Is Upgrading To A Foldable Phone In 2025 Actually Practical Or Just A Gimmick

Foldable phones have evolved from futuristic novelties into mainstream contenders. By 2025, nearly every major manufacturer—Samsung, Google, OnePlus, Motorola, and even Apple (rumored)—has either released or is expected to release a foldable device. But despite the hype, many consumers remain skeptical: Is it worth ditching your reliable slab-style smartphone for a folding one? Or are these devices still more about show than substance?

The answer isn’t binary. For some users, a foldable offers genuine productivity gains and lifestyle enhancements. For others, it’s an expensive experiment with trade-offs that outweigh the benefits. This article examines the state of foldable technology in 2025 through the lenses of durability, software maturity, price, battery life, and real-world usability to determine whether upgrading now makes practical sense—or if it's still a tech-driven gimmick.

Durability: From Fragile Novelty to Everyday Resilience

Early foldable phones were notoriously fragile. The crease on the screen was visible after a few folds, and dust ingress could ruin the display. In 2025, that narrative has shifted dramatically. Manufacturers have invested heavily in hinge engineering, ultra-thin glass (UTG), and sealing technologies. Samsung’s latest Galaxy Z Fold series uses Armor Aluminum frames and improved water resistance ratings. Similarly, Google’s Pixel Fold features a redesigned internal hinge that reduces stress on the display during opening and closing.

Third-party testing labs like SquareTrade and iFixit now rate top-tier foldables at near-flagship levels of durability. Drop tests from waist height onto concrete no longer guarantee failure. However, long-term wear remains a concern. After six months of daily use, most foldables develop a noticeable crease, though it rarely affects functionality.

Tip: Always clean the hinge area weekly with a soft brush to prevent dust buildup, which can scratch the inner screen over time.

“Foldables in 2025 are no longer ‘handle-with-care’ devices. They’re engineered for real-world use—but they still require more mindfulness than traditional phones.” — Dr. Lena Park, Senior Analyst at TechDurability Labs

Performance and Multitasking: A Productivity Leap or Overkill?

The core promise of foldable phones lies in their ability to transform from compact handsets into mini-tablets. When unfolded, devices like the Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 6 offer a 7.6-inch display, enabling true multitasking: running two full apps side-by-side, dragging and dropping content between windows, or using split-screen with three apps via pop-up windows.

This capability appeals strongly to professionals who frequently edit documents, manage emails, or monitor multiple data streams. For example, a financial analyst can track live market data on one side while drafting a report on the other—without switching apps.

However, not all apps are optimized for large screens. While Android 15 includes better native support for foldables, legacy apps often stretch awkwardly or default to phone-sized layouts. Some third-party developers still treat the foldable form factor as secondary, leading to inconsistent user experiences.

Battery life has also improved. Most 2025 foldables pack dual-cell batteries totaling 4,400–5,000 mAh, supporting all-day usage under moderate loads. Fast charging (up to 45W) and reverse wireless charging are now standard. Still, the larger screen and dual-display architecture mean power consumption remains higher than on conventional smartphones.

Real-World Example: A Day in the Life of a Foldable User

Sophie, a freelance graphic designer based in Berlin, upgraded to a foldable in early 2024. Her workflow involves sketching concepts on her phone during commutes, then refining them in Adobe Illustrator on her laptop. With her new device, she eliminated the middle step. Using the unfolded screen, she now sketches directly on the phone with an S Pen, exports the file via cloud sync, and continues editing on desktop—all without switching devices.

“It cut my workflow time by almost 30%,” she says. “The screen feels like a small tablet, but I can still slip it into my jacket pocket. It’s not perfect—the pen accuracy lags slightly compared to a dedicated tablet—but for my needs, it’s transformative.”

Pricing: Premium Cost vs. Value Proposition

Foldable phones remain significantly more expensive than flagship smartphones. In 2025, prices range from $1,000 for entry-level models like the Motorola Razr+ to $1,800 for high-end variants like the Galaxy Z Fold 6. This puts them out of reach for budget-conscious consumers and raises questions about value retention.

Resale value is another concern. Foldables depreciate faster than traditional phones due to perceived fragility and rapid innovation cycles. A 2024 model may feel outdated by late 2025 as newer hinges, thinner creases, and better materials emerge.

