Vivo is finally bringing its X Fold 6 to international markets following a domestic launch in China this past summer. However, the timing of the global release highlights just how fast smartphone design is moving, making the once-modern device feel unexpectedly retro.
When the X Fold 6 originally debuted in June, its tall and somewhat boxy design was par for the course in the foldable device market. Today, it stands in stark contrast to shifting industry standards. Heavyweights like Apple and Samsung have recently overhauled their foldable form factors, steering toward shorter, wider displays with the introduction of devices like the iPhone Duo and the Galaxy Z Fold 8.
By sticking closely to the dimensions of its predecessors—including its familiar 6.51-inch display format—the X Fold 6 finds itself looking more like a throwback than a cutting-edge flagship. As the broader smartphone market rapidly pivots toward wider screens, Vivo's latest international offering serves as a fascinating snapshot of how quickly the rules of foldable phone design are evolving.