Samsung and Co are showing the future: Smartphones will soon look completely different

• Smartphones could change significantly in appearance in the next few years.
• Many manufacturers are showing design concepts at the MWC in Barcelona.
• In addition to devices with foldable and extendable displays, there are also models with special backs.

In recent years, Samsung, Apple and other smartphone manufacturers have often been accused of being less innovative – especially when it comes to design. Both Apple and Samsung have been using the same look on their top smartphones for generations, which has only been adapted in nuances. However, that could change in the next few years, because there were some exciting new form factors on display at the Mobile World Congress (MWC) in Barcelona – for example at the Motorola stand.

The company, which now belongs to Lenovo, is showing a new type of foldable that is particularly flexible. This means you can tie your smartphone around your wrist when you’re on the go. A foam backing is intended to ensure that it is comfortable to wear. The idea is not brand new. Motorola has already shown the prototype at Lenovo Tech World in Austin in October 2023.

Motorola shows flexible cell phone with adaptive screen surface

According to Motorola, the device’s screen is 6.9 inches. Depending on how far it is bent, the usable screen area changes automatically. For example, the screen can be easily folded so that it stands independently and then measures 4.6 inches. Motorola does not reveal how large the usable screen area on the wrist is. Nor when the technology will be ready for the market.

Motorola: Flexible cell phone concept

This is how Motorola’s foldable can be deformed.

While the Motorola concept can be seen as a further development of today’s flip phones, other manufacturers are also showing concepts with which the cell phone display can be enlarged if necessary – such as the Chinese brand Tecno. The Phantom Ultimate can be admired at their stand.