
What innovations appeared in the region of folding smartphones? And why classic folding beds is not a place among smartphones? We will answer these questions and show interesting novelties.
It is also clear, such devices do not meet modern realities and do not fully satisfy users' requests. Suggest an alternative to modern infinity screens, performance and ensure the requests of Internet surfing such models cannot unambiguously. In 2020, there is a new tendency in the form of flexible folding smartphones, which to some extent are clamshells.
How quickly this trend will develop further, it is difficult to say, while it is very expensive devices even by the standards of top devices. And that such models appear at least in the price segment of $ 500-700, the technology must work well. It may happen closer to the end of 2021 or later.
Flexible screens - development prospects
2019 can be designated as a period when there are new generation displays, which we see not only in smartphones, but also among television panels. In particular, the CES 2019 technician LG stated that she launches such models into mass production and even threatened to float the entire market.
With TVs, more or less, everything is clear, the roll turned out like the projection screen and take into their pleasure, even tighten all the walls with such "wallpaper". For new smartphones, there is no understanding how users will be perceived by the innovation and whether such a folding format will be in demand. What difficulties will face the owner of a similar device in the process of exploitation? And whether enough price to decrease?
Definitely this technology gave the necessary jerk for the further development of the industry, the devices using it look not just innovative, but as "guests from the future." For 2020, several smartphones are officially represented with flexible screens and the most interesting we will look further. In the future, they will be much more.
Best folding smartphones
Philips Xenium V989
- Chipset : 4-nuclear MediaTek MT6732, clock frequency 1500 MHz
- Memory (Operational / Custom) : 2 GB / 16 GB Screen : 3.7 inches, resolution 1280 × 720
- Camera : 13 MPIX
- Support 4 G : LTE Cat.4
Philips Xenium V989 - Classical " The clamshell, "which differs from other representatives of this form factor in the presence of a second display (external), not bad" hardware "and space price. And the original model V989 will not name - in fact it is a bit upgraded and modified V800, which was commercially available in 2016.
Gadget displays are located on both sides of the folding panel and are completely the same in size and characteristics. Also both sensory. That is, even the internal display responds to the touch, although the meaning of this, admit, is not entirely obvious.
The model is original, but the popularity in Russia has not achieved - primarily due to an impressive price. For 20 thousand, which are asked for V989, you can now buy a smartphone "candy", which, according to the characteristics, the "clamshell" philips is thoughtful.
Advantages :
- Good chamber (13 megapix).
- The presence of two displays.
- Support 4G.
- Two active SIM cards.
- Productive "filling".
Disadvantages :
- Significant weight - more than 200 grams.
- The price seems overestimated.
LG G8X ThinQ
- chipset : 8-nuclear Qualcomm Snapdragon 855, clock frequency 2840 MHz
- Memory (Operational / Custom) : 6 GB / 128 GB
- Two Screen : 6.4 inches, resolution 2340 × 1080
- Camera : 12 MPIX + 13 MPIX (ultrashire)
- Support 4 G : LTE CAT.4
LG courage - While other manufacturers avoid producing smartphones with two displays, the Korean company shows the world 3-screen gadget. LG G8X THINQ technology is implemented as: to the smartphone itself by means of the Type-C connector, a certain similarity of the coil covers is connected, which contains 2 additional displays. The first display is internal - absolutely identical to the main one. The second is the external - is monochrome. The diagonal is just over 2 inches, the destination is to show the time and battery charge.
The technology is curious, but not without subtle moments. In particular, mobile gits are perplexed why it was necessary to do a drop-shaped cutout on the second display - after all, there is no second front camera. The manufacturer explained this strange solution to the desire to keep symmetry.
Advantages:
Disadvantages:
Samsung Galaxy Z Flip
- Chipset : 8-nuclear Qualcomm Snapdragon 855, clock frequency 2840 MHz
- Memory (Operational / Custom) : 8 GB / 256 GB
- first screen : 6, 7 inches, resolution 2636 × 1080
- second screen : 1.1 inches, resolution 300 × 112
- Camera : 12 MPIX + 12 MPIX (wide-angle)
- Support 4G : LTE CAT.16
Samsung Galaxy Z Flip - the second after the FOLD model of the Korean manufacturer with a flexible screen. This is a smartphone "clamshell", which is oriented primarily on girls with very rich cavaliers. And after all, the cunning Koreans set up everything so that the dear gadget went on sale just on the eve of the day of all lovers.
