Royole FlexPai smartphone
Royole

Royole FlexPai

December 1, 2018 4/10 Rating Updated
In brief: The Royole FlexPai was the world's first commercially available foldable smartphone, featuring a 7.8-inch flexible AMOLED display that folds outwards. It aimed to offer the portability of a smartphone with the screen size of a tablet, though it was an early iteration of foldable technology.
Display7.8-inch foldable AMOLED (unfolded)
ChipsetQualcomm Snapdragon 855
Main CameraDual 20 MP + 16 MP
Battery4000 mAh
Starting from $885

💰 Royole FlexPai Price

The Royole FlexPai lowest price is $885, based on current retailer listings.

📌 Full Specifications

Display

TypeFoldable Dynamic AMOLED, FHD+
Size Unfolded7.8 inches
Resolution Unfolded1920 x 1440 pixels, 4:3 ratio (~311 ppi density)
Size Folded (Main)4.0 inches
Resolution Folded (Main)390 x 1440 pixels, 21:9 ratio (~311 ppi density)
ProtectionPlastic display (designed for flexibility)

Platform

OSAndroid 9.0 (Pie), Water OS
ChipsetQualcomm Snapdragon 855 (originally referred to as 8150)
CPUOcta-core (1x2.84 GHz Kryo 485 & 3x2.42 GHz Kryo 485 & 4x1.78 GHz Kryo 485)
GPUAdreno 640

Memory

RAM6GB or 8GB LPDDR4X
Internal Storage128GB or 512GB UFS 3.0
Card SlotmicroSDXC (dedicated slot), up to 256GB

Main Camera

Modules20 MP, f/1.8 (telephoto) + 16 MP, f/1.8 (wide-angle)
FeaturesOIS, LED flash
Video1080p@30fps (quality noted as 'merely OK')

Selfie Camera

ModulesUses Main Camera when folded
FeaturesOIS, LED flash
Video1080p@30fps

Battery

TypeNon-removable Li-Po
Capacity4000 mAh
ChargingFast charging 5V/5A (Ro Charge)

Body

Dimensions Unfolded160.9 x 117.9 x 6.9 mm
Dimensions Folded160.9 x 62.9 x 15.5 mm
Weight320 g
SIMDual SIM (Nano-SIM, dual stand-by)
BuildPlastic display, plastic back, silicone hinge

Comms

WLANWi-Fi 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac/ax, dual-band, Wi-Fi Direct
Bluetooth5.1, A2DP, LE
GPSYes, with A-GPS, GLONASS, BDS
USBUSB Type-C

Launch

AnnouncedJanuary 8, 2018
StatusAvailable. Released December 1, 2018

⚖ Pros & Cons

Pros

  • Pioneering foldable technology
  • Large tablet-sized display when unfolded
  • Unique and innovative form factor
  • Dual-SIM support

Cons

  • Bulky and awkward design when folded
  • Noticeable hinge gap in the original model
  • Unpolished and buggy software experience
  • Mediocre camera quality
  • High price for an early-stage product
  • Plastic display felt less premium and durable than glass
  • Not designed for the mass market
★ Our Verdict

The Royole FlexPai earns a modest rating for its groundbreaking foldable design, but its early-stage technology resulted in a bulky form factor, unpolished software, and an overall experience not yet ready for mainstream users.

The Royole FlexPai is primarily a collector's item or a device for technology enthusiasts interested in the early days of foldable phones. It was a pioneering device, but its successor, the FlexPai 2, significantly improved upon its shortcomings. If you're looking for a practical, daily-driver foldable, newer models from more established brands offer a much more refined experience. Expect a bulky design, a noticeable crease, and potentially unoptimized software. Consider it more for its historical significance than for its everyday usability.

📦 In The Box & Warranty

  • Royole FlexPai smartphone
  • USB-C data cable
  • Charger
  • USB-C to 3.5mm adapter
  • USB-C earphones
  • SIM ejector tool

Warranty information is typically available through the official Royole website or the point of purchase, but specific details for this older, niche device may be limited.

❓ Questions & Answers

What is the Royole FlexPai?

The Royole FlexPai was the world's first commercially available foldable smartphone, launched in late 2018. It featured a single flexible display that could bend outwards, transforming between a smartphone and a tablet form factor.

When was the Royole FlexPai released?

The Royole FlexPai was announced on January 8, 2018, and began shipping worldwide on December 1, 2018.

What are the key specifications of the Royole FlexPai?

It features a 7.8-inch foldable AMOLED display, is powered by a Qualcomm Snapdragon 855 processor, has a dual 20MP + 16MP camera setup, and a 4000 mAh battery. It runs on Android 9.0 Pie with Royole's Water OS.

Was the Royole FlexPai a successful phone?

While groundbreaking as the first foldable, the FlexPai was largely considered a first-generation product with significant flaws, including a bulky design, unpolished software, and a high price, making it more of a developer device than a mainstream success.

Does the Royole FlexPai have a headphone jack?

No, the Royole FlexPai does not have a 3.5mm headphone jack, but it typically came with a USB-C to 3.5mm adapter and USB-C earphones in the box.

What operating system does the Royole FlexPai use?

The Royole FlexPai originally shipped with Android 9.0 "Pie" and featured Royole's custom user interface called Water OS.