From big brothers, PHS, flip phones, and then to full-screen mobile phones, folding screen mobile phones... In today's world, human needs are being met more than ever due to scientific and technological innovation.
If the evolutionary history of smart phones has witnessed the beautiful changes of technology to life, then folding screen mobile phones have once again broadened people's imagination for technology.
According to the research report of the screen analysis agency DSCC, the total shipment of folding screen mobile phones in the third quarter of 2021 increased by 215% month-on-month and 480% year-on-year; according to Sigmaintell data, it is expected that global folding smartphone shipments will be about 13.7 million in 2022, an increase of about 90.3% year-on-year, and global folding mobile phone shipments will reach 67 million by 2025.
At present, mainstream mobile phone brands, including Samsung and Huawei, have mass-produced and listed their folding screen mobile phones. At the 3rd OPPO Future Technology Conference 2021 (OPPO INNO DAY 2021) held recently, OPPO also launched its first ultra-high-end flagship OPPO Find N folding screen mobile phone.
For manufacturers, folding screens are becoming a new "wealth-making code" in the industrial chain. However, compared with the unprecedented grand situation of manufacturers "running" to enter, folding screen mobile phones are still poor in the wider consumer audience, and it is difficult to "go out of the circle". According to industry analysts, price and experience are the two keys to discouraging consumers.
"Nothing but good looks", "'Toys' as unsurable as it is", "Too expensive, gift-giving ok"... As netizens commented, whether it is the frequent high price of tens of thousands, or the "hard injury" of technologies such as creases and fragility, folding screen mobile phones still have a long way to go if they want to go from niche to the public.
On a complaint platform, a search for "folding screen mobile phone" showed a total of 435 results, of which most of the consumers' "complaints" were concentrated on the fragile screen, in addition to the difficulty of changing the screen, the expensive screen change, poor after-sales service and other bad experiences. Industry insiders pointed out that the root cause lies in the lack of technological maturity in the industry.
To solve the folding screen screen crease, unsurability of these two major use of chronic diseases, the core is to break through the hinge technology and screen technology. According to the relevant technical person in charge of OPPO, OPPO Find N presented the teardrop hinge and UTT glass on the folding machine at the same time, which is also aimed at this industry pain point to better meet consumer demand.
OPPO self-developed Seiko quasi-vertebral hinge.
On the one hand, in order to present a mirror folding large screen with "almost no creases", OPPO has further developed on the basis of the droplet hinge and created the original Seiko pseudo-vertebral hinge. With 125 patented technologies, 136 parts and a machining accuracy of 0.01mm, the process difficulty is comparable to that of a mechanical watch. According to OPPO, the cost of Seiko quasi-vertebral hinges is more than 600 yuan, which is nearly 3 times the price of other hinges.
On the other hand, to solve the durability problem, OPPO Find N uses a new 12-layer composite structure and the latest UTG ultra-thin flexible glass. Compared to the traditional folding screen, the Find N has stronger puncture resistance. When sharp objects touch the screen, they will not be easily damaged.
OPPO senior vice president, chief product officer Liu Zuohu said that if the folding screen really becomes a practical machine, there can be no obvious shortcomings and hard injuries, and it is necessary to meet three standards: First, there must be portability and usability; secondly, the feel should be good, beautiful, and beautiful; third, there must be some innovative experience that the bar machine does not have. OPPO Find N hopes to promote the folding screen from early adopter to common use through new sizes, new experiences and new technologies.
Brand new folding flagship OPPO Find N.
"To promote the development of the industry, all parties need to work together to create practical products based on user pain points, increase user contact surface, and continue to accumulate positive word of mouth." Liu Zuohu said.