Inside A Folding Phone: The Hinge That Helped Oppo "Delete The Crease"

[@damagecase13]

Michael, you are the main reason I took the plunge and bought a Z Fold 3 shortly after launch. Folding phones are still giving me that original iPhone type of excitement. Something I never thought I'd feel again in a sea of slabs. You continue that excitement with videos like this. The mechanisms, engineering and time that goes into these devices are a big reason for that excitement for me, they feel like true future tech but today. I will never go back to a slab phone. I have eliminated the need for a tablet in my life and I haven't opened my windows laptop in months. People used to say that smartphones are like full fledged computers in our pockets, I didn't really feel the same until now. I write documents like resumes, shopping lists, consume media, play video games (Gamepass etc), and so much more. Long story short, I just wanted to say thank you for helping keep my excitement high along with settling my curiosities about these (and other) devices. You're truly a class act that obviously loves their craft and it's infectious and inspiring! Stay mobile my friend!

[@nazhif1]

I’m not concerned about the hinge. I’m concerned about the ultra thin glass’ susceptibility to microcracks along the crease after 2 years or so.

[@TheMrMobile]

Yep, same. That's why I spent so much time talking about the differing radius of the crease between U-type and waterdrop hinges. I believe Samsung's narrow-radius approach puts substantially more stress on its displays.

[@syednaveed6285]

Yup. I have an unwelcome black circular hole, in the middle of my Fold 3. Done with folds/flip.

[@lockonstrato]

rocking the 2020 Razr 5G since launch, hinge and screen are immaculate. Besides scuff and scratch on exterior from drops, the only thing THE ONLY THING that has truely failed seems to be the usb port not registering a charge since landing it chin first on concrete last week. may need to replace shortly T.T

[@ayyndrew]

​@@TheMrMobile I thought this as well, I haven't seen any Oppo, Vivo, or Motorola foldable crack in the same way that Samsung ones have

[@akramm.8543]

@@ayyndrew let's give it some time and watch

[@yo.adrian]

That's what's amazing with new technology: products get released and us early adopters are the ones to test them out, with different companies going different routes to achieve the same goal. Years later, everyone will settle on one technology that will become the normal for everyone to use (for example, take a look at wireless chargers).

[@Juanguar]

Heh you reminded me of the mess that was PMA vs Qi

[@TheMrMobile]

@@Juanguar Oof, too soon

[@DpKris]

I am just taking this moment to appreciate the engineers for what they have achieved till now. Those hinges requires precision and thinking to get right. It is piece of engineering marvel.

[@hossel_]

Hey Michael I just want you to know that I'd literally watch a video of paint dry if you produced it. Some of the best directed and shot videos on the platform, keep up the stellar work

[@TheMrMobile]

Many thanks!

[@TrueRay17]

​@@TheMrMobile April's Fool's video idea perhaps lol

[@1karanhasija]

I love dry paint, I make paint, it dries

[@Kurogane-san]

Same here

[@jables9527]

Michael, I've been following you since the pocketnow days and I have to say, you fill a niche in the mobile journalism space that has been largely filled by influencers. I really appreciate the passionate and "techy" approach to reviewing the latest phones. There is nothing wrong with the space as it is known these days, but you bring me back to an era where people were excited about innovation. In a sea of slabs, I look to you for the latest opinion on what is changing this space. Cheers.

[@GFourGadget]

Now that's an interesting and in depth video on the current state of foldables. The smartphone industry is moving so fast and we're living in the future already!

[@garylai1083]

🤞

[@GusDom]

I'm LOVING my Fold 3. Watching this was so cool. These folding phones really do make you never want go back to a traditional style of phone.

[@Thisath100]

Loved this video. Genuinely super interesting, and not as dry as you might think to your core audience, Michael! Hope you get more opportunities to bring us into the engineering side of phones like this in the future.

[@jamessegers5834]

I've had a z fold 3 for almost two years now. Got it in Agust 2021. I love the fact I can open it at any angle and to be honest I haven't treated this phone any differently to my 'slab' phones, in fact I'd wager I've dropped it alot more because of the weight and the fact it doesn't quite sit as nicely in my pocket, it has been rock solid without issues. Replaced the screen protector myself and that's about all.

[@cadenchurchill4296]

So cool! Thanks for sharing this on foldable hinges! Can’t wait for more foldable content, and it’s a shame Oppo doesn’t really sell their phones in Canada and the States.

[@NectarLiam]

i think the gap is a design decision on samsung's part, stopping any grit or dirt from damaging the screen when sandwiched between however i concede that the crease is less appealing on samsung's models

[@azerik92]

I wish other manufacturers were so forthwith about their design process. There's only so much to be gathered from a teardown, so I really hope it becomes more normal for manufacturers to share information like this with creators like you. And as always this was a fantastic video, I don't think I could ever tire of your passion for mobile devices and foldables in particular.

