Although they represent a future trend, the most coveted product for tech enthusiasts today is undoubtedly a foldable phone . Samsung is set to launch its Galaxy Fold in just a few weeks , and in the meantime, Huawei is finalizing the details of what will be the most expensive foldable phone, the Mate X. But for how long?
A new category within the reach of very few
Foldable phones are expensive. There's no doubt about it. While Samsung priced its foldable phone at $1.980 , Huawei followed suit at MWC with an incredible price of no less than €2.299 . This amount, far from distinguishing a premium and exclusive range within the brand's catalog, also suggests that we'll be looking at a product with seemingly limited production, since foldable screen technology might not be ready to withstand mass production to meet high demand.
So, what evolution is expected for this type of terminals? Are they going to be the impossible dream of users for a long time? When will I be able to buy a foldable phone at a good price? Richard Yu himself, CEO of Huawei, has shed some light on these questions.
Folding phones for less than 1.000 euros, when?
In an interview with the newspaper Welt , the charismatic executive stated that the Mate X's high price is primarily due to the high cost of two of the device's essential components : its foldable screen and its hinge. The latter, though it may not seem so, is a key component, as it allows the manufacturer to fold the flexible screen inwards. Given the complexity of the design and the investment required for its development, it's expected that the recovery period leading to a price reduction will take some time, and this is where Yu wanted to elaborate.
According to the CEO, it will take at least two years for this type of technology to be present in phones priced under €1.000 , adding that perhaps, with a little more time, €500 devices with this futuristic flexible capability could be available. Given Yu's typically bold statements, it may take a bit longer to reach the €500 price point.
How does the future of folding screens look like?
When Richard Yu is asked about the future of foldable screens, he doesn't hesitate to go into detail. When asked about rumored designs exceeding 100 inches , the CEO admitted that the company is currently working on similar designs. These are likely conceptual designs, but it's interesting to see manufacturers experimenting with outlandish ideas to achieve gigantic sizes. Regarding the competition, he doesn't foresee Apple launching a foldable phone until at least 2021. Will his prediction be correct?