Photo courtesy to The Verge

No one misses the tailwind in consumer electronics, especially in the era of aesthetics of smartphone technology.

Chinese phone maker Huawei is no different, and the company has spared no effort in its effort to transform the stultifying smartphone appearance.

On Feb. 23, Huawei launched the Mate X, a foldable-screen smartphone at the 2019 World Mobile Congress with a staggering price tag of $2,600, heating up the battle of foldable technology.

The surge in foldable technology is recognized as the latest battle among smartphone manufacturers. Last October, Royale Flexpai debuted its foldable smartphone for 8,999 yuan, while Samsung also plans to launch the Galaxy Fold in April, which is priced at $1,980. Other companies like Xiaomi and Apple have also expressed interest in foldable technology.

“Practically, the foldable screen is a gauge of manufacturers’ technological strength for improving brand image and developing a sustainable competitive advantage. Seeking various application scenarios out has always been one of the most important goals in the smartphone industry,” Zhang Jinyang, a senior analyst at mobile phone industry chain, told 36kr, a Chinese tech media.

However, a foldable screen is neither an attractive design nor preferable for daily use due to it being thick and heavy and because the hinge-design makes it is easy to scratch the screen.

“Who knows who will have the last laugh on the white-hot rivalry of foldable technology, but it’s certain that the competition is a boon for OLED suppliers in the smartphone industry. Marketization and large-scale production will determine the future of the technology,” Sun Yanbiao, head of Shenzhen-based Mobile No.1 Research Institute, was quoted as saying by 36kr.