Tag: foldable phones

April 6, 2025
New Leak Suggests No Honor Magic V4 Release
Key Takeaways
1. Honor’s Magic V series of foldable smartphones is globally available, with the latest model being the Magic V3.
2. Honor will not release a Magic V4 this year due to the number “4” being considered unlucky in Chinese culture.
3. The upcoming foldable device will be named Magic V5 instead of Magic V4.
4. A leaker has indicated that the Magic V5 will be the last Snapdragon 8 Elite large foldable released by a Chinese company this year.
5. The Honor Magic V3 is available for purchase on Amazon.
Honor’s Magic V series of foldable smartphones is among the few that are globally available. Last July, the company introduced the Magic V3 to compete against devices like the Galaxy Z Fold6 and the Google Pixel 9 Pro Fold. While many fans anticipated a Magic V4 this year, it appears that may not happen.
What’s the Latest?
Recent information from China suggests that Honor will not be releasing a Magic V4 this year. However, unlike other devices such as the OnePlus Open 2 and Xiaomi Mix Fold 5, which were either delayed or scrapped, Honor is still set to launch a new foldable. This new device will reportedly be called the Magic V5 instead of the Magic V4.
The Number 4 Dilemma
The reason behind this change is quite straightforward: the number “4” is seen as unlucky in Chinese culture. This is not the first instance where a Chinese manufacturer has avoided using this number; OnePlus jumped from the OnePlus 3 directly to the OnePlus 5, and OPPO completely skipped the Find X4 series as well.
Regardless of the name change, Honor’s next foldable is expected to be unveiled in the upcoming months. A leaker known as Digital Chat Station has mentioned that it will be the final Snapdragon 8 Elite large foldable released this year by any Chinese company. Although Xiaomi’s Mix Flip 2 is set to launch in the third quarter, it will be a clamshell-type device.
Source:
Link
Tags: foldable phones, Honor Magic V3, Honor Magic V5
April 4, 2025
Honor to Launch Magic V5 Foldable, Skipping Magic V4
Key Takeaways
1. Honor is expected to launch the new Honor Magic V2 Flip and a book-style foldable device in June in China, bypassing the Magic V4 name due to cultural beliefs about the number “4.”
2. The Honor Magic V5 will be a successor to the Magic V3, featuring improvements in design and performance and is expected to compete with the Oppo Find N5.
3. The Magic V5 is rumored to have a thinner design, with a 6.45-inch 120Hz LTPO OLED cover screen and an 8-inch 2K 120Hz inner display.
4. The device will likely use an 8-core Snapdragon 8 processor, differing from the Find N5, which uses a 7-core Snapdragon 8 Elite chip.
5. Expected camera features include a 50-megapixel main lens and a 200-megapixel periscope telephoto lens, along with wireless charging, satellite connectivity, IPX8 water resistance, and a side-mounted fingerprint scanner.
Recent news suggests that Honor might host a launch event in June in China to introduce a new vertically folding phone, potentially named the Honor Magic V2 Flip, alongside a book-style foldable device. This new device is expected to compete strongly against the Oppo Find N5, which was released in February in China. Similar to Oppo, which skipped the “Find N4” name and jumped straight to the Find N5, Honor is also rumored to bypass the Honor Magic V4 designation altogether.
Honor Magic V5 Launch Expected Soon
Last year, Honor launched the Magic V3 and Magic Vs3 foldable phones featuring Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 and 8 Gen 2 processors, respectively, in China. This year, it seems that the company will only introduce a successor to the Magic V3, not the Vs3. A recent leak from a Chinese tech blogger indicates that Honor will move directly to the Magic V5, skipping the anticipated Magic V4 label.
This is in line with a trend among Chinese manufacturers to avoid the number “4” due to tetraphobia, a cultural belief linking it to bad luck. In the past year, Huawei, which was Honor’s parent company, also chose not to use the Mate X4 name, instead launching the Mate X5.
