Think twice before folding your cash for a brand-new foldable smartphone this year.
Getting excited about the rise of foldable smartphones in the market? No harm if you know the ins and outs. But if you’re a newbie, you must learn about the drawbacks of foldable smartphones so you won’t end up with regret.
1. Doubts on Durability
A foldable smartphone can only take so much folding before hinges and whatnot start to wear. Not saying that expensive models will be torn apart in a few years, but flagship slab smartphones may outlast them with excellent handling.
This is the reason why a foldable smartphone has a secondary display to reduce the frequency of opening it. You’ll only do that when you really need to.
Also, most foldable smartphones are usually limited to water resistance of IPX8, which suggests vulnerability to dust accumulation over time, compared to even mid-rangers. And if you drop the foldable accidentally, its physical integrity drops too, especially the cheap ones. Super thin sections of a foldable may suffer from dents and permanent scratch marks after a single drop.
2. Iconic versus Practical
The iconic style of foldable smartphones is what gave them the spotlight. You can go to an event and do things that smartphones can with the extra functionality of a tablet whenever required.
So, why not just use a tablet for a better viewing experience? Mobility. You’ll shell out a lot in exchange for that unmatch utility. In fact, the price of the HUAWEI Mate X6 and Samsung Galaxy Z Fold6 are enough to buy you a powerful gaming laptop or desktop or two upper mid-range PCs.
But can you really maximize a top-tier foldable smartphone? True gamers will disagree because powerful rigs are the only way. Certain professionals like video editors will still go for rigs designed for photo and video editing.
Alternatives? If you don’t want to give up the desire, why not try a flip phone in the meantime? The experience will let you determine where problems may arise and allow you to have an informed decision for plans of getting a flagship foldable.
3. Annoying Crease
The legendary issue since the legacy foldable smartphone surfaced: the crease. While brands have figured out new ways to reduce crease visibility, you can still see the crease even on high-end foldables depending on the angle, light, or by staring intensely.
This crease may become more visible over time as you use the device frequently, particularly opening and closing. It’s the very weakness of any foldable smartphone and there’s no workaround except taking good care of it for the best longevity.
4. Fragile Display
The very core function of a foldable smartphone makes the display a prime weakness. Most foldable smartphones don’t have reinforced glass while high-end models have a thinner version of it.
The Galaxy Z Fold6, for instance, features a Corning Gorilla Glass Victus 2, albeit an ultra-thin version. Other smartphones with this reinforced glass will have the thicker version to absorb as much damage upon impact to protect the OLED panel.
Combining the crease, inevitable wear and tear, and an ultra-thin reinforced glass are possible points of contention in the durability of foldable smartphones.
5. Breaking the Bank
Here’s the bottom line: breaking the bank. Premium foldable smartphones are incredibly expensive, up to 50% or more than their slab counterparts. This is thanks to the elegance of the design, powerful chipset, and top-notch hardware components.
If you think it stops there, no it doesn’t. You have to buy critical accessories to help protect your foldable smartphone from external hazards like drops and scratches. And like the device they protect, these accessories are pricier than the ones for typical smartphones.
This urges you to buy them because if you don’t, any accidental damage may be merciless on your brand-new foldable companion. In a way, it’s like you’re forced to do that to protect your investment, which is something you’re kind of responsible for.
Takeaway
Investing in a flagship smartphone is one thing but going for a premium foldable smartphone is a whole new level. Not only do you need a hefty savings to back it up, but also you must have the matching lifestyle so you can get the most out of it.
Like other gadgets we buy, if you’re not maximizing their purpose, you’ll end up with regret later on. Sadly, you can’t get back the same amount of money unless someone else is willing to buy it from you for the original price.
Are you planning to buy a foldable smartphone this year?