Short take: Foldable phones have gone from fragile concept to a practical mainstream option. Improvements in displays, hinge design, software and price make them a serious choice in 2025 — but they still aren’t for everyone. This article breaks down what changed this year, which models stand out, and practical buying advice for readers in the USA and UK.

Why foldables are suddenly more mainstream

Three years ago a foldable phone was a conversation starter — today it can be a daily driver. Several factors pushed foldables forward in 2024–2025:

• Durable flexible displays & better hinges: manufacturers fixed early reliability complaints with tougher OLED layers and refined hinge engineering.
• Improved software multitasking: Android makers optimized apps for dual-pane workflows; productivity apps, email and browsers now handle resizes cleanly.
• Falling prices: competing models and manufacturing scale pushed entry foldable prices down, making them more accessible in the UK and US markets.

Top models to consider (2025)

OEMs refined different form factors: large book-style folds (big internal display) and compact clamshells (flip phones). The market leaders in 2025 include:

• Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 6 — best for productivity: large inner tablet-like display, S-Pen support in some variants, top-tier multitasking.
• Samsung Galaxy Z Flip 6 — best for compact fans: pocketable, improved cover screen, solid battery life for a clamshell design.
• Google Pixel Fold 2 — clean Android experience with optimized camera software for foldable UX and excellent computational photography.
• OnePlus Fold — value-oriented foldable that compromises less on performance while undercutting flagship prices slightly.
• Honor Magic V2 — strong hardware at competitive price points in some markets, often seen in UK price promos.

Pros & cons — what you actually gain (and lose)

Who should buy a foldable in 2025?

If you fit one of these profiles, a foldable is worth considering:

• Mobile power users: frequent multitaskers, journalists, or creatives who benefit from a tablet-sized display in their pocket.
• Content consumers: people who watch lots of video and value a larger immersive screen.
• Early adopters with budgets: if you like the premium, novel device experience and don’t mind the tradeoffs.

Skip a foldable if you prioritise ultra-light pocketability, lowest price, or absolute maximum camera performance (some slab flagships still lead in camera hardware).

Buying checklist — what to check before you buy

• Hinge warranty & durability tests: check official hinge ratings and warranty for mechanical parts.
• Cover screen usability: for clamshells, is the cover screen truly useful for notifications and quick replies?
• Case availability: protective cases are improving but verify options for your model.
• Software updates: prefer brands promising 3–4 years of OS updates and security patches.
• Repair network & costs: check your local repair ecosystem — UK & US coverage can vary.

Will foldables replace regular phones?

Unlikely to fully replace slabs in the near term. Foldables expand the market and offer new use cases, but regular phones remain the best value for many users. Expect foldables to continue to grow as manufacturers refine build quality and prices inch down.

Final verdict — should you buy one now?

If you value larger screens without carrying a separate tablet — and can accept slightly higher cost/weight — a foldable is a compelling, modern choice. For mainstream buyers who prioritise value, battery or ultra-light pocketability, waiting for the next generation (or buying a discounted previous-gen foldable) could be wiser.

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