Expected Features of the Magic V5
The Magic V5 is likely to be revealed in the third or fourth week of June. Product Manager Li Kun has suggested that the new foldable will be thinner than its predecessor, the Magic V3. It may match or even surpass the Oppo Find N5, which is currently considered the thinnest book-style foldable available.
In terms of specs, the Magic V5 foldable is rumored to have a 6.45-inch 120Hz LTPO OLED cover screen and an 8-inch 2K 120Hz inner display. While the Find N5 is equipped with a 7-core Snapdragon 8 Elite chip, the Magic V5 will utilize the standard 8-core variant of the processor.
Camera and Additional Features
The camera configuration is expected to include a 50-megapixel main lens and a 200-megapixel periscope telephoto lens featuring larger sensors for enhanced performance. Other potential features could include wireless charging, satellite connectivity, IPX8 water resistance, and a side-mounted fingerprint scanner, placing it in direct competition with high-end foldables set to launch in 2025.
Tags: foldable phones, Honor Magic V5, Oppo Find N5
March 25, 2025
Vivo X Fold 4 Launching in Q3: More Affordable than Oppo Find N5
Key Takeaways
1. Vivo is expected to launch only one foldable device, the X Fold 4, instead of two like the previous year.
2. The X Fold 4 will use the Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 chipset instead of the anticipated Snapdragon 8 Elite.
3. The X Fold 3 had higher sales compared to the Pro model, indicating consumer preference for value in foldable phones.
4. Honor may not release a mid-range foldable this year, giving Vivo an opportunity to dominate the 6,999–8,999 Yuan price range.
5. The X Fold 4 is predicted to launch in the third quarter of this year, with a less crowded market potentially benefiting all companies.
Last year, Vivo introduced the Vivo X Fold 3 and the X Fold 3 Pro, utilizing the Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 and Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 chipsets, respectively. While the Pro model was aimed at the high-end market, the standard version offered excellent performance for a more budget-friendly price. Early rumors about the upcoming Vivo X Fold 4 series suggested that the company would launch only a single foldable device this time instead of the previous two. A recent leak from tipster Digital Chat Station indicated that the X Fold 4 will come with the older Snapdragon 8 Gen 3, not the Snapdragon 8 Elite as initially expected. Another source, Experience More, shared insights on why this choice may be reasonable and also provided information on when to expect the release of the X Fold 4.
Pricing Insights for Vivo X Fold 4
To remind, the Vivo X Fold 3 was sold for a price range of 6,999 yuan to 8,999 Yuan (around $1,240), while the starting price for the X Fold 3 Pro was 9,999 Yuan (approximately $1,380). The tipster mentioned that the X Fold 3 had significantly higher sales compared to the Pro model, reflecting a consumer preference for value rather than just high-end features in the foldable phone market.
Competing Brands and Market Dynamics
Last year, Honor also launched two foldable devices styled like books. The Magic Vs3, which has the Snapdragon 8 Gen 2, was priced between 6,999 Yuan (~$960) and 8,999 Yuan (~$1,240). In contrast, the Magic V3, featuring the Snapdragon 8 Gen 3, had a price range of 8,999 Yuan (~$1,240) to 10,999 Yuan (~$1,515). However, this year, it seems that Honor might skip releasing a successor for the Magic Vs3, with plans to launch the Magic V4 that will include the Snapdragon 8 Elite chip.
Market Strategy and Predictions
According to the tipster, with Honor likely not introducing a mid-range foldable this year, Vivo has a chance to dominate the price range of 6,999–8,999 Yuan (~$960 – ~$1,100). However, postponing the launch or choosing to use the Snapdragon 8 Elite could lead to losing market share to rivals like Oppo and Honor, especially with the Snapdragon 8 Elite 2 set to release in October this year. The tipster believes it makes sense for the Vivo X Fold 4 to launch with the Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 chip in the third quarter of this year. He also noted that a less crowded market could help all companies, allowing each model to sell more units successfully.