In the closed state, Galaxy Z Flip resembles a powder. The true purpose of the apparatus is given a camera and a tiny external monochrome display, thanks to which you can, for example, find out the time in the Flash mode - without folding the device and without raping the hinge. Open the device with one hand it turns out, but only if the hand is big. Focus is that halves are fixed at any angle, and if you are interested in an angle of 180 °, you will have to wait until the end.
Advantages :
- GORILLA Glass 6 Protective glass
- The strongest hinge mechanism protected by a variety of patents.
- The newest operating system (Android 10).
- A powerful processor made according to the 7-nm technical processor.
- a lot of memory - user and operational.
- ESIM technology support.
- The presence of wireless and reversing charging.
- StereoDynamics with Dolby ATMOS support.
- There are unusual colors - gold and pink.
Disadvantages :
- lack of degrees of protection.
- Price just space.
ROYOL FLEXPAI
- Chipset : 8-nuclear Qualcomm Snapdragon 855, clock frequency 2840 MHz
- Memory (operational / user) : 6-8 GB / 128-256 GB
- First screen : 7, 8 inches, resolution 1960 × 1080
- Camera : 16 MPIX + 20 MPIX (wide-angle)
- Support 4 G : FDD-LTE
ROYOL FLEXPAI - The very futuristic smartphone with a flexible screen, which first imagined the most courageous dreamers. It is curious that not large world producers managed to implement this technology, but modest Chinese.
The smartphone was presented at the end of 2018, but you should not edit yourself if we have not heard about it. The "folding bed" Royol FlexPai is sold only in the subway, it is possible to order it on Aliexpress for the fantastic amount for a nou-neim - more than 120 thousand rubles. The gadget is not popular also because market experts and large blogs in one voice criticized it. The device "got" primarily behind an illogical software and frankly cheap screen. Those who have happened to use ROYOL FLEXPAI, argue that just a few bends-extensions in the center of the screen is formed a darkened area.
Advantages:
Disadvantages:
Huawei Mate X
- Processor: 8-nuclear KIRIN 980, clock frequency 2.6 GHz
- The screen is folded: 6.6 inches, resolution 2480 x 1148
- The screen is decomposed: 8 inches, resolution 2480 x 2200
- Camera: 40 + 16 + 8 MPIX
- Memory (operational / built-in): 8 GB / 512 GB
- Battery capacity: 4500 Mach
The most interesting and advanced folding smartphone with a flexible screen, which It became available for sale in the second quarter of 2019 at a well-known price. It is expected to consider the innovative display and other advanced features of the device. However, the device is pretty controversial.



The main issue remains the reliability of the folding system and actually the appearance of the inflection with intensive use? In the unfolded state in new devices, nothing is noticeable, the image of an amoled matrix of excellent quality, the picture is bright and saturated. In the folded state, the smartphone looks like normal, but you can always deploy the screen directly in the "hot" mode, if you want to expand the viewing area. The manufacturer assures in full reliability.
Doubts in the words of developers do not have to come, but healthy criticism never hurts. Moreover, the cost of the apparatus implies supersensing and the corresponding strength of the device. One thing can be said for sure - the hinges responsible for the rotary design have special stability and durability. Their development was fully conducted Huawei.



In addition to the top performance, the smartphone received the most powerful 5G modem of modernity, which can provide data transmission up to 4.6 Gbps per second. For example, Qualcomm X50 and Exynos 5100 competitors provide no more than 2.4 Gbps per second. Also, the novelty received a powerful battery with a super fast charging 55W. The battery will fully provide a rather voracious system and recharges up to 85% in just 30 minutes.



As a camera, a set of three sensors on Leica optics with advanced shooting features is used. The folding system involves the failure of the front camera. If you shoot Self, then through the main sensors. In the folded state, the device has dimensions of 161.3 x 78.3 x 11 millimeters, and in decomposed 161.3 x 146.2 x 5.4 millimeters, weight is 285 grams.
