A Guide to Buying Foldable Phones: What to Know Before You ShopFactors to Consider When Purchasing a Foldable PhoneDurability Concerns: The hinge mechanism and flexible screens are the most critical aspects affecting durability in foldables. Hinge failures, screen creases, and accidental damage due to the phone’s size have been issues with some early models.
- Hinge Mechanism: The strength and design of the hinge are crucial for the longevity of the device, ensuring smooth opening and closing cycles without breakage. Some manufacturers, like Samsung, use improved versions with brushings or lubricants to minimize wear.
- Flexible Display Protection: These screens, typically made from plastic polymers (like PET for foldables without S Pen support) or glass (like UTG or Gorilla Glass for those with S Pen), are susceptible to scratches and creases.Software and Ecosystem Compatibility: Ensure the software optimizations made by manufacturers for their specific foldable models work well within an Android or iOS ecosystem.
- Prioritize models with a track record of efficient multitasking features, wide app support, and user-friendly optimizations tailored for their specific foldable form factor.Battery Life: Foldable phones need to balance large display sizes/resolutions with efficient power consumption.
- Review real-world battery tests and assess the balance between display size/resolution and power consumption efficiency, focusing on sustained usage rather than peak performance benchmarks.Size and Usability in Different Modes: Evaluate how comfortable it is to handle larger dimensions when fully unfolded and whether a compact folded size is essential for frequent carriage.
- Different folding styles (outward vs. inward) offer trade-offs regarding portability and one-handed operation.Price Point: Foldable phones come at a significant premium, reflecting cutting-edge technology and early development costs.
- Assess whether the additional utility, larger screen size, and exclusivity justify the higher price over standard high-end smartphones.Accessories and Ecosystem Support: Ensure availability of essential protection like screen protectors or stylus support, verifying both official and aftermarket options for accessory compatibility.1. Purpose and UsageDetermine your primary use case—whether productivity, media consumption, or both—to influence folding style (outward vs. inward) and display size preferences.2. Historical Reliability DataExamine long-term reviews to assess hinge durability and display resilience against wear.3. Software Features and OptimizationPrioritize models with an established history of efficient multitasking, app compatibility, and optimizations tailored for their unique form factors.4. Battery Performance MetricsReview battery life tests emphasizing sustained performance over peak benchmarks.5. Portability ConsiderationsEvaluate handling convenience of unfolded dimensions and whether a smaller folded size is necessary for frequent carriage.6. Cost-Benefit AnalysisWeigh the extra cost against desired device features (large screen, unique functionality) within your budget and expectations.Inward-Folding or Out-and-Down- Examples: Samsung Galaxy Z Fold series, Motorola Razr (2020)
- Description: The screen bends inward to the device’s body. This provides a larger tabletop mode but can be less handy for one-handed use and present visibility issues when unfolded.Outward-Folding or In-and-Up- Examples: Huawei Mate Xs, TCL foldable prototype (conceptual)
- Description: The screen folds outwards like a book. This design facilitates one-handed use better but could yield smaller unfolded display areas compared to inward folds and poses durability concerns for exposed sections.Rolling or Scrolling Displays- Examples: LG’s rolling display prototype (conceptual)
- Description: A flexible screen that rolls from one side to the other. This approach eliminates a crease but potentially limits seamless continuity in display area.