Tags: foldable phones, Snapdragon 8 Gen 3, Vivo X Fold 4
March 20, 2025
Motorola Razr 60 Renders Reveal Compact Foldable Screen Design
Key Takeaways
1. Design Similarities: The Razr 60 features a smaller 3.6-inch cover display with a dual-camera setup, resembling the Ultra model but with a reduced size.
2. Display Changes: The Razr 60 will have a 6.7-inch pOLED HDR10+ foldable screen, slightly smaller than the previous year’s 6.9-inch display, while maintaining similar bezel sizes.
3. Enhanced Durability: The phone is expected to have an improved IP48 rating for dust protection, compared to the previous model’s IPX8 rating.
4. Performance Specs: It will be powered by MediaTek’s Dimensity 7400x chipset, with 12GB of RAM, up to 512GB of storage, and a 4,500mAh battery supporting 30W fast charging.
5. Camera Features: The Razr 60 will include a 50MP main camera with OIS, an ultrawide camera with increased capture range, and a 32MP selfie camera on the inner display, alongside AI features and a side-mounted fingerprint scanner.
Motorola is getting ready to release its new foldable phones—the Razr 60 and Razr 60 Ultra. While the Ultra variant has been seen in leaks and images, a recent report from XpertPick has provided important information about the standard Razr 60, along with some visuals.
Design Similarities
It’s no shock that the Razr 60 takes design cues from the Ultra model. It has a cover display with a dual-camera setup, but the screen size is likely to be smaller at 3.6 inches, similar to its older version. On the other hand, the Razr 60 Ultra is expected to come with a bigger 4-inch cover display.
Inside Changes
One of the most notable modifications is inside the device. Leaked information suggests that the Razr 60 will come with a 6.7-inch pOLED HDR10+ foldable screen, which is a slight downgrade from the 6.9-inch display of last year. It’s still Pantone-certified and is claimed to support wet-touch functionality, although the size reduction is a bit unexpected. Nevertheless, the bezels seem to be almost the same as the previous model.
Enhanced Durability
Durability appears to be improved. The Razr 60 is rumored to have an IP48 rating, which introduces a degree of dust protection compared to the IPX8 rating of the Razr 50.
In terms of performance, the foldable device will utilize MediaTek’s Dimensity 7400x chipset, along with 12GB of LPDDR4x RAM and storage options reaching up to 512GB. Powering everything is a 4,500mAh battery with support for 30W fast charging.
Camera Features
On the camera side, the two lenses on the cover screen will include a 50MP main camera with OIS and an ultrawide camera that, based on leaks, will provide 4x greater capture range than before. The inner display will maintain a 32MP selfie camera just like its predecessor.
Additionally, Motorola is anticipated to include AI-driven features and a side-mounted fingerprint scanner for added security. The foldable will be available in colors like Pantone Gibraltar Sea, Pantone Lightest Sky, and Spring Bud.
No official announcements have been made regarding pricing or an exact launch date. However, with the recent influx of leaks, the Razr 60’s release might be approaching soon. More information will be shared as it becomes available.
Tags: foldable phones, MediaTek Dimensity 7400x, Motorola Razr 60
February 27, 2025
Honor Magic V4 Gets Snapdragon 8 Elite Chip Confirmation
Key Takeaways
1. Honor is developing two foldable smartphones: the Magic V4 (book-style) and Magic V2 Flip (clamshell-style).
2. The Honor Magic V4 will feature the “full-blooded” Snapdragon 8 Elite chipset, not the 7-core version.
3. The design of the Magic V4 is expected to be ultra-thin, potentially surpassing the slimness of the recently launched Oppo Find N5.
4. There is speculation that Honor might rebrand the Magic V4 to avoid the “unlucky” number 4, possibly calling it the Magic V5.
5. The expected launch date for the Magic V4 is June.
Honor is said to be developing two foldable smartphones for the Chinese market: the Magic V4, which is a book-style foldable, and the Magic V2 Flip, a clamshell-style model. Although information about the V4 has started to emerge, details on the flip phone are still limited. Recently, an executive from Honor seemed to confirm the chipset that will drive the Magic V4.