[@slomojo98]

5:35 I am a nerd as well. I believe I now know the form factor for my next communicator. Thanks again for a perfect take on the folds and flips from a nerds point of view.

[@ydna]

dude this video is awesome, one of your best! all those glorious close-ups never get old, the evolution of engineering is real impressive when you see different versions so clearly.

[@40somethingmanchild]

Awesome content, as always. I gave up my Z Flip 3 for a Pixel due to two instances of screen separation on the hinge of my screen within the first two years of owning it. Whilst Samsung repaired twice, at no cost, the inconvenience of sending my phone off was enough to get me to go back to slab phones for at least a few more generations. I love the flip design, I just want it to mature further before I commit to one again.

[@aarontelander]

So much of a foldable’s success hinges on this tech!

[@blazbohinc4964]

Your haircut is absolutely FIRE in this one! Nice

[@hueyh5637]

Love the episode, deep dive into the mechanical side of the phone is very intriguing

[@richardpeters7136]

This is the best informational video on the mechanics of foldable phones on the internet. Kudos Michael Fisher!!

[@zenithquasar9623]

You remain to my favourite mobile phone related channel! Thanks for your awesome work!

[@Kurogane-san]

Michael, I really love your work! Idk how to describe it, but I really like every little detail you put in your videos. If it was not for your coverage I'd not be so interested in foldables at all.

[@NeonVisual]

Star Trek really has come full circle when they're using a galaxy flip with a chunky bumper as a tricorder prop.

[@TheMrMobile]

lol, yep!

[@derekisthematrix]

I don't agree with Michael on the utility of foldables but I applaud and enjoy his reviews/deeper dives related to them. Keep doing what you enjoy and obviously do well Michael. Cheers

[@Kayfabe-226]

I'm not all that interested in foldable phones but I'll watch any video you make because they're generally very cool...

[@darrenmorin]

Totally agreed on the hinge release button.

[@mayhemic]

Bro that little chime sound with the hinge dimensions was neat 🙏

[@tomanicodin]

Quick comment: I love your style and your reviews

[@Chemy.]

Interesting as always, also nice to see all are creating instead of just copying it or licensing.

[@jonathanlaviola2726]

Nice to see you got the chair you wanted and mentioned in Twitter ;)

[@Krzyshek]

As always, You are an inspiration for me to keep creating my amateur materials on youtube. Thanks!

[@brianw3095]

Always a prime quality and witty review, Michael. My favorite channel to wet my whistle with the latest in mobile tech!

[@rambledogs2012]

I can still recall watching a TV show starring Patrick Stewart in the late 80's. He was carrying something that resembled a tablet (or a PADD, if you wish), that he could operate just like a computer. When I was a young teenager, I wondered if I would ever be able to use a similar device like that, in the future. Sure enough, the tablet eventually appeared. Progressing on to the foldable, the next generation, my thoughts are brought back to that episode, and my older self starts to get enthusiastic about future tech once again. Things are only impossible until they are not, 🙂 Awesome video, Michael.

[@JoelPiccoli]

That's the kind of video we need more! It's very interesting to see how something work on a device we use in a daily basis! Gratz on the quality video Michael!

[@hovaten3428]

the best foldable reviewer on KZbin 👏🏻

[@ArthurZakaryan23]

Love your videos Michael! And seeing the inner workings of the hinge was extra cool, I am a huge fan of mechanical watches, Japanese, German and Swiss and it's always fascinated seeing small mechanical components like this. One of my biggest hangups with folding phones though is the feel of the UTG glass in the inner folding display. The plasticky nature is really off-putting from someone who has used nothing but glass screened slab phones previously. Less important but still annoying is how that UTG looks in the light. That somewhat wavy aesthetic that isn't something a normal glass display slab phone has is also not a great look but I can overlook that since I'd be using the outside cover display more often than the inside.

[@MrMobile_M_Fisher]

👆Thanks for your support dear❣️ I really appreciate your efforts hit me up on my official website I have a gift for you 🎁

[@cogspace]

Ooh, I love this deep dive format. More of these would be super welcome!

[@ShashwatPanda]

My man can describe a cardboard box for an hour and i would still watch it end to end, just for the finesse in production quality and that silky voice..👏👏

[@rattsjana]

As always, a welcome outlook on the hinge designs, the achilles heel of folding phones....

[@Refaelgez]

It's amazing for me how much I like your videos!

[@jebaker2]

This was far more interesting of a video than I expected. Well done!

