The Fad of Ultra-Thin Smartphones

Smartphone manufacturers are pushing the boundaries of design with thinner devices, but is it a trend that will stick? With foldables taking center stage, the focus has shifted to reducing thickness while maintaining functionality.

Foldable smartphones have made significant strides in recent years, with Oppo’s Find N5 setting a new record for ultra-thinness at 8.93mm. However, despite this progress, many users find it difficult to distinguish between devices that are truly thin and those that are just aesthetically pleasing.

The issue is not just about aesthetics; thinner smartphones often come with compromises on battery life and durability. As the Galaxy S25 Edge’s rumored 5.84mm thickness highlights, such a design can lead to reduced battery capacity and increased fragility.

So, what drives this trend? Apple’s pursuit of thinness seems to be the primary motivator, with the upcoming iPhone 17 Air reportedly featuring a profile as thin as 5.5mm. However, it remains to be seen whether consumers will truly benefit from such a slim design or if they are just following the latest fad.

The question on everyone’s mind is: do we really want ultra-thin smartphones? As Ben notes, a balance between style and substance is key. Thinner phones can eliminate camera bumps, but at what cost to functionality?

As we move forward, it will be interesting to see if manufacturers prioritize design over practicality or focus on creating better value for their customers. One thing is certain: the pursuit of ultra-thin smartphones has sparked a necessary conversation about the trade-offs involved and the true priorities of modern smartphone design.

Source: https://9to5google.com/2025/03/02/ultra-thin-smartphone-trend-question