Global foldable smartphone shipments increased by just 2.9% YoY in 2024, and shipments are expected to decline by about 4% YoY in 2025.
Global foldable smartphone shipments increased by just 2.9% YoY in 2024, and shipments are expected to decline by about 4% YoY in 2025.
2024 saw the global foldable market growing at a comparatively flat annual rate of 2.9%.Samsung and OPPO’s unusually weak Q4 negatively impacted broader market dynamics.Huawei was a bright spot, as were Motorola, HONOR and Xiaomi.We are forecasting further tightness with single-digit negative growth...
Mr Mobile talked about this in his review of Oppo's Find N5.
Essentially, while the product is great and folding phones are finding more utility, the price is still prohibitively high.
I upgraded to a Pixel 9 a few months ago because I specifically wanted to run GrapheneOS. I did considered a Pixel Fold, but really couldn't justify the extra cost. Maybe next time though...
the problem with my NORMAL smartphone is it is TOO MUCH SCREEN. the bezels are so narrow i cant even grip it like a normal object without triggering touches on the screen sides. all buttons have been stripped off for over a decade now and you cannot hold it from the back without glueing an object on the back of your case. i can only reach 50% of my samsung phone screen with my thumb while holding it with one hand, making it a two handed device most of the time already. why in THE WORLD would i want my phone screen BIGGER?? honestly, why? the only thing I can think of is long commutes on a bus? but you can bring tablets... 🤷♂️
Because the front screen on my pixel fold is actually smaller
I think the idea is that for one, the front screen can be smaller and more easily used because the main screen is bigger. On the other hand, the main screen is bigger, allowing it to act as a tablet without having to carry a second device. On top of all that, it still fits in your pocket.
I think their cost is a huge barrier to entry for most people.
I've had a folding Samsung for the past year and it's really great. The hardware and software do need time to mature (in fact, the phone is nearly useless in "folded" mode without third-party apps), but at this point I don't think I could go back.
What makes you say the phone is useless in folded mode? I had the Fold 3 and 6 and I never really found the front screen to be an issue. If anything, I found it more usable than regular slab phones because of how narrow it is, it makes one handed usage so easy.
I'm interested in getting a foldable eventually, but I think it's still too soon and too costly.
Having 2 phones is much better in every use case, IMO.