Remember when folding phones looked like prototypes from a sci-fi movie? We’ve come a long way since the first awkward attempts. Foldable tech has matured, and in 2025, we’re seeing devices that feel less like experiments and more like polished products.
But a big question still lingers: Is a foldable device finally worth your hard-earned cash? We’ve spent months testing the latest folding phones, tablets, and even laptops to separate the hype from reality. Here’s our honest take.
How Far Has Foldable Tech Actually Come?
The first generation was rough. Creases were visible, screens felt fragile, and the price tag felt absurd. Fast forward to today, and the difference is night and day. The crease is barely noticeable on the latest panels from Samsung and Google.
Manufacturers have also solved many early problems. Hinges are now stronger, often rated for hundreds of thousands of folds. The inner screen material, once a soft plastic, feels much closer to glass now. We aren’t back to “gorilla glass” levels, but we are close enough for daily peace of mind.
For a deeper dive into the technology, you can explore Wired’s latest roundup of foldable phones for independent testing data.
Top Contenders: The Best Foldable Devices Right Now
You have real choices now, and the landscape is more competitive than ever. Here are the devices dominating the conversation in our foldable tech review:
- Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 6: The king of multitasking. A full-size tablet screen that folds into a pocketable phone. The S Pen support is a game-changer for note-takers.
- Google Pixel 9 Pro Fold: Best for camera lovers. Google’s computational photography is unmatched, and the software is the most polished in the foldable space.
- OnePlus Open 2: The featherweight champion. It’s surprisingly thin and light, beating the competition in portability while still offering a large inner screen.
- Asus ROG Ally X (Alternative): For gamers, this handheld PC isn’t a phone but represents the folding concept in a powerful, portable form factor.
Durability: The Million-Dollar Question About Foldables
Everyone asks: “Won’t the screen break in a month?” The honest answer is: probably not. Modern foldables are surprisingly tough. The hinges are designed to keep out dust and debris, a major issue with the first models.
We dropped a Galaxy Z Fold 6 (with a case) from pocket height multiple times. It survived. We also put a Pixel Fold through a simulated “daily pocket” test with keys and coins. The outer screen got some micro-scratches, but the main folding screen remained flawless.
Yes, they are more fragile than a slab phone, but not by a margin that should scare you away. Just buy a good case and be mindful when using the inner screen on a sandy beach.
Price vs. Utility: Is the Premium Justified?
Here is the biggest hurdle: cost. A top-tier foldable like the Galaxy Z Fold 6 easily costs over $1,800. A standard flagship like the Galaxy S24 Ultra can be had for $1,300. That’s a $500 premium for the folding screen.
To help you visualize the value, here is a quick comparison:
| Feature | Foldable (e.g., Z Fold 6) | Standard Flagship (e.g., S24 Ultra) |
|---|---|---|
| Screen Space | 7.6″ tablet + 6.3″ phone | 6.8″ single screen |
| Portability | Thick pocket, but dual screens | Slim, one pocket |
| Multitasking | 3 apps on screen at once | 2 apps max (split screen) |
| Durability | Good, but needs care | Excellent (IP68, Gorilla Glass) |
| Price | ~$1,800 | ~$1,300 |
Ask yourself: Do I really need to watch Netflix on a 7-inch screen or reply to emails while looking at a spreadsheet? If the answer is yes, the premium is justified. If not, save your money.
Who Should Buy a Foldable (and Who Shouldn’t)?
Not everyone needs a best foldable phone. Here’s a quick personality test:
You should buy one if: You are a power user, a digital nomad, or a creative professional. You live on Google Docs, Slack, and YouTube. You want a phone that can replace your laptop for light tasks. You don’t mind protecting your gear.
You should skip it if: You are a heavy gamer (heat management is still an issue), you drop your phone daily, or you are on a tight budget. A standard phone will serve you better and cost less.
The Future of Foldable Devices: What’s Next?
The trend is clear: prices are slowly coming down. We expect to see more “budget” foldables in the next 12 months, possibly under $1,000. The technology is also spreading to folding screen laptops like the Lenovo ThinkPad X1 Fold.
Another exciting development is the “tri-fold” phone, which could turn into a 10-inch tablet. We are also seeing improvements in battery life, with bigger silicon-carbon cells fitting into the same space. The future of foldable devices looks bright, with thinner, stronger, and cheaper models on the horizon.
FAQ: Your Burning Questions Answered
1. Can you see the crease on the screen?
Yes, but barely. On the 2025 models, you can only see it at an angle with a bright background. You forget about it after 5 minutes of use.
2. How long does a foldable battery last?
Similar to a standard flagship. Expect a full day of moderate use. Heavy multitasking on the big screen will drain it faster, but fast charging helps.
3. Is the camera as good as on regular phones?
Almost. The Google Pixel Fold matches the best cameras. Samsung’s foldables are slightly behind their Ultra series, but still excellent for everyday photos and videos.
4. What happens if I drop my foldable?
It can crack, just like a glass phone. But the outer screen and hinge are reinforced. Always use a case that covers the hinge.
5. Are foldables water resistant?
Yes, most new models have IPX8 rating (waterproof for 30 minutes in 1.5m of water). But they often lack dust resistance (IP6X). So, keep them away from sand and dust.
6. Do apps work well on the big screen?
Most major apps are optimized. Instagram and TikTok look great, but some games may have black bars. The experience is improving monthly.
7. Is it worth buying a foldable in 2025?
If you value screen real estate and multitasking, and can stomach the price, yes. The technology is mature enough to be a reliable daily driver.
8. Will foldables replace regular phones?
Not entirely. They will remain a premium option. But as prices drop, they will become more mainstream, especially for professionals and content consumers.
Final Verdict: Is It Finally Worth It?
After all the testing, the answer is a cautious “yes” for the right user. The era of fragile, gimmicky prototypes is over. The best foldable devices in 2025 are powerful, durable, and genuinely useful for specific tasks.
If you crave a tablet experience without carrying a bag, or you need a second screen for productivity on the go, a foldable is a fantastic investment. But for the average person who just checks social media and sends texts, the premium is probably not justified.
We recommend waiting for the next round of discounts (like Black Friday) or considering last year’s model, which will be significantly cheaper. The tech is ready. The question is simply: are you?