Yet, manufacturers are beginning to address this. Samsung’s Trade-In Plus program now offers up to 50% credit toward a new foldable after 18 months, signaling confidence in long-term adoption. Carrier subsidies are also becoming more common, reducing upfront costs for contract customers.

Device	Launch Price (2025)	Avg. Resale Value (After 1 Year)	Key Differentiator
Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 6	$1,799	$900	Best multitasking & S Pen support
Google Pixel Fold	$1,749	$820	Clean software & AI integration
Motorola Razr+ (2025)	$999	$550	Compact flip design & retro appeal
OnePlus Open 2	$1,299	$700	High refresh rate & fast charging

Software Maturity: Has the Ecosystem Caught Up?

Hardware alone doesn’t define usability. The software experience on foldables has matured considerably. Android 15 introduces \"Adaptive App Continuity,\" allowing apps to seamlessly transition between folded and unfolded states without reloading. Google and Samsung have both partnered with major developers to optimize popular apps—Microsoft Office, Zoom, YouTube, and Slack now fully leverage the expanded canvas.

Yet gaps persist. Niche or region-specific apps often lack proper scaling, resulting in stretched visuals or misaligned buttons. Gaming remains inconsistent; while some titles like Genshin Impact render beautifully on large screens, touch sensitivity near the crease can disrupt gameplay.

Additionally, external displays on flip-style models (like the Motorola Razr+) are now more functional. These small coverscreens run widgets, accept voice commands, and even support video calls—reducing the need to unfold the device for simple tasks.

Tip: Enable “App Pair” shortcuts on Samsung devices to launch your most-used app combinations (e.g., Gmail + Calendar) with one tap when unfolded.

Who Should Upgrade—and Who Should Wait?

Not every user will benefit equally from a foldable. The decision hinges on individual needs, usage patterns, and tolerance for trade-offs.

Upgrade if you:

• Routinely juggle multiple apps for work or creativity
• Prefer fewer devices (e.g., replacing a small tablet)
• Value portability without sacrificing screen real estate
• Are early adopters comfortable with evolving tech

Wait if you:

• Prioritize battery life above all else
• Use your phone mostly for social media, calls, and streaming
• Have a tight budget or plan to keep your phone beyond two years
• Live in dusty or humid environments where seal integrity matters

Checklist: Is a Foldable Right for You in 2025?

1. Do you regularly use split-screen or multitask on your current phone?
2. Would a larger screen improve your productivity or media experience?
3. Can you afford $1,000+ and potential repair costs?
4. Are you willing to carry a slightly thicker, heavier device?
5. Do you travel frequently and value compact storage when folded?
6. Have you tested a foldable in person to assess crease visibility and hinge feel?

FAQ: Common Questions About Foldable Phones in 2025

Can I use a screen protector on a foldable phone?

Most manufacturers advise against third-party screen protectors, as they can interfere with folding mechanics and damage the flexible OLED layer. Samsung and Google now sell official hybrid film protectors designed specifically for their foldables, which are safe to apply.

How long do foldable phones last before needing replacement?

Top models are rated for at least 200,000 folds—equivalent to five years of average use. However, battery degradation and software updates may necessitate replacement sooner. Expect 3–4 years of optimal performance with proper care.

Are foldable phones waterproof?

Some 2025 models, including the Galaxy Z Fold 6 and Pixel Fold, carry IPX8 water resistance ratings, meaning they can survive submersion in fresh water up to 1.5 meters for 30 minutes. However, repeated exposure or exposure to saltwater may compromise seals around the hinge.

Conclusion: Practical Tool or Gimmick? The Verdict

In 2025, foldable phones have crossed a critical threshold. They are no longer experimental gadgets reserved for tech enthusiasts. For users who value versatility, enhanced multitasking, and innovative design, upgrading to a foldable is not only practical—it can be transformative.

That said, they are not universally ideal. The premium cost, accelerated depreciation, and lingering concerns about long-term reliability mean the decision must be deliberate. If your mobile usage revolves around quick checks, messaging, and media consumption, a traditional flagship will serve you just as well, if not better.

The foldable revolution isn’t about replacing smartphones—it’s about redefining what a personal device can do. As software catches up and prices gradually decline, these devices will become mainstream. But today, they remain a niche choice with broad potential.

💬 Have you made the switch to a foldable phone? Share your experience—what works, what doesn’t, and whether you’d recommend it to others.