[@NinPossible]

This makes me want the N2 Flip even more! It’s very popular in my country now. So much that Samsung has to reduce the Z Flip’s price to beat the N2! 😊

[@nathanielvann5524]

I love that you are so pro-foldable. I miss my old flip phones, but I'm stuck in the apple ecosystem and patiently wait for when (if??) they release a foldable.

[@UpgradeLemonade]

wow....never figured there were so much nuance to the hinges, appreciate this detailed look into something most of us just overlook 👍 great content as always Michael

[@barryb1490]

Great video as usual Michael! I love my Z-Flip 4 (Mr Flippy lol)

[@RockyC89]

The Motorola I930 was the last phone I got before switching to an iPhone back in 2008. The button that flipped open the phone for you was such a cool feature.

[@arn0ld93]

Nice to see the eames chair in action!

[@damnhockey]

excellent video, I have a Z flip 4 and I love it. When I upgrade in 1 1/2 years, I expect a bigger cover screen, smaller crease, and a better experience. Thanks for your review it is very important to consumers like me. Always appreciated. candy bar phones are boring

[@swimseven77]

Great video! I will say though - if you get the push-to-flip button, that will sacrifice the posable hinge. Can't exactly have both unfortunately.

[@afridifacebook]

Thanks. It was a nice video. Quite a relaxing watch.

[@hojomoone]

Magnificent Michael! Nuff said 😊

[@productivity_tipz]

I'm not concerned about the phone but rather the thumbnail. Great job! Just subscribed!

[@DonStoddard5]

Fascinating! I don't think you went too far into the weeds, quite the opposite the fine details are what make it interesting!

[@emi2645]

I'm ready to upgrade my phone in may - my Samsung s20 5G that I've had for 3 years. I've been contemplating a flip/folding phone for a while but I'm waiting until one comes out with maximum function on the cover screen. I need a flip phone with a durable hinge and minimal crease (obviously) but also so functional without opening that I barely have to open it. Mainly so that I can reply to messages/check notifications and emails from the cover screen to minimise the amount of time that I spend mindlessly scrolling. Buying a dumb phone isn't an option, because I still want the ability to read books, watch KZbin videos and play the odd game when I'm bored. Fingers crossed foldables will evolve enough to satisfy me soon enough!

[@BooredAtWork]

It's all about the Hope and close. 😂 Great video bro!

[@TheMrMobile]

Legit still laughing at this, two years later

[@BooredAtWork]

@@TheMrMobile 😂😂😂

[@davidfromdownunder]

Now I clearly see the justification behind the cost of foldables. Thanks Michael for a very informative episode, I will remain patient with great anticipation in what Samsung showcases come August, they can no longer ignore the fact that their competitors are closing in fast and are hot on their heels. Healthy competition can be nothing other than a very, VERY good thing.

[@Achillias]

I own the Samsung Galaxy Fold 2 (for 2.5 years) and the Oppo Find N2. And only the people that never owned a foldable are concerned about the crease and the durability. I would never switch to a regular phone anymore.

[@bensgadgetreviews]

this is so good, thanks for this video

[@jeffwoodard]

Always top notch content. Thank you Mr. Mobile.

[@Pete292323]

A push to flip button would probably tip me over the edge and make me get a foldable.

[@davidbarker7091]

The push to flip is a step backwards if you really think about it? That's in the vain of it being either open or close and not really soon so much for the in betweens?

[@808GT]

Love this detailed type of videos on the tech inside. More please!

[@FacundoNicolasmartinezAndroid]

The best reviews Mr Fisher .

[@finfan83]

Imagine making screens for your competition ! Everyone lives in peace ! Aww, they dont wanna give us push to flip (and push to pushbutton) pushbutton :( 5:42 - the chair ! The chair arrived ! Look at it being glorious stand for MrMobile ! 9:42 - yay, reliable flip phones !

[@brianlambTN]

Yes!! Love this content!! Thanks for staying with the foldables Mr. Mobile!

[@Major_Mason]

I just hope the Fold 5 helps get a more relaxed hinge style akin to the water drop rather than the U shape. Solely to avoid microcracks in the display. Especially for the sake of buyers confidence.

[@qpg16]

I’ve been loving the podcast! Great videos as always

[@HandheldAddict]

Wonderful video, I'm a huge foldable fan. You obviously take care not to go too "into the weeds" with your vids with dry technical talk but most viewers watching about folding hinges are more technical minded than the passive casual. Good balance here though.

[@jeanlucpicard4225]

Push to flip would be insane Mr. mobile

[@Techmearound]

You will definitely get the credit if they implement the push to flip button haha. Great video!

[@cunxu2697]

hope you get the Huawei Mate X3 soon, which might also be one of the most interesting hinges since it is a waterdrop hinge and has IPX8 water resistance and its probably the thinnest foldable that supports flex, Although you already know all this

[@TheMrMobile]

I'd love to. Shame about the Google apps, though. Might wait for the rumored global release in May.

