Foldable phones may still feel futuristic, but they have quietly been part of the mobile landscape for close to a decade. Early examples, particularly those emerging around 2019, were far from refined — often bulky, fragile and experimental.
Yet they hinted at something compelling: a device that could seamlessly shift from phone to tablet in seconds.
Since then, manufacturers have relentlessly refined the concept. Hinges became stronger, displays more resilience, and software is far more capable. Year after year, many of the common criticisms levelled at foldables were gradually addressed.
Today, almost every major technical concern has been resolved — with one stubborn exception.
That remaining hurdle is cost. Despite dramatic progress in design and durability, foldable phones continue to command premium prices that place them out of reach for most consumers.
Evolution of Foldable Phones: From Fragile Experiments to Refined Flagships
Looking back at the original Galaxy Fold, its shortcomings were obvious. It was thick, heavy, featured a cramped outer display and used a hinge that allowed debris to creep inside — a flaw that famously damaged early review units.
Even so, the device showcased immense potential. It was a genuine multitasker, offering a tablet-like experience in a pocketable form.
Samsung steadily built on that foundation. The Galaxy Z Fold 3 introduced water resistance and S Pen support, while later models refined the hinge design to remove the visible gap when closed, as seen on the Z Fold 5.
Meanwhile, competition intensified. Rivals such as OnePlus and Google, alongside Chinese brands including Oppo and Xiaomi, pushed innovation across both hardware and software, raising the overall standard for foldables.
2025 Foldable Breakthroughs: Thinner Designs and True Durability
Two standout devices in 2025 marked a turning point for the category. Google’s Pixel 10 Pro Fold achieved an IP68 rating for dust and water resistance — a first for foldables.
While this might sound unremarkable to users of conventional smartphones, it represents a major leap forward for devices with complex hinges, where dust intrusion has long been a critical concern.
Samsung, however, may have delivered an even more striking achievement with the Galaxy Z Fold 7. The company managed to create a foldable phone comparable in size and weight to a traditional flagship handset, while still offering a large 8-inch internal display.
Compared with the Galaxy S25 Ultra, the Z Fold 7 is actually slightly lighter (7.58 ounces versus 7.69 ounces) and nearly as thin (8.9mm versus 8.2mm). This addresses one of the most persistent complaints about earlier foldables — their sheer bulk and weight.
At present, no manufacturer has combined both class-leading durability and ultra-slim design in a single device. Even so, the trajectory suggests it may only be a matter of time.
Foldable Phone Crease Debate and the Real Problem of Affordability
The crease remains a frequent talking point. Yes, it is still visible as a faint line where the screen folds. But in practical terms, it is far from a deal-breaker.
The crease is barely noticeable when viewed head-on, and users rarely interact with the exact centre of a large foldable display. Complaining about it is arguably similar to criticising a convertible car for having extra panel gaps due to its retractable roof.
Affordability, however, is a far more serious issue. Manufacturers have yet to make foldables accessible to the mainstream. OnePlus briefly came close in 2023 with the Open, priced at $1,500 after generous trade-in offers — including broken phones.
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Since then, prices have climbed even higher. The Galaxy Z Fold 7 launched at $2,000, $200 more than the Z Fold 5 just a few years earlier.
Despite these costs, interest in foldables continues to grow. Sales of the Galaxy Z Fold 7 are up 50 percent compared with its predecessor, and global foldable phone sales reached a record high in the third quarter of this year. The appetite is clearly there. For millions of potential buyers, the only thing standing in the way is the price.
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