Oppo Unveils World's First Crease-Free Foldable Phone

Oppo has introduced the Find N6, the world's first foldable smartphone featuring a crease-free display, a significant advancement in foldable technology. This innovation addresses a longstanding issue with foldable devices: the visible crease that typically appears at the fold. By utilizing a new hinge technology, Oppo has made the fold imperceptible, enhancing the user experience and bringing foldables closer to traditional smartphone designs. The Find N6 is set to launch on Tuesday, and its specifications will be fully detailed at the event.

Bloomberg

The foldable smartphone market has been evolving since its inception in 2019, with Samsung Electronics Co. and Huawei Technologies Co. leading the charge. Despite the overall smartphone market facing a projected decline of 13% this year due to component shortages, foldables are seen as a potential growth area. Analysts from IDC suggest that manufacturers will increasingly focus on premium devices, like foldables, to offset revenue losses from declining unit sales. The anticipated release of Apple's foldable iPhone in 2026 is expected to further stimulate interest and growth in this niche segment.

Bloomberg

Oppo's new hinge technology involved a meticulous process of 3D scanning each hinge and applying polymer droplets to uneven segments, which were then solidified with UV light. This method has achieved a 75% reduction in height variance beneath the display, resulting in a screen that appears and feels flat when open. The Find N6 is designed to be as thin as a conventional smartphone, showcasing Oppo's commitment to refining foldable technology.

Bloomberg

Oppo's advancements in foldable technology may intensify competition in the market, particularly against Apple, which is expected to face strong rivalry upon the launch of its foldable iPhone. Other competitors, such as Honor Device Co., have also introduced ultra-thin foldable devices, like the Honor Magic V6, at recent industry events. This competitive environment suggests that innovation in foldable technology will continue to accelerate.

Bloomberg

Alongside the Find N6, Oppo will debut an AI Pen accessory that utilizes Gemini Pro technology to convert handwritten notes into organized tables. Additionally, an AI Image tool, based on Nano Banana, will enhance user creativity by transforming doodles into more polished artwork or applying specific artistic styles.

Bloomberg

Oppo has emphasized that the Find N6 represents a significant step forward in foldable technology, aiming to make these devices more appealing to consumers. The company’s partnership with Alphabet Inc.'s Google Cloud is also highlighted as a key feature of the new device.

Bloomberg

• “Oppo’s solution to smoothing out the screen involved taking 3D scans of each individual hinge, applying droplets of polymer upon the uneven segments and solidifying them in place with UV light.” — Oppo Representative

Bloomberg

• “This marks a long-in-development breakthrough, something that companies have promised to do several times over the seven years foldable phones have been around.” — Industry Analyst

Bloomberg

As the launch of the Find N6 approaches, the smartphone industry will be closely watching its reception and performance, particularly in light of the anticipated competition from Apple's foldable iPhone. The ongoing developments in foldable technology are likely to shape the future of the smartphone market.

Bloomberg