Posted At: Nov 24, 2025 - 123 Views
Foldable smartphones bring a new level of innovation to the mobile world. Their flexible displays allow users to enjoy a large screen in a compact form, offering convenience without sacrificing visual experience. However, behind this sophisticated technology, foldable screens have unique weaknesses that make them more prone to damage compared to conventional flat displays.
Below is a comprehensive and descriptive explanation of the most common screen issues found on foldable smartphones.
1. Creases Along the Hinge Area
One of the most common complaints from foldable phone users is the visible crease in the middle of the screen. This occurs because the display repeatedly bends at the same point every time the device is opened and closed.
Although manufacturers use ultra-thin glass (UTG) or flexible OLED layers, the material still experiences mechanical stress. Over time, the crease may appear deeper, feel more textured, or become more visible when displaying bright colors.
2. Display Delamination or Peeling
Foldable screens consist of multiple thin layers stacked together. Due to pressure, aging, or heat, these layers can start to separate especially near the fold area or the corners of the display.
Delamination can cause:
Uneven brightness
Bubbles or raised areas
Touchscreen inaccuracy
If not addressed immediately, the separation may spread across the display.
3. Touchscreen Not Responding on Certain Sections
Flexible displays rely on delicate touch sensors layered over soft materials. When the screen bends too frequently or receives uneven pressure, such as when pressing too hard while the device is partially folded—the touch sensors can degrade or shift.
This results in:
Partial touch failure
Slow response
“Dead zones” on the crease line
In some cases, recalibration can help, but hardware failure is more common.
4. Cracks on the Ultra-Thin Glass (UTG)
Despite being called “glass,” UTG is extremely thin and not as strong as normal tempered glass. Sudden temperature changes, drops, or pressure at sharp angles can cause:
Hairline cracks
Spiderweb cracks along the fold
Sudden screen blackout
These cracks often start microscopically and expand when the phone is repeatedly folded.
5. Dust and Debris Entering the Hinge Mechanism
Another vulnerability of foldable devices lies in their hinge. Even with protective structures, tiny particles can still get inside.
When dust accumulates:
The hinge may feel stiff
Pressure may increase on the flexible screen
Lines or dents may appear on the display
The inner screen may be punctured from inside
This is why many users experience damage after using the phone in dusty environments.
6. Uneven Brightness or Backlight Issues
Foldable displays require special backlighting and pixel distribution to stay flexible. Because of this, issues such as:
Flickering near the hinge
Patchy brightness
Vertical lines
Shadow-like bands
may appear as the device ages or after experiencing heat stress.
7. Burn-in and Color Shift
Flexible OLEDs are more vulnerable to burn-in compared to standard panels. As the phone is often folded into the same shape, certain pixel areas age faster, causing:
Yellowish or bluish tint
Static UI shadows
Dimmed areas
Color shift also occurs faster on flexible panels due to their ultra-thin construction.
Foldable smartphone screens offer great convenience and futuristic design, but they also come with unique challenges. Creases, delamination, touch issues, dust problems, cracking, uneven brightness, and color shift are all risks that users need to understand.
With proper handling, avoiding excessive pressure, keeping the hinge clean, and using compatible accessories, these issues can be minimized. However, due to the nature of flexible technology, foldable displays still require extra caution compared to traditional flat screens.