latest
Read update
When I started reviewing smartphones, there was always something new happening. There were physical keyboards, tablet docks, sliders, flippers, and every hinge conformation you could imagine. Then, everyone settled on the flat glass slab, because let's face it, most of those ideas were terrible. You know what's not terrible? Foldables. I know, I was surprised, too.
Samsung's new Unpacked teaser hints at colorful foldable news
A potential comeback for Moto Maker-like customization
Remember Moto Maker? Motorola used to make it easy to personalize your Moto X or Moto G with whatever colors you liked the most, but it quietly discontinued the program several years ago. The Galaxy Z Fold3 and Z Flip3 are the newest foldable devices from Samsung, complete with top-notch specs and, at least in the case of the Z Flip3, a more affordable price. With another event on the horizon, the company might be ready to pick up the mantle from Motorola, with the introduction of customizable colors for both of its folding phones.
Watch this satisfying video of the Galaxy Z Fold3 and Flip3 enduring some rigorous durability tests
Samsung's latest foldables are selling like hot cakes
Samsung's Galaxy Z Fold3 and Flip3 are the best foldable phones on the market and some of the most exciting mobile devices in recent memory. One of the big improvements made this year is durability, with both phones featuring an IPX8 water resistance rating for the first time. Now Samsung's sharing some of the testing that's gone into assuring its hardware holds up to our abuse, while also offering a peek into sales performance.
"Wow! Is that a flipping phone?!" is one of the many exclamations I have heard whenever I've used my Galaxy Z Flip3 in public — “Is that an Apple?” was also one of them. It's quite a marvel, almost too good to be true, and it really is a commendable attempt from Samsung at democratizing the foldable form factor. I had to try one for myself, and it was only when I did that I realized it might not be as practical as it seems.
The final release of Android 12 is coming very soon, but details have started to drip in on what follows it. While the logical answer to that would be "Android 13," Google is apparently going for an approach it hasn't taken in quite some time: a point release. Recent evidence strongly suggests Google will be releasing a minor revision shortly after Android 12. Now, screenshots of a 12.1 build have surfaced online, and by the looks of it, it's becoming way better for foldable phones.
Android 12.1 spotted with some enhancements for foldables — Google Pixel Fold incoming?
Could Android get a point release again after years?
Android 12 Developer Preview 2 added a hidden taskbar in the Google Pixel launcher that made it easier to switch between apps on large-screen devices like tablets. However, Google didn't make any major improvements to the feature in subsequent beta releases. It looks like the company has instead been holding it back and worked on improving it behind the scenes for Android 12.1.
TCL made a Galaxy Z Flip-style folding phone, but you may never get to buy it
It can't compete with the coronavirus
Some much-needed competition in the foldable phone space has been officially waylaid for now. TCL's Project Chicago, a clamshell-styled would-be competitor to Samsung's Galaxy Z Flip3, is on indefinite hold from release.
Samsung shows off its newest OLED tech in a crazy concept video
Your next foldable phone might transform into your alarm clock
Read update
Samsung's first-gen folding phone was rough around the edges, but with each new device comes plenty of refinement, proving the tech is here to stay. It's no secret that the company is working on follow-ups to last year's Galaxy Z lineup, and we might be looking at a preview of what's to come. As part of Display Week 2021, Samsung Display unveiled some new OLED panels today that could hint at the future of smartphones.
New, dodgy Galaxy Z Flip3 and Z Fold3 leaks give us panda Pixel vibes
A bigger secondary display seems like a good move, but check out these camera bumps
A handful of renders and what is claimed to be a promotional video for Samsung's upcoming foldables have been circulating today, ostensibly showing off the Z Fold3 and Z Flip3. While we remain a little skeptical and cannot corroborate the details with our own sources, a handful of known leakers are convinced, and a few key details do jibe with what we would expect. Still, some design details are a little unusual, so take the news with an appropriate (if not massive) dose of salt.
Huawei's folding phone survived a torture test that'll make you squirm
The Mate X2 handled it like a champ
Durability usually isn't the first thing that comes to mind when we think of folding phones — at least, not in a positive context. The bleeding edge form factor makes use of moving parts like hinges, with non-IP-rated gaps between parts and fragile plastic or "polymer" display components. So it's pretty surprising to see the nearly $3,000 Huawei Mate X2 survive JerryRigEverything's backward bend test seemingly without any damage at all.
