Foldable phones: crease obsession or genuine progress?

The relentless pursuit of a flawlessly flat foldable screen is dominating the smartphone industry, but is it a worthwhile obsession for consumers?

Beyond the crease: a realistic look at foldable tech

Samsung and other major players are reportedly fixated on eliminating the crease in foldable displays – a detail that many users are perfectly content with, even on older models. While a truly crease-free foldable remains elusive, advancements are undeniably being made. Oppo’s Find N series, for instance, demonstrates a noticeable reduction in crease visibility, proving that a ‘good enough’ crease is increasingly acceptable.

Early foldables were notoriously fragile and plagued by prominent, unsightly creases. Initially, they appealed to a niche market of tech enthusiasts and those seeking flashy, expensive status symbols – both groups were willing to accept compromises. However, recent iterations have become thinner, stronger, and more capable, blurring the lines between foldable and traditional smartphones. The Oppo Find N5, a predecessor to the current Find N6, showcased that flagship foldable experiences are no longer confined to slab-like designs.

Now, manufacturers face a critical crossroads. Should they prioritize battery capacity – pushing towards 8,000-9,000 mAh levels? Or perhaps quadruple camera setups? The focus on display brightness, speakers, gaming performance, thermal management, or even software optimization remains a significant consideration. Many companies have clearly prioritized the creaseless experience – fueled by rumors of Apple and Samsung’s own intense focus on achieving this seemingly unattainable goal.

But this dedication comes at a cost. Every feature manufacturers target means that other advancements are inevitably sidelined. Samsung, for example, may postpone upgrades to key components, such as the M14 OLED material, for a third consecutive year. The reality is a middle ground: early foldables were problematic; current models offer a significant improvement, but are frequently hampered by price. A truly creaseless foldable, should it ever materialize – likely in 2027 – will undoubtedly command a premium, potentially pushing the barrier of affordability out of reach for most consumers. Ultimately, it seems we’re settling for a 'good enough' crease, and perhaps that’s a perfectly reasonable trade-off.”n