Flip phones vs Foldable phones: What’s the difference?

From the Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 5 to the new OnePlus Open, foldables have gradually begun expanding from novelty products to powerful, everyday devices that more and more people can actually benefit from.

That said, while any phone that can fold in half can be termed a foldable phone, there are actually two kinds of foldable devices. These include smaller, compact flip phones, as well as larger foldables. Today, we will be looking at the difference between these two, and which one should you get.

What are foldable phones?

Foldables are defined by a large inner display that usually folds inwards, allowing the phablet-sized device to get closer to the dimensions of a regular phone. Foldable phones like the Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 5 and the OnePlus Open also typically have a big outer display that acts as the main screen when the device is not opened up.

This versatile nature offered by the two full-fledged display panels allows foldables to be a regular sized candy bar phone or a small tablet, as and when required. It almost feels like having two separate devices at the same time in your pocket.

What are flip phones?

Flip phones also have a folding screen, but instead of a large folding screen, the main display is a regular sized panel that can fold in half inwards, allowing the conventional candy bar form factor to become even more compact.

Unlike the vertical crease on a foldable phone, which folds left to right, a flip phone has a horizontal crease because of the display folding up to down. Yes, there’s a smaller secondary display on most flip phones like the Samsung Galaxy Z Flip 5 or the Oppo Find N3 Flip too, but it’s only big enough to get quick tasks done.

Differences between a foldable phone and a flip phone

For most major use-cases, users will find themselves opening a flip phone, as the smaller outer display only allows for limited use. On the other hand, a foldable phone can be used completely from the outer or inner displays, without any compromises on either.

With split screen support, the larger foldable phones also allow for more seamless multitasking compared to flip phones. That said, these phones tend to be some of the most expensive smartphones out there, and compared to flip phones (which are already priced high), foldable phones can cost twice as much.

Who should get foldable and flip phones?

Foldable and flip phones are both great for users who like to try out the latest in bleeding-edge tech. At a time when most smartphones continue to be conventional candy bar designs, flaunting either a flip or a folding phone in public can turn heads wherever you go.

For those who want a foldable phone for extra productivity, foldable phones are a good idea. These devices allow you to multitask very efficiently by splitting the screen into two or more apps, thereby making multi-app use-cases a breeze.

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For those who want to leverage foldables for their ability to make devices more compact, flip phones are a better idea. These phones let a conventional phone cut its size in half when folded. This allows the phone to be stored more comfortably in pockets and bags. The outer screen in flip phones also doubles up as a viewfinder, and lets you take selfies from the main camera in the best possible quality.

Those are some key pointers between foldable phones and flip phones, which should have made it easier for you to choose between the two. Remember to make note of your own preferences and needs before you make a purchase, and you will instantly enjoy using your new foldable phone in no time. Happy buying!