Is a Foldable Phone Right for You? Read Before Buying

A foldable phone is no longer just a futuristic concept. It’s now a practical option for people who want more flexibility from their smartphones. With growing interest in these innovative devices across the world, many are wondering if a foldable phone fits their lifestyle. Before you make the leap, it’s important to understand what these phones offer—and where they still fall short.

What Are Foldable Phones?

A foldable phone uses flexible display technology that allows it to bend. This creates a new way of interacting with your device, offering a unique blend of function and style. These phones come in two main designs: flip and foldable.

Flip phones fold vertically, like old-school clamshell devices. They’re compact when closed and feature a smaller screen on the outside for quick tasks. Open them up, and you’ll find a full-sized display inside. The hinge allows different positions, making hands-free use easy. You can even set it up like a mini tripod.

Foldable phones, on the other hand, fold horizontally like a book. They offer both a front screen for daily tasks and a larger internal screen for when you need more space. Once unfolded, the inner screen can be as large as 7–8 inches, great for multitasking or streaming. When closed, they become compact enough to carry around easily.

Pros and Cons of Foldable Phones

Like any new tech, foldable phones come with both benefits and drawbacks.

Pros

1. Multitasking Made Easy

With a foldable phone, you can run multiple apps at once. The large screen lets you use two or even three apps side-by-side. You can drag and drop content between them, boosting productivity.

2. Great for Gaming

Games look and feel better with more screen space. The folding phone makes it easier to enjoy immersive gaming, especially with titles that support wider views.

3. Better Photo Previews

Foldable phones often let you show a preview on the outer screen while taking photos. This helps the subject adjust their pose for better results.

4. Rear Camera Selfies and Video Calls

Instead of relying on the front camera, you can use the high-quality rear camera while previewing yourself on the outer display. This is perfect for selfies and clearer video calls.

5. Built-in Stand Functionality

You can prop the phone up in tent or laptop mode for hands-free calls or video watching. This makes folding phone entertainment more comfortable without needing a stand.

6. Custom Home Screens

You can set different home screens for the outer and inner displays. Keep quick-access apps on the front and more immersive tools on the inner screen.

7. Unique Appeal

A foldable phone is still new and eye-catching. It’s a great choice if you enjoy innovative gadgets that stand out.

Cons

1. Video Playback Limitations

Due to the screen’s aspect ratio, many videos don’t use the full screen. This can result in black bars around the video, less than ideal for media lovers.

2. Typing Can Be Tricky

Some models have narrow outer screens, making typing harder. With time, users adapt, but the experience isn’t always smooth.

3. Inner Screen Sensitivity

The folding screen is made of plastic, not glass, making it easier to scratch. The crease in the middle is also noticeable, especially when scrolling.

4. App Compatibility Issues

Not all apps are built for foldable screens. Some may not scale well, leaving unused space or stretched visuals.

5. Heavier Build

They’re usually bulkier and heavier than standard phones, which may not suit everyone.

6. Repair and Support

Repairs can be costly and harder to access, especially outside major cities. The parts and expertise required are still developing.

7. Higher Cost

Foldable phones are more expensive. For the same price, you could buy a traditional smartphone and a tablet. You’re paying more for innovation.

Are Foldable Phones Good for Everyday Use?

Yes, but it depends on your needs. If you work on your phone a lot, enjoy multitasking, or consume lots of content, you’ll love the larger screen. The ability to switch between compact and tablet-like modes makes it flexible for both work and play. However, if you value simplicity, a lightweight device, or top-tier camera performance, a regular phone might suit you better.

For casual users, the added weight and learning curve might be a challenge. But for tech-savvy users, the folding phone experience brings a refreshing change.

Best Foldable Phones in 2025

If you're in the market for foldable phones, these are the standout models this year:

HONOR Magic V2

The Magic V2 impresses with its thin profile at just 9.9mm and only 4.7mm when unfolded. Weighing 231 grams, it’s one of the lightest folding phones available. The titanium hinge adds durability, and its 5000mAh silicon-carbon battery ensures a full day’s use. Powered by the Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 chip, it also supports a seamless free-hovering experience for improved productivity.

HONOR Magic V3

This model goes further with a sleek 9.2mm design. Its 5150mAh battery with wireless 50W charging means you spend less time plugged in. A strong hinge supports over 500,000 folds. Features like IPX8 water resistance, AI-enhanced software, and eye comfort display make it a great all-rounder. It also boasts an advanced 100x periscope telephoto lens.

PORSCHE DESIGN | HONOR Magic V2 RSR

Blending luxury and tech, this phone offers a 5000mAh battery and ultra-slim body at 9.9mm. The titanium hinge makes unfolding effortless, while the NanoCrystal Shield offers strong scratch resistance. With AI privacy tools, dual security systems, and the powerful Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 chip, it brings elegance and function together.

Things to Consider Before Buying a Foldable Phone

Before buying foldable phones, keep the following in mind:

1. Display Quality: Look for a screen with high resolution and strong brightness. A visible crease can reduce the viewing experience, so choose models where it’s less noticeable.

2. Flip or Foldable: Flip phones are ideal for portability, while foldables offer a larger screen for productivity and entertainment. Pick based on your daily needs.

3. Hinge Durability: The hinge should feel smooth and hold its position. Make sure it’s tested for high durability and offers flexible angles.

4. Camera Setup: A foldable with multiple lenses offers more shooting options. Features like low-light performance and optical zoom are useful bonuses.

5. Battery and Durability: Check battery size and support for fast charging. Also, choose a model with water or dust resistance for added peace of mind. A solid warranty helps protect your investment.

Conclusion

A foldable phone offers a fresh way to enjoy mobile tech, especially for users who want more screen space without giving up portability. It brings a mix of fun, function, and flexibility—perfect for multitasking, media, and productivity. But the high price and some limitations may not suit every user. If you want cutting-edge features in your pocket, a foldable phone could be your next smart buy.

FAQs

Which is the best foldable phone?

The best foldable phone in 2025 depends on your needs. If you're after a sleek design, strong hinge, and excellent battery life, the HONOR Magic V3 is a standout. It offers advanced AI features, a powerful Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 chip, and solid durability. It’s ideal for users wanting premium performance with a smooth folding phone experience.

Is a foldable phone good for gaming?

Yes, a foldable phone is great for gaming. The larger inner screen gives you a wide view, ideal for immersive play in action or open-world games. Many popular titles are optimized for these displays. Just keep in mind that not every game will perfectly fit the unique screen size, but most work well and provide excellent folding phone entertainment.

Will foldable phones replace normal smartphones?

Foldable phones won’t fully replace normal smartphones anytime soon. They offer unique benefits like multitasking and compact portability, but they’re still more expensive and less durable for everyday users. As technology improves and prices drop, more people may switch, but traditional phones will remain popular for their simplicity and lower cost.

Source: HONOR Club