fold or iPad Fold have no visible crease.
If the late Steve Jobs were still running the show, he might’ve said, “We won’t ship with a crease!” I think Cook is more pragmatic and might allow for the “least-visible crease on the market.”
Have it your way, Apple
Of course, Apple doesn’t build most of its components, and reports indicate the company is talking to Samsung and LG Display to source folding panels. Each company has extensive experience in flexible OLED panels, and Samsung’s best work is on display in its folding line.
Apple is famous, though, for not accepting the same product as everyone else. It’ll take an ARM chip and have it engineered to meet its own Apple Silicon specifications. It will micromanage components until it’s happy with the final product. Doing so is not about vanity or even control, it’s about full-stack quality. Apple’s products function well together because they’ve all been engineered and designed by Apple (even if Apple doesn’t build them by hand).
There’s only so long that Apple will let Samsung lead in the folding marketplace.
I’m sure there’s some frustration that current foldable screen technology won’t give us a folding iPhone display that, when unfolded is perfectly flat and feels exactly the same as the iPhone 15 Pro Max’s Super Retina XDR Display. That does not mean Apple is giving up.
There’s only so long that Apple will let Samsung lead in the foldable market. Granted, it remains a small market, but with more competitors flooding in (OnePlus, Honor), it’s clear they all sniff a bigger market opportunity down the line. Apple’s traditional iPhone market is flattening out, and while it can still generate huge revenue with upgrades, it needs something to inspire new customers. It needs to keep people from switching to Android so they can own a cool foldable flip phone from Samsung or Motorola.
So, if you’ve managed to read this far, let me speak plainly: Apple is far from done with its folding iPhone or iPad efforts and 2027 can’t come quickly enough.
Apple’s proposed launch schedule for its first foldable iPhone has been delayed until 2027 due to technical challenges, claims a report out of Korea.
According to Alpha Biz (via DigiTimes), Apple executives have adjusted the launch schedule for the foldable iPhone from the fourth quarter of 2026 to the first quarter of 2027 following issues with the acquisition of parts, including foldable displays that meet its high standards.
Apple is still in the early stages of developing two foldable smartphones, according to The Information. The report said that the two iPhone prototypes fold widthwise like a clamshell. More recently, Samsung Securities claimed that Apple’s first foldable iPhone will feature a 6-inch external display and an 8-inch main display.
Meanwhile, Korean outlet The Elec last month reported that Apple is also considering launching a 7- to 8-inch device that could ultimately replace the 8.3-inch iPad mini.
Despite the rumors, however, there is increasing skepticism among analysts over whether Apple will abandon its foldable phone in the near term because the company is concerned that existing foldable technology has not yet matured in such a way that would enable it to realize the kind of next-generation application its engineers and designers have in mind.
Only last month a Chinese rumor claimed that Apple had suspended its development of a foldable iPhone after supplier displays failed to pass the company’s own stringent testing standards. Apple is said to have been testing rival foldable phones since 2016 as part of its research and development process into foldable devices.
In one cited case, one of the latest folding panels made by Samsung reportedly “broke down after a few days” under Apple’s rigorous internal testing, which allegedly caused Apple to put the entire project on ice for the foreseeable future.
The company is seemingly struggling to eliminate the crease that forms in the middle of a display due to repeated folding, and is still working out a design for a hinge that allows the display to lie totally flat, without a bump or dip in the middle. Apple has also been looking at filling panels with polymer materials such as silicone or acrylate to reduce light reflection issues.
The South Korean firm will get some respite, as Apple has reportedly delayed the launch of its first foldable iPhone.
First foldable iPhone could launch in 2027 instead of 2026
A report from AlphaBiz claims that Apple has delayed the launch of its first foldable iPhone from the fourth quarter of 2026 to the first quarter of 2027. The report quotes an unnamed person who is familiar with Apple’s internal matters. However, the production and supply of components for that foldable iPhone seem to be going as per the initial schedule.
Apparently, the foldable iPhone will have minimal screen crease, thanks to Apple’s new screen technology that etches a part of the screen’s layer. This makes the screen easier to bend and minimizes light reflections and crease visibility. The inner surface of the screen cover is filled with polymer material, and the rough texture of the filler material reduces reflections.
If this information is correct, the first foldable iPhone will likely compete with the Galaxy Z Flip 8 and the Galaxy Z Fold 8. Samsung is expected to launch a lower-cost Galaxy Z Flip 6 version, priced around $800. A report also claimed that the South Korean firm could launch a higher-end version of the Galaxy Z Fold 6 with a built-in S Pen slot and better cameras.
Samsung has been the king of the foldable smartphone market since the launch of the Galaxy Fold in 2019. However, the company will lose its crown soon, at least as per a new report. And it would be none other than Huawei that would steal Samsung’s crown.
Huawei could overtake Samsung in foldable smartphone market in Q1 and Q2 2024
According to a new Display Supply Chain Consultants (DSCC) report, Samsung will lose its number-one ranking in the global foldable smartphone market in Q1 2024. Apparently, Samsung was the biggest foldable smartphone brand in Q4 2023 despite lower-than-expected sales of the Galaxy Z Flip 5 and the Galaxy Z Fold 5. Honor and Huawei gained market share in that quarter.
23 different foldable smartphones were shipped globally. Four out of the top ten best-selling foldable smartphones in Q4 2023 were from Samsung, while Honor and OPPO had two phones each on the list. Huawei and Xiaomi had one phone in the top ten best-selling foldable smartphones list. The Galaxy Z Flip 5 was the world’s best-selling foldable phone in Q4 2023, while the Huawei Mate X4 ranked second. The Honor Magic VS2, Galaxy Z Fold 5, and OPPO Find N3 Flip ranked third, fourth, and fifth, respectively.
In Q1 2024 and Q2 2024, Huawei is expected to overtake Samsung in the foldable smartphone market with the help of the Mate X5 and the Pocket 2. However, Samsung is expected to make a strong comeback in the second half of this year and lead the overall sales for 2024. 27 new foldable smartphones are expected to launch this year.
While Samsung is expected to launch Galaxy Z Fold 6 Ultra, OPPO and Vivo might abandon their flip phone lineup in 2024
Due to the lack of profit margins and demand for flip phones in China, OPPO and Vivo are expected not to launch successors to their flip phones. So, the sales of foldable smartphones from OPPO and Vivo are expected to fall in 2024. On the other hand, Samsung is rumored to come with a pricier version of the Galaxy Z Fold 6. It could be named the Galaxy Z Fold 6 Ultra and could have a built-in S Pen slot and better cameras.
