Are Foldable Smartphones Durable Enough For Daily Use In 2025

Foldable smartphones have evolved from experimental gadgets to mainstream contenders in just five years. Once dismissed as fragile novelties, today’s models are engineered with stronger hinges, more resilient displays, and improved water resistance. By 2025, major manufacturers like Samsung, Google, Motorola, and OnePlus have refined their designs to meet the demands of everyday users. But despite rapid innovation, a critical question remains: Are these devices truly built to withstand the rigors of daily life?

The answer isn’t a simple yes or no. Durability depends on multiple factors—material quality, user habits, environmental exposure, and design philosophy. While early foldables struggled with crease visibility, dust ingress, and screen punctures, recent advancements suggest they may now be ready for regular use. However, durability expectations must align with realistic usage patterns and proper care.

Evolution of Foldable Design: From Fragile to Functional

In 2019, the first wave of foldable phones faced widespread skepticism. The Samsung Galaxy Fold suffered screen failures during review periods, and the Huawei Mate X had exposed circuitry vulnerable to damage. Critics questioned whether flexible OLED technology could survive beyond controlled environments.

Fast forward to 2025, and the landscape has transformed. Most flagship foldables now feature:

• Armor Aluminum frames – Lightweight yet impact-resistant chassis materials.
• IPX8 water resistance – Available on premium models like the Galaxy Z Fold 6 and Pixel Fold 2.
• Dual-rail hinge mechanisms – Designed to reduce stress on the display during folding.
• Ultra-thin glass (UTG) – Replacing plastic overlays, offering better scratch resistance and tactile feel.

These improvements aren’t cosmetic—they reflect a shift toward treating foldables as primary devices rather than secondary curiosities. According to market research firm IDC, global shipments of foldable smartphones surpassed 30 million units in 2024, with projections rising to 50 million by 2026. This growth signals increasing consumer confidence in their longevity.

“By 2025, foldable durability has reached a tipping point. The average user can expect three years of reliable performance with basic precautions.” — Dr. Lena Park, Senior Analyst at TechDurability Labs

Key Durability Challenges in Real-World Use

Despite progress, foldables still face unique vulnerabilities compared to traditional slabs. Understanding these weaknesses helps users make informed decisions about protection and handling.

Screen Creasing and Fatigue

All foldable displays develop a visible crease over time. In earlier models, this appeared within weeks. Modern UTG screens delay noticeable creasing for six months or longer under normal use. However, repeated folding at sharp angles or excessive pressure on the hinge line accelerates wear.

Tip: Avoid placing objects directly on the folded screen and refrain from pressing down on the hinge area when opening or closing.

Dust and Debris Ingress

The gap between panels makes foldables susceptible to micro-particle intrusion. Dust accumulation can cause display bubbling or interfere with hinge mechanics. Samsung addressed this in its latest models with redesigned hinge seals and internal brush systems that sweep debris outward.

Scratch Resistance

While UTG is harder than plastic, it’s not sapphire-level tough. Third-party tests show that foldable screens begin scratching at Mohs hardness level 6—meaning keys or sand grains in pockets can leave marks. Most manufacturers recommend using only manufacturer-approved screen protectors, which themselves degrade over time.

Hinge Wear and Mechanical Failure

The hinge undergoes thousands of folds annually. High-end models are rated for up to 200,000 folds—equivalent to five years of moderate use. However, dropping the device while open can misalign hinge components, leading to uneven closure or screen lifting.

Comparative Durability: Foldables vs. Traditional Phones

Factor	Foldable (2025 Flagship)	Traditional Smartphone (2025 Flagship)
Drop Resistance	Moderate (prone to hinge/screen damage if landed open)	High (reinforced frames, tempered glass)
Scratch Resistance	Medium (UTG improves but still below flat glass)	High (Gorilla Glass Victus 3+)
Water Resistance	IPX8 (most flagships)	IP68 (standard across flagships)
Lifespan (expected)	3–4 years with care	4–5 years with care
Repair Cost	$400–$600 (screen/hinge replacement)	$200–$300 (screen/glass back)

This comparison reveals that while foldables have closed the gap significantly, they remain slightly more delicate. Their complexity introduces additional failure points. Yet, for many users, the trade-off in functionality—larger screens, multitasking advantages, and portability—is worth the added maintenance.

Real-World Case Study: One Year with the Galaxy Z Fold 6

Jamal Rivera, a digital marketing consultant based in Austin, Texas, replaced his iPhone 15 Pro Max with a Galaxy Z Fold 6 in January 2025. His work involves constant email management, video editing, and client presentations—tasks he believed would benefit from a larger format.

