Fold VS Flip: Which one should you go for?

Foldable smartphones are the newest trend to hit the smartphone market. Currently, two types of foldable smartphones are available in the market: the book-style foldable device and the more traditional clamshell-style flip phone. Not just with their looks, these two types of smartphones hold differences and similarities. But which one’s better for you? Will a smartphone that can open up to resemble a tablet be a better choice for you or the smaller, flip smartphone? Let’s find out.

In today’s article, we will navigate through the pros and cons of both flip and fold smartphones to eventually decide which device is better and which one you should go for. 

Let’s talk about flip smartphones first.

Clamshell ‘Flip’ Smartphones

We will first talk about flip smartphones such as the Galaxy Z Flip 5 or Motorola Razr+. These clamshell flip phones fold in half. This can easily fit into your pockets and even looks super cool when you can fold your regular-sized smartphone in half. Now, this allows flip smartphones to have portability, and a fashionable look and feel, and it eventually leads to the facilitation of reduced screen time.

Let’s take a look at each of these points more closely. When it comes to portability, I guess it is universally accepted and understood that owing to its compact fit, a flip phone is easier to carry around. It can even fit into the teeny-tiny spaces that women get in the name of pockets.

Also read: Samsung Galaxy Z Flip 5 Review : Best flip phone of 2023

Secondly, yes because of this flip mechanism, they feel more fashionable and can act as a great accessory. The Flip smartphones have a young appeal and are a great conversation starter too. Flip smartphones remind people that smartphones can look different too. Did you know that 70% of the total Samsung Galaxy Z series smartphones sold were Flip smartphones and not Fold?

Lastly, flip smartphones are said to create a mental barrier which reduces your screen time. Every time to use your smartphone, you will have to flip it open. It requires energy and you might want to skip it when not necessary.

Book-Style “Fold” Smartphones

Now coming to foldable smartphones such as the Galaxy Z Fold 5 and Google’s Pixel Fold. The book-style Fold smartphones offer a smartphone-to-tablet experience. Just like a book, you open the screen up to get a double display.

If we talk about the practicality of this device then honestly you are going to be spending more than half of the time on the cover screen which is just a regular Android smartphone display. This is because it is easier to hold it that way and better to use on the go. Additionally, a majority of the things that we use our smartphones for have been optimised according to the aspect ratio of a regular smartphone. This includes calling, texting, browsing social media, etc. 

Also read: Samsung Galaxy Z Fold5 Review : Incremental upgrade but still the foldable to beat

However, if you use your smartphone for heavier tasks such as working, gaming, creating artwork, signing documents, browsing calendar events, doing technical analysis of a stock, etc. Then you can unfold the smartphone to get a bigger display. This bigger display lets the user experience better multitasking, enhanced visual experience, as well as freedom of movement.

Now, these smartphones are comparatively bulkier because technically they are devices stacked together. Also, since the display is much bigger, it consumes a lot more battery and hence you get a reduced battery life. Additionally, as compared to flip smartphones, the foldables are much more expensive. 

Now that I have given you the pros and cons of both, you can choose which one is better suited for your needs. 

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Mustafa Khan

Mustafa is new on the block and is a tech geek who is currently working with Digit as a News Writer. He tests the new gadgets that come on board and writes for the news desk. He has found his way with words and you can count on him when in need of tech advice. No judgement. He is based out of Delhi, he’s your person for good photos, good food recommendations, and to know about anything GenZ. View Full Profile