Folding smartphones are testing the limits of what a phone can be

In the last few years, folding smartphones have quietly moved from tech demo stages to shop shelves, and even in Bangladesh they have managed to stir real curiosity. For a market long dominated by slab-style Android phones and iPhones, these devices feel different. They promise the convenience of a phone with the screen space of a tablet, all folded into something that still fits in a pocket.

At the heart of folding smartphones is the flexible OLED display. Unlike traditional glass panels, these screens are designed to bend repeatedly without cracking. Paired with complex hinge systems, they allow phones to open and close like a book or flip compactly in half. Brands such as Samsung, Huawei, Motorola, Google, OnePlus and Honor have invested heavily here, refining designs with each generation. Models like the Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 6, OnePlus Open, Honor Magic V2 5G and Google Pixel 9 Pro Fold show how far the technology has come.

Huawei recently pushed the concept further with the Mate XT Ultimate, the world’s first tri-fold smartphone. Its double-folding design allows the screen to expand into something close to a small tablet, highlighting how manufacturers are experimenting beyond conventional limits.

For users, the biggest advantage is productivity. A larger foldable display makes multitasking practical rather than gimmicky. Running two or three apps side by side feels natural on devices like the Galaxy Z Fold 6, whether it’s replying to emails while browsing or joining a video call while taking notes. For professionals and power users, this is where foldables start to make sense.

Portability is another strong point. Despite their large screens, many foldables become surprisingly compact when closed. Flip-style phones like the Motorola Razr 2024 and Razr Plus 2024 fit easily into small pockets, which matters in crowded cities like Dhaka where convenience is not a luxury.

Still, the concerns are real. Durability remains the biggest question mark. Hinges, screen creases and long-term wear are improving, but they are not yet on the same confidence level as traditional phones. Early issues with devices like the first Galaxy Fold still linger in public memory, making buyers cautious.

Price is an even bigger hurdle in Bangladesh. Folding smartphones sit firmly in the premium segment, often costing far more than flagship non-folding phones. For most consumers, the question is simple: does the extra screen justify the extra money?

Software is another area playing catch-up. While Android has improved support for foldables, many apps still fail to fully adapt to changing screen sizes. The experience is better than before, but not always consistent.

In Bangladesh, folding smartphones remain a niche choice. Early adopters and tech enthusiasts are interested, but mainstream users are waiting. As prices gradually fall and durability improves, adoption may grow.

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For now, folding smartphones feel less like a revolution and more like an experiment in progress. They are impressive, sometimes practical, and undeniably futuristic. Whether they become everyday devices or stay premium curiosities will depend on how quickly they mature into something people can trust and afford.