Motorola's Moto Flip was my first smartphone— which I owned back in 2008. While I still have that battered handset albeit a bloated battery and non-functional display, it wouldn't be wrong to say that the design cues were revolutionary and highly futuristic. No wonders, after almost 9 years of innovation, we are back to the old ways— discussing foldable smartphones and an inevitable resurgence of the same.
The Past, Present and Future
The concept of flipable or rather foldable handsets was adopted with open arms. While the devices looked classy, they were mostly hailed for the smaller form factor and the style statements. Moto Flip had an amazing radio, simple yet refreshing user interface and obviously the 3.5mm audio jack. However, most companies decided to move ahead— addressing complicated technologies, pixelated displays, potent cameras and what not.
Then again, 2017 seems to be the year when the likes of LG and Samsung might just address the past and bring back those flipable devices— simply to spice up the monotony associated with the existing smartphone market.
That said, it wouldn't be wrong to assume that Samsung was working on a foldable handset— roughly for a few years now and the expected launch in 2017 might not be as surprising as it might look like. The company was recently bashed for its exploding Note 7 and 2017 might just be the right time to bring back some vintage wine, preferably in a new bottle.
The Rumors
When it comes to a new strategy, rumors are bound to plague the internet. However, the rumor mill— this time— looks seriously legit and we might just see a new foldable handset from Samsung by the end of July.
Certain sources have reported that the Korean OEM is already working on the production phase and as many as 100,000 units will be released— at once. When it comes to the form factor, the concerned device might just double up as a massive, 7-inch tablet.
Quite Innovative I Guess!!
Not just Samsung but even LG seems to be working on a foldable smartphone— expected to hit stores by the last quarter of 2017. Other revelations hint towards a possible unveiling at the 2018 Mobile World Congress but talking through the rumors should be saved for the next post.
Foldable smartphones and their revival aren't anything uncalled for. Actually, these were conceptualized way back at the CES 2014 with the first prototype showing up a year later. Since then, most companies have been busy innovating further and this concept was ignored, momentarily.
However, Samsung is expectedly back with something called the Galaxy X— codenamed Project Valley and we can't stop talking about the same.
Purported Features
Frankly, I am upbeat for the resurgence of foldable handsets— precisely smartphones, as they will be offering something new as compared to the existing levels of boredom. In terms of feature sets, the upcoming Samsung Galaxy X or whatever the name might be— is expected to arrive with a closed clamshell— adorning speakers and selfie cameras within.
4K resolution looks imminent and a dual rear shooter arrangement is also in talks. While some might consider the 4K display as an overkill— especially when clamshells are considered— Samsung might just do anything to revive the foldable smartphone market.
Companies might actually opt for different user interfaces for these upcoming smartphones as most of us are already expecting the displays to work in and out. This might spruce up the mobile app development principles and most app creators could then work on launchers and other applications for these foldable entities.
I wouldn't go in-depth with the processor and camera expectations as those theories would be too farfetched— at least for now. However, I am expectant of a massively powerful smartphone if the concept of foldable handsets is addressed, anytime soon.
Bottom Line
There is a reason behind my excitement for the revival of clamshell smartphones. I believe that the future of smartphones can be a lot better if companies are willing to borrow the best from the past and pair it with innovations of the present. Foldable smartphone market makes me hopeful of the much-needed smartphone revolution— precisely when most companies are pondering over their next step in this partially saturated market.
Do share your ideas about the foldable smartphones in the comments below: