If you're considering a $1,800 foldable phone, you're probably wondering whether you're getting a revolutionary device or just an expensive novelty. After testing two over the past few months (Samsung’s Galaxy Z Fold 8 and the Google Pixel 11 Pro Fold), I've found that the answer falls somewhere in between. While the larger, flexible displays can make multitasking, reading, and entertainment noticeably better, they're still luxury devices that won't make sense for everyone. So what makes a foldable phone special, and is it worth the extra cost?
What is a foldable phone?
Foldable phones are smartphones that feature a folding touch screen, letting you expand from a smaller screen to a larger one as you go about your tasks. They come in three major form factors right now: clamshell (like the flip phones of yore), book-style (like the ones mentioned above), and trifold (like a science fair poster board). Most foldables feature an external, smaller screen and unfold to a larger internal screen.
The three form factors are better suited to different kinds of work and lifestyles: clamshells like the Samsung Galaxy Z Flip 8 fold into a tiny post-it note size, making them both stylish and highly portable. Book-style (the most common) and trifold (a relatively new development in the space) phones are great for reading long articles, watching videos, and multitasking since they expand into a larger miniature tablet.
Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 8
Google Pixel 11 Pro Fold
Who should buy a foldable phone?
To me, there's one group of people for whom a foldable phone makes perfect sense: people who already use both a smartphone and tablet and are planning to upgrade them. A book-style foldable can effectively replace both devices while delivering a seamless experience across screen sizes. While the expanded display is typically smaller than a dedicated tablet, the cost of upgrading to a foldable is often comparable to buying a new phone and tablet separately. The benefit of this switch is clear—a seamlessly connected experience across forms, mobile data on both a smaller and larger screen without having to pay for an additional plan, and reducing the amount of devices you have to remember to charge.
Foldables also make sense for people who regularly work from their phone, read extensively, or stream a lot of content on the go. The biggest advantage of a foldable phone is how easily you can multitask on the larger display before switching back to the smaller screen for everyday use. While testing Samsung's and Google's foldables, I regularly kept email and a browser open side by side to copy information, conduct research, and reference notes while writing. Larger displays also make foldables particularly appealing for readers and frequent streamers who want a more tablet-like experience without carrying another device. I found web articles and e-books more enjoyable to read on the larger screen and appreciated having more room for YouTube videos during lunch breaks.
For some people, the appeal of a foldable has less to do with productivity and more to do with design. I think the clamshell form factor will be particularly popular among the crowd who isn’t looking to increase their productivity, but rather enjoy a more whimsical smartphone experience. The appeal is easy to understand. As retro-inspired gadgets continue to grow in popularity, clamshell foldables offer a nostalgic form factor while still delivering the capabilities of a modern smartphone.
What are the drawbacks of a foldable phone?
If you primarily use your phone for texting, social media, taking photos, and streaming the occasional video, a traditional flagship smartphone will likely deliver a better value. Beyond their steep pricing, there are a few factors to keep in mind that may steer you away from purchasing a foldable phone. While modern foldables have become significantly more durable, the moving hinge and flexible internal display still introduce additional points of failure that traditional smartphones simply don't have. As an example, the Galaxy Z Fold 8 I’ve been using has an IP48 rating instead of IP68, meaning it’s not protected from particles smaller than 1 mm. That alone has given me pause when taking my phone to the beach or a dusty environment.
It’s also possible, though they’ve gotten better, to bend or snap the phone’s hinge. The internal screen that folds tends to be less resilient and more prone to scratches than the harder external one. Some people are also bothered by the crease where the screen folds, which on some phones is more visible than others.
Another consideration is battery life: the larger screen can drain battery faster than your typical smartphone. Even with the Galaxy Z Fold 8’s improved capacity I’ve found my phone gets dangerously close to zero by the time I get home from work each day, and charging overnight is mandatory.
Finally, foldable phones tend to be a bit thicker than your average smartphone when folded, which can mean a larger footprint in your pocket or not being able to store them in the same places. It’s a small gripe but worth noting.
Is a foldable phone worth the money?
If you’re constantly switching between a tablet and a smartphone, seeking a device that’ll let you get more done from your phone, or want to be able to watch TV and videos on a larger, highly portable screen, a foldable phone can be worth the splurge. If you aren’t a tablet user and don’t plan on becoming one, use your smartphone for simple, everyday tasks, or need enhanced durability or battery life you’ll be better of saving the money on a device like this. Personally, I’ve found a lot of utility in my folding phone, but if I ever broke it, I’d have a hard time rationalizing the cost to replace it.
Why trust Good Housekeeping?
Nikolas Greenwald, GH Data & Product Operations Manager, works across Labs at the Good Housekeeping Institute to create test protocols and develop internal tools. In the Tech & Engineering Lab, he works alongside the other engineers and analysts to test the latest tech and consumer audio equipment.
