In late 2025, after multiple generations of refinement from companies like Samsung and Google, foldable phones have firmly moved past the “gimmick” stage. They are now a mature, albeit niche, product category. While they represent a legitimate vision of the future of mobile computing, for the average consumer, their high price and durability trade-offs mean the traditional smartphone remains the more practical choice for the present.
The “Future” Argument: Why Foldables are Compelling
1. Productivity Powerhouses For book-style foldables like the Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 7, the appeal is undeniable. You have a normal-sized phone for quick tasks, which then unfolds into a small tablet. This is a game-changer for multitasking, reading emails, viewing spreadsheets, and watching videos on the go. As of 2025, these devices are thinner and lighter than ever, making the two-in-one promise more practical.
2. Ultimate Portability For flip-style phones like the Samsung Galaxy Z Flip 7 and Motorola Razr+, the benefit is the opposite. They offer a large, conventional smartphone screen that folds down into an incredibly compact square. For users tired of massive phones that barely fit in a pocket, this is a major selling point. The cover screens have also become much more useful for handling notifications and quick tasks without opening the phone.
3. The Technology has Matured By late 2025, the hardware is in its 6th or 7th generation.
- Durability: Hinges are stronger and more resilient.
- The Crease: The visible crease in the middle of the screen is still there, but it’s far less noticeable than on earlier models.
- Software: Android has significantly improved its software support for the unique form factors, making multitasking smoother and more intuitive.
The “Niche” Argument: The Challenges That Remain
1. The Price This is still the biggest barrier. Foldable phones command a significant premium, often costing hundreds of dollars more than a traditional flagship phone with otherwise comparable or even better specifications (like cameras).
2. Durability Concerns While much improved, the fundamental physics remain. A flexible plastic screen protected by ultra-thin glass is inherently more fragile than a solid slab of Gorilla Glass. The hinge, while stronger, is still a complex mechanical part and a potential point of failure.
3. Bulk and Compromises Foldables are still generally thicker and heavier than their non-folding counterparts. Due to space constraints, they sometimes have smaller batteries or less advanced camera systems than a top-tier traditional flagship.
Step 2: Offer Next Step
The article on foldable phones is now complete. The next topic on our list is a guide to the Matter smart home standard. Shall I prepare that for you?