The History of Foldable Phones
Foldable phones may seem like a new invention, but they have a long history spanning many years. From the very first flip phones to the flexible OLED smartphones of today, the history of foldable phones spans many innovations that have led to the versions we know. With Apple being heavily rumoured to unveil a foldable iPhone this year, we’re taking a look at the history of foldable phones and how they’ve become one of the most interesting trends in tech.
The early days: Flip phones
Before what we know as foldable phones today, the first iterations were classic flip phones. Whether a nostalgic memory for you or before your time, flip phones were hugely popular throughout the late 1990s and into the early 2000s. These featured a hinge that allowed them to be folded in half, making them convenient and compact to carry and protecting their screens and keyboards.
The Motorola Razr was an incredibly popular model and became instantly recognisable thanks to its compact design, physical keypad, and satisfying snap shut. At the time, the folding phone functionality was mainly about portability and protecting the keypad and screen. These early devices helped shape the idea that phones could be both functional and stylish.
The introduction of smartphones
Thanks to their convenient and practical design, flip phones had a good run into the 21st century. However, the launch of the first iPhone in 2007 led manufacturers away from foldable designs and instead towards the increasingly popular large, flat touchscreen displays.
For many years, new innovations were focused on bigger screens, slimmer bezels, improved cameras, and faster processors. However, brands then began to find new ways to stand out from competitors and explore new forms as smartphone designs became increasingly similar.
The return of foldable phones
By the late 2010s, manufacturers had begun rolling out modern foldable phones featuring flexible display technology. This innovative design became more popular among users seeking greater functionality from their phones.
Samsung was one of the first major brands to launch a mainstream foldable smartphone with the Galaxy Fold in 2019. After this, other manufacturers soon followed, including Motorola, Google, Huawei, Honor, and Oppo. Unlike older flip phones, these new devices used flexible OLED screens that could bend without breaking.
These retained the large, interactive touch screens that people enjoyed using while bringing new functions and convenience. Since their inception, foldable smartphones have generally fallen into two categories. This is either in the form of book-style foldable phones that open into bigger, tablet-sized screens or flip-style foldables that fold vertically into smaller devices.
Do foldable phones last?
With foldable smartphones, some have concerns as to how long they will remain in good condition. For those thinking of opting for one, the answer is that they’re designed to last, though they require a little more care than standard smartphones.
In their early stages, some models were criticised for aspects such as screen and hinge durability. However, manufacturers have since developed stronger materials, improved hinge systems, and used more durable, flexible glass. Many models are designed to last for hundreds of thousands of folds, though extensive, prolonged use may see some decrease in integrity.
If you sell your phone every two to three years, a modern foldable is fine. However, if you typically keep phones for five years or longer and want maximum reliability, a traditional flagship phone is likely the safer option.
How do foldable phones work?
Foldable smartphones use flexible OLED screens and specially designed hinge systems that allow them to bend without damaging the display. Instead of rigid glass, they use ultra-thin flexible glass and layered materials that can repeatedly fold and unfold while remaining functional.
Inside the phone, the components are divided into sections connected by flexible cables, allowing the device to fold safely. The software also quickly adapts between folded and unfolded modes, letting the screen expand from a compact phone into a larger display.
Why have foldable phones resurged?
The recent resurgence of foldable phones has proved that the features that consumers valued in flip phones haven’t disappeared. With flip-style foldable smartphones, users can once again enjoy the convenience of a device that folds into a much more portable, comfortable form when not in use, as well as new ways to set up their cameras.
In addition, book-style foldable phones now offer the benefit of a larger screen without carrying a much bigger device, enabling larger displays for streaming and gaming and improved multitasking.
As foldable smartphones have evolved, manufacturers have improved their durability, hinge designs, and battery life, all of which contribute to their continued appeal.
The future of foldable phones
Foldable phones still account for a smaller share of the smartphone market than standard models, largely due to their higher price point. However, they’ve quickly moved from being a novel concept to a genuine premium smartphone category.
As technology improves and prices gradually become more accessible, foldable phones are only likely to become more popular and prominent in the smartphone landscape.
Sell your old devices with ease at Mazuma Mobile
Whether you’ve got an older foldable smartphone and are eager to upgrade to a newer model, or you want to trade in your device to experience the foldable phone wave for yourself, Mazuma Mobile is the easiest place to do so.
Whether you’re looking to ‘sell my phone’, ‘sell my tablet’, ‘sell my console’, or any other old devices, you can quickly turn them into cash with us. We’ll pay you 100% of the quoted value, or we’ll send your device back to you free of charge. We offer the best possible prices and ensure your device gets a second lease of life, in line with our sustainable practices.If you’d like to find out anything more about how you can trade in your devices with us, get in touch with us today. A member of our team will be happy to help you however you need.