I think the clamshell (hinged) design worked fine, and I've not had any problem with that.
I think the pixel count is something like 127 x 32. (Someone will correct me if I'm wrong . . .) It does do something like graphics, but limited in height and resolution. Its major benefit is in providing a multi-line stack display.
I've mentioned before that my son's HP-28S has fallen apart because he carried it in an overstuffed backpack. Apparently, the constant flexing (caused by being pushed into curved shapes by tons of books and paper) broke most of the plastic heat stakes that held the keyboards to the covers. So, the 28s can't stand a lot of flex-abuse.
The worst aspect of the HP-28S design is the battery compartment door. I haven't had the opportunity to use an example of each & every HP model, but this is easily the worst HP battery door I've encountered!
Other than that, the HP-28S is a fine machine, and the unlimited stack RPL interface is, while a bit different, actually very interesting. I loved mine while I was still programming calculators, but have since retreated to the more portable HP-32S for my occasional, everyday use.