The lifespan of a foldable smartphone screen depends on several factors, including the technology used for the screen, how the smartphone is used, and environmental conditions. In general, foldable screens are designed to be durable, but they can still suffer some wear and tear over time.

Lifespan of a foldable screen

Early models of foldable screens raised concerns due to their fragility, but technology has evolved. In 2024, modern foldable screens are capable of withstanding a high number of folding and unfolding cycles.

Estimated folding cycles: Most manufacturers guarantee around 200,000 folding and unfolding cycles. This corresponds to approximately 5 years of use with daily folding, assuming that the user folds and unfolds the screen several times a day.

Actual durability

Tests carried out by manufacturers and third-party laboratories show that foldable screens can last well beyond this estimate if the user takes care of their device. However, certain factors such as dust, humidity or shocks can affect the screen's longevity.

Flexible components

Unlike traditional rigid screens, foldable screens are generally made of flexible materials such as polymer or plastic rather than glass, making them more susceptible to scratches or damage from hard objects. However, screen technology has advanced significantly in recent years, making current models more reliable.

Is it reliable?

Foldable screen technology has become increasingly reliable, but it is still slightly less robust than standard rigid screens. The main problems encountered are:

Risk of fold degradation: The screen may show visible signs of wear at the fold after prolonged use.

Deformation or faulty pixel issues: Although foldable screens are designed to be flexible, some users report deformation or dead pixels after several months of use.

Scratch protection: Although materials have evolved to be more resistant, foldable screens may still be more susceptible to scratches than traditional glass screens.

However, for the majority of users, a quality foldable smartphone should last several years without major problems, provided it is used with care.

Can a foldable screen be replaced?

Of course!

At World iTech, we offer screens for several models of foldable smartphones. We offer:

Screens without frames: just the display and glass.

Screens with a frame, known as a "screen assembly": the screen is already installed on the phone's frame (the outline), so all you have to do is retrieve the parts from your device and reinstall them in the new screen assembly.

You can also replace the external screen of your smartphone.

Replacing a foldable screen is no more complicated than replacing a standard screen. The principle is the same, so you can easily do the replacement yourself.

Feel free to check out our YouTube tutorials to get an idea of the replacement process.

The different types of foldable smartphones

There are two types of foldable screens:

The clamshell format: your main screen is a standard size and folds in half. When closed, the size is halved compared to a conventional smartphone. There is an external screen, half the size (or less) of the main screen, which gives access to certain information when the phone is closed.

The "book" format: your main screen is twice the size of a standard smartphone. When closed, it has a full external screen, the size of a standard phone. So there is no size gain when closed, but you have the equivalent of three screens in one smartphone.

What are the foldable smartphone models in 2024?

As mentioned, foldable screen technology is evolving, as is their durability. Here is a list of the latest foldable smartphones. These are the latest models, but you can easily find earlier series at more reasonable prices.

Samsung Galaxy Z Flip 6
Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 6
Huawei Mate x3
Motorola Razr 50 Ultra
Google Pixel 9 Pro Fold
OnePlus Open
Honor Magic V3

Samsung Z Flip 6

The Samsung Z Flip 6 is undoubtedly the most popular in the foldable smartphone range.

Samsung is the market leader in foldable screen technology.

The starting price is £1,319 (excluding promotions).

Find all the parts for the Z Flip 6 here.

Motorola Razr 50 Ultra

Motorola continues its momentum with the Razr foldable range, already famous in the 2000s, with the Motorola Razr 50 Ultra.

The brand boasts that it offers the foldable smartphone with the largest external screen on the market.

Prices start at £1,199, which is slightly more than its competitor, the Z Flip 6.

Samsung Z Fold 6

The Samsung Z Fold 6 looks different from the Z Flip. It opens like a book and offers twice the screen space of a standard screen.

In terms of price, it is one of the most expensive on the market, with the entry-level model costing €2,119 (excluding promotions).

Huawei Mate X3

The Huawei Mate x3 resembles its cousin, the Z Fold, with its book-style opening.

It is due to be released soon with a starting price of €2,199, which is slightly more expensive than the Z Fold 6.

Google Pixel 9 Pro Fold

The Google Pixel 9 Pro Fold is similar to its competitors, the Z Fold and Huawei Mate x3, in that it folds like a book. It has the largest screen in the Pixel range.

Prices start at £1,899, which is less expensive than its two competitors.

OnePlus Open

Another model that offers double the screen size of a standard display is the OnePlus Open.

Its price is slightly lower than the Google Pixel 9 Pro Fold, with a starting price of £1,849.

Honor Magic V3

The latest foldable smartphone on this list is the Honor Magic V3.

The brand claims that this model is the thinnest foldable smartphone on the market.

It is priced at €1,999.90, which places it in the middle range compared to its competitors.

Which foldable smartphone should you choose?

It all depends on how you plan to use it and your budget. Here are the features and specifications to consider when making your choice:

Price: first, set your budget.
Use: your professional activity may be a factor, for example. If you need a large screen for work, the "book" format may be a plus. If you're interested in saving space and the retro look of a flip phone, you'll probably prefer the "flip" format.
Performance: as with all other conventional smartphones, performance can vary from one brand and model to another. So study the device's features (processor, RAM, AI, etc.) according to your needs in order to guide your choice.