Folding phones have been gradually evolving and improving over the past five years. In the early stages, these devices were fragile and expensive, with easily shattered frames, creaky hinges, and screens that peeled away from the chassis. Despite advancements in technology, foldable phones still maintain a reputation as novelty gadgets.
The market for foldable phones remains relatively small, capturing less than 2 percent of the smartphone market. However, manufacturers continue to release new models to cater to this dedicated group of consumers. With each iteration, these devices come with added features, reduced prices, and sturdier builds. Although foldable phones are no longer as fragile as before, they still come with a hefty price tag. For example, Samsung’s popular models, the Galaxy Z Fold 4 and Galaxy Z Flip 4, cost $1,700 and $999, respectively. Despite improvements, foldables have yet to fully shed their “weirdo hobbyist gizmos” image.
Foldable phones can generally be categorized into two main types: book-style foldables and clamshell flip phones. Book-style foldables unfurl from a vertical hinge, revealing a tablet-sized screen. On the other hand, clamshell flip phones feature a horizontal hinge that allows them to snap closed into a compact square. As both designs have their own dedicated audience, manufacturers are motivated to produce both types. Samsung, for instance, has paved the way with its Galaxy Fold (book-style) and Galaxy Flip (clamshell) phones. Other companies have also chosen to focus on one format, such as Motorola’s clamshell Razr handhelds and Google’s book-style Pixel Fold.
While the market for foldable phones is still relatively small, experts project significant growth in the coming years. Last year, manufacturers shipped only 14.2 million foldable phones. However, forecasters like IDC anticipate that this number will balloon to 48 million in three years, representing 3.5 percent of the market. Despite still being a small fraction, this translates to approximately $42 billion in sales for foldables within the vast smartphone economy.
Companies that produce book-style phones position them as devices for both productivity and content consumption. The larger screen allows users to view more spreadsheet cells or Slack messages simultaneously. Additionally, it provides a comfortable viewing experience for watching movies. Earlier this year, Google optimized dozens of its native apps to support foldable phones’ larger screens. For instance, the bendy Pixel Fold benefits from these enhancements, enabling users to have two apps side by side for multitasking or to view apps like Gmail or Maps with multiple content panes, similar to a desktop browser.
In conclusion, foldable phones have come a long way since their initial introduction. They have evolved into more refined and functional devices, although their reputation as niche gadgets persists. While the market share for foldable phones remains small, experts expect significant growth in the coming years. Manufacturers continue to release new models, offering added features and a more affordable price range. Despite the improvements, foldable phones are still regarded as distinct and unconventional devices. However, their unique designs and enhanced productivity features make them an appealing option for a dedicated group of consumers.
