OPPO Reduces Crease in New Foldable Phone

The Persistent Crease in Folding Displays

A visible crease appears to be an inherent challenge in the design of folding displays. It’s prominently located in the center of these otherwise premium devices, and consistently draws attention in discussions about foldable phones. An alternative design, such as the gap seen in Microsoft’s Surface Duo, isn’t necessarily a more appealing solution.

Oppo's Approach to Crease Reduction

While the “N” in Oppo’s Find N foldable doesn’t signify a complete elimination of the crease, initial reports suggest a significant reduction in its visibility – a key concern with earlier foldable generations. Oppo claims the crease is “up to 80% less noticeable” compared to conventional folding phones. Perception of the crease is subjective and influenced by lighting conditions.

The crease has proven to be a more persistent issue than the notch, as it directly bisects the screen. Oppo’s dedication to refinement is noteworthy; the company deliberately avoided a rushed product launch. The Find N is the result of six generations of internal prototype development, a project initiated in 2018.

The Foldable Market: A History of Challenges

The foldable phone market has experienced a varied trajectory, with some setbacks stemming from premature releases. Samsung was initially criticized for bringing its first foldable to market too quickly, although subsequent iterations have demonstrably improved the user experience. While not yet mainstream, these devices have evolved considerably, and the Galaxy Z Flip 3 was the first to genuinely appeal to me as a practical option.

Huawei’s Mate X showed initial promise, but development was paused as the company revisited its design. The company has also faced other significant challenges. Motorola’s initial Razr foldable was largely unsuccessful, though improvements were incorporated into a second-generation model.

Oppo's Strategy: Patience and Refinement

Oppo appears to have learned from the missteps of others by prioritizing development time. In the technology sector, being first to market doesn’t always guarantee success. Early releases often function as extensive beta tests for early adopters. Although I was unable to attend Oppo’s launch event, initial reviews have been positive regarding the company’s design choices.

The Find N’s 18:9 aspect ratio is a notable feature, allowing it to resemble a conventional smartphone when closed. While relatively thick in its folded state, the hinge effectively maintains a flush alignment of the displays. The screen measures 7.1-inches, slightly smaller than the Fold 3’s 7.6-inches, but likely sufficient for most users interested in foldable devices.

Component Sourcing and Market Availability

It’s important to note that Samsung Display manufactured the folding screen, despite Oppo’s proprietary enhancements. Therefore, Samsung benefits financially even if the Find N is successful. A thriving market benefits all involved, particularly those supplying key components.

Currently, the Find N is exclusively available in China. Oppo appears content to focus on the world’s largest smartphone market. However, given the integration of OnePlus into Oppo, potential synergies and the possibility of a wider release may emerge, as OnePlus has been exploring its own foldable concepts.

Ultimately, Oppo’s Find N represents a thoughtful approach to the challenges of foldable phone design, prioritizing refinement and addressing key user concerns.