November 2, 2025, 3:20 pm | Read time: 5 minutes

Flip Phones Conquer the Smartphone Market

The good old flip phones–today mostly called flip phones, but sometimes also referred to as foldables or folding smartphones–have been around for a while. By 2025 at the latest, they are set to make a definitive comeback. We’re not talking about retro devices, but modern, foldable high-end smartphones. Manufacturers like Samsung with the Galaxy Z Flip 7 and Z Fold 7, Motorola with the Razr 60 Ultra, and Google with the Pixel 9 Pro Fold have significantly fueled this trend. Apple also plans to enter this category: The first foldable iPhone, the iPhone Fold, is expected to hit the market in 2026.

The popularity of flip phones has been evident since 2023, largely driven by TikTok. It is now also reflected in sales figures. According to the market research firm Canalys, Samsung was able to increase its market share in the U.S. smartphone market from 23 percent to 31 percent in the second quarter of 2025, while Apple’s market share fell from 56 percent to 49 percent during the same period.

Polaroid and Other Old Technology Are Experiencing a Revival

Are you among those who find it unfortunate that photos today often can’t be touched? The photo folders on most smartphones are overflowing with snapshots that are forgotten as quickly as they are taken.

Photography is becoming fast food, as the “Standard” puts it. In response, sales of digital cameras have recently increased, as industry reports, manufacturer data, and retailer information show. Many people seem to genuinely miss the physical photo. This explains why the good old instant camera is no longer just a popular party gag or used at weddings and family gatherings. Polaroid, for example, has recently introduced several new generations of instant cameras.

The name Polaroid is often used synonymously with instant cameras. The brand’s device was the first of its kind, hitting the market in 1948. Later, other manufacturers released similar cameras, and they are doing so again today. The Fujifilm Instax Mini, for example, is currently popular, especially among young people. The basic principle remains the same: When the shutter is pressed, the photo is exposed like in a conventional camera. The instant film contains several layers with different chemicals. As the photo is ejected from the camera, the chemicals are evenly spread over it by a roller, triggering a chemical reaction that makes the image visible within minutes.

Of course, the films and chemicals of the new generations of instant cameras have been modernized to achieve better colors, longer durability, and easier handling. For example, the new Polaroid Now Generation 3 Instant Camera has been “optimized for sharper images under various lighting conditions.” The position of the exposure meter is now better chosen, according to the press release for the launch, and the rangefinder is more accurate. Additionally, the new instant camera features a more advanced autofocus system with two lenses, an integrated tripod mount, filter compatibility, a self-timer, and double exposure modes.

More on the topic

Techbook Basics Pros and Cons of Foldable Smartphones

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Music Returns to Vinyl

From images you can hold in your hands to music. Of course, one must admit that the invention of the MP3 audio standard was a significant milestone. However, nostalgics likely missed the feeling of truly owning music–to shelve it and play it. For some time now, they have been able to do so again. Vinyl records are back in vogue. And how!

Also interesting: Why the cassette is making a comeback

“Vinyl pressing plants can hardly keep up with orders,” states a recent ARD report. According to it, major record labels have been re-releasing music albums from the past on vinyl for some time. The experience is said to be special. Unlike digital tracks via Spotify and others, which are often skipped through without much thought, music on vinyl is experienced much more intensely and consciously.

Tamagotchis Are Back in Stores

Seriously, were Tamagotchis ever really gone? TECHBOOK has repeatedly reported on the electronic toys that have long since become a cult. Those who knew and loved the little creatures when they first hit the market in 1996 probably always had a place in their hearts for them.

Thus, there was great news for fans this July: The Japanese manufacturer Bandai released a new edition of the toy called “Tamagotchi Paradise.” And this time, it has truly arrived in the modern era. It features a larger display–in color–and a zoom function that allows users to see exactly what their little virtual pet is up to. It is also available in numerous languages and can be connected to other devices.

Are you wondering if anyone still buys this today? After all, anyone wanting to play with a handy device could simply use their smartphone for mobile gaming. But that’s truly not the same, as a report from the “Tagesschau” shows. It covered the launch of the new old technology in a department store in Tokyo last August, and “it takes less than 60 seconds for all the units available that day to sell out,” it says.