DSCC Forecasts Bright Long-Term Future for ‘Clamshell’ Foldable Smartphones

There’s a positive outlook for foldable “clamshell” smartphones, typified by the Motorola Razr handset that goes on sale in January through Verizon at $1,499, blogged Display Supply Chain Consultants Monday. Clamshells have lower costs and prices, increased portability and increased ruggedness compared with other foldable form factors, said DSSC. Samsung's first clamshell smartphone will be available in Q1 with ultra-thin glass (UTG), and additional foldable clamshells are expected in 2020 from Huawei and others, it said: “The combination of UTG, confidence they will last a long time, larger sizes, better cameras and larger batteries will boost this segment.” DSCC expects clamshell form factors to be 69 percent of the foldable smartphones sold globally in 2023, compared with 20 percent for “in-folding” models and 11 percent for “outfolding” handsets, it said.