The Evolution of Smartphones: Unfolding the Pros and Cons of Foldable Devices
Foldable smartphones have transitioned from a futuristic concept to a tangible reality in recent years through heavy investment - the result of which, is a new category of devices that challenge our traditional notion of what a smartphone should be.
From the first foldable smartphone, launched just 7 years ago by a Chinese startup Royole, foldable devices have emerged as a revolutionary concept, promising to bridge the gap between compact handsets and larger tablets. As we stand in early 2025, these devices have come a long way since their initial introduction, offering users a unique blend of versatility and innovation. However, like any new technology, foldable phones come with their own set of advantages and drawbacks. Let's take a look and delve deeper into the pros and cons of foldable smartphones, examining their impact on user experience, productivity, and the mobile device world.
The Rise of Foldable Smartphones
Foldable smartphones have transitioned from a futuristic concept to a tangible reality in recent years. Major manufacturers like Samsung, Google, and others have invested heavily in this technology, refining their designs and addressing early concerns. The result is a new category of devices that challenge our traditional notion of what a smartphone should be.
Key Players and Models
As of 2025, several key manufacturers dominate the foldable smartphone market:
- Samsung: With its Galaxy Z Fold and Z Flip series, Samsung has been at the forefront of foldable technology.
- Google: The Pixel Fold has made waves since its introduction, offering a pure Android experience on a foldable device.
- Motorola: Reviving the iconic Razr brand with a modern, foldable twist.
- Other manufacturers: Companies like Xiaomi, Huawei (see new tri-fold product launch video below), and OnePlus have also entered the foldable market with their unique offerings.
Advantages of Foldable Smartphones
1. Enhanced Versatility
One of the most significant advantages of foldable smartphones is their versatility. These devices transform from a compact smartphone into a tablet-sized screen, offering users the best of both worlds. This adaptability makes foldable phones suitable for a wide range of use cases, from quick messaging to immersive media consumption and productivity tasks to fun and convenient camera selfie's and video recording.
2. Improved Multitasking Capabilities
The larger screens of unfolded devices, particularly in book-style foldables, provide superior multitasking capabilities. Users can run multiple apps side by side, enhancing productivity and efficiency. This feature is particularly beneficial for professionals who need to reference multiple sources or work on various tasks simultaneously.
3. Enhanced Portability
Flip-style foldable phones offer improved portability compared to traditional smartphones. When folded, these devices are more compact, making them easier to carry in pockets, purses or pouches. This design addresses the growing concern of smartphone sizes becoming unwieldy for comfortable everyday carry. I myself have been using a foldable smartphone for a few years and I simply love how I can easily and comfortably carry it in my pocket.
4. Innovative Design and Aesthetics
Foldable smartphones offer a fresh take on mobile device aesthetics. Their unique form factor appeals to users who want a device that stands out from the crowd and turn everyone's heads when using it in public. The ability to unfold into a larger display also provides a real wow factor that traditional smartphones cannot match.
5. Larger Display in a Compact Form
Typically, when unfolded, these devices offer a spacious 7-8 inch screen, rivaling small tablets. This larger display enhances the user experience for activities such as reading, gaming, and video watching, without sacrificing the device's portability when folded.
6. Cutting-Edge Technology
Investing in a foldable smartphone (and yes, their cost is higher than standard devices), means embracing cutting-edge technology. Early adopters benefit from being at the forefront of mobile innovation. As the technology matures, we can expect even more refined and optimized foldable devices in the future.
7. Improved Productivity
The larger screen real estate of foldable phones significantly boost productivity. Users can more easily edit documents, manage spreadsheets, or engage in creative tasks that benefit from a larger display. The ability to have multiple windows open simultaneously further enhances workflow efficiency.
Disadvantages of Foldable Smartphones
1. Higher Cost
One of the most significant barriers to widespread adoption of foldable smartphones is their price point. While they have been adopted heavily, these devices are generally at a much higher price point than traditional smartphones due to their advanced technology and complex manufacturing processes. For example, flagship foldable models often start at prices well above $1,500, putting them out of reach for many consumers.
2. Durability Concerns
The folding mechanism and flexible displays introduce new potential points of failure. They also make it far more difficult for them to provide high water and dust resistance. While manufacturers have made significant strides in improving durability, foldable phones are still more prone to damage compared to traditional smartphones - the hinges and folding screens are particularly vulnerable to wear and tear over time.
3. Fragility and Potential for Damage
The intricate folding mechanisms and flexible screens make these devices far more susceptible to damage from drops (as my daughter can fully attest to 😉), mishandling, or even regular use. Users need to be more cautious with foldable phones, which can be a significant drawback for those accustomed to more robust traditional smartphones. That being said, the rate at which we are now swapping our smartphones for newer technology has rapidly increased. According to Statista, in the United States, the consumer smartphone replacement cycle in 2023 was 2.67 years, though this number is predicted to slightly increase to 2.81 years by this year.
4. Software Optimization Challenges
While the hardware of foldable phones has advanced rapidly, software optimization remains challenging. Many apps are not yet fully optimized for these unique form factors from different manufacturers - thus leading to different user experiences for many. This lack of optimization can result in apps that don't properly utilize the expanded screen space or don't transition smoothly between folded and unfolded states.
5. Reduced Battery Life
The larger screens and more powerful processors required for foldable phones often result in increased power consumption. This usually leads to shortened daily battery life compared to traditional smartphones, especially when using the device in its unfolded state. Users may find themselves needing to charge their foldable phones more frequently throughout the day. However, with the recent advancement of battery capacity technology, this issue could soon be a thing of the past.
6. Thickness and Weight
Due to the folding mechanism and additional hardware requirements, foldable smartphones tend to be slightly bulkier and heavier compared to traditional devices. This increased size and weight can affect the overall comfort and ergonomics of the device, particularly during extended use or one-handed operation.
