Do You Need a Big Foldable or a Tiny Flip? What to Consider When Choosing Your First Foldable Smartphone
The world of foldable smartphones is no longer the exclusive domain of Samsung. Chinese brands are increasingly joining the party, and even OnePlus, a brand known for its flagship phones, has entered the fray. With so many options on the market, choosing your first foldable can be overwhelming. Should you go for a large horizontal foldable or a compact clamshell flip? This guide walks you through the key factors to consider, helping you decide which form factor best suits your needs.
Bigger displays… are not always a good thing
Horizontal foldables like the OnePlus Open, with their near 1:1 aspect ratio inner displays, are ideal for multitasking. Imagine running Google Maps for navigation, WhatsApp for chats, and Spotify for music – all on the same screen! For work, you can even have Slack, Outlook, and Chrome open simultaneously, creating a mini on-the-go office setup.
However, the large, squarish inner display isn’t necessarily the best for entertainment. Video streaming content, typically shot in widescreen or 16:9, often shows significant letterboxing, leaving a large part of the screen unused. While Samsung’s Galaxy Z Fold 5 with its more rectangular 5:6 aspect ratio inner display is more tolerable for videos and games, it still pales in comparison to the wider 6:5 aspect ratio of the Google Pixel Fold, which provides a more comfortable experience.
In reality, watching videos on the Oppo Find N3 Flip‘s wider outer display or even the OnePlus Open‘s outer screen often proves more satisfying. Moreover, the smaller clamshell foldables are lighter and more comfortable to hold for extended periods, especially for media consumption.
Going big with cover displays
Cover displays, once merely for showing time and date, have evolved into fully functional mini-screens. The Motorola Razr 40 Ultra leads the way, allowing users to run full-fledged Android apps directly on the cover display.
This functionality proves especially useful on horizontal foldables, as their tall portrait cover displays function like standard smartphones, leaving the tablet-like inner display for multitasking. Well-optimized cover display software also extends battery life by reducing the need to access the inner display for single-app use. Game enthusiasts will also appreciate using the cover display, which is protected by more durable glass.
Software and support are equally important
Most Android apps are optimized for clamshell foldables, thanks to the natural portrait orientation of the inner display when opened. Software optimizations for clamshell models focus on seamless app switching between the cover display and the main display. Motorola’s Razr 40 Ultra excels in this area, offering a smooth transition for any app or game. Managing notifications is also significantly easier compared to other clamshells.
Horizontal foldables, however, face a challenge with app support. Most third-party apps haven’t been fully designed for tablets, a limitation similar to what Apple users encountered with early iPads. Google has taken steps to remedy this by redesigning its native apps for foldables, but most third-party apps still simply stretch across the entire display. This can result in letterboxing and awkward portrait layouts on the wide inner display. Until apps like Instagram adopt foldable-friendly layouts, this aspect will remain a consideration for horizontal foldable users.
Almost regular battery life… and some more
Manufacturers have successfully defied the limitations of space and size to achieve impressive battery life with foldables. While the latest models like the OnePlus Open, Oppo Find N3 Flip, Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 5, and Galaxy Z Flip 5 all offer a full day’s battery life or more, horizontal foldables generally hold an advantage due to their larger capacity. They can even deliver longer than a day of use, appealing to power users.
The camera is king?
With advances in technology, both horizontal and clamshell foldables boast good camera capabilities. However, horizontal models, with their larger overall size, can accommodate bigger and more powerful sensors. OnePlus Open is an excellent example, offering better camera quality than the compact Oppo Find N3 Flip, which despite having three rear cameras, faces size constraints. If high-quality photography is a priority, horizontal foldables offer a clear edge.
Of hinges and IP ratings
The complex hinge mechanism is the heart of any foldable, dictating both its durability and sleekness. Modern hinge designs, while protecting the delicate flexible display, are now more compact, allowing the two halves of a foldable to close seamlessly without visible gaps. This also contributes to a thinner profile when folded. These advances also make hinges more resistant to damage from accidental drops, a common concern with older models. However, dust and water resistance remains a hurdle for many foldables.
Samsung offers an IPX8 rating for water resistance against splashes and rain, but not heavy dust. Motorola’s foldables offer an IP52 rating, providing basic protection against both dust and water. If you need your phone to withstand harsh environments, a foldable may not be the best choice.
The Verdict
Ultimately, choosing the right foldable comes down to your individual priorities.
For multitasking power users, the horizontal foldables offer a large, versatile inner screen and longer battery life. However, their wider aspect ratio may impair video viewing, and app support still lags behind.
- Clamshell foldables, with their compact size and better cover display functionality, are perfect for those seeking a traditional smartphone experience with added advantages. They are also more portable and comfortable to hold. However, their smaller size restricts camera capabilities and battery life.
Whatever your choice, the foldable smartphone market is evolving quickly, with each generation bringing new innovations and improvements. Consider your needs and preferences, and you’ll be sure to find a foldable that seamlessly blends performance, style, and convenience.
