Are Foldable Phones Finally Worth Buying in 2025?

Foldable phones have come a long way in just a few years. When Samsung unveiled the first Galaxy Fold back in 2019, many were excited about the concept but skeptical about the execution. Early models were plagued with durability concerns, high price tags, and software that felt more experimental than practical. Fast forward to 2025, and the conversation has shifted dramatically. Tech giants including Samsung, Google, Oppo, Huawei, and even Apple (with rumors of an iFold on the horizon) are pushing the category forward.

But the big question remains: Are foldable phones finally worth buying in 2025? Let’s take a deep dive into the current state of foldables, evaluating their design, durability, pricing, ecosystem, and future outlook.

A Brief Look Back: The Evolution of Foldables

The foldable phone journey has been anything but smooth. In the beginning, critics pointed out fragile screens, awkward hinges, and questionable value compared to traditional flagships. The first Galaxy Fold, for example, had a noticeable crease down the middle and was prone to damage from dust and debris.

By 2021, Samsung improved the design with the Galaxy Z Fold 3 and Z Flip 3, adding water resistance and S Pen support. Competitors like Huawei and Xiaomi entered the race with their own takes on foldable displays.

By 2023, foldables were no longer just prototypes for enthusiasts—they were starting to mature. Google launched the Pixel Fold, highlighting Android’s growing optimization for larger, foldable displays. Software developers began taking foldables seriously, designing apps that adapt seamlessly between phone and tablet modes.

Now, in 2025, foldables are entering their sixth generation. The once “futuristic” concept has become a realistic alternative to slabs. But are they good enough to replace your current flagship smartphone?

Durability: The Biggest Hurdle Overcome?

Durability used to be the Achilles’ heel of foldable phones. Screens scratched easily, hinges squeaked, and buyers worried about their $2,000 investment lasting beyond a year.

That’s changed significantly. Most foldables in 2025 feature ultra-thin glass reinforced with advanced polymers, making them more resistant to scratches and dents. Hinges are now engineered to survive 500,000 folds, which translates to around 10 years of daily use. Many devices also include dustproofing and IPX8 water resistance, features once thought impossible for moving parts.

For everyday users, this means foldables are no longer fragile showpieces. You can toss them into your bag, open and close them dozens of times a day, and even use them in the rain without much concern. While they may never be quite as rugged as a traditional slab phone, foldables in 2025 are durable enough for most consumers.

Display Quality: From Creased to Seamless

The crease in the middle of the screen was once the most obvious sign that you were using a foldable phone. While not completely gone, it’s far less noticeable in 2025 models. Thanks to next-gen OLED panels and better hinge mechanics, creases have been minimized to the point where you rarely notice them during regular use.

In addition, foldables now support 120Hz–144Hz refresh rates, HDR10+, and peak brightness levels exceeding 2,500 nits—making them superb for outdoor use and media consumption. When unfolded, devices like the Galaxy Z Fold 6 or Pixel Fold 2 deliver tablet-like experiences with sharp, vibrant visuals. For gamers, movie lovers, and multitaskers, the display quality is one of the strongest reasons to choose a foldable.

Software Optimization: Finally Caught Up

Hardware improvements mean little without software that makes use of the foldable form factor. Thankfully, Android has matured significantly.

In 2025, most foldables offer split-screen multitasking, drag-and-drop functionality, and adaptive app layouts. Google has been leading the way by building foldable-friendly features directly into Android. Apps like YouTube, Gmail, and Chrome intelligently adjust between cover screen and unfolded modes. Popular third-party apps (Instagram, TikTok, Microsoft Office, and Spotify) are now optimized for large screens as well.

Some foldables also integrate with desktop ecosystems. Samsung’s DeX mode and Google’s Continuity features allow you to connect your foldable to a monitor, effectively turning it into a mini PC. This convergence of phone and laptop is one of the most exciting advantages of foldable devices.

Price: Still a Barrier, But Narrowing

Price has always been the elephant in the room. Early foldables cost upwards of $2,000, limiting them to tech enthusiasts and early adopters.

In 2025, while still premium, foldables are becoming more affordable. Entry-level models like the Galaxy Z Flip 6 and Oppo Find N3 Flip start at around $999, putting them in line with traditional flagship phones like the iPhone 16 Pro or Galaxy S25. Larger foldables like the Pixel Fold 2 and Galaxy Z Fold 6 still hover around $1,600–$1,800, but they’re far less expensive than the first generation.

Carriers and retailers also offer aggressive trade-in deals, making foldables more accessible than ever. If price was the only reason you avoided foldables before, 2025 is the year where the gap has narrowed enough to reconsider.

Use Cases: Who Benefits Most?

Foldable phones are not just about looking futuristic; they’re about solving specific problems.

• Multitaskers: Foldables shine for productivity. Imagine writing an email while referencing a document on the same screen, or attending a video call while taking notes.
• Content Creators: The flexibility of using a phone in “Flex Mode” (half-folded like a mini laptop) makes shooting videos, vlogging, or video chatting more convenient.
• Entertainment Lovers: Watching Netflix, reading eBooks, or gaming on a larger unfolded display enhances immersion without carrying a separate tablet.
• Minimalists: A foldable can replace both your phone and your tablet, streamlining your tech life.

That said, if you mainly use your phone for calls, messaging, and social media, a slab phone might still be the simpler, more practical choice.

Challenges That Remain

Despite the progress, foldables aren’t perfect. A few challenges remain in 2025:

1. Weight and Thickness: Foldables are still heavier and thicker than traditional phones, which can be uncomfortable for long-term one-handed use.
2. Battery Life: Larger displays consume more power. While battery optimization has improved, foldables typically last slightly less than slab phones with similar specs.
3. Repair Costs: Despite better durability, repairs remain expensive. Replacing a foldable screen can cost nearly as much as buying a mid-range phone.
4. App Gaps: While most major apps are optimized, some niche apps still don’t make good use of the foldable form factor.

These drawbacks won’t matter to everyone, but they’re worth considering before making the leap.

Future Outlook: Where Foldables Go Next

Looking ahead, foldables are not just a passing trend—they’re likely to become a major part of the smartphone market. Industry analysts predict that by 2027, one in five flagship smartphones sold will be foldable.

Advances in rollable and stretchable displays may take flexibility even further, creating phones that expand into tablets without any visible hinge. Apple’s rumored entry into the foldable space could also signal a tipping point for mass adoption, as the brand has a history of mainstreaming technologies.

By 2030, we may not even distinguish between “foldable” and “regular” smartphones—they could simply be the new normal.

So, Are Foldables Worth It in 2025?

The short answer: Yes, for most people if you’re ready for a premium device.

In 2025, foldable phones are no longer experimental gadgets. They’re durable, polished, and supported by strong ecosystems of apps and accessories. While they still come at a premium price and have a few trade-offs, the benefits of multitasking, larger displays, and versatility outweigh the downsides for many users.

If you’ve been holding back, this is the year foldables finally deliver on their promise. Whether you want a compact clamshell like the Galaxy Z Flip 6 or a productivity powerhouse like the Pixel Fold 2, there’s likely a foldable that fits your lifestyle.

For those who just need a straightforward, reliable phone, a slab might still be the smarter choice. But for anyone looking for innovation, practicality, and a touch of future-ready tech foldables in 2025 are absolutely worth buying.