Why Smaller, Simpler Foldable Phones May Be Better Than Bigger, More Ambitious Ones

Today's smartphones are way bigger compared to the smartphones of the yesteryears. Older smartphones were thicker, but were smaller compared to newer devices. Their small size, however, doesn't mean they're inferior to bigger phones.

Today's smartphones, however, are dwarfed by the larger foldable devices that have been released to the market. Samsung's first foldable smartphone, the Galaxy Fold, for example, is a smartphone that unfolds to become a smaller tablet that demands to be held with both hands. Huawei's Mate X is even bigger than the Galaxy Fold.

Aside from wide displays, these devices also have the most powerful of specs in any smartphone today. Their huge sizes and specs indicate that they were meant for more than the typical smartphone use. They were designed for productivity, among other uses. That said, they're not the most popular amongst consumers.

According to a poll conducted by Android Authority, most consumers want the Galaxy Fold's specs, but they want those specs placed inside a smaller form – a chassis belonging to the new Motorola Razr. The poll found that most of respondents don't want the screen estate offered by the larger devices. They, however, want what powers the larger devices to power the smaller phone.

Aside from the fact that bigger foldables are more unwieldy compared to smaller ones, the larger, more ambitious and sophisticated foldable smartphones tend to cost more than simpler models. Case in point: the Galaxy Fold sells for $2,000 while the Mate X sells for $2,600. The Razr, with its smaller form and simpler specs, sells for only $1,500, which is definitely cheaper than the other models.

CNet noted that for most consumers, price will always be “a sticking point.” While it's a fact of life that the cheaper cost always comes at a trade-off, not everyone is willing to pay the price to get the extra features they don't need or want anyway. Those who don't need a top-tier device such as Samsung's and Huawei's can simply get the Motorola Razr.

What's more, the Razr is also smaller than the other devices, which makes it a better choice for those who are looking for a very handy smartphone that can do smartphone tasks well. For these kinds of people, small, simple and cheap is always better than bigger, more ambitious and more pricey.

Still, it's interesting to see what will happen to the foldable smartphone race. Samsung is expected to release a cheaper model designed to go against the Razr in price, form and feature.