Are e-readers the next product to be replaced by foldable phones?

Smartphones have replaced countless objects that were once very familiar in people's daily lives, from cameras to computers, alarm clocks to wallets.

E-readers are great devices in their own right, and can hold the entirety of a large library. Plus, they’re getting better all the time, with higher resolution screens, color-coded backlights that make them easier to read at night or during the day, longer battery life, faster charging, and even water resistance—perfect for those who want to read in places where water is a possibility, like by the pool or in the bathtub.

However, despite the improvements and innovations of e-readers, smartphones have come a few steps ahead technically and are closing the gap in features that once made products like the Kindle considered superior for digital reading.

This was first demonstrated when Apple introduced the iPad, which allowed users to view books or comics in full color on a large, portable, high-fidelity backlit LCD screen. It was a truly exciting experience at the time and made many question their Kindle loyalty.

More recently, however, foldable phones like the OnePlus Open or Samsung Fold have shown even greater convenience when used as digital book readers.

First, even Amazon’s best Kindles haven’t dabbled in color images yet. In terms of visual impact, being able to enjoy high-fidelity cover art or illustrations makes a real difference when it comes to picking up new books.

There’s no denying that the newly released Kaleido 3 E Ink displays on the Kobo Libra Color and Kobo Clara Color e-readers are impressive, capable of displaying 4,096 colors. But compared to the OnePlus Open’s billion-color AMOLED display, those products are no match.

Of course, color images alone don't make for a superior viewing experience. But the OnePlus Open's advantages don't stop there.

The smartphone also has one of the brightest foldable displays on the market today, meaning it's one of the best screens to read in bright conditions.

And while the OnePlus Open may not be as perfect for outdoor reading as Kobo's Kaleido 3 E Ink display, other smartphone makers are now pushing technologies that could soon make these types of handsets as good for outdoor reading as Amazon's Kindle models.

Along with a host of impressive specifications, one of the less-noticed upgrades on Samsung Electronics' high-end smartphones is that the screen's reflectivity has been reduced by up to 75%, making it easier for users to use the device outdoors.

TCL's NxtPaper display technology on the TCL 50 XL NxtPaper could also be the answer for those who want a handset that has a clear, low-reflective E Ink-like display, while also having the traditional conveniences of a colorful smartphone display.

While the OnePLus Open has an eye comfort mode that allows for warmer colors or monochrome displays, Xiaomi takes its phone experience a step further by introducing a texture customization bar into the Reading mode that simulates book pages, helping to show more realistic paper textures on the screen.

Although there is no scientific research on this issue, many customers and technology experts believe that simulating real paper even improves the readability of digital books.

The form factor is another advantage: foldable smartphones may be thicker than a Kindle, but they still have similarly sized screens while folding into a more compact, pocketable device.

And while smartphone battery life is still largely measured in days rather than weeks (due to the myriad of other tasks a modern smartphone must perform), fast chargers can get modern smartphones fully charged in just 30-40 minutes, while a Kindle takes an hour or more.

There is no denying that Kindle has revolutionized the way people think about reading in the digital age. With features specifically designed to deliver the ultimate reading experience, Kindle has held a special place in the hearts of book lovers all over the world.

However, as technology evolves, people's reading habits will also evolve, paving the way for more innovative, convenient, and versatile alternatives.