Despite this, foldable phones are still less widespread than traditional phones, with it likely that the reason is due to the continued existence of a group of challenges that manufacturers have not been able to fully solve yet.
Camera protrusion…an unexpected problem
Some may think that the most prominent problem with foldable phones is the fragility of the screen or the obvious crease that appears in the middle of it, but there is another design problem that may be more annoying in daily use, which is the instability of the phone when placed flat on the table.
According to a report published by Engadget, a website specialized in technology news, cameras represent the main factor behind this problem, as most modern phones rely on camera units protruding from the back of the device.
The problem becomes more apparent in foldable phones, as companies try to make them as thin as possible to resemble traditional phones when closed, at a time when components such as camera sensors need a large space inside the structure.
The protrusion of the camera is a practical engineering solution, because it allows additional space for lenses and sensors outside the body of the phone, but this design, in return, causes the device to shake and sway when placed on a flat surface.
In the new Galaxy Z Fold 8, the problem becomes more apparent, as the camera module not only protrudes from the back, but also comes in a vertical design, which makes the phone more susceptible to swaying when placed on the table.
On the Reddit platform, posts appear from users complaining about the instability of the phone, while some users’ dissatisfaction has reached the point of disassembling their devices and completely removing the rear cameras, a procedure that is certainly not recommended, but it reflects the extent of discomfort with the design.
As companies continue to reduce the thickness of phones and develop camera capabilities, this problem may become more difficult to solve, especially since improving imaging quality requires larger sensors and more complex components.
One solution may be to increase the thickness of the phone and make the back flat, as was the case in some phones previously, but this option conflicts with the industry’s trend towards thinner devices. Therefore, using a thick cover may still be the most practical solution for users.
Foldable phones…an experience full of compromises
Despite these problems, foldable phones provide a different user experience, as the user can get a large screen that is close in size to tablets, with the ability to fold the phone and put it in the pocket.
With the continued launch of new devices from “Samsung” and the high level of interest in them, this category may witness an additional boost during the coming period, especially with expectations related to the launch of “Apple” the first foldable iPhone, which may attract more global attention to these devices.
But the foldable phone experience still requires a number of compromises, aside from the camera protrusion issue.
The crease in the middle of the screen is still present, and despite the efforts made by companies to reduce its clarity, the screen may appear to contain wrinkles, which may become more apparent after repeated use and opening and closing the phone over a period of months.
Software also represents another challenge, especially on the Android system, as some applications are still not designed to take optimal advantage of large screens that are close to the size of tablet screens.
This problem appears in applications such as “Tik Tok”, whose display may appear less than ideal on the Galaxy Z Fold 8’s wider and shorter screen.
This point may represent an area where Apple can excel, given that iOS apps usually adapt more quickly to new devices and features.
High price for the gear
In addition, the high price of foldable phones cannot be ignored compared to traditional smartphones, especially since they do not always offer the best specifications and components despite their high cost.
According to the leaks, the foldable iPhone, in turn, may face some compromises, including the absence of a zoom lens and the Face ID feature, two features that have become an essential part of the experience of using iPhone Pro models.
Thus, despite the great development that foldable phones have witnessed over the past years, their widespread spread is still linked to the ability of companies to address the problems of design, folding, software, and prices, in addition to providing an experience that does not require the user to make many concessions.
