Companies such as Samsung and Xiaomi have been exploring foldable smartphone technology for several years, eagerly awaiting advancements that would enhance their reliability. As 2023 unfolds, it appears this may be the year for significant progress in the category. Samsung has consistently led the foldable market, releasing new models annually, yet there are indications that Chinese smartphone manufacturers may soon catch up and potentially surpass their dominance. Meanwhile, Apple has not yet entered the foldable smartphone space.
For insights on whether Chinese foldable smartphones have advanced ahead of Samsung in terms of technological innovation and user-friendliness, my reviews will provide guidance. Currently, the foldable smartphone landscape in India has expanded dramatically in 2023, introducing a variety of options to consumers.
Motorola has made strides with its ultra-premium Razr 40 Ultra (Review) alongside a more affordable Razr 40, broadening accessibility to foldable technology. Tecno has also entered the fray with its second foldable device, the Phantom V Flip (Review), priced even lower than its Motorola counterpart.
Oppo has rolled out an upgrade to its Find N series with the Find N3 Flip, which replaces the Find N2 Flip that launched just months earlier. Recently, OnePlus introduced its first foldable device, the OnePlus Open, during a global launch event in Mumbai, further highlighting the interest multinational brands have in the Indian market.
According to Shilpi Jain, Senior Analyst at Counterpoint Research, foldables are making a significant impact on consumer perception, despite currently accounting for less than 1% of the overall market. “In 2023, up to September, foldables represented 11% of ultra-premium Android smartphone shipments, with expectations for this figure to rise to 35% by the close of 2025,” she remarked.
“The localization of manufacturing, demonstrated by flagship devices such as the Samsung Z Fold 5 and Flip 5 being produced in India, is driving market growth. OnePlus joining the market with its Open model will further boost the share of foldable devices.”
With an increasing number of brands offering various types of foldable smartphones in either horizontal or clamshell designs, potential buyers may find themselves perplexed about which format suits their needs best.
In my experience, I have been testing both the OnePlus Open, a horizontal foldable, and the Oppo Find N3 Flip, a clamshell foldable. While reviews of these models will be published soon, I have previously assessed several other foldable smartphones. Here is a concise guide to assist in selecting your first foldable device!
Larger Displays: Not Always a Benefit
The advancement of flexible display technology allows users to open multiple applications on a foldable smartphone’s main display. The OnePlus Open features an inner display with an almost square aspect ratio that facilitates multitasking, enabling users to run two or even three apps simultaneously.
For general users, this functionality might translate to having Google Maps open for navigation, WhatsApp for communications, and perhaps Spotify playing music, all concurrently. For professional use, applications like Slack, Outlook, and Chrome can also operate side-by-side when paired with a wireless keyboard and mouse, creating a mobile office environment.
While the expansive displays of these horizontal foldables are suitable for multitasking, they may not provide the best experience for entertainment. This is primarily due to the squarish aspect ratios, which result in letterboxing for video content typically formatted in widescreen. Consequently, a significant portion of the display remains unused unless multitasking with additional applications.
In contrast, Samsung’s Galaxy Z Fold 5 features a more rectangular 5:6 aspect ratio inner display, making it somewhat favorable for viewing videos and gaming, although this format still falls short compared to the Pixel Fold’s 6:5 aspect ratio, which offers a more enjoyable entertainment experience.
I have often found myself watching videos on the external display of the OnePlus Open while finding the Find N3 Flip’s wider aspect ratio (21:9) more suitable for streaming content. It’s also worth noting that smaller clamshell foldables generally weigh less than their larger counterparts, making them easier to hold for extended periods.
Expanding Cover Displays
Manufacturers are increasingly incorporating larger and more sophisticated cover displays in clamshell-style foldable smartphones. The purpose of these displays has evolved from merely displaying basic information like the time and date to supporting fully functional Android applications, as seen in Motorola’s Razr 40 Ultra.
Cover displays enhance the usability of horizontal folding smartphones due to their taller portrait orientation, which can effectively serve as a standard-sized smartphone, while the internal display functions as a tablet. An optimized cover display can improve battery life, reducing dependence on the inner display for applications used one at a time.
Furthermore, cover displays are advantageous for gaming, as they are designed for wider 16:9 aspect ratios and typically come equipped with durable, damage-resistant glass.
Importance of Software and Support
When deciding between horizontal and clamshell foldables, it is essential to consider that many Android applications are better optimized for the latter, as their inner display maintains a natural portrait orientation when opened.
Clamshell foldables benefit from software optimizations that facilitate seamless app transitions between the main and cover displays. Notably, Motorola’s Razr 40 Ultra excels in this aspect, managing app and game transitions efficiently, in addition to providing a superior notification system to what is found on the main folding display.
Despite advancements, many third-party applications still lack proper tablet support, as they are not initially designed for larger screens akin to Apple’s iPads. However, Google has begun to address this, adapting several of its native applications for foldables following the launch of its Pixel Fold. Unfortunately, many third-party apps merely stretch across the entire inner display rather than utilizing space smartly.
Software optimizations depend significantly on the manufacturer, influencing the experience in transitioning apps between the outer and inner displays. This can lead to frustrating scenarios where familiar applications appear improperly cropped on the wide inner display until broader support for foldable layouts becomes standard.
Battery Life: Nearly Standard
Manufacturers have faced challenges in delivering satisfactory battery life with foldable devices while maintaining compact sizes. This issue has arose due to space constraints, making earlier clamshell designs rather cumbersome.
Thanks to advancements in processor and battery technology, it’s now feasible for foldable smartphones, including the OnePlus Open, Oppo Find N3 Flip, Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 5, and Galaxy Z Flip 5, to sustain all-day battery life. Horizontal foldables typically outperform their clamshell counterparts in battery longevity, making them a preferred option for power users.
Camera Capabilities
Recent foldable models from Samsung, OnePlus, Oppo, and Motorola are capable of producing high-quality photographs. The more expansive design of horizontal foldables permits manufacturers to incorporate superior imaging technology compared to clamshell models, providing enhanced photography options.
Despite the compact form factor challenges, engineers have successfully integrated larger sensors and more capable cameras into horizontal foldables, such as the OnePlus Open and Oppo Find N3 Flip, the latter being the first clamshell to feature three rear cameras.
Hinge Mechanisms and IP Ratings
The engineering of modern foldables involves balancing aesthetics and functionality, requiring a design that enables multitasking capabilities while retaining the weight and feel of a typical smartphone. The hinge mechanism is crucial, allowing the device’s two halves to close seamlessly, minimizing thickness when folded.
Recent hinge designs focus on both improving display protection and compactness, enabling devices to fold without gaps. These newer components are less prone to jamming from accidental drops and are constructed from fewer aerospace-grade materials.
Regarding resistance ratings, Samsung currently leads with an IPX8 rating for water resistance, while Motorola offers a basic IP52 water-repellant design. However, neither fully protects against dust ingress, which may be a consideration for users in harsher work environments.
