Is A Foldable Phone Worth The Risk Of Screen Creasing In 2025

In 2025, foldable phones are no longer novelty gadgets. They’ve evolved from fragile prototypes into sleek, powerful devices with competitive specs, multitasking capabilities, and premium design. Yet one persistent concern remains: screen creasing. Despite advancements in materials and hinge engineering, every foldable still bears a visible line across its display—the physical manifestation of compromise. So, is it worth accepting this flaw for the benefits of a larger, flexible screen? The answer depends on how you use your phone, your tolerance for wear, and what you value in a mobile experience.

The Evolution of Foldable Screen Durability

When Samsung launched the Galaxy Fold in 2019, early units failed within days. Critics cited poor sealing, exposed hinges, and ultra-thin plastic screens that scratched easily. Fast forward to 2025, and the landscape has changed dramatically. Manufacturers now use advanced polymers, reinforced underlayers, and water-resistant seals to protect the folding mechanism. The latest models from Samsung, Huawei, Oppo, and Google feature UTG (Ultra-Thin Glass) overlays that reduce the feel of the crease and improve scratch resistance.

Yet, despite these improvements, the crease hasn’t disappeared. It’s less intrusive—often only noticeable when viewing blank backgrounds or at sharp angles—but it’s still there. More importantly, long-term durability remains a question. A 2024 study by iFixit found that after 200,000 folds (equivalent to five years of average use), most devices showed minimal functional degradation but consistent crease deepening, especially under high heat or pressure.

“Foldables have crossed the threshold of usability, but they’re still not ‘set it and forget it’ devices like traditional smartphones.” — Dr. Lena Torres, Senior Analyst at Mobile Futures Lab

Tip: Avoid placing heavy objects on your foldable when closed, as sustained pressure can accelerate micro-fractures along the crease.

Weighing the Pros and Cons of Foldable Design

Foldable phones offer compelling advantages over their rigid counterparts, particularly in productivity and media consumption. However, these benefits come with inherent trade-offs. Understanding both sides helps determine whether the crease—and the risks around it—are acceptable.

Advantages	Drawbacks
Larger screen real estate: Ideal for multitasking, document editing, and immersive video.	Visible crease: Always present, may worsen over time.
Portability: Folds to pocket-friendly size while offering tablet-like utility.	Thicker and heavier: Less ergonomic than standard phones.
Innovative form factors: Flex mode allows upper screen to act as viewfinder, lower as controls.	Higher repair costs: Screen replacements can exceed $400.
Better app continuity: Seamless transition between phone and tablet modes.	Dust vulnerability: Hinge gaps can trap particles, risking internal damage.
Premium status: Distinctive design appeals to tech enthusiasts and professionals.	Shorter battery life: Dual batteries don’t always compensate for larger displays.

The crease itself isn’t just cosmetic—it can affect touch sensitivity in rare cases, particularly if debris lodges beneath the screen layer. Still, most users report adapting to the visual artifact within days. For many, the expanded functionality outweighs the imperfection.

Real-World Usage: A Case Study

Consider Marcus, a freelance graphic designer based in Austin. In early 2024, he switched from an iPhone 15 Pro Max to the Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 5, hoping the larger inner screen would improve his ability to edit layouts on the go. After six months of daily use—folding and unfolding roughly 50 times per day—he noticed the crease had become slightly more pronounced, especially under sunlight. However, he reported no performance issues.

“At first, I kept staring at the line,” Marcus said. “But now I barely see it. What matters more is that I can run Photoshop Express and Slack side-by-side without zooming out. That alone saves me two hours a week.”

He did, however, adopt cautious habits: using only the original case, avoiding pocket storage with keys, and cleaning the hinge monthly with a soft brush. His device survived two minor drops thanks to improved drop protection in newer models. Marcus plans to upgrade to the 2025 Fold 6, citing confidence in Samsung’s durability roadmap.

This reflects a broader trend: users who embrace foldables tend to treat them with more care than traditional phones, extending their lifespan through mindful handling.