Chipset Details for Honor Magic V4
Honor Magic V4 to have Snapdragon 8 Elite
Oppo has just revealed the Oppo Find N5 foldable phone in China and Southeast Asia. This is the first device in the world to use the 7-core version of the Snapdragon 8 Elite, which has one core less than the regular 8-core model. While this might lead to a small decrease in processing strength for intensive tasks, the difference in real-world performance might not be that noticeable. The 7-core version is usually made for slimmer devices with less cooling, striking a balance between efficiency and performance. Importantly, the Find N5 is just 4.2mm when open and 8.9mm when folded, making it the thinnest foldable phone globally.
Expectations for the Magic V4 Design
The Honor Magic V3 was the slimmest foldable until the Find N5’s launch, so the Magic V4 is anticipated to have an even more streamlined design. A recent post on Weibo by a Chinese tech influencer raised questions about whether the Magic V4 would also come with the 7-core Snapdragon 8 Elite because of its ultra-thin build. In response, Li Kun, Honor’s Flagship Mobile Phone Product Manager, mentioned that it would have the “full-blooded” version of the chipset, hinting that the Magic V4 might include the standard 8-core Snapdragon 8 Elite.
Naming and Launch Speculations
The final name of the device is still unclear. Since Oppo chose to skip the “N4” label due to the number 4 being seen as unlucky in some Asian cultures, there is a chance that Honor might follow suit and avoid the “V4” name, opting instead to call its upcoming foldable the Magic V5. As for the launch date, it is expected to take place in June.
Tags: foldable phones, Honor Magic V4, Snapdragon 8 Elite
February 13, 2025
OnePlus Open 2: No New Foldable Phone Release This Year
Key Takeaways
1. OnePlus has decided not to release a follow-up model, the OnePlus Open 2, in 2024.
2. The OPPO Find N5 will not be rebranded as the OnePlus Open 2 globally.
3. OnePlus is still interested in the foldable market but is holding off on new releases for now.
4. The decision to not launch a new foldable may impact OnePlus’s market share in the foldable segment.
5. Public sentiment towards the OnePlus Open and OPPO Find N5 has been positive.
OnePlus introduced its first foldable smartphone, the OnePlus Open, in 2023. However, the company has decided not to release a follow-up model in 2024. Many had speculated that the upcoming OPPO Find N5 would simply be rebranded as the OnePlus Open 2 globally, but a recent official announcement has put a stop to that idea.
No OnePlus Open 2 This Year
In a statement from Vale Gu, the Product Manager for OnePlus’s Open division, it was made clear that there are no plans for a OnePlus Open 2. At least not this year.
“OnePlus is all about pushing boundaries and redefining norms across all our products,” Gu shared. “Considering the timing and our strategy for foldable devices, we’ve thoughtfully decided against launching a foldable this year.”
Future Possibilities and Current Options
As it stands, the OnePlus Open 2 will not be released this year, leaving eager fans with the option to purchase the OPPO Find N5 upon its launch. On a positive note, OnePlus has not ruled out the idea of future foldable devices.
“Our choice to hold off on foldables for now doesn’t mean we’re stepping away from this market,” Gu added. “The OPPO Find N5 showcases impressive advances in foldable tech, utilizing innovative materials and intricate engineering. We are determined to integrate these advancements into our upcoming products.”
Market Impact and Consumer Sentiment
The reasoning behind OnePlus’s decision remains unclear. All signs point to the OnePlus Open being well-received, and public sentiment toward the Find N5 has also been notably positive. By opting not to launch the Find N5 as the OnePlus Open 2, OnePlus may have missed a chance to secure a larger share of the foldable market.
Source:
Link
Tags: foldable phones, OnePlus Open, Oppo Find N5
January 20, 2025
Oppo Find N5: The Slimmest Phone of 2025? Discover Its Profile!
