# Clam Shell Smartphones The Softbank Folding Smartphone is the First High-Tech Flip-Style Mobile By Matt Ho | Published 2011-06-07 | Tech Source: Trend Hunter, https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/softbank-folding-smartphone References: [dvice](http://dvice.com/archives/2011/06/softbank-foldin.php) & [mb.softbank.jp](http://mb.softbank.jp/en) When I heard about the [Softbank](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/chord-signalling) Folding Smartphone, I got excited even though there's no possible way it'll hit North American markets. First off, the Japanese company is bringing back a style that's been forgotten ever since touchscreens and sliders took over. Secondly, it's from Softbank, so you can bet on the fact that not only will the phone look fantastic, but also that the technical aspects will definitely not disappoint. The Softbank Folding Smartphone will be the very first [flip style-mobile](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/huawei-pura-x) to hit the market. It'll sport a 3.4-inch touchscreen and it'll run on the [Google](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/google-pixel-fold) Android operating system. There will also be a high resolution camera featured on the phone and with that, the mobile will also be waterproof. Look for this bad boy to hit Asia around mid-June. ## Trend Insights (Trend Hunter) - Score: 0.9/10 - Popularity: 5% | Activity: 13% | Freshness: 8% - Audience gender: 70% men, 30% women - Primary generations: Millennial, Gen X - Top markets: North America, Europe ## Categories [Trend Hunter](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends) > [Tech](https://www.trendhunter.com/tech) > [Mobile](https://www.trendhunter.com/mobile) ## Key Themes ### What's Driving This Trend - **Revival of Flip-style Mobiles:** Opportunity for companies to tap into the nostalgic appeal of flip-style smartphones and create innovative designs with modern features. - **Focus on Compact and Portable Devices:** Growing demand for smaller smartphones that offer convenience and portability, presenting opportunities for companies to develop more compact and foldable devices. - **Integration of Advanced Features:** Potential for smartphones to integrate advanced features such as high-resolution cameras and waterproof capabilities, enhancing user experience and expanding market potential. ### Who This Affects Most - **Mobile Technology:** Companies in the mobile technology industry can explore the design and production of flip-style smartphones to cater to the demand for nostalgic and portable devices. - **Consumer Electronics:** The consumer electronics industry can leverage the demand for compact and foldable devices by developing innovative smartphones with advanced features. - **Digital Imaging:** Opportunities for companies in the digital imaging industry to collaborate with smartphone manufacturers to enhance camera functionality and offer high-resolution imaging capabilities. ## Related on Trend Hunter - [Flip Phone-Inspired Smartphones](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/samsung-galaxy-z-flip5-retro.md) - [Pocket-Friendly Flip Smartphones](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/find-n2-flip.md) - [Refined Elegance Flip Smartphones](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/oppo-find-n3-flip.md) - [Accessible Folding Smartphone Models](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/nubia-flip-5g.md) - [Flipping Multi-Display Smartphones](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/samsung-galaxy-z-flip5.md) - [Flexible Folding Concept Phone](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/flex-in-out-flip.md) - [Powerful Flip-Style Smartphones](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/samsung-galaxy-z-flip-4.md) - [Productive Dual-Display Smartphones](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/oppo-find-n2-flip.md) - [Flipping High-Power Smartphones](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/samsung-galaxy-z-flip6.md)