How to Minimize Crease Risk and Maximize Longevity

You can’t eliminate the crease, but you can slow its progression and reduce the chance of catastrophic damage. Here’s a step-by-step guide to protecting your investment:

1. Use the manufacturer’s recommended case: Third-party cases may misalign or apply uneven pressure on the screen edges.
2. Clean the hinge weekly: Use a dry, soft-bristled brush to remove lint and dust. Never use liquids near the hinge.
3. Avoid half-open positions: Leaving the phone partially folded increases stress on one side of the screen.
4. Keep it away from extreme temperatures: Heat softens polymer layers; cold makes them brittle. Don’t leave it in a hot car.
5. Wipe the screen gently: Use a microfiber cloth dampened with distilled water—never alcohol-based cleaners.
6. Don’t self-repair: Attempting to fix hinge or screen issues voids warranties and risks permanent damage.

Tip: Open and close your foldable phone fully and smoothly. Jerky motions increase mechanical strain over time.

Expert Insights on Future-Proofing Your Purchase

Industry experts agree that foldable technology is maturing rapidly. According to IDC data, global foldable shipments grew by 37% year-over-year in 2024, with Samsung holding 63% market share, followed by Huawei and Xiaomi. As competition intensifies, so does innovation in durability.

“We’re approaching a tipping point,” says Rajiv Mehta, lead engineer at DisplayMate Technologies. “By 2026, we expect rollable and slideable displays to enter the mainstream—devices that extend without a fixed crease. But until then, today’s foldables are the best bridge between smartphones and portable tablets.”

Mehta notes that future models will likely use hybrid glass-polymer composites with self-healing coatings, reducing both visibility and structural impact of the crease. Until those arrive, current-gen devices represent a calculated risk—one that many professionals and creatives are willing to accept.

FAQ: Common Questions About Foldable Phone Creases

Does the crease get worse over time?

Yes, but gradually. Under normal use, the crease becomes more visible after 12–18 months, especially on white or bright backgrounds. However, most modern foldables are engineered to withstand over 400,000 folds—more than five years of heavy use—without functional failure.

Can I prevent the crease entirely?

No. The crease is inherent to the folding mechanism. Even with perfect care, microscopic bending occurs at the molecular level. What you can do is minimize environmental stressors like dust, heat, and pressure to slow its development.

Are foldables worth repairing if the screen cracks near the crease?

It depends on cost and sentimental value. Repair prices range from $300 to $600, sometimes exceeding half the phone’s resale value. Some manufacturers offer extended warranty programs covering screen damage for $99/year. For frequent travelers or accident-prone users, such plans may be worthwhile.

Checklist: Is a Foldable Right for You in 2025?

Before buying, ask yourself the following:

• Do I frequently use multiple apps at once? (e.g., email + browser, video calls + notes)
• Do I consume a lot of media on my phone? (videos, e-books, comics)
• Am I comfortable treating my phone like a delicate tool rather than a rugged everyday device?
• Do I value cutting-edge tech and don’t mind being an early adopter?
• Can I afford potential repairs or plan to keep the phone for 2–3 years max?
• Do I need a compact form factor when folded, yet want a large screen when open?

If you answered “yes” to three or more, a foldable could significantly enhance your workflow. If you prioritize longevity, simplicity, and low maintenance, a traditional flagship may still serve you better.

Final Verdict: Balancing Innovation and Practicality

In 2025, foldable phones are no longer experimental—they’re viable tools for specific lifestyles. The screen crease, while unavoidable, is increasingly manageable. Advances in materials science have made these devices far more resilient than their predecessors. For professionals, creatives, and multitaskers, the expanded screen offers tangible benefits that justify the aesthetic compromise.

However, they’re not for everyone. If you drop your phone often, live in a dusty environment, or simply dislike the idea of a visible line across your display, waiting another 12–18 months might be wise. The next generation of rollable displays could eliminate the crease altogether, making today’s foldables obsolete by comparison.

For now, the decision comes down to values: Do you prize innovation and versatility, or consistency and resilience? If you're willing to adapt your habits and accept minor wear for major functionality, a foldable phone in 2025 is absolutely worth the risk of screen creasing—provided you treat it with care.

💬 Have you tried a foldable phone? Share your experience with screen creasing and durability—your insights could help others decide!