[@connorbryant8060]

​@@TheMrMobile I challenge you to spend 2 weeks with a Huawei Mate 50 Pro and the Google problem is no more , best camera on a smartphone. And a stunning device

[@pabl0sauced0]

From my understanding is that Samsung's fold has a fat crease bc they spend more effort in dust and water proofing it. I've noticed all the crease less foldables don't have good water or dust resistance.

[@robertbrooks9073]

Thank you so much for this. Was an eye opening video that I didn't realize I needed. :)

[@Jubelly]

This info might just give me that push towards foldables!

[@SimonRockman]

Hi, I bought a Z3 flip because you recommended it. I'd like to know more about the material science behind the screen

[@nuffens]

honestly love watching these. I'd love to buy an oppo flip but with my carrier here in the US it doesn't make sense, nut in a couple years, I really hope I can get a flip smartphone

[@furqansiddiqui8437]

Videos like these where we get a tasteful insights about tech is why it's my best channel. My fold 4 is still aging well after 6 months of use (apart from some minor pixelations in the crease), and the hinge holding strong the way it did on day 1.

[@loneapple440]

Very impressive video and informative.

[@gianpaolohank]

thanks to this series of video i finally decided to foldable... but i went for samsung just because a better water resistant rating. cant wait to see their next foldables.

[@thevietkid33]

I've had a fold four for a couple months but I had an issue with the hinge. It was having issues closing right before the last couple millimeters. It would click and get stuck. I sent it back to Samsung they could not figure out how to fix it. They couldn't give me a replacement. They made me return it and gave me a refund and made me reorder and I wasn't about to go through all that. Again, I would love for a competitor to come to the US. Fingers crossed the pixel fold comes

[@kevinmikulaj]

Another great video. Probably in the minority here, but I really liked the Duo and Duo 2.

[@derbagger22]

Oh god, YES! My spring loaded NEXTEL was my favorite work phone of all time. One hand capable all day long........

[@robertosmmjlist]

More of these technical videos please!

[@ranumbakoh7292]

the push to open hinge is already available on huawei outward foldable

[@rovantara]

I've used oppo fold n.. bring it to bed without worry it might get crunch by my body.. the tight gap, keeps the display safe.. i cant imagine what happened if my weight crunch the samsung fold and makes crack noise 😅

[@ashar8192]

I loved the Chernobyl HBO series reference at 3:50! Worth watching

[@teaphizzy]

Happy birthday Michael! 🎂

[@spaceshiplewis]

My Fold 3 is still going strong. Have a few surface scratches on the top screen but the crease is fine even after years of incessant folding, short drops, unplanned submerging, and nights of falling asleep on top it.

[@spaceshiplewis]

Not that I care about Samsung/Android vs other companies, I just think that it has to do just as much with users and not completely with design. Before my Fold3 I had a S9+ I skipped a few generations because I don't replace my phone every year like Apple expects and almost demands you do.

[@rafaszeptycki7690]

Cool material. Please provide more videos about foldable phones ;)

[@extectic]

Missed opportunity there to call the hinge-less phones the "unhinged competition" 😀

[@christopherwalton3565]

Maybe I’m wrong but wouldn’t a push to flip button require a spring loaded hinge? Wouldn’t that make it less adjustable?

[@Eldare]

Omg so awesome insight!

[@PSYCHOV3N0M]

I can't wait for your review of the Vivo X Fold 2. 😁👍

[@ferrydaddy]

Waiting for your Oppo Find X6 Pro review video ❤

[@beboyvibora0504]

What IP rating does have the N2 Flip?

[@stevelitchfield]

Nice sentiment about the spring loaded ‘push to unfold’ but it would put a LOT of extra physical stress on the components. (Physicist speaking!) And so would hasten material failures. Ps. Finally long term testing a Z Fold 4 here too. It’s surprisingly… excellent. Samsung did almost everything right. So roll on the ‘5’! 8-)

[@balloonedraccoon2503]

You are an S tier KZbin channel

[@burbery17]

Great video💯but for me the problem isn't the hinge, trench or IPX rating, it will be it's connectivity to external monitors (alt mode) or if it has a desktop mode. The idea of using my fold as a desktop replacement at home, and work, would easily justify the cost of upcomming foldables.

[@amonrei]

When these techs really mature, i wouldn't mind rocking a fold or flip. I'll get one when it have actual flagship cameras & great battery life. But until then i'm sticking with my boring slab.

[@kogavlogs]

Ever since I used the Samsung flip, I am scared of doing the one hand flip and always always thought about the good old days where there is a push to flip button. I really wish they would do that!