The design seeks to combine the sleek, pocket-friendly form factor of traditional smartphones with the enhanced display and functionality of tablet computers.
Smartphone manufacturers are in the early stages of solving some of the tough technical challenges foldables present: displays need to be flexible but durable, avoiding a plasticky aesthetic while minimising the visibility of a crease where they are folded. Batteries need to be thinner and yet produce more power while still lasting all day. Meanwhile, other components, including the cameras, need to be organised tightly into a smaller space so the devices are not too thick when folded.
Korea's Samsung Electronics pioneered foldable devices worldwide with the launch of the first-generation Galaxy Z Fold phones in 2019. When TechCentral curated this list a year ago, the Galaxy Z Fold5 was the most expensive device in the country.
This year's list-topper is made by Chinese device manufacturer Huawei and features a tri-fold design that allows for three form factors in one phone. The name tri-fold should perhaps be tri-screen, considering the device has two hinges and not three.
Despite the "extra" screen, the Huawei Mate XT Ultimate design is also one of the thinnest folding phones on the market, measuring 12.8mm when fully folded and only 3.6mm - with a 10.2-inch diameter screen - when fully open.