Samsung is bending over backwards to impose its smartphones that are bending in half. “Ultimately, all smartphones will be foldable,” says the vice-president of mobility at Samsung France in an interview with 20 minutes. Appeared in 2019 with the Galaxy Fold, these mobiles which integrate a foldable OLED screen would embody the future of telephony according to the Korean manufacturer. Which publishes an Opinion Way study according to which 47% of 25-34 year olds would consider purchasing a smartphone from the Galaxy Z range when renewing their smartphone.
Coué method? Something to encourage Samsung in its strategy, especially with the Galaxy Z Flip 3 which has just been launched at 500 euros less than its predecessor (or 1,059 euros) and for which Samsung has just announced infinite customization possibilities with facades interchangeable colors. “Wow” effect guaranteed, even if the foldable revolution will undoubtedly take a little time.
“A vision for the future, but not a near future”
For Kevin Hiot from the site Digital, “If the foldable can be a vision of the future, it is not that of the near future”. There remains one observation, according to the telephony expert: “faced with the Galaxy Z Fold which, at 2,000 euros, is really a technological showcase, the Galaxy Z Flip 3, almost half the price, becomes a door to entry into the world. ‘foldable universe’. A nice opening, yes, even if the Flip 3 lacks better photo layouts, decent battery life, and more optimized performance.
In the meantime, here is an overview of the flexible screen smartphones that are already catching our eye …
The most iconic: Motorola Razr
Launched in 2019, this 6.2-inch clamshell smartphone uses the codes of its illustrious predecessor of the 2000s.
Fitting in the pocket with its small size (72 x 172 x 6.9 mm folded), it remains quite light (205 grams). And we appreciate its small screen on the front (2.7 ”, or 6.85 cm) to access its notifications without having to unfold the product or, better, to perfectly frame your selfies. But he also suffers from a too small battery (2,510 mAh). Launched at 1,699 euros, it can now be found almost at half price. From 849 euros.
Most accessible: Galaxy Z Flip 3
Fun, but practical. This flip-flop smartphone is stunning with its look with now endless possibilities for customization.
Powerful with the on-board Snapdragon 888 processor, it cleverly takes advantage of its Flex Mode to watch videos while sitting and lightly bent over a corner of a table, but in this position, the display size of its Full HD + screen remains. constraint. We appreciate its small 1.9-inch exterior screen for notifications. Photo pass (many smartphones do better), it suffers from an autonomy limited to a short day of use. From 1059 euros.
The most anticipated: Xiaomi Mi Mix Fold
Available in Asia, but not yet announced in Europe, the Mi Mix Fold is Xiaomi’s technological showcase with its 8.01-inch foldable screen.
The device also impresses with its photo claims and its 108-megapixel main sensor, but also its 67-watt fast-charging system. This model (or a later version) could also set the tempo in terms of price for high-end foldable smartphones: currently, it is sold from the equivalent of around 1,295 euros.
We are still waiting for Apple and Google
While Samsung’s competitors like Oppo, TCL, or Xiaomi, as we have seen, are in the foldable ranks, it is the apple brand that could well tip the market. “When Apple has its loan concept, technological costs will have fallen and the foldable smartphone market will experience a second wind,” according to Kevin Hiot.
For the analyst firm Omdia, Apple could launch in 2023. Google, which also aims to invest in the foldable smartphone market, could get ahead of the apple with its Pixel Fold, the panel of which would come straight out … from Samsung factories !