Five reasons for a classic flagship, five reasons for a flexible smartphone

Hello.

We live at the turning point of eras – fashion devices have reappeared, and smartphones with flexible screens act in this capacity. The image component of such devices stems not only and not so much from the maximum cost, but from the movement itself, which allows you to open the device and get a kind of tablet. At the same time, the thickness of the devices has become such that they are almost indistinguishable from conventional models. Look at Huawei Mate X6 and Huawei Pura 70 Ultra, both models look thin and are comparable in size.

The fact that we are on the threshold of a different perception of flexible smartphones is noticeable in everything. Even the questions that I get asked all the time fit into the logic of choice, comparing the advantages of one form factor over another. The answers more or less equally describe the advantages of each device, so I decided to do this exercise once and then share the link.

I took Huawei Mate X6 and Huawei Pura 70 Ultra as test subjects, since I like the Mate X6 and its design and characteristics. You need to compare what is comparable, so I paired it with a direct competitor, the flagship of Huawei, which came out a little earlier. Each reason will describe one aspect of the device and the difference you get between them. And then everyone will be able to decide what exactly is important to them and how valid these reasons are.

Reason #1. Ergonomics, size and comfort

Huawei Pura 70 Ultra dimensions – 162.6 x 75.1 x 8.4 mm, weight – 226 grams. For comparison, the Mate X6 when folded measures 156.6 x 73.78 x 9.85 mm and weighs 239 grams. A little shorter, a little narrower and a little over a millimeter thicker. The weight can also be considered comparable.

Whatever one may say, the Fold form factor model turned out to be extremely close in size to a conventional smartphone, which opens up a completely new quality for such devices. They don’t look big or bulky, and the size doesn’t affect your perception in any way.

When closed, the Mate X6 is indistinguishable from a regular smartphone, which can be called a classic. The ergonomics are similar and you don’t feel like there are any major limitations or discrepancies between the devices. And this looks fantastic, since now the argument that they are different makes no sense. And this is the first reason for Huawei Mate X6, as it looks like a regular smartphone.

What will be the reason for the Huawei Pura 70 Ultra in this case? I think that the answer lies in the lack of mechanics, the ability to open the device. Classic at its finest, no moving parts.

Reason #2. Device reliability – mechanics versus monolith

We live in captivity of stereotypes that tell us: any moving parts are unreliable, they can definitely break. Of course, the features of our perception are often far from reality. But there really is a difference, and we can evaluate it using the example of two expensive models.

By meticulously studying the materials from which the devices are assembled, we will discover that the metal chassis is identical; the Mate X6 additionally features a steel hinge. But the glass that covers the outer screen is different; here it is KunLun Glass of the second generation, while in Huawei Pura 70 Ultra the name has the Crystal Armor prefix. That is, the glass in Ultra is of a higher class, and the mechanical reliability is better.

Another point is protection from water and dust. The candy bar has protection against small particles, as it supports the IP69K standard, while the folding smartphone has IPX8, that is, protection only from water. Small particles and sand getting between the halves can cause damage to the device. The conclusion is simple: you shouldn’t take it with you to the beach and throw it in the sand, and nothing bad will happen, although it all depends on your luck.

The level of protection in the Huawei Mate X6 is high, but in an all-in-one device it is simply maximum for today’s smartphone market, it’s worth remembering. And this is the reason in favor of the candy bar.

The reason for the clamshell lies on the surface – a reliable device that does not have built-in vulnerabilities, despite its form factor. If you know your sin is that you constantly drop your devices, think about what is better to choose.

Reason #3. Small screen, big screen

The clamshell form factor means that when you open it, you get a huge internal screen, that is, you already have a tablet in your hands. On such a screen it is much more convenient to read, watch videos, and edit photos.

A clear choice for those who not only chat in instant messengers and take photographs on a smartphone with an internal screen; it provides a huge variety of possibilities. After the big screen it is impossible to return to the small one. When closed, as stated above, you will not see any difference between the models. So the reason for the Mate X6 is the large, bright internal screen, effectively giving you two devices in one body.

The Huawei Pura 70 Ultra display is classic, it has the maximum diagonal for this type of device. It’s a matter of habit: if you are comfortable with such a screen, you are not ready to try something new, then stay with this form factor for some time. And the reason for the classic screen is also significant. Choose according to your feelings and tasks what is important to you.

Reason #4. Service – film on screen

In a monoblock you can refuse to use film, the screen will withstand the tests, and there is simply no risk in such use. But on a smartphone with a flexible screen, the internal display is covered with a film; after a year of active use, it may begin to come off, and then you will need to go to a service center to have it replaced (the film is a consumable item). It is impossible to replace the film outside the official service; there is no need for such risky experiments, as they can damage your device.

For rational buyers, the periodic expense of replacing the film in the Mate X6 is an argument in favor of a classic flagship, where both the film and its replacement are much easier.

The reason for the folding smartphone is that they initially add an additional warranty on the screen, which is not the case with the classic model. And this is a big plus for such a device; you feel confident that even if something bad happens, repairs will not cost you a pretty penny.

Reason #5. Multitasking on the big screen

The Mate X6’s internal screen lets you run multiple apps at once, drag and drop data from one app to another, all on one screen, without switching between open windows.

A large screen and software adapted for it are a definite reason for a flexible smartphone; it will appeal to everyone who works more or less seriously on their phone. And here we are still talking about the big screen, that we have two devices in one case. This is the reason for the Mate X6, but there is also an argument in favor of the classic model. There is no need to master new modes; everything is familiar from previous devices.

As conclusions

The unfamiliar is always scary, so smartphones with flexible screens, due to ignorance of the form factor, raise questions, sometimes leading to rejection of this class of devices. How many times have I heard that they are inconvenient, unnecessary, unreliable. All this is fiction, and I highlighted some points above, but here I want to say that five or six years ago, most smartphones were weaker than the Huawei Mate X6 in terms of case reliability and other characteristics. But we used them without any worries, so many of the complaints are absent-minded and far-fetched.

The question of what to choose, a classic flagship or a smartphone with a flexible screen, always depends on your habits. Are you ready to spend a little time and explore the new possibilities that a flexible screen provides, how much do you need two devices in your pocket, a tablet and a phone? Maybe you don’t look at photos or videos at all; a regular screen is enough for you. There is nothing wrong with this; each of us has our own ideas about beauty. And if this is so, then use a classic smartphone for your health.

Those who switched to models with a flexible screen instantly fall in love with the diagonal of the internal screen, get used to the convenience of viewing information and cannot go back, there is simply no turning back. So this is another argument against, albeit a humorous one. Once you try such a device, you will never go back, believe my experience.

For many, a serious argument against a smartphone with a flexible screen is its cost, which is the highest for the market. But considering its unique capabilities, the fact that such a model fits into any pocket, the price, plus or minus, is justified. And compared to the classic flagship, the price difference is not stunning. But we must understand that both models under consideration are not for the mass buyer, but only for a narrow part of the audience, which follows from their cost.