Have you seen the latest foldable smartphones hitting the market recently? These innovative devices with flexible displays are the future of mobile technology, offering expanded screen and portability in one sleek package.
However, not all foldable phones are created equal. As foldable smartphone technology matures, smartphone makers experiment with various folding mechanisms, display sizes, and form factors.
It's an exciting time, but with so many options, it can get confusing to determine which devices show the most promise.
That's why we've rounded up 6 of the most intriguing foldable phone designs currently in development, which you should keep in mind.
Read on to discover folding smartphones with game-changing potential!
Why Should You Consider Foldable Smartphones?
Before we explore different foldable smartphone designs, you might be wondering what all the hype around foldable is about. Well, here are a few compelling reasons to take foldable phones seriously:
● Bigger screens in compact sizes: These devices easily fit into a pocket when folded. But unfold them to access tablet-sized displays, which are perfect for immersive video watching or multitasking.
● Added durability: The flexible displays on folding phones are plastic rather than glass; this makes them much more resistant to cracks and impacts.
Foldable phones provide some meaningful improvements over traditional smartphones. But not every foldable on the horizon will deliver. The designs and executions vary wildly between models right now.
6 Foldable Smartphone Designs Leading the Pack
However, the foldable phones cove, red belo,w show outstanding promise to solve enduring smartphone challenges. Let's check them out.
1. Oppo Find N2 Flip
Oppo turned heads in late 2022 when it unveiled its new take on a flip phone: the Find N2 Flip. This sleek, foldable phone flips vertically like an old-school flip phone and snaps shut to an ultra-pocketable form.
But unfold it, and you're treated to a tall 6.8-inch display. The Find N2 Flip stands out, though, in its unique teardrop-style hinge. This hinge allows the display to close without a gap, eliminating concerns like dust ingress and light leakage.
For those seeking a more durable and pocket-friendly foldable, Oppo’s clever flip phone looks highly promising.
2. Xiaomi Mix Fold 2
Xiaomi's Mix Fold 2 brings a slim-bezel tablet-sized screen in a skinny body for a foldable just 5.4mm thick when unfolded. This makes it slimmer than most regular flagship phones, let alone foldable.
The Mix Fold 2's svelte profile is due to Xiaomi's proprietary Micro Water Drop hinge. This staggered multi-pivot hinge spreads the display's bending across a wider area, allowing for a tighter fold without compromising durability.
Add long battery life, capable cameras, and a seamless crease-free display, and Xiaomi seems poised to lead the thin, foldable race with the Mix Fold 2.
3. Google Pixel Fold
Foldable phones have existed for a few years, yet Google has sat quietly without its foldable Pixel. Rumour suggests this will change in 2023 as Google launches its first-ever folding Pixel smartphone.
Details about the Pixel Fold's exact design and specs remain sparse. But if Google applies the same premium experience and imaging excellence Pixel phones are renowned for into a foldable body, it could set a new bar for the foldable category.
We wait with bated breath to see if the tech giant can translate its smartphone mastery into its debut foldable later this year.
4. Vivo X Fold 2
Vivo's original X Fold pioneered two major folding phone innovations last year: an uninterrupted inner display and the first smartphone camera tucked under a transparent screen.
These feats alone would be enough to land it on this list. But Vivo is already prepping a follow-up to push boundaries even further.
If you want a folding smartphone now rather than later, Vivo's next-gen X Fold 2, due out in the coming months, is an enticing option.
5. Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 5
Samsung's prominent Galaxy Z series more or less pioneered modern foldable phones as we know them. And if early rumours pan out, the upcoming Galaxy Z Fold 5 could cement itself as Samsung's best folding phone when it debuts.
Rumblings suggest Samsung will slim down the Fold 5’s dimensions for better portability while retaining its signature book-style fold.
While the previous Fold devices have been impressive, the Galaxy Z Fold 5 could address lingering concerns to become the complete package.
6. TCL Flex V
Most foldable phones revealed so far open sideways like a book. However, TCL is trying other form factors, as evidenced by its unique Flex V concept device.
This unconventional orientation is better for specific use cases like reading feeds or documents. It allows for a more compact storage footprint, too.
Vertical folding remains unexplored, mainly terrain, but TCL's outside-the-box Flex V highlights the exciting possibilities.
Take Your Pick of the Top Foldable Smartphone
As you can see, foldable phone technology has come a long way. The future looks promising, with many appealing designs in the pipeline.
Each feature above pushes boundaries differently, which could redefine smartphones as we know them. It's exciting to watch what unfolds in the foldable phone arena.
If you want a head start on groundbreaking new smartphone experiences, the models highlighted here make for thrilling options worth investing in.