World's Thinnest Foldable Devices Compared: Galaxy Z Fold 7 at 8.82mm, Honor Magic V5 at 9.34mm
In a recent study conducted by the Korean Consumer-Centered Enterprise Association (KCEA), the thickness discrepancy between advertised and actual measurements of foldable devices has come to light. This study sheds light on the importance of standardizing measurement practices in the foldable phone industry.
The study compared the thickness of some of the most popular foldables in the world, including Samsung's Galaxy Z Fold 7, Honor's Magic V5, Vivo's X Fold 5, and Xiaomi's Mix Fold 4. The findings highlight a discrepancy between the advertised thickness and the actual measurements, largely due to differences in measurement methods, particularly whether manufacturers account for inner protective films or layers.
For instance, Samsung’s Galaxy Z Fold 7, marketed with an official thickness of 8.9mm, was independently measured at 8.82mm. This slight difference demonstrates even some conservative advertising. In contrast, competitors like Honor, Vivo, Xiaomi, and Huawei were found to have actual thicknesses 0.5mm to 0.6mm thicker than their official specifications. Honor’s Magic V5, marketed as the “world’s thinnest foldable” at 8.8mm, was measured to be 9.34mm—0.54mm thicker than claimed.
Due to Honor’s underreported thickness, Samsung’s Galaxy Z Fold 7—measured thinner than its official spec—is now considered the thinnest foldable device based on verified measurements. The findings highlight the importance of standardizing measurement practices in the foldable phone industry to ensure fair comparisons and maintain consumer trust.
Here's a summary of the study's findings:
| Device | Advertised Thickness | Actual Measured Thickness | Discrepancy | Impact on "Thinnest" Claim | |------------------|---------------------|---------------------------|--------------------|-------------------------------------------| | Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 7 | 8.9mm | 8.82mm | -0.08mm (thinner) | Holds the title as thinnest foldable now | | Honor Magic V5 | 8.8mm | 9.34mm | +0.54mm (thicker) | Fails claim of being thinnest | | Vivo X Fold 5 | Official value | +0.57mm thicker | +0.57mm | Overstated thinness | | Xiaomi Mix Fold 4| Official value | +0.62mm thicker | +0.62mm | Overstated thinness |
It's worth noting that the millimeter difference in thickness between foldables is now insignificant to the end user. However, the discrepancy in thickness between advertised and actual measurements can have an impact on marketing claims, such as the "thinnest foldable in the world."
Meanwhile, the Galaxy Z Fold 7 is thinner than the Oppo Find N5 and rivals the 8.8mm thickness advertised by Honor for Magic V5. The device is also available for purchase globally, starting today, in dozens of countries. Furthermore, the Galaxy Z Fold 7 display is rated for 500,000 folds, 150% more than previous models, offering durability for the modern user.
In conclusion, the study underscores the need for measurement transparency in the foldable device market to ensure accurate marketing and consumer evaluation. The discrepancies found in this study emphasize the importance of standardizing measurement practices to maintain consumer trust and fair comparisons.
[1] Korean Consumer-Centered Enterprise Association (KCEA) Study on Foldable Device Thickness (2023) [2] Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 7 Official Specifications (2023) [3] Honor Magic V5 Official Specifications (2023) [4] Vivo X Fold 5 Official Specifications (2023) [5] Xiaomi Mix Fold 4 Official Specifications (2023)
- The study on foldable device thickness conducted by the Korean Consumer-Centered Enterprise Association (KCEA) revealed that many smartphones, such as the Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 7, Honor's Magic V5, Vivo's X Fold 5, and Xiaomi's Mix Fold 4, had thicknesses significantly different from their advertised measurements due to varying measurement methods.
- The findings of the KCEA study highlighted the importance of standardizing technology, including smartphones and gadgets like foldable devices, as discrepancies in measurements can impact marketing claims, consumer trust, and fair comparisons.
