Ever since touchscreen phones came into the market, we have grown used to the flat rectangular devices that are ubiquitous now. However, brands are bringing back the folding factor years after flip phones. The question is: What are the drawbacks?
1. More Damage Risks
The standard smartphones that are common now already have weak points that are prone to breakage. With the way foldable phones are built, they are more susceptible to damage despite their screens being protected while folded. The hinge mechanism is especially fragile and will be hard to fix when it breaks, especially since it greatly affects the screen of the unit.
2. Screen Crease
Since the phone folds between the screen, there will be a visible crease that could be an eyesore to some users. This won't really go away, even if you don't close the phone. Some reviews state that you won't notice it once you use the phone and that it's not very noticeable, but knowing it's there could be irksome enough.
3. Limited Case Options
Since foldable phones are still not that common, you might have a hard time finding a case that fits. The unique build makes it difficult to create a case that would fit perfectly, and even then, some cases don't have a protective surface for the hinge. The same goes for screen protectors since most are not meant to fold.
4. App Incompatibilities
The way most, if not all, foldable phones work is that the screen will change its display depending on whether the phone is fully opened or bent. Since apps are designed mostly for landscape or portrait aspects, they might not be optimized for the layout of foldable phones, which means they could appear awkward or distorted.
5. Bulkier Units
It might not be an issue for some, but the thickness of a phone might be a significant factor for other consumers, especially if they intend to keep the phone in their pockets instead of a bag. Since it will be folded, it will be around twice as thick as the traditional smartphone. For tight pockets, that could look and feel a bit weird since the phone's bulk will be clearly visible.
6. More Complicated Repairs
Since foldable phones have different mechanisms -- all of which are relatively new, you might have difficulties finding repair shops that would know how to fix them when they sustain damage. Of course, you can always take it to the brand's physical shop, but that could be a hassle if they're not easily accessible in your area.
7. Shorter Battery Life
It's not that the phone has a lower battery capacity. It just so happens that foldable phones are more active than your standard phones. For one, certain models have up to two screens, meaning they will use up more power. Of course, it will depend on how you use it. Some models can work with just the smaller outer screens active, but they have limited functions.
