Should You Get a Foldable Phone?
Browse Our Selection of Foldable Phones
Who Are Foldable Phones For?
Many different users will enjoy these larger, folding displays. The larger screen is great for mobile gamers, offering a more immersive feel. If you work from your phone often, a foldable phone allows you to write an email while also having a document like a contract on-screen to reference. They can also be nice for people who travel often, with a screen size that's larger than a standard smartphone but smaller than a laptop for reading e-books or streaming content on long flights. We also see tech lovers being very into foldables as the next generation of smartphones.
The Pros of Foldable Phones
Bigger Screen Size
The main benefit of getting a foldable phone is the additional screen space. It's great for tons of use cases, from photography to mobile gaming to multitasking for work. You might even find tasks like photo editing more seamless on these larger displays.
Ideal for Multitasking
Running two apps simultaneously is great for work tasks, like referencing a presentation when writing an email, or for common tasks like comparing two similar items.
Multiple Configurations
Foldable smartphones have an inner and outer screen, so you can unfold it and use the larger inner screen for multitasking or watching Netflix, but you can also use the outer screen for quick, simple tasks like texting. It adds a lot of convenience.
The Cons of Foldable Phones
Higher Cost
The biggest downside of foldable phones is their cost. The iPhone Duo, for example, starts at $1,999 for 256GB and the Samsung Galaxy Z Fold8 starts at $1,899 for 256GB. Some cell phone providers let you spread out the cost of the phone in monthly installments, but it's still a much bigger investment compared to a traditional iPhone or Samsung Galaxy model.
Battery Life
While smartphones keep getting bigger and better batteries, foldable phones will likely offer less battery life than standard smartphones; more screen usage means the battery will drain faster. The iPhone Duo, for example, delivers up to 31 hours of video playback on the inner screen, compared to the iPhone 18 Pro, which offers up to 36 hours on a full charge.
Hinge Durability
The strength of the hinge is a major factor when purchasing a foldable phone. They add a layer of fragility, especially with repeated use. We recommend getting a case for your phone and adding a protection plan.
App Compatibility
Not all apps are designed to fit these unique displays; while some big names like Netflix have specifically enhanced their app for use with the iPhone Duo and other folding phones, not every app will follow suit. If an app isn't designed to adapt to a folding display, there may be black boxes on the side of the screen that might make your experience less enjoyable.
Shop Foldable Phones at Abt
With all of these factors to consider, should you get a foldable phone? If you find your current phone unable to adapt to multitasking, foldables are literally made for you. Or, if you have the budget and just enjoy trying out new tech, they're definitely the next frontier for smartphones. Just remember to consider the potential complications that come with a hinging phone. Either way, you can find many of the newest foldable phones at Abt. If you're holding out for the iPhone Duo, it'll be available for pre-order on Friday, October 16 and in stores on Friday, October 23.
Foldable Smartphones FAQs
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The larger screen size and folding design is ideal for those who have to multitask for work, for mobile gamers, or even for content creators who take a lot of photos and videos.
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The category has made major improvements recently, and Apple specifically has claimed to address the common complaints of foldable phones, like hinge durability and creasing. They're definitely better than they used to be.
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The lifespan of a foldable phone, just like any smartphone, depends on how much you use it and how well it's maintained (like how often you drop it). You should expect a foldable phone to last about 3 years.
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We wouldn't say they break easily, but their hinge definitely makes them more fragile than traditional smartphones. We recommend using a case for extra protection.