7. Potential for Dust and Debris Ingress
As mentioned previously, some foldable phone designs, particularly earlier models, have gaps when folded that can allow dust, debris, or even water to enter the device. While manufacturers have made improvements in this area, the complex folding mechanism still presents a potential vulnerability that traditional smartphones don't face, especially devices in the lower price point bracket.
8. Limited Water and Dust Resistance
While some recent foldable models have vastly improved water resistance, many still fall behind traditional smartphones in terms of IP ratings for water and dust protection. This limitation can be a significant concern for users who frequently use their devices in various environmental conditions.
9. Potential for Screen Creasing
The flexible displays used in foldable phones can develop visible creases along the fold line over time (I myself have experienced this issue). While manufacturers have worked to minimize this from occurring, it remains a potential cosmetic concern that may affect the user experience, particularly when viewing content on the unfolded screen.
10. Learning Curve and Adaptation
For users accustomed to traditional smartphones, adapting to a foldable device can require a significant adjustment period. The unique form factor and multitasking capabilities may necessitate changes in how users interact with their devices, which some may find challenging or frustrating initially.
The Future of Foldable Smartphones
As we look towards the future, it's clear that foldable smartphones will continue to evolve and improve. Manufacturers are actively addressing many of the current limitations, with each new generation of devices bringing enhancements in durability, software optimization, and overall user experience. Afterall, we are in the mere infancy of this technology.
Advancements in Display Technology
Research and development in flexible display technology are ongoing, with the goal of creating more durable and crease-resistant screens. Future foldable phones may feature displays that can fold multiple times (as we see in the new Huawei Mate XT launching this month, or upcoming Samsung Tri-fold smartphone launching later this year), or in different directions, further expanding their versatility.
Improved Durability and Water Resistance
As manufacturing processes improve and new materials are developed, we can expect future foldable phones to offer better durability and enhanced water and dust resistance. This will help address one of the primary concerns that currently hold back widespread adoption.
Software Ecosystem Maturation
As foldable phones become more common, we're likely to see increased support from app developers and operating system makers. This will lead to better-optimized apps and a more seamless user experience across different form factors.
Price Reduction
As with most new technologies, the cost of foldable smartphones is likely to decrease over time as manufacturing processes become more efficient and competition increases. This could make foldable devices accessible to a broader range of consumers.
Integration of Advanced Features
Future foldable phones may incorporate additional advanced features such as improved cameras, 6G capabilities, and enhanced AI integration, further blurring the lines between smartphones, tablets, and even laptops.
As of February 2025, the foldable smartphone market has evolved significantly, offering a variety of options for consumers. Here are the latest current foldable smartphones available to buy today:
- Google Pixel 9 Pro Fold
- Features an 8-inch main display and a 6.3-inch cover display.
- Equipped with the Google Tensor G4 processor and 16GB of RAM.
- Offers a triple rear camera setup with 48MP main, 10.8MP zoom, and 10.5MP ultrawide lenses.
- OnePlus Open
- Boasts a 7.82-inch interior display and a 6.31-inch cover display.
- Powered by the Qualcomm Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 processor with 16GB of RAM.
- Features a versatile camera system with 48MP wide, 48MP ultrawide, and 64MP telephoto lenses.
- Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 6
- Offers a 7.6-inch main display and a 6.2-inch cover display.
- Runs on the latest Qualcomm Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 processor.
- Includes a triple camera setup with a 50MP main sensor.
- Samsung Galaxy Z Flip 6
- Features a 6.7-inch main display and a 3.4-inch cover display.
- Equipped with 12GB of RAM and up to 512GB of storage.
- Includes a dual rear camera system with a 50MP main sensor.
- Motorola Razr Plus (2024)
- Offers a 6.9-inch main display and a 4-inch cover display.
- Features a dual camera system with 50MP wide and 50MP telephoto lenses.
- Honor Magic V3
- Noted for being one of the thinnest foldable phones available.
- Offers 7.92-inch main display and a 6.43-inch outer display.
- Runs on the latest Qualcomm Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 processor.
- Vivo X Fold 3 Pro
- Stands out for its impressive battery life
- Features 8.3-inch display.
- Runs on the latest Qualcomm Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 processor.
- 1024 GB storage and 16GB RAM
Brett Wilx, Tom Sawyer
Are Foldable Smartphones Worth It?
The question of whether foldable smartphones are "worth it" ultimately depends on individual needs, preferences, and budget. For early adopters and tech enthusiasts who value innovation and are willing to pay a premium for cutting-edge technology, foldable phones offer an exciting new way to interact with mobile devices. The versatility, larger screen real estate, and multitasking capabilities can be game-changers for productivity and media consumption.
However, for the average consumer, the high price point, durability concerns, and potential software limitations may outweigh the benefits. Traditional smartphones still offer a more reliable and cost-effective option for most and typically offer higher spec hardware compared to foldable options.
As we move forward, the foldable smartphone market is likely to mature, addressing many of the current drawbacks. Prices may become more competitive, durability will improve, and software optimization will enhance the user experience. This evolution could make foldable phones a more attractive option for a wider audience in the coming years. I myself am very excited to see the further innovation of these devices.
Ultimately, the decision to invest in a foldable smartphone should be based on a careful consideration of one's needs, usage patterns, and willingness to adapt to a new form factor. For myself, I adore my Flip and Fold smartphones. They meet all my needs and expectations and I am completely sold on the small form factor and portability of these devices while still offering a large display format. As the technology of these devices continues to evolve, foldable smartphones represent an exciting frontier in mobile computing, offering a glimpse into a future where our devices are as flexible and adaptable as our digital lives are demanding.
