Foldable frenzy: apple & samsung chase a crease-free illusion

The relentless pursuit of the perfectly flat foldable screen is consuming the tech industry, diverting crucial resources from features consumers actually crave.

A crease obsession – and a growing disconnect

For years, the primary criticism of foldable phones – the persistent crease in the inner display – has dominated development. Samsung, particularly with the Z Fold series, has repeatedly promised a solution, pushing towards a ‘crease-free’ future. But the reality is far more nuanced, and frankly, less exciting for the average user.

Instead of tackling battery life, camera advancements, or truly innovative software, manufacturers are fixated on a phantom: a seamless, undetectable display. It’s a dream shared by many, yet one demonstrably out of reach. Oppo’s Find N6, an undeniably impressive device, still exhibits a noticeable crease, albeit a significantly shallower one than previous generations. This isn’t a failure; it’s a pragmatic acknowledgement of the current limitations.

Compromises & a shifting landscape

Early foldables were, to put it mildly, disastrous. Fragile, expensive, and burdened with unsightly creases, they appealed primarily to two groups: tech enthusiasts craving a large screen for multitasking and those simply wanting to flaunt a cutting-edge, albeit flawed, gadget. Both were willing to accept the compromises inherent in the Technology. The journey has been… iterative.

Recent progress – thinner designs, increased durability – has shifted the paradigm. Devices like the Oppo Find N5 proved foldables could deliver a flagship experience, even if it wasn’t a traditional slab phone. Now, at a crossroads, manufacturers face critical decisions. Do we prioritize massive battery capacity – 8,000-9,000mAh? Quad camera systems? Enhanced display brightness and thermal management? Or simply refine the software experience?

But the obsession with the crease continues. Rumors swirl that Apple and Samsung are dedicating significant resources to this singular pursuit. This laser focus risks neglecting other, arguably more impactful, improvements. Samsung, for example, may delay upgrades to the Z Fold 8 and Z Flip 8’s core display Technology – potentially sticking with the M13 OLED – to maintain this unrealistic deadline for a crease-free experience. It’s a classic case of prioritizing the impossible over the practical.

The bottom line: acceptance and value

Let’s be clear: the creaseless foldable remains a theoretical ideal – a costly, unattainable aspiration. Even a 2027 model, if it materializes, will likely carry a premium price tag that puts it out of reach for most consumers. Frankly, many of us are perfectly content with the shallow creases present in current and upcoming models. The 2025-2026 foldables – with their improved crease depth – offer a compelling balance of form and function. The pursuit of a flawless screen is diverting attention from a product that's already demonstrably improved. It’s time to focus on what actually matters: delivering a genuinely useful and enjoyable foldable experience.