Best Foldable Phones of 2025: Are They Worth the Hype?

As someone who's been testing these devices since their early days, I've watched the technology mature in fascinating ways. The latest foldable smartphones now offer experiences that conventional phones simply can't match, but they still come with trade-offs that might make you think twice.

In this deep dive, we'll explore the best foldable phones of 2025, examining what makes them special, who they're actually for, and whether you should finally make the jump into the folding future. From improved durability to innovative software features, we'll cover everything you need to know before potentially dropping a significant amount of money on these cutting-edge devices.

How Foldable Technology Has Evolved

Remember those early foldable phones with their delicate plastic screens and visible creases? The foldable phone technology has come a long way since then. The most significant advancements have happened in three key areas:

Screen Technology

The earliest foldable displays were plagued by obvious creases and durability concerns. Now in 2025, manufacturers have largely solved these problems through advanced folding glass composites that can bend hundreds of thousands of times without showing significant wear. The dreaded center crease is still visible at certain angles, but it's become much less noticeable during everyday use.

Companies like Samsung and Apple have developed multi-layer screen technologies that distribute stress more evenly across the folding area. This has resulted in displays that not only feel more like traditional glass screens but also stand up to daily abuse much better than their predecessors.

Hinge Mechanisms

The hinge is the unsung hero of any foldable device, and engineers have made remarkable progress in this area. Modern hinges now incorporate self-cleaning brush systems that prevent dust and debris from getting under the display. They also provide variable resistance, allowing phones to stay open at multiple angles for different use cases.

Perhaps most impressively, the latest hinges have become nearly invisible in the phone's profile when folded, eliminating the awkward gaps that characterized earlier models.

Software Optimization

What really makes modern foldables shine is how the software takes advantage of the unique form factors. Operating systems now seamlessly transition between screen states and intelligently adapt apps to make the most of the expanded canvas. Multitasking capabilities have become particularly sophisticated, with intuitive gestures for splitting the screen and moving content between apps.

The Best Foldable Phones of 2025

Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 7

Samsung has been in the foldable game longer than any other major manufacturer, and their experience shows in the Galaxy Z Fold 7. This book-style folder refines the formula they've been iterating on for years, with a few key improvements that make it the most practical version yet.

The most notable upgrade is the new ultra-thin glass display that's 40% more durable than previous generations while reducing the visibility of the crease significantly. When unfolded, the 8.1-inch internal display provides a genuinely tablet-like experience, complete with optimized versions of popular productivity apps.

Samsung has also finally addressed one of the longest-standing complaints about the Z Fold series: the cover display. The external screen now extends to the edges of the device, providing a more conventional smartphone experience when the device is folded. This makes the Z Fold 7 feel less like a compromise and more like two distinct devices in one.

The S Pen functionality has been enhanced with lower latency and better pressure sensitivity, making the Z Fold 7 a genuine contender for digital artists and note-takers. Battery life remains a challenge given the power requirements, but the 5000mAh battery typically gets through a full day of mixed use.

At $1,799, it's still a premium device, but the price has actually come down compared to earlier generations while offering significantly better performance and durability.

Apple iPhone Flex

After years of speculation, Apple finally entered the foldable market with the iPhone Flex. Rather than rushing to be first, Apple took their time to develop a device that maintains their signature premium feel while adding the versatility of a folding display.

The iPhone Flex features a book-style fold similar to Samsung's approach, but with Apple's characteristic attention to detail. The hinge mechanism is remarkably smooth and can hold position at any angle, while the ProMotion XDR foldable display offers the same color accuracy and brightness that iPhone users have come to expect.

What truly sets the iPhone Flex apart is how seamlessly it integrates with the broader Apple ecosystem. The large unfolded screen works beautifully with iPad apps, and the continuity features allow you to start tasks on your Mac or iPad and finish them on your iPhone Flex without missing a beat.

Apple has also leveraged the folding form factor to enhance camera capabilities, using the hinge as a built-in stand for stable long-exposure shots and time-lapse videos. The "Flex Mode" interface automatically adjusts when the phone is partially folded, displaying controls on the bottom portion of the screen while keeping content visible on the top.

