Are Foldable Phones Worth It? What Buyers Should Consider

Foldable phones have captured attention with their futuristic designs and innovative technology, offering the promise of a tablet-like experience that fits in your pocket. Boasting flexible screens and novel hinge mechanisms, these devices aim to redefine what we expect from a smartphone.

However, their appeal comes with a hefty price tag and questions about long-term practicality. Are foldable phones truly groundbreaking tools worth the investment, or are they niche gadgets with compromises in durability and usability?

Cost vs. Value

Foldable phones represent some of the most ambitious trends in the smartphone market, offering unique designs and cutting-edge features. However, their appeal often comes with a substantial financial commitment.

To determine if foldable phones are worth the steep price tags, it’s important to evaluate what buyers receive in return for their investment. From the initial cost of ownership to potential repair expenses, there are several economic factors that set foldables apart from traditional smartphones.

Premium Pricing

Foldable phones are positioned at the top end of the smartphone market, often ranging from $1,200 to $2,000 or more. This pricing makes them significantly more expensive than even high-end flagship models like Apple’s iPhone or Samsung’s Galaxy S series, which typically range between $800 and $1,200.

While foldables justify their premium cost with unique features like foldable screens and multitasking capabilities, those innovations are not universally beneficial to every user.

For many consumers, the choice between a foldable and a traditional flagship phone boils down to what they expect from their device day-to-day. For instance, if a user would primarily benefit from the cutting-edge engineering of a foldable design, higher upfront costs might be reasonable.

However, those who prioritize excellent cameras, long battery life, and software optimization may find better value in traditional smartphones at a lower price.

Resale Value

Foldable phones tend to depreciate more quickly than traditional smartphones, partially due to their niche market appeal and limited secondhand demand. Their high initial price tags can deter pre-owned buyers, as many would rather invest the same amount in a brand-new flagship phone with better brand familiarity and proven reliability.

Additional concerns about wear and tear, particularly on folding mechanisms and screens, can further reduce resale value.

This trend makes foldable phones less appealing for those who frequently upgrade their devices or rely on trade-ins to offset costs. While traditional flagship phones like the iPhone often retain a healthy percentage of their value after a year or two, foldables may not offer the same return on investment for sellers.

Repair Costs

One of the most significant long-term costs associated with foldable phones is related to repairs. Foldable displays are made from delicate materials that are more prone to scratches, dents, and other damage compared to the traditional glass used in flagship smartphones.

Additionally, the hinge mechanism—a central feature of foldable phones—can wear out over time or become damaged in daily use. Repairing or replacing a foldable screen can cost hundreds of dollars, often exceeding repair expenses for non-foldable devices.

For example, replacing a broken foldable screen can cost as much as $400 to $700 depending on the model, while repairing a hinge may incur additional expenses. Manufacturer warranties for foldable devices often include several limitations, and extended warranty plans may be necessary to mitigate risks, adding further to the overall cost of ownership.

When considering these factors, buyers must weigh the risk of higher repair bills against the value they perceive in a foldable phone’s features. Those who are accident-prone or who expect long-term durability may find these repair considerations to be a potential downside.

Practical Usability

Foldable phones are often praised for their innovative designs, but practical day-to-day usability plays an equally important role in determining their value. While compact designs and larger displays deliver convenience and versatility, they bring their own set of compromises.

Everyday users must consider how these devices perform in terms of portability, productivity, and media consumption to decide if the benefits outweigh the trade-offs.

Portability Trade-Offs

The foldable form factor is designed to offer the best of both worlds, a compact device that fits easily into a pocket and a large display for extended functionality. While this is impressive in theory, the reality presents some challenges.

Folded, many foldable phones are thicker and heavier than traditional smartphones, which can make them feel bulkier in a bag or pocket. This extra weight and thickness could be inconvenient for users who prioritize slim, lightweight devices for everyday portability.

When unfolded, foldable phones often offer a tablet-sized display, but this comes with physical limitations. Unfolding and refolding the screen repeatedly throughout the day is not as seamless as using a standard phone.

