It wasn’t that long ago that foldable smartphones seemed like sci-fi prototypes — futuristic devices meant to turn heads at tech expos rather than find their way into people’s pockets. But in recent years, this narrative has shifted dramatically. Foldable phones are no longer just flashy concepts; they’re becoming practical, refined, and increasingly popular. As major tech companies invest heavily in innovation, foldables have begun to capture a growing share of the smartphone market. And 2025 may very well be the year they break fully into the mainstream.
The Rise of the Foldable
Samsung was among the first to roll out a commercially available foldable phone with the Galaxy Fold in 2019, a device that promised the portability of a phone with the productivity of a tablet. Since then, foldables have evolved significantly, and new players like Huawei, Motorola, and Oppo have jumped into the fold (pun intended).
One standout in the new wave is the Huawei Mate XT, a device that features a triple-foldable design — a new level of engineering ingenuity. The Mate XT folds twice over itself, allowing it to transform between a smartphone-sized screen and a large tablet. This flexibility offers a peek into what the future of smartphones might look like: devices that adapt to your needs in real time, rather than being limited to a single screen format.
Why Foldables Are Gaining Ground
Several factors are contributing to the rising popularity of foldable phones:
- Versatility:
The biggest draw is the ability to switch between a compact phone and a tablet-sized screen. Whether you’re reading an article, watching a movie, editing a document, or gaming, foldables adapt to the task better than any standard smartphone could. - Portability:
Instead of carrying a phone and a tablet, foldables allow users to consolidate devices. Folded up, they’re pocket-sized. Unfolded, they provide an immersive display experience that rivals many tablets. - Enhanced Productivity:
Multitasking is a breeze on foldables. Most models support split-screen mode, and some can even handle three or more apps at once. With stylus compatibility on many models, creative professionals and productivity-focused users are finding foldables particularly appealing. - Improved Durability:
Early foldables struggled with fragility — creasing, dust ingress, and screen reliability were all common issues. Today’s models feature ultra-thin glass, improved hinge designs, and water resistance, making them much more durable and ready for daily use.
Who’s Leading the Foldable Frontier?
While Samsung remains a dominant player with its Galaxy Z Fold and Z Flip series, other manufacturers are quickly catching up:
- Huawei continues to push innovation, with the Mate X and now the Mate XT offering unique form factors.
- Motorola has revived nostalgia with its modern Razr foldables, combining retro design with modern tech.
- Oppo and Xiaomi are experimenting with inward- and outward-folding devices, offering various sizes and hinge mechanisms to differentiate their offerings.
Each brand is tackling the challenge from a different angle — some focusing on affordability, others on design elegance or multitasking capabilities. This healthy competition is good news for consumers, as it drives rapid improvement and innovation.
Consumer Trends: What the Data Says
Market research from firms like IDC and Counterpoint shows that foldable smartphone shipments are expected to hit over 30 million units globally by the end of 2025, a staggering increase compared to just a few years ago. Early adopters have paved the way, and now a broader audience is being drawn in by more refined products and falling prices.
Younger consumers, especially millennials and Gen Z, are particularly receptive to foldables. Their demand for content creation, streaming, and multitasking aligns perfectly with what foldables offer.
Challenges Still Ahead
Despite their appeal, foldables still face some hurdles:
- Cost:
Foldables are typically more expensive than traditional smartphones, with prices often starting at $1,500 or higher. As technology matures and production scales up, prices are expected to decrease, but affordability remains a barrier for many. - App Optimization:
Not all apps are optimized for foldable screens yet. Developers are working on this, but inconsistent experiences can be frustrating for users expecting seamless transitions between folded and unfolded modes. - Battery Life:
Larger screens and more complex hardware can take a toll on battery life. Manufacturers are addressing this with more efficient chips and bigger batteries, but it’s an ongoing challenge.
The Future is Flexible
As foldable phones continue to evolve, we can expect even more ambitious designs in the coming years — from rollable displays to transparent screens and wearable foldables. The tech world is betting big on flexibility, not just in hardware but in the user experience.
If there’s one thing that’s clear, it’s this: foldables are no longer just for early adopters. They’re becoming a real choice for everyday users who want a device that adapts to modern lifestyles. Whether you’re a content creator, a multitasker, or someone who just wants a big screen in your pocket, there’s likely a foldable phone that fits your needs.
And as more people embrace the blend of form and function, it’s safe to say that foldable smartphones aren’t just a trend — they’re the future.