Advantages:
- Innovative Folding Screen AMOLED
- Flagship performance
- Super fast battery charging
- Powerful chambers AI
- High-speed 5G-bond
- Android 9.0
Disadvantages:
- Very high price
Samsung Galaxy Fold
- Processor: 8-nuclear Snapdragon 855, clock frequency 2.84 GHz
- Screen 1: 6 inches, resolution 2152 x 1536
- Screen 2: 4.6 inches, HD + resolution (21: 9)
- Camera 1: 16 + 16 + 12 MPIX
- Camera 2: 10 + 8 MPIX
- Chamber 3: 10 MPIX
- Memory (Operational / Built-in): 12 GB / 512 GB
- Battery capacity: 4380 mAh
Samsung implemented a slightly excellent concept of the folding smartphone and created a more compact model with Folding inside the display. The previous model is folded on the contrary. It is difficult to say which of the concepts is more convenient, for sure, many are closer to the previous version of the device, which looks like a regular smartphone, but can expand if necessary.
The South Korean vendor chose a different path, here if you need a screen, in any case, you need to decompose it. An additional screen is designed to view general information: messages, calls and other quick data. To make a full-fledged surfing on the Internet for this is hardly convenient. In the latter case, a Super AMOLED matrix is used, and the main display is made of flexible Dynamic AMOLED. Image quality is excellent in both cases.



The same question about reliability arises. What intensity will the screen withstand until a bend line appears on it? And it will probably appear over time, although both manufacturers claim the opposite. Perhaps we are wrong, only time will put everything in its place.
The cameras are arranged in an interesting way: the main one consists of three sensors and is located on the back of the folded smartphone, the second double is located on the inside above the display and the third single is located on the side of the secondary display. Each camera has its own task: for key shots, selfies and video communication.



The new product received flagship performance, a battery with fast charging 18W, all modern interfaces and support for 32-bit / 384 kHz audio and Dolby Atmos in conjunction with AKG. Dimensions at the time of writing the article are not reported.
Definitely, this foldable smartphone, like the previous model, is an exclusively fashion device and is not available to everyone. The start of practical application has been laid, so it remains only to wait for the development of events and the appearance of an even greater number of such devices. Further, competition will do its job and lower prices, especially since these are not the only representatives of their niche.
Advantages:
- Innovative folding screen AMOLED
- Flagship performance
- Fast battery charging
- Powerful AI chambers
- Support 5G communication
- OS Android 9.0
Disadvantages:
- Very high price
Conclusions
After such innovations, clamshell smartphones seem to be archaic, so we can in fly. The new trend enters the market and the two models will not be limited. Not only Huawei and Samsung showed their embodiments of the new technology, but OPPO and TCL also demonstrated prototypes of flexible smartphones.
Photo OPPO :



photo TCL:



pleased And Google. The leakage of information from Google occurs so often that you can suspect that Google itself is trying to heat an interest in such a non-trivial way. Another case: Blog 9To5Google got the internal document of "Corporation of Good", which allows you to judge that at the end of 2021 the manufacturer will present its first folding phone. In the documentation, the gadget appears under the code title. However, no technical characteristics of the smartphone are not given there.
Conversations that Google will soon release a folding smartphone, went back in 2019 - the CNET portal reported. Then the head of Google's development Mario Cayaros clarified that we are talking only about the prototype, and not about the device that could be retailed. From comments about the fresh leakage in Google still refrain.
Within 2021, the tendency will pick up other manufacturers, everyone will want to participate in this race of innovation and take their market share. What do you think about it? Share your opinions in the comments.
Radger F1
- Number of displays: 2
- Specifications of the main screen: 2.6 inches, 320 × 432 pixels
- Operating system: Android 4.4
Chinese love to produce smartphones With a protected case. Here and Radger F1 can be calmly washed under the crane. All connections present on the device have plugs. They allow you to hope for the rescue of the device, even if it fell under water.
This smartphone was released not yesterday and not even last year. In this regard, we advise you not to hope for advanced characteristics. The main feature of the device can be considered the battery, the capacity of which reaches 2,800 mAh. The smartphone will be charged not more than once every two days. The rest of the device can be called relatives of superb budget models. A surprisingly small internal display is built here. A 1,4-inch diagonal has an external screen, its resolution is only 128 × 128 points. However, this is enough to show current notifications, as well as dates and time. It's amazing that both display covered with Gorilla Glass 3 glass is not to worry about the appearance of scratches.
