Foldable phones are the newest flex in mobile tech. They bend, flip, and unfold like something out of sci-fi. But while they look slick and futuristic, they come with a lot of trade-offs.
If you are thinking about buying one, you should know what you are really getting into. Let’s break it down.
Foldable Phones Look Sleek and Fresh
The form factor is what sets foldable phones apart. Book-style foldables like the Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 7 and Google Pixel 9 Pro Fold open up into mini tablets. That is a game changer for watching videos, running two apps side-by-side, or even handling work on the go.
Samsung Mobile / With foldable phones, you basically get a phone and a tablet in one device.
Then there is the clamshell design, like the Motorola Razr Ultra and Galaxy Z Flip 7. These snap shut into compact, square shapes that easily fit into pockets. Plus, they nail the nostalgia factor. They feel fun to use, and people notice when you pull one out. In a sea of same-looking phones, foldables stand out.
Packed With Power and Premium Features
The latest foldable phones are loaded with flagship specs. Take the Galaxy Z Fold 7, for example. It has got a 200MP camera, an 8-inch inner display, and the Snapdragon 8 Elite chip.
Here's a sneak peek at the Galaxy Z Fold 7:
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The Motorola Razr Ultra isn’t far behind. It sports a massive 4-inch cover screen, a 165Hz refresh rate, and a battery that actually lasts. These are full-blown premium smartphones built for people who want style, performance, and speed.
Multitasking Gets a Big Boost
Book-style foldables like the OnePlus Open and Pixel 9 Pro Fold shine when it comes to multitasking. You can run three apps at once, drag and drop between windows, and use desktop-style modes that make your phone feel more like a laptop.
This is a big win for productivity.
Weak Battery Life
Battery life is another letdown. Larger screens drain power fast, and there’s not much room for giant batteries inside these slim designs. The Pixel 9 Pro Fold gets about 11 hours, which is okay, but not great.
Also, some apps don’t work right on foldables. You might open one, and it will stretch weirdly or not fill the screen. Developers are slowly catching up, but you will still run into apps that don’t know what to do with the extra screen space.
They’re Pricey!
Foldable phones are expensive. The Galaxy Z Fold 7 starts at $1,899. The Pixel 9 Pro Fold is $1,799. That is way more than most standard flagship phones. Even the cheaper clamshells like the Motorola Razr (2025) begin at $699, but you give up processing power and camera quality.
Motorola / Instagram / One of the major red flags of foldable phones is that they are pricey, compared to ‘normal’ smartphones.
If you are just looking for a solid phone that won’t break the bank, foldables might not be the move.
Durability Still Lags Behind
This is the biggest pain point. Foldable phones are fragile. Hinges can collect dust and debris. Screens are softer than glass and more likely to scratch or crack if you drop them. Even with better materials than before, they are not as tough as regular phones.
Most still struggle with water and dust resistance. The Pixel 9 Pro Fold is rated IPX8, which means water is okay, but not dust. The Galaxy Z Fold 7 does slightly better with IP48, but it is still not rugged.
Cameras Still Trail the Best
Camera quality on foldable phones is getting better, but they still lag behind top phones like the iPhone 16 Pro or Galaxy S25 Ultra. You will get decent shots, but if photography is your thing, you might be disappointed.
Most foldables have to sacrifice space for other components, so you won’t always get the biggest sensors or most advanced lenses.
Should You Get a Foldable Phone?
If you are a tech lover who likes being ahead of the curve, foldables are a blast. They are different, exciting, and full of potential. You’ll get premium features, future-forward design, and a phone that actually feels new.
But if you are someone who wants reliable battery life, tough hardware, and a good camera without spending a fortune, a regular phone might serve you better.
