Both Samsung and Huawai have introduced foldable smartphones. Is this the future?
Samsung’s Galaxy Fold model will soon be available for around 2000 Euros, the Huawai Mate X has only been shown in a short press presentation. What both have in common, however, is the basic idea: a foldable display so that the smartphone can be folded like a book.
Foldable Samsung Galaxy Fold
The Samsung looks very noble. The main display is folded inside, i.e. the pixels are folded onto each other like the letters on two opposite pages of a book. Samsung has also developed an interesting joint that elegantly connects the two parts of the smartphone. What is noticeable is that both sides are not completely flat on top of each other, but there is a little more distance around the kink. This enlarges the folding radius and probably benefits the longevity of the display.
For a new product of the first generation, however, it looks very robust and well thought-out. Even the rather square display in the unfolded position doesn’t show that it can be folded in the middle. It actually seems to be the first representative of a smartphone species that shows the way into the future.
When folded, the Galaxy Fold has a 4.6 inch outside display, when unfolded you look at a 7.3 inch display. The device should come with 12 GB RAM and 512 GB memory.
Foldable Huawai Mate X
Huawai has also introduced a foldable smartphone, the Huawai Mate X. With this model it was decided to fold the display so that the pixels are on the outside. When folded, half of the square display serves as the front screen. In addition, thicker components, such as cameras, were packed into a side strip – a clever solution.
Huawai’s model will be launched somewhat later than Samsung’s. Furthermore, the video shows some distortions in the middle of the folded display, which hopefully can be ironed out until series production.
The technical data are as follows: Folded you look at the 6.6 inch part of the display, unfolded it is 8 inch. In addition, the device is only 11 mm thick when folded. It also comes with a quick charge function for the battery: in half an hour it should be filled to over 80% again.
Samsung and Huawai are moving towards the future
Samsung and Huawai break new ground innovatively. Both devices are representatives of a new generation and will bring their childhood illnesses with them. The prices of around 2000 Euros for the Samsung and even more for the Huawai are also clear signs of innovation leadership.
We can be happy that mobile devices are finally continuing with a fresh idea. Devices based on foldable displays may be the standard in a few years’ time. They offer small dimensions, large screen areas and long battery life, as there is plenty of space to accommodate one or two batteries. In addition, the concept offers many interpretation possibilities (we already have two different approaches) and great development potential. Let’s hope Apple follows soon with a foldable iDevice also.
