Samsung was the first to announce a foldable phone way back in 2019. In the last year, we have seen many foldable devices from brands like OPPO, Motorola, and Huawei. Xiaomi also offers foldable devices but only limited to China. Foldable phones come with their advantages as well as drawbacks and brands have been improving these devices every year. The phones are expensive too making it a long-term investment for buyers and nobody wants them to get damaged. Now a new development seems to be a shining light for foldable phone enthusiasts.
Foldable phones may have to comply with hardware requirements
At the heart of foldable phones, is a hinge mechanism. It allows the device to be opened and folded. The hinge is quite durable but like most things, it loses rigidity over a two to five-year period of time assuming that the user keeps using the device daily.
Now coming to the main topic, Mishal Rahman revealed on his Patreon account (paywalled content) that Google will require hardware quality standards for the foldable phones. The search giant is planning to launch a foldable quality review process for brands. OEMs will have to complete a Google questionnaire and send sample devices to the platform holder for closer scrutiny.
Brands often rate the number of folds for their devices. Google will require all foldable phones to last at least 200,000 folds and unfolds. This is in line with what Samsung claims for their Galaxy Z foldable. However, some brands like OPPO tout a larger hinge life for devices with 400,000 folds. This is quite high considering that 200,000 folds and unfolds would probably last for five years considering it is used 100 times a day. Rahman also added that foldable devices with a ‘torque hinge’ will require friction torque equal to at least 80% of the original torque after 200,000 folds/unfolds.
Google will also require OEMs to deliver two major OS updates and three years of security patches for foldable phones. This is kind of a letdown since the devices are quite expensive.
There are no other major requirements like the usage of ultra-thin glass for foldable. Mandating the hinge and fold’s lifespan is a step in the right direction to ensure quality and that the foldable phones last for a long period.
Related:
- Xiaomi Mix Fold 3 display details, battery life officially confirmed
- OnePlus Open Updated Leaked Renders Reveal Significant Changes To Camera Module And Form Factor
- Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 5 durability test shows surprising results