Depending on the model, the device might also require two hands for operation, which can be less convenient for quick tasks like texting on the go. For those who value a slim, one-handed experience, foldables may feel somewhat cumbersome in certain situations.

Productivity Benefits

One of the standout advantages of foldable phones is their multitasking capabilities, making them an excellent tool for users who need to juggle multiple tasks. The larger screen allows more room for features like split-screen functionality, letting users run two or more apps simultaneously.

This can be especially beneficial for professionals or students who need to take notes while attending a virtual meeting or compare documents side-by-side.

Some foldable phones even support accessories like stylus pens, further enhancing their appeal for productivity-focused users. Features like handwriting input, drawing, or annotating documents become far more intuitive on a foldable screen compared to a standard smartphone.

However, it’s worth noting that such productivity perks primarily appeal to those with specific needs, such as digital artists, business professionals, or power users. Those who use their phones primarily for casual browsing, calls, and texts may not fully utilize these advanced features.

Media Experience

The large, immersive displays of foldable phones are a major draw for media enthusiasts. Watching videos, playing games, or reading eBooks feels closer to using a tablet, offering more screen real estate than a standard smartphone ever could.

Streaming content in vivid colors on such expansive screens can transform the entertainment experience, making foldable phones an excellent choice for users who value visual immersion.

However, compatibility issues with some apps can detract from the experience. Certain apps may not scale well to the foldable screen, resulting in stretched or awkwardly formatted interfaces.

Developers are gradually addressing these challenges, but the experience is not always consistent across all applications. Users who depend heavily on specific apps may find app optimization to be a frustrating limitation.

In daily use, foldable phones blur the line between smartphones and tablets, providing benefits that traditional devices cannot match. However, convenience and usability depend heavily on individual priorities and how often users leverage the features unique to foldables.

Durability and Reliability Concerns

Foldable phones have made significant strides in durability, addressing some of the earlier criticisms about reliability. Manufacturers like Samsung have incorporated features such as Gorilla Glass Victus on external displays and IPX8 water resistance in their latest models, offering a level of durability more comparable to traditional smartphones.

However, despite these improvements, concerns remain about certain aspects of foldables, particularly their screens, hinge mechanisms, environmental protections, and battery performance.

Screen Vulnerability

The flexible displays that define foldable phones are still more delicate than the hardened glass used on traditional smartphones. While external displays are typically protected by Gorilla Glass, the foldable inner screens rely on ultra-thin glass (UTG), which is more prone to scratches and dents.

Even with additional protective layers, these screens can show signs of wear sooner, especially in high-use areas like the crease.

The crease itself, while mostly a cosmetic issue, can become more prominent over time and may distract users during tasks such as watching videos or reading. Hinge mechanisms, although more robust in newer models, remain a concern for long-term reliability.

Dust and debris can still find their way into hinges, potentially affecting their smooth operation and resulting in costly repairs.

Environmental Resistance

Foldable phones have made notable progress in addressing environmental vulnerabilities, but there is still room for improvement. Samsung’s latest foldable models, for instance, feature an IPX8 rating, which protects against water immersion.

However, the lack of dust resistance (as indicated by the “X” in the rating) leaves some concerns about durability in sandy or dusty environments. Particles could interfere with the hinge mechanism or potentially damage the fragile inner screen, making foldables less suitable for extreme outdoor conditions compared to traditional phones with both water and dust resistance.

While these advancements reduce risks in typical day-to-day use, foldable phones remain slightly more vulnerable in rough environments due to their complex design. Users engaging in activities that expose their devices to significant dust, dirt, or other debris may need to handle them with extra care.

Battery Life

The cutting-edge designs of foldable phones bring trade-offs in battery performance. Larger foldable displays or dual-screen functionality often consume more power than traditional smartphones.

While most foldables are equipped with relatively large batteries, the increased energy demands from multitasking or running apps on a tablet-like display can drain the battery faster than expected. This can pose an inconvenience for users who rely on their phones for extended periods throughout the day.

