Huawei Mate80 Series Goes All-in on Straight Screens: The End of the Curved Screen Era?

Huawei Mate80 Series Goes All-in on Straight Screens: The End of the Curved Screen Era?The battle between straight and curved screens in the smartphone market has been ongoing. While many manufacturers are returning to straight screen designs, curved screen phones still hold a significant market share

Huawei Mate80 Series Goes All-in on Straight Screens: The End of the Curved Screen Era?

The battle between straight and curved screens in the smartphone market has been ongoing. While many manufacturers are returning to straight screen designs, curved screen phones still hold a significant market share. However, recent leaks suggest this long-standing "straight vs. curved" debate may be nearing its conclusion. Reliable sources indicate that Huawei's upcoming Mate80 series will fully embrace straight screens, including the Pro model, which has traditionally featured curved displays. This marks a significant shift from the Mate70 series, where only the standard model featured a straight screen, while the Pro and Pro+ versions retained curved displays.

Huawei's change isn't isolated. Other manufacturers are also showing a preference for straight screens. Xiaomi, another major Chinese smartphone maker, is gradually shifting towards straight screens in its high-end models. The Xiaomi 15 standard version already uses a straight screen, while the Pro and Ultra versions still feature curved screens. However, the upcoming Xiaomi 16 series, launching later this year, will see a major change. Reports suggest the Xiaomi 16 Pro will adopt a straight screen, and even the Xiaomi 16 Ultra, launching next year, is expected to ditch the curved screen in favor of a straight one.

OPPO has also joined the "straight screen camp." The upcoming smaller flagship, OPPO Find X8s, launching on April 10th, features a straight screen. Subsequent Reno series phones will also fully transition to straight screens. These moves suggest a quiet "straight screen revolution" may be underway.

However, this doesn't mean the death of curved screens. Curved screens, particularly subtly curved ones, undeniably offer advantages in aesthetics and a slimmer profile. For users prioritizing design and a premium look and feel, the visual appeal and ergonomics of curved screens remain attractive, especially in high-end models. Therefore, curved screens will likely retain a presence in the high-end market segment. Cost considerations also mean curved screens will continue to exist in the budget-friendly market.

Historically, straight screens dominated until Samsung popularized curved screens, which quickly became a global trend. The return of straight screens might indicate a cyclical shift in design preferences. Consumer fatigue with smartphone aesthetics and features could be a driving force behind this change. This doesn't signify the complete end of the curved screen era, but rather a possible cyclical market shift. Straight and curved screen designs may coexist long-term across different price points and product positions.

Manufacturers' choices reflect market strategy and product positioning. Straight screens offer advantages in cost control, easier repairs, and durability, while curved screens emphasize visual impact and a premium positioning. Therefore, manufacturers' choices align closely with their target demographics and product positioning.

Huawei's all-straight-screen Mate80 series is a strong signal that, at least in the high-end market, the practicality and aesthetics of straight screens are increasingly surpassing those of curved screens for a significant portion of consumers. Other manufacturers following suit further accelerates this market trend.

Xiaomi's shift with the 16 series reinforces this irreversible trend. As another major Chinese player, Xiaomi's choices are significant market indicators. The Xiaomi 16 Pro and the future Xiaomi 16 Ultra adopting straight screens demonstrate Xiaomi's keen market insight and strategic adaptation.

OPPO's adoption of straight screens for the Find X8s and the upcoming Reno series further solidifies the emerging mainstream trend, permeating various price points. This reflects manufacturers' responsiveness to market demand and suggests straight screen designs will command more market share in the near future.

However, a balanced perspective is needed. Curved screens aren't obsolete; their advantages persist. They maintain competitiveness in the high-end market, where premium visuals and design are prioritized. Competition between straight and curved screens will continue across specific price points and product positioning.

In conclusion, while the Huawei Mate80 series' move to straight screens seems to signal the potential end of the curved screen era, it's merely a reflection of a trend, not its definitive conclusion. The future competitive landscape will be more diverse, evolving based on market segmentation and consumer demands. The advantages and disadvantages of both screen types coexist, ultimately leaving the choice in the hands of the consumer. Both technologies will likely coexist for a considerable time, offering consumers diverse choices. The ultimate market direction remains to be seen.