Oppo and Honor Unveil First Crease-Free Foldable Phones
▼ Summary
– The display crease has been a major drawback of foldable phones, but Oppo and Honor are teasing new models that appear to eliminate it.
– Honor’s Magic V6 and Oppo’s Find N6 are set to launch soon, with the Honor device debuting on March 1 at MWC.
– Honor has showcased images of a seemingly crease-free foldable and hinted at a durable “Super Steel Hinge” that maintains battery life and thin design.
– Oppo demonstrated in a video that its Find N6 prototype survived 170,000 folds in testing without developing a crease, which typically worsens over time.
– The real-world durability of these crease-free claims for both devices remains to be seen after their launches.
For years, the visible crease on the inner screen has been the most persistent and noticeable drawback of foldable smartphones. This technological compromise, where the screen bends, has been a hallmark of the category since its inception. Now, a significant shift appears imminent as two major manufacturers, Oppo and Honor, are on the verge of releasing new devices that promise to eliminate this visual imperfection entirely. Their upcoming models, the Honor Magic V6 and the Oppo Find N6, represent a potential leap forward in display engineering, aiming to deliver a truly seamless viewing experience.
Honor has been actively building anticipation for its new foldable. Company executive Wang Fei recently shared images on the Chinese social media platform Weibo that showcase a device with a remarkably smooth interior screen. The promotional material suggests the phone lacks any discernible crease, presenting a flat, uniform surface when unfolded. Further teasers from the brand hint at the technology enabling this feat. Honor references a new “Super Steel Hinge” mechanism, which is touted to enhance the overall durability of the device. Importantly, the company also claims this advanced hinge design does not force compromises in other critical areas. They assert the Magic V6 will maintain strong battery performance, a slim profile, and a high level of protection with an IP68/69 rating for dust and water resistance.
Simultaneously, Oppo is making similar claims for its forthcoming Find N6 foldable. A video circulated by the tech outlet Sparrows News offers a glimpse into the phone’s production and testing process. The footage highlights Oppo’s confidence by demonstrating a unit that shows no visible crease even after extensive simulated use. This is a crucial point, as the crease on many foldables tends to become more pronounced over time with repeated folding and unfolding. In the video, a test device is shown enduring an automated durability test, reportedly surviving 170,000 folds without developing the characteristic screen crease. This level of endurance testing, if validated in everyday use, would mark a substantial engineering achievement for the foldable form factor.
While the early demonstrations and teasers are undoubtedly promising, the ultimate test will be how these crease-free displays perform under real-world conditions. Factors like long-term durability, screen feel, and image quality in daily use will determine if this is a true generational improvement. The Honor Magic V6 is scheduled for a formal unveiling at the Mobile World Congress event on March 1st. Oppo has yet to announce a specific launch date for the Find N6, but its arrival is expected in the coming weeks. The success of these devices could set a new standard, pushing the entire industry toward a future where foldable screens are indistinguishable from their rigid counterparts when fully opened.
(Source: 9to5 Google)
