I love clamshell foldable phones. The nostalgia of slapping the display closed when I’m done and the convenience of slipping the phone comfortably back into my pocket hasn’t worn off even a little bit. However, the one aspect of devices like the Samsung Galaxy Z Flip 4 and OPPO Find N2 Flip that should be most convenient — the cover screen or outer screen — has been criminally underserved since the beginning. It should be a meaningful display rather than a glorified smartwatch, offering more than just a few basic widgets. Thankfully, that’s where third-party app Coverscreen OS comes in, and it keeps me excited for the next generation of clamshells.
Underdeveloped real estate
The clamshell doesn’t survive without its cover screen. Smaller-than-average batteries still dictate that the less you open your phone, the longer it will last, so you check most notifications on that tiny outer display. However, once you decide to respond to that notification, you immediately have to unlock and open your phone. Sure, it’s easier to type on a 6.7-inch display than on a 1.9-inch one, but not every interaction requires typing.
