Foldable Vs Traditional Laptops Which Handles Multitasking Better In 2025

In 2025, the laptop market is more diverse than ever. Foldable devices have transitioned from experimental gadgets to mainstream contenders, challenging the dominance of traditional clamshell laptops. As professionals, students, and creatives demand more from their devices—especially when juggling multiple apps, browser tabs, and communication tools—the question arises: which platform truly excels at multitasking? While foldables offer expansive screens and novel form factors, traditional laptops bring proven ergonomics and processing power. The answer isn’t binary—it depends on workflow, environment, and software optimization.

The Evolution of Multitasking in 2025

Multitasking today goes beyond running two programs simultaneously. It involves managing split-screen workflows, virtual desktops, cloud collaboration, AI-assisted task switching, and seamless device integration. Operating systems like Windows 12, macOS Sequoia, and advanced Android-based environments now support gesture-driven window management, floating app containers, and context-aware app prioritization.

Foldable laptops benefit from larger dynamic displays when unfolded—often exceeding 13 inches—and can run multiple app windows side by side with minimal scaling. Traditional laptops, meanwhile, continue refining their multitasking capabilities through improved hardware efficiency, multi-monitor support, and deeper OS-level integrations with peripherals.

The key differentiator isn’t just screen size or RAM—it’s how effectively a device enables users to switch between tasks without cognitive friction.

Hardware Performance: Processing Power and Memory

At the core of multitasking lies CPU performance, thermal design, RAM capacity, and storage speed. In 2025, both foldable and traditional laptops leverage next-gen silicon, including ARM-based chips like Qualcomm Snapdragon X Elite and Apple M4, as well as Intel Core Ultra 9 and AMD Ryzen AI 9 processors.

Traditional laptops generally maintain an edge in sustained performance due to superior cooling solutions. Larger chassis allow for heat pipes, fans, and thermal headroom that prevent throttling during extended multitasking sessions. This makes them ideal for video editors, developers compiling code, or financial analysts running complex spreadsheets while on video calls.

Foldable laptops, constrained by thin profiles and flexible components, often rely on passive cooling or micro-fans. While they handle light-to-moderate multitasking efficiently, sustained workloads can lead to thermal throttling, reducing responsiveness over time.

Tip: For heavy multitasking involving memory-intensive applications, prioritize devices with 16GB or more RAM and active cooling systems.

RAM and Storage Comparison (2025 Standard Models)

Device Type	Avg. RAM	Storage Type	Thermal Design
Foldable Laptops	12–16GB LPDDR5X	UFS 4.0 / NVMe SSD	Passive / Micro-fan
Traditional Laptops	16–32GB DDR5	NVMe SSD (Gen 5)	Dual-fan, heat pipe

The data shows a clear divergence: traditional laptops are built for endurance under load, while foldables optimize for portability and instant access.

Screen Real Estate and Window Management

Where foldable laptops shine is in display flexibility. When unfolded, many models offer 12.3” to 14.6” touchscreens with aspect ratios optimized for productivity. Some support tri-fold modes, allowing one section to display email, another for a document, and a third for video conferencing.

For example, Samsung’s Galaxy Book5 Fold and Lenovo ThinkPad X1 Fold Gen 4 enable “stacked tasking”—placing apps vertically across the screen like digital notecards. This mimics the spatial memory users develop with physical desks, reducing mental strain when switching contexts.

However, software support remains inconsistent. Not all desktop applications scale well on non-standard resolutions, and some lack touch optimization. Dragging windows across a fold line can cause glitches, and keyboard placement becomes awkward when using the device in tabletop mode.

Traditional laptops, with fixed 16:10 or 3:2 displays, provide predictable window layouts. Combined with external monitor support (often dual 4K via Thunderbolt 5), they remain the preferred choice for users who need stable, high-resolution multitasking environments.

“While foldables offer exciting new ways to interact with content, most enterprise workflows still rely on stable, scalable UIs that traditional laptops deliver more reliably.” — Dr. Lena Torres, Human-Computer Interaction Researcher at MIT Media Lab

User Workflow Scenarios: Who Benefits From What?

The best device for multitasking depends on how you work. Let’s examine three real-world cases.

Mini Case Study: Remote Project Manager

Sophie, based in Lisbon, manages cross-functional teams across four time zones. Her typical day includes Slack, Trello, Zoom, Google Sheets, and Notion. She travels weekly and values portability.

She switched to a foldable laptop in early 2025. On flights, she uses the compact folded mode to reply to messages with the on-screen keyboard. At cafes, she unfolds it and pairs it with a Bluetooth keyboard, running her project dashboard on one side and a video call on the other. The ability to quickly reconfigure her workspace gives her a productivity edge.

But during long meetings with screen sharing and live editing, she notices occasional lag and touchscreen calibration issues. For deep-focus days, she still prefers her older MacBook Pro.

Mini Case Study: Data Scientist in a Hybrid Office

Raj works with Jupyter notebooks, large datasets, and real-time visualization tools. His workflow demands simultaneous access to IDEs, databases, documentation, and communication platforms.

