foldables are really not going to be anymore
Our editors share a lot in common: a heightened interest in Android and a great need to race their fingers across keyboards. But, that doesn’t mean they always agree. In AW Discussion Thursday we put each other to the test with a statement every week. Today: foldables. That’s not going to be him anymore, is it?
Contents
Foldables: the iPhone from Android?
Claudia: A smartphone revolution such as Apple initiated with the first iPhone, the foldable phone will not bring about. A foldable remains a smartphone, but only with a different form factor: a foldable screen.
Jelle: I remember it so well. It was the sixth day of September 2019, Jelle was happy. On my beautiful bright red sofa, I watched Galaxy Unpacked that day, Samsung’s semi-annual event at which it announces its latest smartphones. In addition to the announcement of the Galaxy S10 series, a new form of smartphones was also presented on that day. A butterfly fluttering in the air appeared on stage and opened its wings, the Samsung Galaxy Fold was born.
Laura: Yes, did you think it was a nice ‘One more thing’ from Samsung?
Jelle: Well.. This was indeed supposed to be the ‘next big thing’ in smartphone land. The entire shape of smartphones will change, a smartphone will never be the same again. Now, almost four years later, we know differently. The revolution never came and in my opinion it never will.
Improvements
Claudia: I do think that the foldable phone will become more popular as the price-quality ratio becomes more attractive. The first foldables were very expensive and still had some hardware problems. Now that these bugs have largely been resolved, manufacturers are focusing on further improving the hinges and folds in the screen. There is also a lot of room for improvement in the software area, because apps must of course work well on such a special screen that you can fold like a book.
Laura: I think we should distinguish between the Fold models and the Flip models. I also see little bread in the Fold models, because they are a bit clumsier in my opinion. Then give me a Flip: it fits easily in your pocket, is itself a small, handy square and especially if it has such a screen on the outside as the new Motorola, then that fold offers extra added value.
Jelle: I do not think so. First of all, most folding smartphones do not solve a problem. The smartphone as it is now is simply good. We’ve been working with it for years and the form factor just works.
In fact, foldables currently cause more problems than they solve. Many are now waterproof, but still not dustproof. The plastic screens scratch very quickly and the noticeable fold remains an issue. And have you seen the price of those things? A midrange smartphone in a fragile jacket for a high-end price, no: foldables are not (yet) a good deal. And yes, what you say Laura, you can fold a flip phone so that it fits better in your pocket or handbag, but it will invariably be twice as thick as a ‘regular’ smartphone.
Laura: Yes, but it’s not disturbing, and such a long normal phone also stings your body if you want to sit down. A Flip doesn’t do that.
Vulnerable screen
Jelle: Hmm, but what if you get a message? Then you have to open it. Every time again. If you receive dozens, perhaps hundreds of messages in a day, this can cause great annoyance. Now you can think, then leave it unfolded. But then the fragile plastic screen unfolds. This is also something that manufacturers advise against doing, they report that it is better to put the device in your pocket when it is folded to prevent scratches and other forms of damage as much as possible.
Claudia: Everything stands or falls with a great user experience and that experience gets better every year. Both in hardware and software.
Jelle: That’s true. This year there will finally be several foldables from several manufacturers worldwide on the market, so the competition is getting bigger and the technology is improving as a result. The price also seems to be going down. In addition, the first rumors are about a dust-proof Galaxy Z Flip 5. Manufacturers are finally on their way and the foldable devices seem to pose fewer problems in the future.
Claudia: Indeed, Jill. If the price becomes even more attractive now, a foldable will be within reach for many more people. So I think we will see a lot more of these types of phones in the future, but they do not bring about a real revolution. Foldables are indeed a very welcome innovation in the smartphone world.
Not just a different form factor
Laura: Very welcome. And Jelle, I have not experienced many problems with the foldable devices that I have owned. However, I think you underestimate a larger screen on the outside: that can cause you to use the device completely differently: perhaps the inner screen becomes just a kind of ‘cinema’ screen, while your outer screen becomes your ‘TV’ screen what you normally use. As far as I’m concerned, foldables aren’t just another form factor that’s fun to look at.
Jelle: Wonderful on such a small prissy cover screen with an even smaller virtual keyboard… In addition: most people who are now considering a foldable smartphone, for example, I only hear the following when asked why they want a flip or fold smartphone: ”Looks so nice.” Or ”really nostalgic”. After trying it once, however, many of them run back to their old familiar rectangular checkered smartphone. They are quite right.
Laura: I prefer a square telephone that can become really square. Nice flipping. The fold also ensures that you can take much better photos and videos because you can hold and place the phone differently: ideal.
Jelle: Don’t get me wrong: I like to see foldables coming and I even welcome it. I wouldn’t call it a revolution though. I also don’t think that foldable smartphones will be the standard in five years’ time. But of course I could be completely wrong.
Laura: We’ll talk to each other in five years… through our foldables. Just kidding, I certainly don’t think it’s for everyone, but I notice that it appeals to many people around me, such a banger of a phone. Let’s just fold it for now.
What do you think: are foldables no longer going to be the thing? And with whom do you agree most? Leave your thoughts on this Discussion Thursday in the comments.
