World's Thinnest Foldable Phones unveiled: Galaxy Z Fold 7 at 8.82mm, outstripping Honor Magic V5 with a thickness of 9.35mm
In the competitive world of foldable devices, manufacturers often advertise device thickness differently from actual physical measurements, leading to discrepancies. This practice, common among brands such as Honor, Vivo, Xiaomi, Huawei, and Samsung, has resulted in a lack of consistency in measuring foldable phones, causing confusion for consumers.
The Galaxy Z Fold 7, currently the only widely selling thin foldable device on the market, is marketed as 8.9mm thick. However, a study conducted by the Korean Consumer-Centered Enterprise Association (KCEA) found that the device is actually thinner, measuring 8.82mm. On the other hand, Honor's Magic V5, advertised as 8.8mm thick, was found to measure 9.34mm in the same study, a difference of 0.54mm.
Manufacturers often exclude components like protective films and camera bumps when specifying thickness to present a more competitive, thinner profile. This discrepancy between advertised and actual thickness can significantly influence consumers, as thickness is a crucial selling point in the foldable market. Variations may affect consumer trust and expectations, potentially leading to feelings of being misled if devices are thicker in reality than advertised. This can also impact decisions based on portability and pocketability.
Samsung tends to be more conservative when it comes to advertising device thickness, sometimes underselling it slightly. In contrast, Honor's website states that the 8.8mm thickness of the Ivory White model does not include the inner and outer screen protective films and the raised part of the camera. The Honor Magic V5 thickness measurement is achieved when protective films are removed from the device.
The focus on reducing device thickness has been a priority for foldable manufacturers over the past couple of years. However, the inconsistencies in measurement standards create confusion when comparing foldable phones fairly. As the race for the "thinnest foldable" title continues, it is crucial for manufacturers to provide accurate and transparent information to maintain consumer trust and make informed decisions easier.
The Galaxy Z Fold 7, with its 8.82mm thickness, could potentially claim the title of the thinnest foldable device. Leaks suggest that Google's Pixel 10 Pro Fold may only come in Google's two best Pro colours, adding another contender to the race. As the market evolves, it remains essential for consumers to stay informed about the latest developments and measurement standards to make the best choices when purchasing a foldable device.
[1] KCEA Study on Foldable Device Thickness Discrepancies [2] Article on Foldable Device Thickness Discrepancies [3] News Report on Foldable Device Thickness Discrepancies
- The study conducted by the Korean Consumer-Centered Enterprise Association (KCEA) revealed that despite Samsung's Galaxy Z Fold 7 being marketed as 8.9mm thick, it actually measures 8.82mm, showcasing a discrepancy between advertised and actual device thickness.
- Manufacturers like Honor, when advertising device thickness, often exclude components such as protective films and camera bumps to present a thinner profile, leading to confusion for consumers and affecting decisions based on portability and pocketability.