At $1,999, the iPhone Flex comes at a premium even by Apple standards, but for those already invested in the ecosystem, it offers a compelling blend of innovation and familiarity.

Google Pixel Fold 3

Google's third-generation foldable builds on the strengths of its predecessors while addressing their shortcomings. The Pixel Fold 3 features a wider external display than many competitors, making it feel more like a conventional smartphone when folded.

Where Google really shines is in software optimization. The Pixel Fold 3 uses AI to predict how you want to use apps across the folding transition, pre-loading content and adjusting layouts intelligently. The company has worked closely with developers to ensure that popular apps take full advantage of the folding form factor.

Camera performance has always been a Pixel strong suit, and the Fold 3 continues this tradition with a versatile triple camera system that leverages computational photography to deliver outstanding results. The foldable form factor enables interesting new use cases, like using the main cameras for selfies with the external display serving as a viewfinder.

Battery life is another area where the Pixel Fold 3 excels, with its 5500mAh battery easily lasting through a full day of heavy use. Google has optimized power management specifically for the dual-display setup, intelligently allocating resources to whichever screen is active.

At $1,699, the Pixel Fold 3 represents something of a middle ground in terms of pricing, offering premium features without reaching the heights of some competitors.

Motorola Razr Ultra

Motorola has been refining their clamshell foldable design for several generations now, and the Razr Ultra represents the pinnacle of this evolution. Unlike the book-style foldables, the Razr Ultra folds vertically like the flip phones of yesteryear, creating a compact square when closed.

The external display has been expanded to cover nearly the entire front of the device, making it fully functional even when folded. This means you can respond to messages, take photos, and use most apps without ever opening the phone. When you do unfold it, you're greeted with a 6.9-inch pOLED display that's virtually crease-free.

Motorola has leaned into the nostalgia factor with retro interface options that call back to the original Razr while providing all the functionality of a modern Android device. The "Quick View" external display interface has been refined to provide glanceable information and quick actions without having to open the phone.

The compact folded form factor is the Razr Ultra's greatest strength, allowing it to disappear into pockets and bags in a way that conventional smartphones simply can't match. For those who value portability above all else, this makes it an attractive option.

At $1,299, it's also one of the more affordable foldable options on the market, though it still commands a premium over conventional smartphones.

Xiaomi Mix Fold 4

Xiaomi has established itself as a serious contender in the foldable space with the Mix Fold 4. This book-style foldable offers some of the most impressive specifications on the market, including a stunning 8.3-inch internal display with 2K resolution and 120Hz refresh rate.

What sets the Mix Fold 4 apart is its remarkable thinness when unfolded—just 5.4mm—making it feel more like a conventional tablet than a folded device. This has been achieved through an innovative cooling system that distributes components throughout the device rather than concentrating them in one half.

The camera system, co-developed with Leica, delivers exceptional results across a variety of shooting conditions. The variable aperture main camera can adjust between f/1.4 and f/4.0, giving it unusual versatility for challenging lighting situations.

Xiaomi has also made strides in software optimization, with their MIUI Fold interface offering thoughtful adaptations for the folding form factor. The multi-window system is particularly well implemented, allowing you to run up to four apps simultaneously without feeling cramped.

At $1,599, the Mix Fold 4 offers flagship specifications at a slightly lower price point than some competitors, making it an attractive option for those who want high-end features without paying top dollar.

The Practical Reality: Who Are Foldables Actually For?

With all these impressive devices on the market, the question remains: who should actually buy them? After extensive testing, I've identified several use cases where foldables genuinely shine:

Content Creators and Professionals

If you frequently edit photos, videos, or documents on the go, the expanded screen real estate of book-style foldables can be transformative. Mobile productivity takes on a new dimension when you have a tablet-sized screen that fits in your pocket. The ability to see more content at once or run multiple apps side-by-side can significantly speed up workflows.

The multitasking capabilities of modern foldables also make them ideal for professionals who need to reference information from one app while working in another. Imagine having your notes open alongside a video call, or your email visible while drafting a document.

Entertainment Enthusiasts

For those who consume a lot of video content or play games on their phones, foldables offer a significantly enhanced experience. The larger screens of book-style foldables provide a more immersive viewing experience for movies and TV shows, while the ability to fold the device into an L-shape creates a built-in stand for hands-free viewing.

