The Rise of Foldable Phones: Are They Worth the Hype?

Not long ago, the concept of bending your phone in half sounded like something from a sci-fi film. Most of us were still getting used to larger touchscreens when Samsung and Huawei introduced phones that folded like a book. Some people laughed, others were amazed, and many thought, “Cool… but will this thing even last a week?”

Foldables today, 2025, are not only examples seen on exhibition shelves. Whether it’s Samsung’s foldable phones, Huawei’s foldable phones, or the ongoing conversation about when (or whether) we will ultimately see iPhone foldable phones, they are literally in people’s hands.

Thus, let’s discuss where folding fits in now: cutting-edge future or only expensive toys?

How Foldables Started (and Stumbled):

Remember the first Galaxy Fold? If you saw one in 2019, chances are you also heard stories about cracked screens and creaky hinges. It was groundbreaking but fragile, like carrying around glass jewelry. Huawei followed with the Mate X—sleeker, but software limits held it back outside Asia.

The good news: the rough days are mostly behind us.

• Samsung foldable phones now survive daily use, even a splash of water.
• Huawei’s foldable phones slimmed down and improved their hinge design.
• Apple hasn’t jumped yet, but if iPhone foldable phones ever show up, they’ll probably enter the market with polished perfection.

That said, even with improvements, people still ask: “Why are foldable phones not popular?” The short answer: they cost a fortune and don’t always feel as tough as a normal phone.

Who’s Actually Buying Them?

In South Korea and China, foldables are trendy—almost normal. But in the US and Europe? Not so much. A lot of folks here still hesitate. Why? Because spending $1,500 on a phone that might crease down the middle doesn’t exactly scream “safe investment.”

Here’s what the numbers say:

• Samsung owns the biggest slice of the foldable pie.
• Huawei holds strong in Asia.
• Google and OnePlus are slowly carving out space.

But until prices fall, they’ll stay a niche. If you ask around, many people will admit they’d rather keep their iPhone or Galaxy slab—reliable, sturdy, and easier on the wallet.

Why Some People Swear by Foldables:

Let’s be honest: foldables aren’t just about function—they’re also about bragging rights. Pull one out at a coffee shop, and someone will ask, “Whoa, can I see that?”

Still, there are real perks:

• Open it up and you’ve got a screen almost like a mini tablet—perfect for movies or reading.
• Multitaskers love running apps side by side.
• Flip-style models are compact when closed but open into a roomy display.
• Accessories like a foldable phone stand make them handy for travel or video calls.

For some buyers, that combination of style + utility justifies the price.

Why Foldables Still Struggle

Here’s the flip side (pun intended):

1. High price tags – The best foldable phone 2025 will still cost you upwards of $1,400.
2. Durability doubts – Hinges wear down, and the crease never fully disappears.
3. Battery life – Larger displays drain juice faster.
4. Software quirks – Not all apps play nice with foldable layouts.

This is why adoption is slow. Foldables shine in demos but don’t always feel practical in everyday life.

Comparing Foldables to What We Know

Foldables invite one obvious question: how do they stack up against what we already have?

• Regular iPhones are tanks—they last, hold value, and run smoothly. Foldables? Flashier, but riskier.
• Tablets still beat them for reading, drawing, and long battery sessions. But a foldable spares you from carrying two devices.

Some companies are even toying with extras like foldable phones, a keyboard, or foldable phone keypad accessories. That mix of nostalgia (remember BlackBerry?) and modern design might win over some skeptics.

The Best Foldable Phones Right Now:

If you’re curious which ones stand out, here’s what’s worth considering in 2025:

• Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 6 – Productivity beast.
• Samsung Galaxy Z Flip 6 – Pocket-friendly, trendy, and surprisingly durable.
• Huawei Mate X5 – Gorgeous hardware, but limited Google apps.
• Google Pixel Fold 2 – Amazing camera system, classic Pixel software.
• OnePlus Open 2 – Cheaper than Samsung, but solid overall.

And the big question: Will Apple make a foldable phone? Most analysts think Apple is waiting until the tech is bulletproof. Apple doesn’t mind being late to the party—as long as it owns the spotlight when it shows up.

Owning One: The Things Ads Don’t Tell You

Having a foldable can feel exciting, but let’s be real about daily use:

• Drop it once, and repairs aren’t cheap—screen fixes can run $500+.
• Not every case or accessory fits; you’ll likely need a foldable phone stand.
• Insurance almost feels mandatory.

It’s like buying a sports car—thrilling, but you need to budget for the upkeep.

The Forgotten Details

A few things don’t get enough attention in marketing:

• Foldables are heavy—slipping one in a jeans pocket feels bulky.
• They lose resale value much faster than iPhones.
• Repair and recycling are harder, which isn’t great for sustainability.
• Long-term software support varies—Samsung’s good, but not all brands match it.

These little factors often make or break the ownership experience.

What’s Next for Foldables?

The future is interesting. Prices will likely drop, and we may see models under $1,000 that finally appeal to mainstream buyers. On top of that, brands are experimenting with rollable screens and even tri-fold designs.

And let’s not forget Apple. If iPhone foldable phones ever launch, expect the entire market to shift. Apple has a track record of taking “niche” ideas and making them feel essential.

Accessories will expand too—expect better foldable phones, keyboards, keypads, and stands. That ecosystem will make foldables more than just flashy devices.

Should You Buy One in 2025?

Here’s the honest take:

• If you love trying new tech, multitasking, or want a phone that doubles as a mini tablet—go for it.
• If you prefer reliability, lower prices, and better resale value—stick with a standard flagship.

Foldables have grown up. They’re no longer gimmicks. But whether they’re “worth it” depends on how much you value innovation versus practicality.