The device provides a quad-core processor from MediaTek. Also under the case are hidden 1 GB of operational and 8 GB of permanent memory. An important fact is the support of GPS and GLONASS satellites - navigation applications will definitely work properly. And this folding smartphone is capable of transmitting data via LTE networks.
Advantages
- Cream Battery;
- there is a protective glass;
- Case Protection according to IP54;
- There is support for LTE;
- Convenient physical keyboard;
- Navigation module works well.
Disadvantages
- Old version of the operating system;
- Very modest chamber (5 MP);
- Low resolution of both displays;
- Only one SIM card slot.
Sharp Aquos K SHF31
- Number of displays: 2
- Specifications of the main screen: 3.4 inches, TFT, 540 x 960 Points
- Operating system: Android 4.4
- Weight: 128 g
Many clamshell smartphones have two screens. Sometimes they are absolutely the same. But in the case of Sharp Aquos K SHF31, this is not at all. The external display here is strictly auxiliary. It is made by monochrome technology and has a resolution of 128 x 36 pixels. It displays either only the time and level of battery charge, or all this is complemented by the date. Type of display The information changes after pressing the shutter button - this is also present here. But the screen is blind in the sun, so you can not always consider something on it.
Disclose this smartphone you will have to do it yourself. There is a modification of this model with the automotive button, but it is already completely unrealistic to find it - it was rare even at the start of sales. The device is endowed with quite old software. But the operating system works without any brakes, for which you should thank the SNAPDRAGON MSM8926 processor, consisting of four computing nuclei.
Most of all, this clamshell should be pleased with its camera with a resolution of 13.1 megapixel. Also here everything is in order with wireless modules - even LTE is supported. Finally, it is impossible not to note the moisture and dustproof according to IPX5 / IPX7 standards. But it is possible to disappear that the main screen of this device is not sensory. Instead, the touchpad is almost the entire lower part on which the keyboard is located. The first time to this will have to get used to
of advantages
- stable operation of software;
- Support LTE;
- The presence of a memory card slot;
- Cute design;
- Water and dust-proof housing;
- LED indicator;
- The presence of the camera shutter button.
Disadvantages
- Operational Android 4.4 Kitkat system;
- Headphones are connected only through a microUSB adapter;
- are not the best viewing angles;
- The screen is not sensory.
Samsung W2016
- Number of displays: 2
- Main screen specifications: 3.9" Super AMOLED 768 x 1280 dots
- Operating system: Android 5.1.1 Lollipop
- Weight: 204 g
This Android clamshell smartphone may seem too heavy. But on the other hand, it has two screens at once, created using Super AMOLED technology! Both of them have the same resolution and diagonal. Theoretically, you can use the device without even opening it. But if you still decide on this action, you will get access to the physical keyboard.
The device is powered by an Exynos 7420 octa-core processor, clocked at up to 2.1 GHz. There are also 3 GB of RAM under the clamshell body. Everything is in order with the smartphone and with the main camera - its resolution is 16 megapixels. As for the front camera, it is 5-megapixel. Data transfer here is carried out via 3G, LTE, Bluetooth, Wi-Fi and NFC.
This is one of the most powerful clamshell smartphones. It even has support for fast charging technology, like all modern flagships! And only the high cost of production of such a device does not allow it to be outside of South Korea. But this will not stop you if you are interested in new items in a form factor forgotten by many.
Pros
- Both displays are Super AMOLED;
- Not a very old OS version;
- Good cameras;
- Nice design;
- Quick charge;
- LTE support;
- 64 GB ROM;
- Powerful components.
Disadvantages
- Too heavy.
LG Wine Smart H410
- Number of displays: 1
- Main screen specifications: 3.2" TFT, 320 x 480 dots
- Operating system: Android 5.1.1 Lollipop
- Weight: 143g
This device was created for those who do not pursue maximum performance. In fact, this device is not far from ordinary mobile phones. Yes, there is full Android and LTE support. But the rest of the wonders from the South Korean device should not. The fact is that it is endowed with very weak components. Yes, and the resolution of the display causes some pity.