After 12 months of daily use—including commutes, travel, and occasional drops—his device shows minimal signs of wear. He uses a protective case with front flap coverage and avoids placing the phone face-down when folded. The crease is visible under bright light but doesn’t affect usability. Notably, he reports no hinge stiffness or software glitches related to folding.

However, during a trip to the beach, fine sand entered the hinge mechanism, causing temporary resistance. After following Samsung’s cleaning guide (using compressed air), functionality returned. “It’s not indestructible,” he says, “but with a little awareness, it holds up better than I expected.”

Jamal’s experience reflects a growing trend: professionals who prioritize productivity over ruggedness find modern foldables sufficiently durable when handled responsibly.

Best Practices for Maximizing Foldable Longevity

To get the most out of a foldable smartphone, adopt proactive habits. Unlike rigid devices, these require mindful interaction. Here’s a step-by-step approach to preserving your investment:

1. Clean the hinge weekly: Use a soft brush or compressed air to remove lint and dust. Do this with the device powered off and partially open.
2. Avoid extreme temperatures: Don’t leave the phone in hot cars or freezing conditions. Thermal expansion can stress the display layers.
3. Use approved accessories only: Third-party screen protectors may interfere with folding mechanics or adhesion.
4. Store it properly: Keep the phone unfolded in your bag or place it in a dedicated compartment to prevent pressure on the screen.
5. Update firmware regularly: Manufacturers release hinge calibration and display optimization updates that improve long-term reliability.

Tip: Always open the phone fully before interacting with the inner display to prevent accidental touches near the hinge where sensors are less responsive.

Maintenance Checklist

• ✅ Clean hinge every 7–10 days
• ✅ Apply manufacturer-recommended screen protector (if available)
• ✅ Use a bumper or folio case with screen coverage
• ✅ Avoid placing keys, coins, or abrasive items in the same pocket
• ✅ Perform monthly visual inspection for bubbles or discoloration
• ✅ Enable auto-brightness and reduce blue light to minimize OLED burn-in risk

Expert Insights: What Engineers Say About Longevity

At the 2024 Mobile World Congress, Samsung Display unveiled its next-generation foldable panel, claiming a 40% reduction in layer delamination over three years. Internal testing simulates real-world scenarios including pocket friction, backpack compression, and repeated folding cycles.

“We’ve moved beyond ‘can it fold?’ to ‘how well does it last?’ Our goal is to match the lifecycle of standard flagships. In lab conditions, current models exceed 300,000 folds without failure.” — Hyun Lee, Director of R&D at Samsung Display

Meanwhile, Corning Inc., developer of Gorilla Glass, continues working on flexible glass solutions. Although UTG currently uses Dow Chemical’s formulation, Corning expects to launch its own ultra-thin glass variant by 2026, promising improved scratch and crack resistance.

Independent labs also play a role. JerryRigEverything’s 2025 durability test of the Pixel Fold 2 showed that while the outer display scratched at level 6, the inner panel resisted metal picks better than previous versions. “They’re getting closer,” he concluded, “but don’t treat them like bricks.”

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I drop my foldable phone and expect it to survive?

Occasional drops onto carpet or grass may result in no damage, especially with a protective case. However, concrete or tile impacts increase the risk of screen cracking or hinge misalignment. Due to the dual-screen design and moving parts, foldables are inherently more vulnerable than monolithic phones.

Do foldable screens wear out over time?

Yes, all foldable displays degrade gradually. Micro-fractures accumulate in the polymer layers beneath the glass, potentially leading to pixel burn-in, color shifts, or localized dimming after two to three years. However, software compensation and hardware redundancy help mitigate these effects in newer models.

Is it safe to carry a foldable in my pocket?

Yes, but with caution. Always carry it folded and ensure the pocket is free of grit, coins, or sharp objects. Deep jeans pockets are preferable to shallow jacket pockets where bending pressure may occur. Some users prefer small crossbody bags for added security.

Final Verdict: Ready for Daily Use—With Conditions

As of 2025, foldable smartphones are durable enough for daily use—but not for reckless treatment. They demand a level of care comparable to high-end watches or premium laptops. For users willing to follow best practices, these devices offer exceptional value through enhanced multitasking, immersive media consumption, and compact portability.

The technology has matured to the point where early adopter risks have diminished. With IP-rated sealing, robust hinges, and better screen materials, today’s foldables can endure typical urban lifestyles. Yet, they remain less forgiving than traditional phones when subjected to harsh environments or accidental abuse.

If you're considering a foldable as your main device, think of it as a precision tool: powerful and versatile, but deserving of respect. Pair it with a good case, clean it regularly, and avoid exposing it to unnecessary stress. Done right, your foldable can serve you reliably for years.

🚀 Ready to embrace the future of mobile tech? Share your foldable experience or ask questions in the comments—let’s build a community of smart, informed users shaping how we interact with our devices.