2020 was an important year in the history of smartphone technology, thanks to the introduction of unconventional devices that for the first time deviate from traditional design. Starting from the first touch screen devices, the evolution of what is now a daily and in some ways indispensable object, we have reached a new milestone, that is devices capable of flexing, bending or rolling up.
All the unconventional smartphones of 2020: from simple foldables, to rollaways and more
The Samsung Galaxy Z series
Evolution of the sadly unsuccessful Galaxy Fold, Galaxy Z Flip is the flexible device with which Samsung has managed to redeem itself from all the mistakes of youth committed with its first flexible smartphone, representing a huge improvement over the first iteration.
Motorola’s direct rival of Moto RAZR, due to its clamshell design , represents a refined device with highly updated hardware.
Also part of the series Galaxy Z Fold 2 initially released with some software problems immediately corrected later and equipped with decidedly more mature hardware characteristics , improving the concept in every aspect, every single element and detail, which has remained unchanged.
Huawei Mate X
Huawei Mate X and Huawei Mate Xs are the two main flexible smartphones launched by the Chinese company. These are distinguished from the “classic” foldables, for being able to fold outwards , instead of inwards. Reports relating to the next generation version of the device suggest more powerful hardware features, similar to what is seen on the Galaxy Z Fold 2.
Despite the goodness of the devices, immediately functional and powerful , the beginning of Huawei’s adventure in the whole new field of flexible smartphones was not exactly a success, as the company only managed to sell a few hundred thousand units. In April, the company also said it was going at a loss with the Huawei Mate Xs.
LG Wing
Among the most unconventional smartphones of 2020, LG Wing is the device characterized by the bravest design. Part of the company’s Explorer Project program , it was initially known only as a concept phone.
The device made by LG has a secondary display that can be rotated for specific use in games, videos and more. Thanks to this design, it can offer different ways of using content.
The smartphone certainly offers a completely innovative mobile experience , even if everything will depend on the success that the design will have in the market.
Microsoft Surface Duo
Announced last year along with Surface Neo and released this year, Surface Duo represents the first hybrid device of the Redmond company .
It is precisely a fablet characterized by two displays and two operating systems . It features a custom Android interface designed for most tasks.
Despite the goodness of the traditional concept broadly, also the Microsoft device has initially suffered from problems of hardware nature is not insignificant, as the rupture of the plastic around the USB port and the bulge caused by an initially defective battery.
Oppo’s rollable smartphone
The innovation train of flexible devices has only just started. The Oppo X 2021 rollable smartphone, recently shown in a video, may soon become a reality in a new commercial iteration. The rollable display is a concept that many companies have pursued, as seen in the various patents around this time.
A design that would allow an innovative interface experience and could potentially make a smartphone more practical to use.
Also note the recent patent of the Chinese company, relating to a smartphone equipped with a removable camera module , which you can see in detail in our article .