Vahe Zakarian, who leads the Gem Space super app development team, highlighted a surge in sales of foldable smartphones in Russia. Yet models with this striking design come with notable drawbacks. In a conversation with the agency Hit the Primer, Zakarian outlined several issues tied to flexible displays.
Foldable smartphones are drawing growing interest from shoppers, with the flexible screen being the defining feature. But this very trait also marks the weakest point of these devices. The simplest way to damage the screen is to bend it too aggressively, as the surface remains delicate and prone to wear along the fold.
Zakarian cautions that conventional protective films offer little defense. The fold line is especially vulnerable, and over time it can wear away, potentially leading to scratches in that zone. The material properties of the screen, while allowing a unique form factor, can compromise durability during everyday handling and accidental drops. Additionally, the flexible panel does not provide reliable protection when the device is submerged in water, an issue for users who expect water resistance from premium gadgets.
Another drawback emphasized by Zakarian is the elevated price tag of foldable smartphones, which often does not align with standout technical specifications. Buyers may find themselves paying a premium for a design that, in his assessment, does not always deliver the best performance perimeter compared with conventional glass-based smartphones.
These observations come at a time when major brands, including the tech sector giant Apple, are also weighing improvements in smartphone performance. The landscape continues to evolve as manufacturers explore durability, efficiency, and resilience alongside astonishing new display technologies. Source: Hit the Primer