Smartphones enter a new era: Ultra-thin or foldable?

The smartphone market, already saturated with design options for years, is now gravitating towards two main trends: ultra-thin phones and foldable phones. Which direction will shape smartphones in the next few years?

The two ultra-slim phone models, the iPhone Air and the Samsung Galaxy S25 Edge, promise to breathe new life into the smartphone market, which has been stagnant for many years. - Photo: TECHPP

Physical limitations have meant that smartphone hardware has seen very few breakthroughs in recent years, giving the spotlight to advancements in software, especially artificial intelligence (AI). In this context, major manufacturers are creating two main trends: the return of "ultra-thin" designs and the foldable phone race.

"Ultra-thin" is back!

On September 10th, Apple garnered global attention with the launch of the iPhone Air – the thinnest iPhone in history, measuring just 5.6mm thick. Prior to that, Samsung also introduced the Galaxy S25 Edge, with a thickness of 5.8mm. The almost simultaneous release of these products from the two tech giants led the tech world to believe that the trend of ultra-thin phones has returned after nearly a decade of neglect.

From the early days of smartphones, "thin and light" was the standard. The 9.3mm thick iPhone 4 (2010) was considered a breakthrough, and by the iPhone 6 (6.9mm), the market even considered it the "new standard." But in recent years, manufacturers have shifted their focus to upgrading battery capacity, cameras, and performance. Apple and Samsung's return to the ultra-thin trend is seen as an effort to create aesthetic differentiation and refresh their already saturated product lines.

CEO Tim Cook described the iPhone Air at its launch event as a "design overhaul" after several generations, while Samsung emphasized the streamlined design of the S25 Edge.

Major companies have clear reasons for pursuing a "thin" design: from feel in the hand and brand positioning to media appeal. A thin, lightweight device that looks good on posters, in the user's hand, and on social media is something marketing departments desperately need in a context where upgrade cycles are slowing down.

However, the price to pay for a few millimeters is not insignificant. When the device body is under 6mm, manufacturers have to compromise on battery capacity. Carbon silicon battery technology is also not yet available for ultra-thin products. As a result, although Apple and Samsung claim that software optimizations compensate, users may actually notice shorter battery life compared to previous devices in the same price range. Some manufacturers even have to include external battery packs to "beautify" the actual usage time figures.

Besides the battery, "ultra-thin" designs also involve streamlining the camera module (smaller modules, elimination of specialized lenses), reducing heat dissipation space, and raising questions about mechanical durability (slim devices are more prone to bending and damage from drops or impacts).

The tech community surely hasn't forgotten "bendgate"—the iPhone 6 bending incident nearly a decade ago. Bloomberg emphasizes that to achieve a slim design, manufacturers are forced to sacrifice "pro" features that professional users need.

The foldable phone race

While Apple opted for "ultra-thin" to refresh its product line, Samsung persevered with its foldable phone line. For over 10 years, the company continuously improved the hinge, screen, and durability of the Galaxy Fold and Flip. The Verge commented that with each new generation, Samsung moved closer to the ideal of a "foldable phone as thin and light as a regular phone."

Chinese phone manufacturers are also joining the trend. The Honor Magic V2, Xiaomi MIX Fold 4, and Huawei Mate X5 have demonstrated how thinness, performance, and camera capabilities can be combined in a foldable device. Android Authority suggests that this competition is putting pressure on Samsung to accelerate innovation, simultaneously shaping a new "foldable phone wave" from Asia.

Notably, some rumors suggest that the iPhone Air is a stepping stone for Apple to "hold back" the launch of a foldable iPhone in 2026 – a turning point that could cause the foldable smartphone market to explode like never before.

Both approaches present their own challenges: ultra-thin designs sacrifice battery life and some "pro" features, while foldable phones face issues of cost, durability, and thickness. International news outlets and technology websites such as Reuters, The Verge, and Android Authority all agree that this parallel competition will shape the landscape of smartphones in the coming years.

In the short term, ultra-thin designs are a powerful marketing tool, stimulating purchases from consumers who appreciate "beauty" and "lightness." However, in the long term, sustainability depends on three factors: advancements in battery technology, consumer willingness to compromise, and the ability of manufacturers to integrate thin technology without sacrificing user experience. If battery and camera performance continue to be seen as "sacrifices," then ultra-thin designs are unlikely to become the mainstream standard.

Meanwhile, foldable phones remain a promising direction. Large screens when needed, compact enough to fit in a pocket. And the improvements that make this product line thinner will also lead to many innovations for bar-style smartphones. The market in the next five years will tell. Will users choose "thin and beautiful" or "convenient foldable," or perhaps both will coexist, shaping the next generation of mobile devices.

The market will provide the answer.

The iPhone Air, at 5.6mm thick, only has a 3,149mAh battery, while the Galaxy S25 Edge, at 5.8mm thick, has a battery of around 3,900mAh. This is significantly lower than thicker, higher-end smartphones like the Ultra/Pro series, which typically have battery capacities of 4,500-5,000mAh.

Either Apple convinces consumers that "thinness" is paramount, or Samsung and Chinese manufacturers make foldable design the new standard. The answer will determine the future of smartphones for the next decade.

THANH HIEP

Source: https://tuoitre.vn/smartphone-buoc-vao-ky-nguyen-moi-sieu-mong-hay-gap-gon-20251020082656077.htm