Foldable phones are becoming increasingly sleek, with Oppo taking the lead in this trend. The new flagship, the Oppo Find N5, is reported to be only a bit thicker than a USB-C port. This suggests that when it launches, it will be the thinnest foldable phone on the market.
Oppo Find N5 vs iPhone 16 Pro
Zhou Yibao, who is Oppo’s product manager for the Find N series, shared some stunning pictures on Weibo illustrating the Find N5’s slender design. For comparison, the iPhone 16 Pro measures 8.3 mm thick. The upcoming Oppo foldable is being promoted as the world’s thinnest foldable device, and the visuals provided certainly support that assertion.
Performance and Features
Oppo isn’t just reducing thickness for aesthetics. The Find N5 is equipped with impressive features: it will support wireless charging, have a larger battery, include a Hasselblad-tuned camera, and be powered by the Snapdragon 8 Elite processor, which is rumored to possess 7 cores rather than the standard 8.
The company has started teasing the phone in China, where it’s anticipated to be launched as soon as February. Global users might have to wait a bit longer, with speculation pointing to a potential announcement during MWC in March, possibly under the OnePlus Open 2 name. Currently, all attention is directed at the design of the Find N5. If it turns out to be thinner than the Honor Magic V3, which is 4.4 mm thick, it will also surpass the upcoming iPhone 17 Air, which is expected to be 5.5 mm thick.
Impressive Performance Metrics
Despite its ultra-slim design, the Find N5 does not compromise on performance. It has already been spotted on Geekbench, where its single-core performance matches that of the Galaxy S25 Slim, sharing the same chip. However, it significantly outperforms the S25 Slim in multi-core tests, leading by almost 2000 points. Concerns regarding overheating or performance limitations seem to be quite unfounded.
If you’ve been on the lookout for a foldable device that merges style and power, the Oppo Find N5 might be the ideal choice. Let’s hope that it becomes available to global consumers sooner rather than later!
Tags: foldable phones, Oppo Find N5, Snapdragon 8 Elite
January 20, 2025
Huawei Leads China’s Foldable Market as Competitors Lag Behind
IDC has published a fresh market analysis indicating that the foldable phone sector in China faced both advancements and hurdles in 2024. Huawei, which introduced foldable models like the Mate X6 and Mate XT Ultimate this year, is currently the frontrunner in China’s foldable phone landscape.
Huawei’s Strong Position
According to the IDC survey, Huawei dominates the foldable phone industry in China, holding nearly 50 percent market share. Honor follows closely with 20.6 percent, and Vivo takes 11.1 percent, bolstered by solid offerings such as the X Fold 3 series. Xiaomi comes in fourth with a 7.4 percent share, owing to the success of its inaugural clamshell foldable. Even though Oppo didn’t launch any new foldable devices in 2024, it still managed to maintain a 5.3 percent share thanks to positive user feedback. Interestingly, Samsung, a worldwide leader in foldable technology, has yet to make a significant impact in China’s competitive market.
Market Trends and Challenges
In terms of market dynamics, foldable phone shipments reached 9.17 million units in 2024, marking a 30.8 percent increase from the previous year. However, the fourth quarter saw a 9.6 percent drop in shipments, resulting in a total of 2.5 million units. This represented the first decline after nine quarters of steady growth. While enhancements in design, durability, and battery performance have made foldable phones more attractive, factors like high prices, durability concerns, and limited internal space remain barriers for wider adoption.
Recovery in Smartphone Market
China’s smartphone market showed significant recovery in 2024 after two years of decline, with shipments hitting around 286 million units—an increase of 5.6 percent year-on-year. This growth can be attributed to the rising demand for AI features, better displays, and extended battery life, especially in the first half of the year. Although demand began to slow down towards the year’s end, upcoming government-supported consumer subsidy programs in 2025 are predicted to give the market another boost.
Experts believe this recovery offers a vital chance for manufacturers to innovate and take advantage of changing consumer preferences. Nevertheless, companies need to strike a balance between immediate profits and long-term growth to avoid the risk of depleting future demand too soon.
