Unfold the Future: Are Foldable Phones Worth Your Money?

Table of Contents

• How is Mobile Tech Changing?
• Foldable Smartphones in India
• Types of Foldable Smartphones: Flip vs Fold
• Advantages of Foldable Phones
• Disadvantages of Foldable Phones
• Should You Buy Foldable Phones?

How is Mobile Tech Changing?

The evolution of mobile phones has been nothing short of dramatic in the recent decade. As people are consuming more media, the demand for a more immersive experience has only intensified worldwide. This has driven the trend towards larger mobile phone sizes. Nowadays, a 6.1–6.8-inch screen is quite normal in the smartphone industry. However, portability and single-handed use are some common issues associated with a larger screen. Along with this, the constant need for innovation has always pushed the boundaries of technological advancements.

One such revolutionary technology involves foldable phones, which offer the best of both worlds- ease of use and large screen immersive displays. In simple words, a foldable phone has a bendable screen that can fold to turn into a compact, portable form factor. These smartphones use advanced hinge mechanisms and flexible OLED displays to ensure a folding screen. Once considered a futuristic dream, foldable phones have today become mainstream and found a niche in the premium smartphone market.       

Foldable Smartphones in India

Royole FlexPai was the first foldable phone launched in 2018. However, the launch of Samsung's Galaxy Fold in 2019 set in motion the ongoing mainstream foldable popularity. It was also the first foldable smartphone to hit the Indian market. Although Samsung leads the ultra-premium foldable segment, there are many other brands offering foldable phones in India, including Google, Vivo, and Oppo. The initial models faced criticism for issues like hinge and display durability. Mobile manufacturers came up with incremental improvements in design and technology across subsequent generations to address initial flaws.

This is why foldable smartphones have now become a valuable proposition for Indian customers. These mobile phones feature slimmer designs, crease management, water/dust resistance, and better hinges that have piqued interest among customers. As more brands embrace the foldable trend and prices become more affordable, the future of foldable phones looks promising in India.

Types of Foldable Smartphones: Flip vs Fold

Foldable phones are mainly categorized into two types: Fold and Flip. Fold-type smartphones open horizontally to experience a larger, tablet-sized internal screen. They are also known as book-style phones. Tri-fold phones with two hinges have also entered the market, and they unfold into an even larger screen size. In contrast, flip phones fold vertically into a smaller-than-usual slab phone.

Advantages of Foldable Phones

• Multitasking: Due to larger screens, multitasking becomes easier on foldable phones. You can easily perform different tasks by running multiple apps simultaneously. Similar to a desktop, they offer split-screen, multi-window views, and pop-up/floating windows to manage social media, files, emails, etc. Foldable phones not only enhance user experience but also ensure higher productivity.
• Portability: As you can fold a large screen, these phones are easier to carry. You get all the benefits of a tablet-sized screen without compromising portability. Folded flip phones have a compact, pocketable form factor that can easily fit into pockets. A thinner design of fold-type phones can be carried in small bags.
• Immersive Experience: A larger screen makes it engaging to read e-books, watch high-definition videos, and play games. It also makes phones suitable for editing videos and photos. You can view more intricate details and enjoy a wider field of view.
• Design: One of the most appealing factors of foldable phones is their design. These phones have an eye-catching and futuristic design, which makes them stand apart from traditional smartphones. The compact form factor of flip phones is widely preferred by women customers. Tri-fold designs feature a massive screen, loved by tech enthusiasts. Foldable phones have aesthetic finishes with slimmer builds, frosted glass, and unique textures.
• Future Proof: As foldable phones belong to the ultra-premium segment, they get the best of the best features and technologies. Brands offer long-term software support that makes their products functional for a long time. They have the latest camera systems, processors, and AI capabilities, so you can rest assured of an upgrade in the next couple of years.

Disadvantages of Foldable Phones

• Price: There’s no surprise that foldable phones come at a premium price, as they have advanced technologies and the latest features. Also, there are design complexities involved in manufacturing these phones, which makes them costlier to manufacture. Due to their high prices, a normal buyer may not be able to afford foldable phones. In addition, their repair is expensive due to
• Durability: Foldable phones have fragile screens that are prone to scratches and damage. They come with complex moving parts that can fail easily and have less protection against water and dust.
• Bulky Design: Foldable phones generally have a thicker design, which makes them hefty. It can be a major issue when carried in pockets. Also, an additional phone case makes the phone heavier. It may feel too heavy in the hand to use for extended periods.
• Battery: Large displays consume more power, and thus, battery drain is faster in foldable phones compared to traditional phones. They may struggle to last an entire day in case of heavy use. Due to design constraints, a bigger battery is not feasible in foldable phones.
• Compatibility Issues: Due to software optimization issues, not all applications run smoothly in foldable phones. There may be unused space or an awkward layout on screens. Media consumption may be hindered due to black bars caused by the aspect ratio during video playback.

Should You Buy Foldable Phones?

Investing in a foldable is a personal decision, based on your budget and usage. If you are a tech enthusiast or a professional who needs a large screen phone for tasks like multitasking, editing, and consuming media, you should consider foldable phones. Also, you should be able to afford the premium levied on these phones. The main reasons to consider foldable phones are larger screens, novelty, and compact portability. However, most work that can be done on these phones is also possible on traditional high-end phones, tablets, or desktops. It would not be wrong to say that tablets and desktops are even better choices for demanding multitasking and overall experience. So, if you prioritize value and durability and have no concerns about carrying a device in pockets or bags, you can avoid foldable phones. Go through the pros and cons discussed in this blog and take an informed decision before buying a foldable phone.