Images of the Samsung Galaxy Z Flip foldable smartphone have now leaked online revealing a futuristic-looking device. Although foldable phones are new in general, this is Samsung’s second attempt at trying to commercialize a device that folds. The question is whether it will appeal to the masses more than the previous attempt.

Foldable phones are a major trending point and a number of companies have already released devices sporting the futuristic (yet, also throwback) design. Huawei entered the market with its Mate X, while Motorola recently unveiled its folding Motorola Razr. In addition, Samsung has already had one go at the foldable market with the Samsung Galaxy Fold – although that attempt did not go quite as planned. The Galaxy Fold was recalled shortly after being lent out to reviewers following what appeared to be screen durability issues. It’s an experience the company will be hoping to avoid repeating with the Galaxy Z Flip.

A new leak from WinFuture reveals press renders and the specs for the Galaxy Z Flip. One of the big design changes is that Samsung has opted for a vertical fold instead of the horizontal one provided by the Galaxy Fold. This not only more resembles a traditional smartphone (and the way consumers use them), but also pits the Galaxy Z Flip against the Motorola Razr considering that also makes use of a horizontal hinge. Another notable upgrade is the Galaxy Z Flip’s screen in understood to be made of a thin layer of flexible glass – the Galaxy Fold made use of a plastic-based display. This matters because a glass display is expected to be more durable than the previous generation of foldable phones and their plastic screens.

If popularity is defined by just interest in the device, then Motorola’s Razr has already proven to be a popular device. However, whether it sells in large enough numbers to be considered commercially popular is another question entirely. The same goes for the Galaxy Z Flip as consumers appear to remain cautious of buying into the foldable narrative too early. That’s not surprising with one of the major criticisms leveled at this design being the potential lack of durability. If a company can produce a reliable and durable foldable phone, then it is more likely consumers will buy into them, but that is yet to be seen. This proof will also require a first wave of consumers to really test out the new design over the long-term, further suggesting the Galaxy Z Flip won’t be the first foldable phone to go mainstream. Another major hurdle that phone-makers and consumers have to get over is the price.

Foldable phones are not yet affordable enough to appeal to a mass market. For example, the cheapest foldable phone is currently more expensive than the most expensive premium smartphones. Adding to this issue, the specs of foldable phones tend to be far more mediocre leading to consumers being better off opting for a non-foldable phone than an early-stage foldable phone. The Motorola Razr has already been confirmed with average specs and a $1,500 price tag. Likewise, if the latest reports are correct then the Galaxy Z Flip will also be slightly lacking in the spec’s department. For example, while the report says it will feature 8GB of RAM and 256GB storage, it is also rumored to be powered by an older processor than the Galaxy S20 and it won’t support 5G. Not to mention, the Galaxy Z Flip is expected to go on sale somewhere between $1,400 and $1,600 in the U.S. Due to this, it seems highly unlikely that either the Motorola Razr or the Samsung Galaxy Z Flip will become the first foldable phone to achieve widespread popularity – although, they might be the first to actually get more people thinking about buying one.

More: Foldable Phone Screens: Game Changing or Just a Fad?

Source: WinFuture, Evan Blass