Being the age I am, I’m just old enough to remember flip-phones.
A relatively simple concept that has been on my mind lately for reasons I’ll get to. Widely considered obsolete unless you just want a cheap phone to make calls etc., these phones featured a screen on one side, a keypad on the other, with a hinge joint between the two.
The reason that this device has been dragged back to the front of my brain in recent weeks is because I am reminded of them every time I see this:
To be clear: I’m aware that this foldable iphone is not the first foldable modern smartphone (I know Samsung released them years ago also).
But I’m also left wondering: what is the point? I think I can perfectly understand the use of flip phones as they were when they were popular, but foldable phones I just can’t see the benefit. As far as I can see, these foldable type of phones offer little to no benefit that you couldn’t get from, say a regular iPhone or Samsung phone, in terms of the consumer and how they are used in general life. I get that the hardware/software may be different, but that’s not going to be a factor in most people’s daily lives (you’re not going to care about the type of core, or the screen resolution when you make a phone call, etc.) It seems like it’s more of a gimmick from the companies making them to try and make more sales, but even if that’s the case, the product must have something unique to offer, so what is it about foldable phones that are so unique besides the gimmick of folding?
this sounds like one of those "i don't like this book even though i haven't read it" kind of things.
Surely you can't so lack in imagination to understand expended screen real estate on a pocketable. computer is something people might think is a benefit?
I'd be lucky to make a call a month on my Moto Flip (50 ultra),
When i fold it down it's tiny and easily pocketable and when i flip it open on the 2 hr high speed train ride I just took, it's a great size. for catching up with a couple videos. It's unfolded now, the bigger screen at the top of the on screen kb is nice I got this one for an excellent price, 50% of rrp and had $200 in nearly expired vouchers but the screen isn't that much higher then a slab phone but is 1/2 the size in my pocket and I can do a fair bit on the outside screen re messages etc
I'd like a Samsung Fold 8 but can't justify the price, also when i travel i think I wouldn't need a laptop at all, a small foldable kb and mouse because it's really a pocket computer.