He tested a premium foldable but found the lack of consistent driver support for Linux-based analytics tools limiting. He also missed the tactile feedback of a full-sized keyboard and struggled with screen reflections in bright office lighting. After two weeks, he returned to his Dell XPS 15 with 32GB RAM and dual external monitors.

For him, raw performance and peripheral compatibility outweighed novelty.

Software Optimization and Ecosystem Integration

No matter the hardware, multitasking efficiency hinges on software. In 2025, Microsoft has made significant strides with Windows 12’s “Adaptive Layout Engine,” which automatically resizes and repositions windows when switching between folded and unfolded states. Similarly, Samsung Dex and Lenovo COO-Lab Mode offer desktop-like experiences on foldables.

Yet fragmentation persists. Many legacy applications haven’t been updated for asymmetric screen ratios or touch-first navigation. Browser tabs may render incorrectly, and drag-and-drop gestures can fail unpredictably. Meanwhile, traditional laptops benefit from years of refinement in window snapping, virtual desktops, and Alt+Tab switching.

Cloud integration further complicates the picture. Foldables, often tied to mobile ecosystems (e.g., Samsung Galaxy, Microsoft Surface Duo lineage), sync seamlessly with smartphones but may lack deep integration with enterprise tools like Citrix or VMware. Traditional laptops, especially business-grade models from Dell, HP, and Lenovo, offer robust endpoint management and security protocols essential for corporate multitasking.

Tip: If your work relies on specialized software, verify compatibility with foldable-specific OS modes before switching.

Step-by-Step Guide: Choosing the Right Device for Your Multitasking Needs

Follow this decision framework to determine which device suits your workflow:

1. Assess your primary tasks: Do you run multiple resource-heavy apps (e.g., CAD, video editing, coding)? → Lean toward traditional laptops.
2. Evaluate mobility needs: Travel frequently and value compactness? → Consider a foldable with detachable keyboard.
3. Test screen usage patterns: Prefer split-screen or stacked views? Try a foldable demo. Need precise cursor control? Prioritize trackpad quality and keyboard feel.
4. Check software compatibility: Ensure your critical apps are optimized for foldable displays and touch input.
5. Budget for accessories: Most foldables require separate purchases for keyboards, styluses, and cases—adding $150–$300 to total cost.
6. Consider longevity: Traditional laptops typically receive longer OS and driver support cycles (5+ years vs. 3–4 for foldables).

Comparison Table: Foldable vs Traditional Laptops for Multitasking (2025)

Feature	Foldable Laptops	Traditional Laptops
Screen Flexibility	✅ Dynamic resizing, multiple modes	❌ Fixed display
Portability	✅ Fits in jacket pocket	⚠️ Requires bag
Sustained Performance	⚠️ Moderate throttling under load	✅ Consistent output
Keyboard & Input	⚠️ Virtual or detachable only	✅ Integrated, ergonomic
External Monitor Support	⚠️ Limited (1x 4K via USB-C)	✅ Dual 8K via Thunderbolt 5
OS Stability	⚠️ Emerging features, occasional bugs	✅ Mature, enterprise-ready
Lifespan	⚠️ 3–4 years (hinge wear)	✅ 5+ years

FAQ

Can foldable laptops replace traditional ones for office work?

For light-to-moderate office tasks like email, document editing, and video calls, yes—especially with a keyboard attachment. However, for complex multitasking involving large files, multiple monitors, or specialized software, traditional laptops remain more reliable.

Do foldable laptops last as long as traditional ones?

Generally, no. The mechanical stress on hinges and flexible OLED panels limits their lifespan. Most manufacturers rate hinges for 200,000 folds (about 5 years of daily use), but environmental factors like dust and temperature can reduce durability. Traditional laptops, with fewer moving parts, tend to outlast them.

Are foldable laptops worth the higher price?

Only if portability and innovative form factors are central to your workflow. Most foldables cost $1,800+, while similarly specced traditional laptops start at $1,200. The premium pays for novelty, not performance.

Action Checklist Before Buying

• ✅ Test the device in person with your most-used apps
• ✅ Verify hinge warranty and screen durability claims
• ✅ Confirm accessory availability (keyboard, case, pen)
• ✅ Check OS update commitment (minimum 4 years)
• ✅ Evaluate cloud and peripheral compatibility
• ✅ Compare total cost of ownership (device + accessories + expected replacement cycle)

Conclusion: Matching Form to Function

In 2025, foldable laptops represent a bold leap in mobile computing, offering unprecedented adaptability for on-the-go multitasking. Their ability to morph from pocket-sized companions to mini-desktops makes them compelling for travelers, field workers, and hybrid professionals who value flexibility.

Yet, when it comes to raw, uninterrupted multitasking performance—especially in stationary or high-demand environments—traditional laptops still hold the advantage. They deliver consistent power, better input methods, and stronger ecosystem support.

The future likely belongs to convergence: foldable-inspired designs influencing traditional laptops (like rollable screens or modular docks), and traditional stability informing next-gen foldables. Until then, choose not based on trend, but on truth—what truly enhances your daily productivity.

🚀 Ready to upgrade your workflow? Share your experience with foldable or traditional laptops in the comments—your insights could help others make smarter tech choices in 2025 and beyond.