Have Foldable Screens Become “Fat”? The Business Logic Behind Huawei, Xiaomi, Apple, and Samsung’s Collective Shift
Summary of Key Points
Recently, the smartphone industry has witnessed a seemingly insignificant but significant development: the four major giants—Huawei, Xiaomi, Apple, and Samsung—have all launched new generations of foldable phones. Unlike their earlier efforts to achieve “extreme thinness,” these new models tend to be larger and thicker, earning them the nickname “fat foldables” from users.
This is not a step backward in technology but rather a strategic shift from “showing off capabilities” to “focusing on practicality.” Manufacturers have realized that sacrificing weight and thickness for the sake of foldability has limited consumer appeal. Today’s foldable phones are improving battery capacity, hinge structures, and durability to offer better battery life, a more stable grip, and a longer lifespan. The foldable market is moving beyond its initial trial phase and entering a more mature stage, with the focus of competition shifting from “can it fold” to “is it user-friendly?”
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In-Depth Analysis: Why Have Foldable Screens Become Larger?
1. Moving Beyond the Obsession with Thinness: A Practical Shift from “Can It Fold” to “Is It Useful?”
For years, the main selling point of foldable phones was their thinness. Manufacturers competed to produce the thinnest and lightest models, as thinner phones were seen as more advanced. However, the reality was harsh: thinner phones had smaller batteries, resulting in poor battery life; they were less durable, prone to damage; and they lacked a solid feel in the hand, making them easy to slip.
The recent shift towards larger sizes is a rational response to market demands. Battery life has become a critical requirement due to the larger screens and higher power consumption of foldable phones. Increasing the thickness allows for larger batteries, such as upgrading from 4000mAh to 5000mAh or more, which users can immediately feel the difference in performance.
A more substantial feel in the hand is also important. Most users want a phone that feels substantial and reliable. Appropriate weight and thickness provide a better grip and make operations more comfortable. The so-called “fatness” reflects a more robust design, with more internal space for better heat dissipation and a more efficient layout of components.
2. The Hidden Upgrade in Hinge Technology: Greater Thickness Brings More Than Just a Bigger Battery
The hinge is a critical component of foldable screens and one of the most expensive parts. Early foldable hinges were relatively simple, which often led to structural weaknesses. Modern “fat foldables” use more complex hinge designs, such as multi-link or waterdrop hinges, that require more space. This increase in thickness results in a significant improvement in the number of fold cycles (from hundreds of thousands to millions) and a flatter appearance after folding. The thicker body also helps to reduce the visibility of folds, even if they cannot be completely eliminated.
3. Apple’s Entry Creating a “Catfish Effect” that Reshapes Industry Standards
Apple’s potential entry into the foldable market has had a significant impact on the industry. Its brand influence and supply chain capabilities set high standards for the sector. Other manufacturers must prepare to compete in terms of technology, price, and ecosystem integration. Apple’s potential integration of iPad features (such as split-screen and multitasking) into foldable phones could force other, especially Android-based, manufacturers to improve their software and multitasking capabilities. Foldable phones need to be more than just large screens; they must also be efficient tools for productivity.
4. Price and Positioning Evolution: From “Luxury” to “High-End Mainstream”
Foldable phones were once associated with high prices, making them a niche market. The recent shift towards larger sizes has also led to a segmentation of the product range and more reasonable pricing. High-end models (like the Huawei Mate X5 and Samsung Galaxy Z Fold5/6) now offer a balanced performance, imaging, and battery life, attracting users who previously only considered traditional flagships. Mid-range models (such as the Xiaomi Mix Fold series) have become more affordable, making foldable phones more accessible to a broader audience.
5. Changing User Preferences: From Curiosity to Dependence
Initially, users bought foldable phones out of curiosity. However, over time, their needs have evolved. The large screens offer excellent experiences for watching videos, working on documents, and multitasking, making foldable phones an essential part of their daily lives. Users no longer simply want to try something new; they want products that are truly useful. They are more willing to accept slightly larger sizes if it means better battery life, a better grip, and greater durability.
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Conclusion and Outlook
The collective adoption of larger foldable phones by Huawei, Xiaomi, Apple, and Samsung marks a shift in the industry from being technology-driven to experience-driven. The increase in size represents improvements in battery life, durability, and user experience. The focus of competition is now on overall balance, durability, and a strong software ecosystem. This shift is expanding the market beyond its niche niche and positioning foldable phones as a key growth area in the smartphone market.
For consumers, this is good news: there’s no longer a need to choose between thin, uncomfortable phones and bulky, but reliable ones. Modern foldable phones are becoming both stylish and practical, offering a better value for money.