One of the big problems with folding phones may finally have a fix
You probably shouldn't take them swimming, though
Since their inception, durability has been a pressing issue for foldable devices, as evidenced by the launch problems that plagued the original Galaxy Fold. The Z Flip and Z Fold2 represented a significant leap in build quality, refining the design and greatly improving the hinge mechanism. But even with those changes, there was still the conspicuous absence of any IP rating; it's much harder to waterproof something with moving parts, after all. Thankfully, Samsung may have found a way to bring some level of ingress protection to the upcoming Z Flip2 and Z Fold3.
Samsung could finally make the tablet Apple can't
It may happen a little later than expected, though
If you didn't know Samsung's working on a tablet with a display that folds not once, but twice, count yourself informed. Following initial reporting, further details are unfolding about the product build and timeline.
Xiaomi's first foldable could be the Galaxy Fold competitor we've been waiting for
The company also unveiled a retouched brand identity
Following Samsung, Huawei, Motorola, and Co., Xiaomi has finally joined the foldable club. During the second part of its annual mega event, the company introduced the Mi Mix Fold, its very first folding phone. The manufacturer went with a more traditional design (if you can call it that already) first established by the Galaxy Fold, with a big 4:3 screen on the inside and a smaller 27:9 display on the outside for use like a regular smartphone.
We won't get a Galaxy Note from Samsung this year
Is this the end of the road for the popular flagship series?
You may have already heard whispers about a shortage of semiconductors affecting the technology and automotive sectors, but it looks like the worst is yet to come. According to Samsung CEO DJ Koh, this "serious imbalance in supply" could lead to some tough decisions in the next business quarter. Chief among those is the call to scrap this year's Galaxy Note flagship.
Huawei's new folding phone costs as much as a used car and still doesn't have a real app store
Still no Google apps on-board
Huawei announced its next-gen foldable, the Mate X2, in China today. The phone features an inward-folding design, in stark contrast to the original Mate X, whose display wrapped around it. In other words, it finally adopts the design approach that Samsung has stuck with since the original Galaxy Fold — a wise decision given how fragile flexible panels are. What may prove to be quite a bit less wise, though, is how much Huawei wants you to pay for its phone.
Samsung mobile chief hints at Galaxy Note series demise, even cheaper foldable phones
But after what this year has done to us, will we even be able to afford any of this in 2021?
Hoping to upgrade to a Samsung Galaxy smartphone next year? If not, you may be formulating plans after you hear about how the company is prioritizing the development of its future slabs: mobile chief TM Roh has hinted at cheaper foldables and, perhaps, S Pens across more phones.
A bunch of Samsung Galaxy Z Fold2 features are rolling out to the original Fold in the US
Now if only it got a bigger exterior screen via a software update
Read update
Samsung released the Galaxy Z Fold2 a while back, packed with a slew of features that make it significantly better than the company's first attempt at a foldable phone. But the company hasn't forgotten about the first-gen Fold just yet. It's inheriting a few Z Fold2 capabilities via a firmware update that's now starting to roll out in the US.
Motorola is opening every Razr box to fold the phone for safer shipping
In case you forgot that foldables are fragile
Motorola launched its second foldable Razr phone recently, and this one is available unlocked rather than only on Verizon. If you decide to head over to the Amazon listing to pick up Moto's little flippy boy, you might notice a strange warning. The phone's "open" shipping configuration can potentially lead to damage during transit, so Moto is opening all the boxes to flip the phone closed. In the process, someone might get fingerprints all over your "new" phone.Here's the full notice posted on the official Amazon product listing.
Galaxy Z Fold2 review, one month later: Say hello to your future
If you can afford it, the Z Fold2 is worth it
Read update
I started out as a folding phone critic. In fact, I bought the Z Flip we reviewed this spring with the full intention of pointing out how dumb the idea was, except I was dead wrong. I fell in love with my little flip phone, and the last week spent with the Galaxy Z Fold2 has further cemented my change of heart. Folding phones are undeniably the future, and for the right folks, the Z Fold2 is a must-buy game-changer — though probably not for you.
Microsoft's Surface Duo was finally revealed after almost a year of teasing just earlier this week, and our readers seem pretty polarized about it — and the whole category of folding phones in general. To be fair, there are a lot of disadvantages, like sky-high price tags and durability concerns. In my mind, we've reached the second generation of foldables, and some of those issues are starting to be resolved (outside price, anyway). With the development made so far, I'm curious to know if you'd consider a foldable for your next phone.