Oppo breaks the crease barrier with next-gen foldable phone

Oppo introduces breakthrough hinge technology that eliminates visible screen creases in foldable smartphones, signalling a major design leap as competition intensifies ahead of Apple’s expected foldable iPhone launch next year.

Chinese smartphone maker Oppo has announced a significant advancement in foldable phone design with the launch of its latest device, the Find N6. The new model features an innovative hinge technology that virtually eliminates the visible crease typically seen in foldable displays—one of the biggest compromises in such devices to date.

The development comes months before Apple Inc. is widely expected to unveil its first foldable iPhone, intensifying competition in the premium smartphone segment. Oppo’s new hinge design smoothens the display surface, making the fold nearly imperceptible and bringing foldables closer to the look and feel of traditional smartphones.

Breakthrough in foldable design

Foldable smartphones have been in the market for several years, but issues such as visible creases, durability concerns, and high pricing have limited their widespread adoption. Oppo’s latest innovation addresses a key design challenge by significantly reducing unevenness beneath the display.

The company achieved this by using 3D scanning technology to map each hinge and applying polymer droplets to fill microscopic gaps. These were then solidified using ultraviolet light, resulting in a reported 75% reduction in height variation across the screen. The outcome is a flatter, smoother display that enhances both visual appeal and user experience.

Rising competition in premium segment

The foldable smartphone category, pioneered by Samsung Electronics and Huawei Technologies in 2019, has evolved rapidly, with manufacturers now experimenting with thinner and more advanced designs. Companies such as Honor Device Co. have also introduced ultra-thin foldables, further intensifying competition.

Despite remaining a niche category, foldables are expected to play a crucial role in driving growth in a global smartphone market facing a projected decline. Analysts believe that premium devices like foldables will help manufacturers offset slowing unit sales.

Oppo’s Find N6 also highlights the company’s collaboration with Google Cloud, integrating AI-powered features such as handwriting-to-table conversion and image enhancement tools. As smartphone makers push innovation boundaries, Oppo’s latest offering signals a step closer to making foldables mainstream.