Charging speeds, though improved in some models, are another aspect to consider. Many foldable phones support fast charging, but frequent charge cycles can strain battery health over time.

Additionally, users who frequently multitask or consume media on the large display may find they need to carry a portable charger or power bank to keep up with the device’s power demands.

Battery life may not be a dealbreaker for everyone, but it is an important factor to consider, especially for users who depend on their devices for both work and entertainment. While foldables have improved in this area with each iteration, they can still fall short of the all-day battery performance offered by some traditional flagship smartphones.

Who Should Consider a Foldable Phone?

Foldable phones have created a new category in the smartphone market, appealing to users who value innovation and versatility. While they are undeniably impressive, they are not for everyone.

The decision to invest in a foldable phone largely depends on individual needs, preferences, and lifestyle.

Tech Enthusiasts

Early adopters who are passionate about exploring cutting-edge technology are often the ideal audience for foldable phones. If the excitement of owning a device with a futuristic design and advanced engineering outweighs concerns about practicality, foldables can be a thrilling choice.

Tech enthusiasts are typically drawn to the novelty factor, the unique form factor, and the sheer innovation behind foldable displays.

Living on the forefront of technological trends, these users are likely more forgiving of challenges like app optimization issues or limited durability. For them, foldable phones represent progress and the privilege of being among the first to enjoy features that may become commonplace in the future.

However, they should also be prepared for the compromises that come with adopting new technology, including higher costs and potential reliability concerns.

Professionals

Professionals looking for productivity-focused devices may find foldable phones particularly appealing. The large, tablet-like displays allow for better multitasking, making it easier to work on presentations, review documents, or join virtual meetings while on the go.

Features like split-screen functionality transform the act of running multiple apps simultaneously into a seamless experience.

For individuals in design-heavy fields, foldables with stylus support are powerful tools. Digital artists can sketch, annotate, or edit with precision, while business professionals can mark up reports or take handwritten notes with ease.

The portability of foldable phones allows professionals to replace the need for a separate tablet, making it ideal for those who prefer an all-in-one solution.

However, productivity comes with trade-offs. Professionals who rely on their device all day must carefully consider battery performance and repair risks.

It’s a good option for those who prioritize convenience and creativity, but users with simpler needs might find the cost unjustifiable.

Casual Users

For casual users, traditional smartphones often provide a better overall experience. If the primary use of a phone revolves around texting, browsing social media, taking photos, and watching the occasional video, foldable phones may feel excessive for the price.

Traditional smartphones deliver excellent camera quality, durability, and app compatibility without requiring users to adapt to a completely new form factor.

Affordability is another significant factor for casual users. Spending upwards of $1,200 to $2,000 on a foldable phone, when a traditional flagship model delivers everything they need at a lower cost, may be impractical.

Additionally, casual users might not benefit from multitasking features or stylus compatibility, leaving many foldable-specific perks largely unused.

While foldable phones offer undeniable appeal for certain niches, they can feel like overkill for casual users who simply want a reliable, affordable device. In such cases, sticking to a traditional smartphone is often the more sensible choice.

Conclusion

Foldable phones represent a bold step forward in smartphone innovation, offering unique advantages like versatile displays and improved multitasking. However, those benefits come with notable trade-offs.

From their steep price tags and rapid depreciation to durability concerns over flexible screens and hinges, foldables present challenges that differ significantly from traditional smartphones.

While they excel for specific users, such as tech enthusiasts who thrive on cutting-edge designs or professionals seeking a portable productivity powerhouse, foldables might not provide enough value for everyone. Casual users, in particular, may find the added costs and compromises difficult to justify, especially when traditional flagship devices often outperform them in areas like camera quality and affordability.

Ultimately, choosing a foldable phone comes down to individual priorities. Those who need a device tailored for multitasking or want to experience the latest tech may see foldables as a worthwhile investment, while others might prefer the reliability and cost-effectiveness of standard smartphones.

Evaluating personal needs, from productivity requirements to budget limitations, is essential to making the right choice.