Foldable smartphones have existed for nearly ten years now, which may surprise some observers. The initial prototype encountered in 2019, predating Samsung's Galaxy Fold, was a rudimentary prototype. However, manufacturers have continuously refined their approaches, and in the current year, they have resolved nearly all significant drawbacks associated with these devices apart from their high cost.
Reflecting on the original Galaxy Fold, it was notably thick and substantial, featured a limited outer screen, and had a hinge prone to accumulating debris, likely contributing to the failure of a review unit from The Verge. Despite these flaws, it demonstrated considerable potential as a versatile device that could instantly expand into a compact tablet for enhanced productivity. Its innovative form factor was undeniably appealing.
Samsung then enhanced its lineup by adding water resistance and stylus compatibility with the Z Fold 3, and later removed the noticeable gap in the folded state of the Z Fold 5. Intensifying rivalry from brands like OnePlus and Google, alongside Chinese competitors such as Oppo and Xiaomi, has driven widespread advancements in hardware and software for the foldable market.
During 2025, specific models introduced substantial progress for the segment overall. Despite minimal changes in form factor from the prior version, Google's Pixel 10 Pro Fold earned an IP68 certification for resistance against dust and water, marking the first instance of comprehensive safeguards against both contaminants in a single foldable device. While this may seem unremarkable to users of standard smartphones, for models with intricate folding mechanisms vulnerable to internal debris, it represents a significant boost in reliability and everyday practicality.
At the same time, Samsung's Galaxy Z Fold 7 marked a notable achievement by matching the dimensions and mass of conventional slab-style phones, all while incorporating an expansive 8-inch inner screen. When measured against Samsung's S25 Ultra flagship, the Z Fold 7 proves slightly less heavy at 7.58 ounces compared to 7.69 ounces, and nearly as slim at 8.9mm versus 8.2mm. This development addresses a primary complaint about earlier foldables: their excessive size and weight, which previously made them cumbersome to carry.
No manufacturer has yet combined these innovations into one device. Nevertheless, these strides are noteworthy, and given ongoing progress, such integration appears imminent.
Regarding the screen crease, modern foldables continue to exhibit a subtle indentation along the fold line. To clarify, this feature does not constitute a genuine problem. Although its absence would be preferable, criticizing the crease resembles objecting to minor seams in a convertible vehicle due to its folding top. The mark is scarcely noticeable from a direct viewing angle, the typical usage position, and users rarely interact precisely with the screen's midpoint, particularly on larger tablet-sized displays.
Ultimately, producers of large-screen foldables have yet to resolve the challenge of pricing them accessibly. OnePlus approached affordability in 2023 via the Open, priced at $1,500 following trade-in promotions that accepted any device, including damaged ones. Curiously, pricing trends are regressing somewhat, with the Z Fold 7 starting at $2,000, a $200 increase over the Z Fold 5's launch price from a few years prior. Despite the premium tags, sightings of foldables in daily use are increasing, supported by sales figures: the Z Fold 7 saw a 50% rise over its predecessor, and worldwide foldable shipments hit a record in the third quarter of this year. Many potential buyers would likely adopt them if costs were lower.
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