Foldable smartphones have come a long way since their inception. However, they are still not close to replacing conventional handsets that are superior in several aspects. Last year, we reviewed the Galaxy Z Fold 5 and Flip 5, two exceptionally well-made foldables that are close to what we can call an all-round smartphone experience. However, they have their cons, including average camera quality on the Fold 5 and poor battery life on the Flip 5. Users also cherished phones like the Pixel Fold and the Vivo X Fold 2. However, these phones weren’t available globally. You see, there are still some shortcomings, but we still hope that the industry grows and overcomes every obstacle.
Enthusiasts Are Waiting To See Galaxy Z Fold 6 And Flip 6
That said, 2024 is going to be a pivotal year in the foldable phone industry. According to Indian tipster Yogesh Brar, there will be 10 foldable launches this year. Further, most of these models will be available globally, allowing previously unexplored markets to experience some of the most sophisticated smartphone tech. The first names in the list are the Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 6 and the Flip 6.
Recently, we published high-quality 360-degree video and 5K renders of both the Z Fold 6 and Flip 6. In the renders, the smartphones look similar to their predecessors, revealing Samsung’s conservative approach to the design. We guess the Korean tech giant is going by saying, “If it ain’t broke, don’t fix it.” Nonetheless, both the Fold 6 and the Flip 6 should feature Qualcomm’s Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 SoC, along with several Galaxy AI features yet to make their way to the lineup. We also expect the lineup to ship with seven years of OS upgrades, like the flagship Galaxy S24 series.
Regarding the launch date, Samsung could unveil the purported foldables on July 10, 2024. At the event, the company could also reveal the much-awaited Galaxy Ring and the Galaxy Watch 7. However, all eyes will be on the Galaxy Z Fold 6 and Flip 6, which should be the best foldables Samsung has ever made and help the brand keep up with increasing competition. The company should also launch the China-only variants of its foldables, dubbed W25 and W25 Flip.
OnePlus Open 2 And Oppo Find N5 To Arrive Later This Year
Chinese smartphone manufacturers are also gearing up to launch several foldable phones this year. For instance, OnePlus is working on Open 2, the successor to the rather well-received OnePlus Open (review) from 2023. Although there’s not much information to go about, the foldable could be based on Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 SoC. Then there’s the Oppo Find N5, which could come out globally later this year. However, Oppo seems to have dropped the Find N5 Flip, the successor to the Find N3 Flip (review) that came out in 2023.
Vivo And Xiaomi Could Go Global With Their Foldables
Like OnePlus, Vivo and Xiaomi are also planning to launch their foldables in the global market. While the former is working on the Vivo X Fold 3, the latter is developing the Mix Fold 4 for international markets. However, both brands are also making their flip-style audience for a China-only release. While Brar talks about a lot of foldables, he seems to have left out the Pixel Fold 2, renders of which have already surfaced.
Moreover, it’s going to be a busy year for foldable enthusiasts. We’re excited to see the pricing and marketing strategies that different brands incorporate to place their models against others. Rest assured that foldables from all companies will be more expensive than typical brick-style flagships. Whether they justify the premium price is something that is yet to be seen.
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