Both flat-screen and curved-screen phones have their own advantages and disadvantages in terms of design, user experience, and cost. Consumer preferences are often closely tied to usage scenarios and needs. The following is a comparison of their key advantages and disadvantages:
1. Advantages of Flat-Screen Phones

More practical operation

No edge touches: Flat-screen phones have edges perpendicular to the frame, making it less likely to trigger accidental swipes or taps. They are particularly suitable for gamers (for high-frequency operations like Genshin Impact and Game for Peace) and text editors (for precise text selection).

Distortion-free display: Curved screen edges can slightly distort the image (e.g., straight lines become curved). Flat screens maintain the integrity of content and accurate proportions, making them more suitable for designers and photography enthusiasts.

Durability and lower maintenance costs.

Better drop resistance: Curved screens have prominent edges and a larger glass surface, which concentrates force when dropped, making them more likely to break than flat-screen phones. Flat screens also fit more tightly to the frame, making them more impact-resistant. Low Repair Cost: The cost of replacing a flat screen is typically 30%-50% lower than that of a curved screen.

Good Accessory Compatibility: Tempered screen protectors and phone cases easily fit flat screens, eliminating the need for custom curved screen protectors (which are prone to warping) or curved cases (which lack proper fit). This provides a wider selection and lower prices.

Technological Maturity and Cost Advantages

Simple Production Process: Flat screens don't require the complex cutting and bending of curved glass, resulting in lower manufacturing costs. Manufacturers can invest this savings in other features like battery life and performance.

Greater Compatibility: Some features (such as in-display fingerprint recognition) have slightly higher efficiency and accuracy on flat screens than on curved screens (where the recognition area is limited by the curved edges).

II. Disadvantages of Flat Screen Phones:

Low Visual Immersion: Flat screens have more noticeable bezels than curved screens (even with ultra-narrow bezel technology). The side view lacks the "borderless" feel of curved screens, resulting in a slightly less refined overall experience. This is especially true when viewing videos and images, where the immersive experience is less. Lack of design innovation
Curved screens were once a hallmark of the "premium" feel of flagship phones. However, flat screen designs are more traditional and may not be as appealing to consumers seeking a personalized and fashionable look.

3. Advantages of Curved Screen Phones
More Refined Visuals
Curved surfaces enhance a sense of luxury: The curved edges of the screen make the phone's sides slimmer, allowing for a more natural fit between fingers and the curved surface when held, creating a visually more technological and design-focused aesthetic. This was once a status symbol for flagship phones.
More Immersive: The curved edges minimize the presence of the bezel, making the screen appear to extend beyond the bezel when watching videos or playing games, creating a more striking visual impact.
More Comfortable Grip: The curvature of the curved screen edges better matches the curvature of the palm, making it less uncomfortable to hold in one hand. This is especially true for large-screen phones (over 6.7 inches), where the curved design reduces grip pressure. IV. Disadvantages of Curved Screen Phones

Practicality is a significant shortcoming.

Frequent edge touches: Curved screens are prone to accidental touches by palms or fingers, leading to operational errors (such as skipping keys while typing or misusing skills while gaming). Although manufacturers have optimized algorithms to reduce these, they cannot be completely eliminated.

Difficulty applying films and protecting curved screens: Curved screens require specialized hydrogel films or curved tempered glass films. The former is prone to scratching, while the latter is difficult and expensive to apply, and the edges are susceptible to dust and warping. Phone cases also need to accommodate the curved surface, resulting in less protective performance.

High maintenance costs and poor durability

High repair costs: Curved screens have more complex glass and lamination processes, and replacement costs are typically 1.5-2 times that of flat screens. Some models also require the midframe to be replaced, further increasing costs.

Susceptibility to wear and breakage: Curved screens have prominent edges that easily rub against surfaces and pockets during daily use, causing scratches. The risk of edge breakage from a drop is much higher than with flat screens. Display and Functional Limitations
Edge distortion: Curved screens can cause slight distortion due to refraction, especially when displaying text or tables, where edge content may be blurred or misaligned.
Reflection issues are more pronounced: Curved edges reflect more light under strong light, affecting the viewing experience. The in-display fingerprint sensor on some curved screens is limited to the center, making the recognition range narrower than that of flat screens.

From a market perspective, flat screens are gaining popularity among consumers and manufacturers due to their practicality and lack of drawbacks. Curved screens are gradually becoming the choice for niche needs (such as high-end business models). While both will coexist for a long time, straight screens are likely to reach a wider audience.