Tags: China Smartphone market, foldable phones, Huawei
November 28, 2024
Huawei Chases Samsung in Global Foldable Phone Shipments
The foldable phone market may be facing some challenges, but Huawei is not slowing down its progress. A recent report from Counterpoint Research shows that the Chinese tech leader experienced a 23% increase in global foldable phone shipments year-over-year (YoY) during the third quarter of 2024. This growth occurred even as the overall market saw a decline of 1% compared to the same timeframe last year.
Introduction of New Models
This news comes right after the release of Huawei’s flagship Mate 70 series and Mate X6 foldable device. Currently, Huawei has secured 15% of the global foldable market share, which is a 2% rise from the previous year. The research firm credits this growth mainly to the continued popularity of the Mate X5 and Pocket 2 in China. These models have significantly boosted Huawei’s foldable sales.
Targeting Different Segments
Additionally, Huawei has rolled out some experimental foldable models in the Chinese market. The Nova Flip, for instance, is aimed at budget-conscious consumers looking for an affordable foldable phone. Moreover, Huawei stands out as the only brand to introduce a tri-fold phone for mass production. However, Counterpoint mentions that these experimental devices have not shipped as many units as their more established counterparts.
Samsung still holds the top spot in the global foldable market, even with a 21% decrease in shipments during Q3. Meanwhile, Huawei, with its impressive 23% growth, comfortably claims the second position, followed closely by Honor, which has seen a remarkable 121% YoY increase in sales. Motorola also made waves, witnessing a significant rise of 164% YoY.
Competing Brands
Among all competitors, Xiaomi recorded the highest YoY shipment growth at 185%, thanks to the worldwide launch of its first foldable device, the Mix Flip. Despite a slight setback in the global foldable phone market during Q3, Huawei’s strategic initiatives and innovative products position it well for ongoing success in this expanding sector. As the year unfolds, it will be fascinating to observe how the newly released Mate X6 performs in the market.
Source: Link
Tags: foldable phones, Huawei, Mate X6
November 12, 2024
Major Brand Halts Foldable Phone Development Amid Sales Decline
The foldable phone industry, once considered the next big thing in mobile tech, seems to be facing some challenges. As reported by the Chinese outlet 163.com, a well-known smartphone maker has paused its work on large-screen foldable devices. The name of this brand has not been revealed yet.
Challenges in the Niche Market
While the foldable phone market initially sparked a lot of excitement, it has remained a small niche. So far, making money in this area has mostly been achieved by established brands like Huawei and Samsung. Other companies, including the unnamed one, are still figuring out if this phone style is worth pursuing.
Struggles with Sales
Take Xiaomi as an example. It recently released the Mix Flip, which has done quite well, with lifetime sales expected to go beyond 460,000 units by the end of the year. In stark contrast, the Mix Fold 4, a larger foldable, has had a hard time reaching even 100,000 units sold.
On another note, another Chinese brand, Oppo, has clearly delayed the release of its new foldables, the Find N5, for a year. It’s still unknown if these devices will actually come out in 2025.
Cooling Interest from Major Players
Transsion, a significant name in international markets, also seems to be losing interest in foldable devices. Their recent products – the Tecno Phantom V Fold 2 / Flip 2 and Infinix Zero Flip – might be their last attempt, as there are reports indicating that the brand has stopped further work on foldable phones.
These changes come at a time when the overall foldable market in China is slowing down. IDC’s recent data shows that shipments for Q3 2024 reached only 2.23 million units, marking a mere 13.6% increase from the previous year. This is a significant drop compared to the rapid expansion seen in the last couple of years.
In conclusion, the foldable phone market certainly has potential. However, the recent halt by a major player and the sluggish growth in China indicate that manufacturers must tackle important issues like cost and durability before foldables can really take off in the smartphone arena.
Tags: foldable phones, Huawei Samsung, Xiaomi Mix Flip