You’re saying how it should be in theory, I’m talking about what foldables are in reality.
1) Scratching is a thing.
Not “only if someone tries to damage it.” That’s just not true. Inner displays use soft polymer layers + screen protectors. Even Samsung tells you not to press too much and to avoid debris. Dust, fingernails, pockets, even small particles trapped when folded can cause micro-scratches. Your personal experience is very unlikely.
2) Thickness isn’t debated, it’s physics.
Yes, Fold 7 is “thin” for a foldable, but it’s still thicker than a normal flagship phone, especially in the pocket. And yes, it’s a compromise. Every foldable pays that tax.
3) Aspect ratio is still a compromise.
You’re saying “Apple’s ratio will be good” like it’s a confirmed product, not a rumor. Every foldable claims it’ll be “best of both worlds.” Then you open it and realize:
- a lot of apps don’t scale properly
- you get weird UI layouts
- typing and one-handed use suffers
- videos don’t magically fill the screen; you still get black bars depending on the content
You cannot have a standard smartphone aspect ratio on a bifold without it’s unfolded ratio being boxy. So then a boxy aspect ratio as a smartphone folded is what results potentially in Apple’s case.
Even the best foldables still have this issue. Saying Apple “won’t have that” is nonsense.
4) “Basically an iPad mini” is exactly the problem.
It won’t be an iPad mini, because the iPad mini has:
- better durability (no hinge, no crease, no soft inner display)
- better thermals
- better sustained performance
- a more stable software experience for that form factor
A foldable tries to be two devices and ends up as a compromised version of both.
5) Power/thermals/battery compromises are real — not optional.
That’s not me dunking, it’s engineering:
- split battery layout
- thin chassis + hinge space
- less room for cooling
- more internal complexity
That impacts sustained performance, charging design flexibility, and long-term wear. “It will feel like a normal pro device” is only true until heat, battery, and long duration workloads show up. This is already demonstrated on foldables.
6) “Only compromise is cameras” is just wrong.
Cameras are one compromise. Others include:
- durability risk and cost
- crease + reflections
- inner screen softness
- hinge failure risk over time
- reduced water/dust tolerance (even when rated)
- weight distribution
- lack of accessories that work well (cases, stands, keyboards, mounts)…
So if your priority is novelty and multitasking, foldables are cool.
But calling the downsides “basically just cameras” is pretending the entire category doesn’t come with tradeoffs people have been discussing for 5+ years.
Foldables can be fun. But they’re still compromise devices, and that’s what the original comment was saying.