Mobile gaming also benefits enormously from the expanded screen real estate, with more room for both the game world and on-screen controls. Some games have even been optimized specifically for foldable displays, offering unique layouts or functionality when used on these devices.

Frequent Travelers

The versatility of foldable phones makes them ideal companions for travelers. A single device can serve as your phone, e-reader, portable TV, and even laptop replacement for light work. This means fewer devices to pack and charge, which can be a significant advantage when traveling light.

Clamshell foldables offer a different kind of travel advantage—extreme portability. Their ability to fold down to half the size of a conventional smartphone makes them much easier to slip into a pocket or small bag.

The Downsides: What to Consider Before Buying

Despite the impressive advancements in foldable technology, there are still some significant trade-offs to consider:

Price Premium

The most obvious barrier to entry remains the cost. Even the most affordable foldables command a significant premium over conventional smartphones with similar specifications. The cost-benefit analysis simply doesn't work out for many consumers, especially those who don't have a clear use case that takes advantage of the folding form factor.

Durability Concerns

While durability has improved dramatically, foldable phones still have more potential points of failure than conventional devices. The long-term reliability of folding mechanisms and flexible displays remains somewhat uncertain, particularly beyond the two-year mark that most durability testing focuses on.

Water and dust resistance has improved, with most flagship foldables now offering some level of IP rating, but they still generally lag behind conventional flagships in this regard.

Compromise in Design

Every foldable represents some kind of compromise in design. Book-style foldables are bulkier and heavier than conventional phones when folded, while clamshell models generally offer smaller batteries and sometimes fewer camera features to maintain their compact form factor.

Are Foldable Phones Worth It in 2025?

So, after all that, are foldable phones worth the hype in 2025? The answer, as with many technological questions, is: it depends.

If you have a specific use case that benefits from the unique form factor—whether that's multitasking for work, enjoying media on a larger screen, or simply wanting a more compact device in your pocket—then yes, foldables have matured to the point where they're genuinely practical daily drivers.

For the average consumer who uses their phone primarily for social media, messaging, and casual photography, the benefits may not justify the premium price tag. Conventional smartphones continue to excel at these tasks while offering better battery life, more durable construction, and lower prices.

The good news is that the foldable phone market has diversified significantly, with options at various price points and in different form factors. This means there's likely a foldable that matches your specific needs and budget—if you've decided that the folding form factor is right for you.

The Future of Foldable Technology

Looking ahead, the foldable landscape continues to evolve rapidly. Several trends seem likely to shape the next generation of devices:

More Affordable Options

As manufacturing processes mature and competition increases, we're already seeing more affordable foldable options emerge. This trend is likely to continue, with mid-range foldable phones potentially bringing the technology to a much wider audience in the coming years.

New Form Factors

Beyond the book-style and clamshell designs that dominate the market today, manufacturers are experimenting with multi-fold designs that can transform from phone to tablet to laptop replacement. These more radical form factors could open up entirely new use cases and further blur the lines between device categories.

Software Innovation

Perhaps the most exciting developments are happening on the software side, as developers find new ways to take advantage of the unique capabilities of foldable devices. From spatial interfaces that change based on how the device is folded to applications that span multiple devices, the software experience on foldables continues to evolve in fascinating ways.

Conclusion: Making Your Decision

At the end of the day, whether a foldable phone is worth it for you comes down to your specific needs, preferences, and budget. These devices have certainly moved beyond being mere novelties or proof-of-concept products—they're now practical tools that offer genuine benefits for certain types of users.

If you're considering making the jump to a foldable in 2025, my advice is to be clear about what you hope to gain from the form factor. Visit a store to get hands-on time with different models, and think critically about how the unique capabilities might enhance your daily smartphone use.

For those who find a compelling match between their needs and what foldables offer, the experience can be genuinely transformative. For everyone else, conventional smartphones continue to offer excellent experiences at lower price points with fewer compromises.

The foldable phone revolution is no longer just hype—it's a legitimate branch of smartphone evolution that's here to stay. Whether it's the right branch for you depends on how you use your devices and what you value most in your mobile experience.