Smartphones have gone through significant transformations over the past two decades. From physical keyboards to full-touch displays and from single cameras to multi-lens systems, manufacturers have continuously sought ways to innovate and differentiate. One of the industry’s most recent and visually striking developments is foldable smartphonesโdevices that promise a blend of portability and expanded screen real estate. First introduced as experimental prototypes, foldables have now evolved into fully functional consumer products, with brands like Samsung, Huawei, and OPPO leading the charge.
The appeal of foldable smartphones lies in their ability to switch between a compact form factor and a larger display, offering users more flexibility in how they use their devices. The recently launched OPPO Find N5 is a prime example of how this technology has matured, featuring a refined hinge mechanism, minimal screen creasing, and improved durability. These enhancements aim to address some of the early criticisms foldables faced, particularly regarding screen fragility and long-term reliability. Yet, while these devices continue to evolve, the question remains: are they practical for everyday use, or are they simply a luxury gimmick?
To fully assess their value, we must examine the core aspects of foldable smartphones: their unique advantages, durability concerns, cost-effectiveness, usability in real-life scenarios, and future potential. While they undoubtedly represent a bold innovation in mobile technology, not all innovations have become mainstream. Some, like touchscreen smartphones, revolutionised the industry, while others, like modular phones, faded into obscurity. Where do foldables fit in this spectrum?
The appeal of foldable smartphones
One of the biggest advantages of foldable smartphones is their ability to offer both portability and an expanded screen size. Traditional smartphones require users to choose between a compact, easy-to-carry design and a larger display for better viewing and productivity. Foldables eliminate this trade-off by providing a flexible form factor that transforms on demand. Devices like the Samsung Galaxy Z Fold5 and OPPO Find N5 allow users to unfold their screens into tablet-like displays, making them ideal for tasks such as watching videos, gaming, and working on documents.
Multitasking is another central selling point. Many foldables now support split-screen functionality, allowing users to run multiple apps simultaneously. This feature is handy for professionals who need to juggle emails, messaging apps, and spreadsheets at the same time. The OPPO Find N5 takes this further by enhancing the multi-window experience, making it easier to resize and move apps across the larger display. For users who rely on their phones for productivity, foldables offer convenience that traditional smartphones cannot match.
Beyond functionality, foldable smartphones bring a sense of exclusivity and premium design. Unlike standard flagship devices, which often follow a similar aesthetic formula, foldables stand out as cutting-edge and futuristic. The intricate engineering required to create flexible displays and advanced hinge mechanisms makes them a symbol of technological innovation. The OPPO Find N5, for instance, boasts a sleek, compact design with minimal screen creasing, making it one of the most refined foldables on the market.
However, despite these benefits, foldable smartphones are still a relatively new category with several trade-offs. Their durability, cost, and overall practicality remain significant concerns for consumers who are hesitant to invest in a device that may not yet be fully optimised for everyday use.
Durability concerns and long-term reliability
One of the most debated issues surrounding foldable smartphones is their durability. Unlike traditional smartphones, which use rigid glass screens, foldables rely on ultra-thin glass (UTG) or plastic-based flexible displays, which are inherently more delicate. Early foldable models faced screen creasing, hinge failures, and dust accumulation issues, leading to scepticism about their longevity.
Manufacturers have since made improvements, with devices like the OPPO Find N5 featuring a refined hinge mechanism that significantly reduces screen creasing. OPPO claims that the Find N5 can withstand hundreds of thousands of folds, making it more reliable than its predecessors. However, long-term user experience will determine whether these claims hold true in real-world conditions. While lab tests suggest improved durability, only years of regular use can confirm whether foldables can truly match the lifespan of traditional smartphones.
The hinge is another critical weak point. It is the most mechanically complex part of a foldable phone, and over time, repeated folding and unfolding can lead to misalignment or wear. While Samsung and OPPO have introduced dust-resistant and reinforced hinge designs, the risk of mechanical failure remains higher than in standard smartphones. Repairs for a damaged hinge can be costly, further adding to the concerns about foldables’ long-term viability.
Battery life is also a concern. With larger screens and more power-intensive functionalities, foldables often struggle to match the battery efficiency of traditional smartphones. While companies have worked to improve software optimisations, battery life still tends to be shorter, requiring more frequent charging. The OPPO Find N5 incorporates a power-efficient chipset to help mitigate this issue, but whether it outperforms competitors like the Samsung Z Fold5 remains to be seen.
The cost factor: Worth the investment?
Foldable smartphones are significantly more expensive than traditional flagship devices, often priced between US$1,500 and US$2,000 (~S$2,000 to S$2,700). This high cost raises an important question: do their features justify the price, or are they simply an expensive novelty?
The main reason behind the high price of foldables is the complex engineering and materials involved. Unlike standard smartphones, foldables require specialised flexible displays, reinforced hinges, and sophisticated manufacturing processes, all of which drive up costs. The OPPO Find N5, for instance, integrates premium materials and cutting-edge technology, contributing to its high price tag.
Beyond the initial purchase, repair costs are another financial concern. A damaged foldable display is far more expensive to replace than a traditional smartphone screen, with some repairs costing upwards of US$500โUS$700 (~S$675 to S$945). While manufacturers offer extended warranties or protection plans, these add-ons further increase the total cost of ownership.
However, as technology advances and production scales up, foldables may become more affordable over time. Similar to how OLED displays and 5G connectivity eventually became mainstream, foldables could follow the same trajectory. Until then, they remain a premium product targeted at early adopters and tech enthusiasts willing to invest in innovation.
The future of foldables: Trend or transformation?
The future of foldable smartphones depends on whether manufacturers can overcome the current limitations of cost, durability, and usability. Devices like the OPPO Find N5 showcase significant progress, but the category as a whole is still evolving.
Consumer adoption will be the deciding factor. Demand will rise if more people find foldables genuinely useful and practical, leading to further investments and improvements. However, they may struggle to move beyond a niche market if they remain expensive and fragile.
Competition among major brands like Samsung, OPPO, and Apple (if they enter the foldable space) will also play a role in driving innovation and affordability. As more companies develop foldable technology, the market may eventually mature into a mainstream category, much like how large-screen smartphones became the norm over time.
For now, foldables remain an exciting but imperfect innovation. Whether they become the next big thing in mobile technology or fade into a niche category depends on how well manufacturers refine the technology and address consumer concerns in the coming years.