The device is not the best suitable for photographing, since the resolution of the main chamber does not exceed 3 Mp. Certain restrictions imposes a minimum memory. Why then such a clamshell is needed? Everything is very simple. It was created for those who love such a form factor. For those who need smart features only from time to time. For example, on LG Wine SMART H410, you can set customers of social networks. And for something larger, the device is definitely not suitable.
Advantages
- Not bad appearance;
- The presence of a memory card slot;
- Support LTE;
- 5 quick access buttons;
- Fresh version of Android.
Disadvantages
- 4 GB of permanent memory;
- Very low displays permission;
- The simplest camera.
SAMSUNG GALAXY FOLDER
- Number of displays: 2
- Specifications of the main screen: 3.8 inches, TFT, 480 x 800 Points
- Operating system: Android 5.1 Lollipop
- Weight: 155 g
in South Korea clamshells still use noticeable demand. That is why Samsung continues to create smartphones in such a form factor - at least one model per year. For example, in the summer of 2015, Galaxy Folder appeared. This device is far from the title of the flagship. But the savings on the components allowed the manufacturer to seriously reduce the price tag.
From the serious problems of the device, it is possible to mark its TFT screen, which is not able to please the wide viewing angles. It may be embarrassed by his tiny diagonal. However, the South Koreans even such a small display provided high resolution, which led to the density of pixels at 246 PPI! As for the remaining characteristics, they are all right. The clamshell has 1.5 GB of RAM, LTE module and a good 8 megapixel chamber. And the battery is 1800 mAh should provide approximately one and a half day of autonomous work.
Advantages
- Beautiful design;
- Support LTE;
- Not very high weight;
- Not the oldest version of the OS;
- with memory everything is in order;
- High resolution of the display.
Disadvantages
- Size The screen may seem insufficient;
- The display was created using TFT technology;
- There is not even the simplest accessory.
SAMSUNG GALAXY FOLDER 2 (SM-G1650)
- Number of displays: 1
- Specifications of the main screen: 3.8 inches, 480 × 800 pixels
- Operating system: Android 6.0.1
- Weight: 160 g
Relatively inexpensive exclusive from the South Korean company Samsung. The device was released in 2017, there are two variants of the colors of its body. As a processor, a powerful Snapdragon 425 is set to moderate here. More and not required, because the picture is displayed on a modest display - its resolution is only 480 × 800 points. In this regard, the amount of memory at the smartphone is very limited - some 2 GB of RAM and 16 GB will seem little. However, no one bothers the user to install a microSD card.
An 8-megapixel rear camera is used for the photography of the smartphone. There is a device and "Frontalka", but its permission does not exceed 5 MP - it is enough only for video calls.
In the folded state, the device has dimensions of 122 × 60.2 × 15.4 mm. In short, the device turned out to be relatively compact and easy. But inaccessible for most Russians, because you can only buy it in South Korea - on the homeland of the manufacturer.
Advantages
- relatively low weight;
- under the case there is a powerful processor;
- two variants of the colors;
- Cute design;
- Comfortable keyboard;
- LTE networks are supported.
Disadvantages
- resolution Display can not be called high;
- SAMSUNG chambers are very modest;
- Low battery capacity - just 1950 mAh;
- There is no auxiliary screen.
DaxIan W189
- Number of displays: 2
- Specifications of the main screen: 3.5 inches, TFT, 320 x 480 Points
- Operating System: Android 4.2.2
- Weight: 190 g
If you want to buy a smartphone clamshell with two screens, without spending an astronomical amount, it makes sense to consider Daxian W189. This is a Chinese production apparatus that has the minimally permissible components. For example, there is a main camera with a resolution of 5 megapixel. The masterpiece will not create with its help, but it is still better than nothing.
You can install two SIM cards here. However, it should be understood that the LTE device is not supported, and therefore high-speed Internet access is possible only when the Wi-Fi is connected to the network. Also note that a smartphone has only 512 MB of RAM, which will not allow you to keep the many applications at once. A dual-core processor from MediaTek will not enjoy the high-speed operation of the operating system. If you remember the interesting possibilities of the device, then only the opportunity to talk to the interlocutor even at the time when the device is in a closed position.
Advantages
- relatively low cost;
- There is a memory card slot;
- Not very high energy consumption;
- Two slots for SIM cards.
Disadvantages
- Old version of the operating system;
- bad screens;
- weak components;
- No support for high-speed networks.