Foldable Phones: Are They the Future or a Fad?

We have all seen them. Maybe your tech-obsessed friend has one, or perhaps you saw a celebrity snapping a selfie with a phone that bends in half. Foldable phones are undeniably cool. They feel like a prop from a sci-fi movie that you can actually buy.

But they are also expensive and look fragile. This leaves many normal buyers asking a big question: Is this the future of all smartphones, or is it just a passing trend that will disappear like 3D TVs?

It is now late 2025, and we finally have enough data to answer that question. The short answer? They are not going anywhere. In fact, they are about to get a lot more popular.

Here is everything you need to know about the state of foldable phones in 2025.

The “Fad” Argument: Why People Are Still Skeptical

Let’s be honest about why you probably haven’t bought one yet. For a long time, foldable phones had three major problems that made them feel like a risky toy rather than a daily tool.

1. The Durability Anxiety In the early days (2019-2022), stories of screens cracking after a few months were common. People were terrified that a piece of dust would get inside the hinge and destroy their $2,000 device. Even in early 2025, sales actually dipped slightly because people were waiting to see if the tech would get tougher.

2. The Eye-Watering Price For years, if you wanted a good foldable, you had to pay huge amounts of money.

• Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 7: Still costs nearly $2,000 in late 2025.
• Google Pixel 10 Pro Fold: Also sits in the ultra-premium price range. For most families, spending that much on a phone is simply impossible.

3. The “Crease” No matter how good the screen is, there has always been a visible line where the phone folds. For perfectionists, running their finger over a bump in the middle of the screen every day is annoying.

The “Future” Argument: What Changed in 2025?

If those problems still existed, foldables would definitely be a fad. But 2025 has been a turning point. Manufacturers have finally solved the biggest issues.

1. They Are Finally Tough The new phones released this year are beasts.

• Dust and Water Proof: The Google Pixel 10 Pro Fold and Samsung Z Fold 7 now have IP68 ratings. This means you can drop them in water or get sand on them, and they will survive just like a normal iPhone.
• Stronger Glass: Samsung’s new “Ultra-Thin Glass” is 50% thicker than before, making it much harder to scratch or crack.

2. Prices Are Dropping (For Flip Phones) While the big “book-style” phones are still expensive, the smaller “flip-style” phones are becoming affordable. Motorola is the hero here. Their Razr 60 series now starts at just $699. That is cheaper than a standard iPhone 16. This price drop has made flip phones hugely popular in the US and Europe.

3. Apple Is Joining the Party This is the biggest sign that foldables are the future. Industry insiders are 90% sure that Apple will release a foldable iPhone in 2026. Apple rarely invents a new category; they wait until the technology is perfect and then take it mainstream. If Apple is building one, it means the technology is ready for normal people, not just tech geeks.

The Rise of the “Tri-Fold”

Just when we got used to phones folding in half, companies decided to go further. In late 2025, Samsung and Huawei began teasing “Tri-Fold” phones. Imagine a phone that folds twice like a brochure.

• Huawei Mate XT: Already launched in China, it unfolds into a massive 10-inch tablet.
• Samsung Galaxy Z Tri-Fold: Rumored to launch in December 2025, it promises to be a phone, a tablet, and a TV all in one.

These devices prove that companies are still investing billions into this technology. They are not giving up; they are doubling down.

Flip vs. Fold: Which One Is For You?

If you are tempted to buy one, you need to know the difference between the two main types.

The “Flip” (Clamshell)

• Examples: Samsung Galaxy Z Flip 7, Motorola Razr 60.
• Who is it for? People who want a small phone. It fits easily into small pockets or purses. When you open it, it becomes a normal-sized phone.
• Vibe: Trendy, fashionable, and nostalgic.

The “Fold” (Book-Style)

• Examples: Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 7, Pixel 10 Pro Fold, OnePlus Open.
• Who is it for? Power users. It looks like a candy bar phone, but opens up into a mini-tablet. It is great for reading emails, watching movies, or multitasking.
• Vibe: Professional, powerful, and expensive.

Conclusion: Verdict for 2025

So, are they a fad? No.

The “fad” phase ended when prices for flip phones dropped below $700 and durability became waterproof. In 2026 and beyond, you will see more and more people using them. When Apple releases their version, it will likely become the new standard for premium smartphones.

Should you buy one today?

• Yes, if you want a Flip phone. The Motorola Razr and Samsung Flip 7 are excellent, durable, and fun devices that don’t cost a fortune.
• Wait, if you want a Fold (Book-style) phone. They are still very expensive ($1,800+). Unless you really need a tablet in your pocket for work, you should wait another year for prices to come down or for Apple to enter the game.

The future is flexible, and it is finally durable enough for the real world.