One of the biggest benefits of the current, fast-paced age of technology is the resurgence of flip phones—which has led to the creation of ‘folding’ smartphones. These phones can fold out to increase screen size, so you can carry around a phone-tablet hybrid in your pocket.
Samsung led the charge with innovation when it comes to folding phones with its Galaxy Z Fold line. Samsung’s latest folding phone, the Galaxy Z Fold 5, can unfold to a 7.6-inch display.
Smartphone manufacturers have been experimenting with foldable screens for years now, but Samsung was the first to release a foldable smartphone in 2019. The first Galaxy foldable phone had a 4.7-inch display that could then fold open to expose a 7.3-inch display. The first rendition of the Galaxy Fold devices was met with praise regarding the proof of concept, but were concerned with the durability of the screen. Now, only a few years—Samsung has perfected the design with the later models of the Z Fold, which are receiving rave reviews.
Now, other major players in the smartphone industry are releasing their own foldable phones, with notable mentions being Google’s Pixel Fold, OnePlus Open, and the Huawei Mate X series of devices.
In this folding phone face-off, we want to focus on the Galaxy Z Fold and Huawei Mate X. We will be comparing features, price, and build quality so you can decide which one is better for you.
How Do Folding Smartphones Work?
Folding phones are the newest smartphone innovation, but how exactly do they work? These devices allow for a larger screen, giving a tablet-like form factor, but then can fold down to function as a normal phone and fit in your pocket.
The idea of a foldable screen sounds unbelievable at first, as most smartphones are typically made of layers of inflexible glass. However, foldable screens are now made possible due to new Flexible Display technology built around OLED (organic light emitting diode) screens.
OLED screens don’t require a backlight to function, unlike other types of screens. Instead, they emit light when electricity is passed through them—allowing them to be much thinner (and flexible) compared to other types of screens.
Flexible OLED displays themselves aren’t new. Older phones, like the Samsung Galaxy Edge, for instance, use flexible display technology, but it was only used to give the devices a curved edge.
Folding smartphones use OLED screens made from either a very thin plastic polymer material that is lightweight or ultra-thin glass. This allows for the screen to be flexible and not crack after repeated use when folding the phone every day.
These types of smartphones can ‘fold’ because they feature a hinge mechanism, allowing the user to ‘open’ and ‘close’ the screen. There are also two types of foldable smartphone designs: ones with out-folding displays (like the Huawei Mate XS 2), where the display bends around the outside of the device when folded, or ones with in-folding displays like the Galaxy Z Fold.
The Benefits of A Folding Smartphone
As more and more brands, like Samsung and Huawei, are releasing folding smartphones, you’re probably curious about whether they’re worth it. Below, we’ve put together a list of the main benefits of using a folding smartphone over normal smart devices.
Improved portability
It’s hard to beat foldable phones when it comes to the increased portability, considering the screen size. You get a tablet-sized 7 to 8-inch display that can fold down to be as compact as a normal phone that fits in your pocket or bag.
Multitasking made easy
Foldable phones are designed for convenient and smooth multitasking. They can split in half and be used as dual screens to optimise your productivity. For example, you could watch a lecture and take notes at the same time or video call a friend while browsing the internet.
More immersive
By design, foldable phones like the Galaxy Z Fold and Huawei Mate have larger screens, which results in a more immersive experience when gaming or watching shows.
Stylus support
Most folding phones offer stylus support, which is great for better precision. It’s also useful for tasks like digital art, taking notes, and when a user might need to wear gloves for work.
Key Features of Samsung Z Fold
The latest Galaxy Z Fold device is the Fold 5, which was released on August 11, 2023. It comes in various colour options, including Icy Blue, Phantom Black, Cream, Blue, and Grey. It also features 256GB, 512GB, and 1TB storage options.
The Z Fold 5 is also one of the more affordable foldable phones, especially the 256GB model. It is powered by a Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 chipset with an Adreno GPU, which makes it easy to handle multitasking apps and intensive gaming.
The Z Fold 5 features a main display measuring 7.6 inches and supporting a 120Hz refresh rate. It’s an absolutely gorgeous AMOLED screen with a QXGA+ resolution (2176 x 1812).
The phone also features S pen support, which is perfect for tasks that require precision, such as note-taking and drawing.
Key Features of Huawei Mate X
The Huawei Mate X3 is the latest in the Mate X-series of foldable phones. It was released in April 2023 and is a premium foldable smartphone option. The device runs the EMUI 13.1 operating system, a highly modified version of the Android OS.
The Mate X3 features 12GB RAM and a Snapdragon 8+ Gen 1 chipset powered by an Adreno GPU. It can easily handle intensive tasks and modern 3D games. The phone is also designed for multitasking.
This phone also features one of the biggest screens available for a foldable device. Unfolded, it measures at 7.85 inches, with a gorgeous OLED screen that supports up to 120 Hz refresh rate.
Unlike most other phones, the Mate X3 also supports expandable storage, which is great for storing extra photos or apps. The device also supports a stylus for both the cover screen and the inner screen.
Which One Is Better For You?
The Galaxy Z Fold and Huawei Mate X are both great options if you’re looking to jump into the foldable smartphone market. Which one is best for you will ultimately come down to personal preference.
It’s important to note that Huawei uses a heavily modified Android operating system for its phones, while Samsung is closer to the original, stock Android OS. So, if you prefer a closer-to-stock Android experience, the Galaxy Z Fold is the better choice.
If you’re looking for a phone that can handle any game or intensive task, the Galaxy Z Fold 5 has a better-performing processor. However, the Huawei Mate X3 has a bigger screen, which allows you to have a more immersive experience when gaming or watching media.
The Huawei Mate X3 has better battery life and faster charging at 66W versus the Z Fold 5’s 25W. Whereas the Fold 5 excels in the camera department, a better display, and audio systems. The Fold 5 also has better support for accessories and has a lower price point.
Buy Refurbished Folding Smartphones at OzMobiles
If you’re looking for the best deals on folding smartphones, we stock a range of refurbished devices here at OzMobiles, including the Galaxy Z Fold and Huawei phones. If you find a better price, we’ll beat it by $10 (terms and conditions apply).
All our devices, including our refurbished foldable smartphones, come with a free 12-month warranty and a 30-day risk-free return policy. So, if there are any issues or you have a change of heart, you can return the product.
All refurbished devices we sell go through a comprehensive, 72-point quality check process as part of refurbishment. We check every component to make sure the phone is 100% fully functional and running optimally.
If you have any questions regarding our refurbished devices or need help finding the right folding smartphone for you—contact the OzMobiles team today.
