Samsung is arguably leading the way with its foldable smartphones globally. In China it’s a different story – a different name. Huawei? No, it’s Royole we are
Samsung is arguably leading the way with its foldable smartphones globally. In China it’s a different story – a different name. Huawei? No, it’s Royole we are referring to. Royole hit the center stage with the launch of FlexPai – the first commercial foldable smartphone launched months before Samsung’s maiden attempt went official. It wouldn’t be fair to say FlexPai was a success, just like Samsung’s fiasco device – the Galaxy Fold, it had endless complaints too. Samsung however sprung back well with the Galaxy Z Fold2 and Royole intends to do so with the FlexPai 2. Royole is best known for developing full-color flexible screen technology for clients like Airbus and Louis Vuitton. The Chinese OEM entered the smartphone world directly with a foldable option – a bold move to reckon– but it fell flat on its face in the endeavor. The first generation FlexPai was not worth contention but that doesn’t stand true for the FlexPai 2. We have come to realize, follow-up devices tend to crease out the flaws of their predecessors and do significantly better in sales. This is an example set straight by FlexPai 2, which is reportedly doing well in China, where it has been available since September this year. There are no sales figures per se but the company is overly satisfied and is now contemplating a global launch of the phone. Markets are not disclosed, but early 2021 is the tentative timeline when it should trickle out of China. This claim brings us to the vital question: Is the FlexPai 2 a foldable smartphone you should wait for, Will it be worth your cash? Various first-person narratives claim – the FlexPai 2 “is a surprising improvement over the original,” it’s a device that feels good in the hand. The improvement of the phone is noticeable in the screen, which now folds completely flat – with no hint of crease or bend of any sort. The 0-180° adjustable hinge that makes integration for seamless folding possible is, according to the company, constructed from aircraft-grade aluminum titanium alloy and liquid metal.
