Foldable phones: Worth the cash?
08 May 2019
Some of the biggest-hitters in the mobile industry are releasing foldables very soon – but will they be worth the wedge? Here are some pros and cons to consider before you take the plunge.
Con: They’re super-expensive
With all due respect to Jessie J, sometimes it is about the money. Samsung, Huawei and Xiaomi have all made it clear that their first foldables will be ‘super-premium’ luxury products aimed at wealthy early-adopters.
When the Samsung Galaxy Fold finally reaches stores, it’ll retail at a £1,800. The Huawei Mate X will cost even more, with many predicting a purse-pummelling price-tag of £2,000+. Long story short; unless you’re a Russian oligarch, this is not a purchase to be taken lightly.
Pro: One device to rule them all
In the market for a new phone AND a new tablet? A foldable *could* be the answer.
Yes, the prices are way beyond what we’re used to with standard smartphones, but the whole point of a foldable phone is its versatility - and buying an all-in-one could save you purchasing a second device. Plus you’ll only need to carry one gadget around when you’re on the go. Precious indeed.
Con: Teething problems
With the first iterations of revolutionary devices, there are always issues that need to be ironed out.
You’ve probably heard about Samsung’s problems with review versions of the Galaxy Fold (apparently, many reviewers removed a plastic film on the device which looked like a screen protector, but was actually a key component of the device – which led to breakages).
If nothing else, this demonstrates that the first wave foldables need to be handled with more care and consideration than we’re used to.
There have also been reports of debris getting caught in folding mechanisms and increased vulnerability to nicks and scratches with plastic screens. Not a great start.
Huawei recently admitted that people should wait a couple of years for foldable technology to mature and prices to come down, and if the companies selling the devices are telling you to hold off, it has to be taken into account.
Pro: Cutting edge tech
Even with the prices and teething problems in mind, they’re still incredible devices. The vast majority of reviewers have been surprised by how quickly expandable screens became second-nature to them, and despite some concerns about interfaces and app-handling, we know user experience will improve over time with software updates.
So is it worth it?
For most people, our recommendation would be to wait for the second generation of flexy-phones.
However, if you’re willing to pay for a bleeding-edge smartphone and look past some of the new-tech issues – or you’re trying to reduce the number of devices you need to carry around with you day-to-day, don’t write the first generation of foldables off.
You might also like:
- Samsung Galaxy Fold: All the key info about this fancy, foldable device.
- Huawei Mate X: Will their first foldable justify the price-tag? Find out more!
- Mobile tech of the near future: Check out the amazing gadgets we saw at Mobile World Congress in 2019.