Tri-fold phones promise to revolutionize the way we consume media and work on-the-go. However, a closer look at their design and functionality reveals several drawbacks that make them less appealing than dedicated tablets.
While foldable phones like Samsung’s Galaxy Z TriFold and Huawei’s Mate XT are impressive in terms of display size and processing power, they struggle to overcome several key issues. Firstly, when folded, tri-fold phones become almost 13mm thick, making them less comfortable to carry around compared to regular phones or even larger tablets.
Furthermore, these devices are prone to damage from their soft surfaces and hinge areas, which makes them more fragile than dedicated tablets with uniform bodies and IP ratings for dust and water resistance. Additionally, many foldables lack stylus support, a feature that is readily available on compact tablets like the Galaxy Tab S11.
The biggest problem with tri-fold phones, however, is their exorbitant price tag. With prices ranging from $2,500 to €3,500, these devices are far more expensive than most compact tablets on the market. This makes it difficult for consumers to justify the cost of a tri-fold phone when they can buy an entire ecosystem of accessories and a device that performs similar functions at a fraction of the price.
As a result, smaller tablets continue to reign supreme, offering a comfortable and durable experience that is hard to beat. While tri-fold phones are undeniably cool and innovative, they still feel like experiments searching for a real purpose.
Source: https://www.phonearena.com/news/tri-fold-phones-tablet-replacement-promise_id176570