With rumors of Samsung wanting to expand its foldable device lineup relatively soon, there's a higher probability that the company will eventually create its first foldable tablet. Unlike foldable smartphones, these foldable tablets would have a single screen and be all about delivering a tablet experience in a portable and exciting form factor.
As of now, no official or leaked information supports the theory of a foldable Galaxy tablet being prepped for release. Nevertheless, it's fun to imagine what could be, so we went ahead and explored further.
What would a foldable Samsung tablet offer? What would be its pros and cons? And what would it look like?
We recently examined the idea of an 8.7-inch foldable Galaxy tablet and what its advantages and disadvantages might be. Today, we're doing the same and applying the formula to a fictional tablet with a larger 10.5-inch foldable screen.
Why a 10.5-inch Galaxy Z foldable tablet might work
10.5 inches or thereabouts might be the best size for a foldable tablet, and here are some reasons why:
- A 10.5-inch foldable tablet would have a large enough screen to be called a proper tablet. It might be the perfect size for business users on the go.
- Light enough to not become a burden. Possibly under 500 grams. Maybe not pocketable, but still easy to carry.
- While smaller 8.7-inch tablets are usually associated with the low-cost segment, a ~10.5-inch foldable tablet could easily pass as a premium slate.
- A larger screen than 8.7 inches would make it easier to type in Flex Mode.
- Not large enough to necessitate dual hinges, but large enough to offer a robust set of features without compromised battery life.
- A more comfortable S Pen experience thanks to the mid-sized foldable screen. Better for presentations than an 8.7-inch model.
- Large enough to accommodate the latest chipsets with elaborate cooling, thus enabling a solid DeX experience.
- Likely the best balance between a big tablet screen and portability and usability, both when folded and unfolded.
Why a 10.5-inch Galaxy Z foldable tablet could fail
- Not big enough to be used comfortably as a foldable laptop.
- The larger foldable screen would increase the tablet's price and repair bills.
- Not small enough to be pocketable.
- High risk of becoming a niche device for a few customers with deep pockets. Most Galaxy tablet users could prefer paying less for a rigid 10.5-inch tablet.
- A foldable tablet would limit the kind of accessories it can use. A physical keyboard case would be impossible or impractical without a revolutionary design — this R&D would cost a lot.
Conclusion
Knowing the history of smaller tablets, and considering the cons and pros above, a ~10.5-inch tablet seems like it might have a higher chance of success than an 8.7-inch model. 10.5-to-11 inches could very well be the ideal size for a foldable tablet when you consider all aspects surrounding costs, repairability, and usability. However, this tablet would also come with a higher price tag and other risks than a smaller model.
Nevertheless, for Samsung fans who have always wanted a foldable tablet, this form factor might be the best choice. Not too pricy or hard to maintain, large enough to offer an immersive experience in a highly portable form factor, and not too small to risk being cannibalized by the Z Fold hybrid phone series.
Next time, we'll explore the possible outcome of an oversized 14.6-inch or larger Ultra-grade foldable Galaxy tablet. Would it be the better answer? Or something Samsung should avoid at all costs?
