5 Foldable smartphones we can’t wait to get our hands on

Just 40 years ago, the consumer was fascinated with touchscreens. Next, we put them everywhere. Then, we made them even smaller. And then even bigger. Now, we’re folding them in half. Foldable smartphones are the latest technology that’s knocking our socks off. But, will this trend last?

5 Foldable smartphones we can’t wait to get our hands on
  • Are we ready to spend $2000 on a foldable smartphone? The public’s first encounter with new technology and innovation can be hit or miss. The key to successful innovation is pairing the right amount of new technology with the perfect amount of tried and true technology. Whether or not the public is ready to test that with a foldable phone over $2000 is still up for debate.
  • What were some highlights from MWC 2019? Smartphones that fold in half, doctors using 5G connectivity for surgery, and a $3500 mixed reality headset made for the factory — MWC 2019 was one newsworthy event after another. If you didn’t have time to keep up, don’t fret. We’ve got all the best announcements and devices right here.
  • Will Apple create a foldable iPhone? Rumor has it: Apple’s foldable phone design is taking shape faster than before.

Foldable smartphones aren’t a new idea; the concept has been slowly evolving for a few years. However, these brands are making it the norm with release dates as soon as April 2019. And, some of the brands are taking things further than a foldable design, if that was even possible.

MWC 2019 was primetime for foldable device announcements and the big brands totally delivered. Not everyone is on board with foldable smartphones so the question remains – is it just a fad? Or, are we heading towards a new future of mobile productivity?

Samsung Galaxy Fold

Featuring a slim body and slim bezels, this device easily transforms into a tablet. When the Samsung Galaxy Fold Smartphone isn’t completely folded, both the back and front screens are illuminated. Using the Infinity Flex display, the dual-screen smartphone offers a larger display than previous models. When folded, the smartphone shows selected information on a hidden display.

Huawei Mate X

With its flexible display, the soft screen of the Huawei Mate X is capable of bending and stretching. Exceptionally thin, the Falcon Wing design gives the smartphone a flat and smooth finish on either side of the device. Similarly, the durable and strong design prevents the screen from stretching or bulging when folding or unfolding. Thanks to Huawei FullView, the bright OLED display offers a wider view and captivating color.

The Nubia Alpha

The Nubia Alpha has a flexible 4-inch OLED display that comes with a link bracelet. Yes – you read correctly. The smartphone can be worn like a bracelet. You have the option of an anodized stainless steel or 18k gold body. Both variants are heat- and water-resistant. Utilizing a custom-built OS, the wearable foldable smartphone supports voice commands, air gestures, multi-touch gestures, and more.

Nubia Alpha has a flexible 4-inch OLED display

Nubia Alpha has a flexible 4-inch OLED display

TCL Foldable Concept Phone

Featuring a 7.2-inch flexible OLED display, this device safely folds 180 degrees with its patented DragonHinge design. Using a series of tiny gears, the DragonHinge helps protect the display and allows the TCL Foldable Concept Phone to unfold quickly. Likewise, it offers the ideal amount of flexibility without feeling flimsy.

The TCL phone folds 180 degrees with its patented DragonHinge design

The TCL phone folds 180 degrees with its patented DragonHinge design

LG V50 ThinQ 5G

The LG V50 ThinQ features a 6.4-inch QHD+ OLED FullVision Display along with 19.5:9 aspect ratio. It provides an immersive experience whether you’re playing a game or watching a video. To top it off, the LG V50 ThinQ works with the optional Dual Screen, which adds another 6.2-inch OLED display. You can also use the phone and Dual Screen display independently. Designed to offer an outstanding user experience, this 5G handset is 20 times quicker than 4G.

This foldable screen is an optional attachment which means you have the option of a more traditional smartphone or going for the full device.

Even with all these big brands producing fantastic foldable designs, it’s still unclear if this trend is here to stay or even which design will become the norm. With Apple already working on their own stronger foldable design, we do know foldable technology is here to stay.

If all goes well, the entire mobile phone industry may hinge on foldable designs!

Madhurima Nag is the Head of Content at Gadget Flow. She side-hustles as a parenting and STEM influencer and loves to voice her opinion on product marketing, innovation and gadgets (of course!) in general.
Join the Discussion

You Might Also Like

How will the tariffs affect the prices of consumer tech like smartphones and laptops?
How will the tariffs affect the prices of consumer tech like smartphones and laptops?
When President Donald Trump rolled out tariffs on exports from 75 countries, experts predicted the next iPhones in the US might run you around $2,150. The Consumer Technology Association even suggested sales of laptops and tablets could plunge by up..
ASUS TUF Gaming A15 review: Powerful performance at a budget price
ASUS TUF Gaming A15 review: Powerful performance at a budget price
Buying a cheap gaming laptop means accepting trade-offs. But why does battery life always seem like the first thing to go? Gamers deserve the freedom to play where they want—not just near an outlet. And let’s be honest, AMD chips..
These gadgets for mums are that good—I’d recommend them to my group chat
These gadgets for mums are that good—I’d recommend them to my group chat
If you’re looking for the perfect gift to surprise and delight the mom in your life, you’re reading the right blog. As a real mum who reviews tech for a living, I’ve rounded up some of the top gadget gifts..
Apple Vision Pro 2: Say goodbye to the 2 main problems you had before
Apple Vision Pro 2: Say goodbye to the 2 main problems you had before
When I first heard Apple was working on the Vision Pro 2, I assumed they fell into what economists call the sunk-cost fallacy. That’s when someone refuses to drop a project because they’ve already poured a ton of money and..
JBL Flip 6 review: I tested it so you don’t have to
JBL Flip 6 review: I tested it so you don’t have to
Let’s get this out of the way: I’ve owned way too many portable speakers. Some were loud, some were waterproof, and some were just… expensive mistakes. So when I saw the shiny JBL Flip 6 on my feed with its..
Nintendo Switch 2 launch games: What I’m planning to play first
Nintendo Switch 2 launch games: What I’m planning to play first
When I tuned in to the Nintendo Switch 2 Direct, my first thought was, “Really? That’s it?” It felt like Nintendo was playing it safe—more of the same instead of doing something bold and new. I couldn’t believe how hyped..