Foldables vs. Traditional Phones – The Future of Mobile?

The mobile landscape has transformed dramatically since Samsung first introduced its Galaxy Fold in 2019. Six years later, foldable devices have evolved from expensive curiosities into mainstream contenders. As we navigate through 2025, consumers face a legitimate choice: stick with the familiar slab-style smartphones that have dominated for over a decade, or embrace the flexible future promised by increasingly refined foldable technology.

This isn’t just about which form factor looks cooler—it’s about how these devices fit into our daily lives, affect our productivity, and deliver value for their price point. Let’s dive deep into this technological showdown to help you decide which path represents the true future of mobile computing.

The State of Foldables in 2025

Foldable phones have come a long way from their fragile beginnings. Current-generation devices feature significantly improved durability, more sophisticated hinge mechanisms, and increasingly invisible creases. Major manufacturers now offer multiple foldable form factors:

Book-Style Foldables

Devices like the Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 7, Google Pixel Fold 3, and Apple FlexPhone transform from standard smartphone size to mini-tablet dimensions, effectively doubling your screen real estate.

Flip-Style Foldables

Phones like the Samsung Galaxy Z Flip 7, Motorola Razr Ultra, and the new OnePlus Flip offer compact portability when closed while providing full-sized smartphone functionality when opened.

Tri-Fold Concepts

While still primarily in the concept phase, several manufacturers have demonstrated working prototypes that fold twice to provide even larger screen experiences.

Traditional Smartphones: Refined to Perfection

Meanwhile, conventional smartphones haven’t remained static. The latest generation of traditional devices offers:

  • Exceptional camera systems with computational photography that rivals professional equipment
  • All-day (and sometimes multi-day) battery life
  • Edge-to-edge displays with under-screen cameras and sensors
  • Sophisticated AI integration for enhanced productivity and user experience
  • Mature ecosystems of accessories and complementary devices

Head-to-Head Comparison

Display Experience

Foldables:

  • Pros: Larger screen real estate (typically 7-8 inches when unfolded for book-style devices)
  • Pros: Versatility to switch between phone and tablet modes
  • Pros: Better multitasking capabilities with split-screen optimization
  • Cons: Visible crease (though much less prominent than in earlier generations)
  • Cons: Different refresh rates or brightness between inner/outer displays in some models

Traditional:

  • Pros: No disruptions or creases in viewing experience
  • Pros: Generally brighter displays with more consistent performance
  • Pros: Higher refresh rates across all price points
  • Cons: Limited screen size (typically maxing out around 6.9 inches)
  • Cons: Less optimized for multitasking

Verdict: Foldables win for content consumption, reading, and productivity tasks. Traditional phones still offer a more consistent viewing experience for everyday use.

Durability and Reliability

Foldables:

  • Pros: Significantly improved durability with latest generation (most rated for 300,000+ fold cycles)
  • Pros: Enhanced water resistance (most now with IPX8 rating)
  • Cons: More mechanical components that could potentially fail
  • Cons: Still generally more vulnerable to dust ingress
  • Cons: Screen protector limitations or complications

Traditional:

  • Pros: Proven durability with fewer moving parts
  • Pros: Better dust and water resistance (IP68 standard across premium models)
  • Pros: More case options and protection accessories
  • Cons: More susceptible to screen damage when dropped (single large screen)

Verdict: Traditional phones still hold the edge for pure durability and peace of mind, though the gap has narrowed significantly since early foldable models.

Camera Systems

Foldables:

  • Pros: Versatile shooting options (use main cameras for selfies when unfolded)
  • Pros: Better video calling experience with larger display
  • Pros: Hands-free photography with half-folded positioning
  • Cons: Space and weight constraints sometimes lead to compromised camera hardware
  • Cons: Awkward ergonomics when shooting with larger unfolded devices

Traditional:

  • Pros: No design compromises for camera systems
  • Pros: Better stabilization due to device weight distribution
  • Pros: More intuitive photography experience
  • Cons: Less versatile for creative angles and self-photography

Verdict: Traditional phones generally still offer superior primary camera performance, though foldables provide unique creative options and use cases.

Battery Life and Performance

Foldables:

  • Pros: Larger device footprint allows for bigger combined battery capacity
  • Pros: Optimization for dual-screen use has improved power management
  • Cons: Higher power consumption with larger displays
  • Cons: Battery degradation concerns with heat generated at hinge points

Traditional:

  • Pros: More efficient power management with single display
  • Pros: Generally longer battery life under comparable usage
  • Pros: More mature thermal management systems
  • Cons: Limited by physical device size for battery capacity

Verdict: Traditional phones typically deliver better battery life, though higher-end foldables are closing the gap with larger combined battery capacity.

Software Experience

Foldables:

  • Pros: Specialized multitasking interfaces optimized for larger displays
  • Pros: App continuity between screens
  • Pros: Flex mode features that utilize partial folding states
  • Cons: Some apps still not fully optimized for changing screen dimensions
  • Cons: More complex user experience with multiple display states

Traditional:

  • Pros: Consistent, well-established user interface
  • Pros: All apps designed specifically for the form factor
  • Pros: Simpler, more intuitive experience
  • Cons: Limited multitasking capabilities on smaller screens

Verdict: Foldables offer more productivity potential and flexibility, while traditional phones provide a more consistent and streamlined experience.

Price and Value

Foldables:

  • Pros: More device categories in one (phone + tablet)
  • Pros: Premium status and cutting-edge technology
  • Cons: 20-40% price premium over comparable traditional flagships
  • Cons: Potentially higher repair costs

Traditional:

  • Pros: Better performance per dollar
  • Pros: More options across all price ranges
  • Pros: More affordable repair and replacement costs
  • Cons: Single-purpose device with less versatility

Verdict: Traditional phones offer better value for pure performance, while foldables provide more versatility for your investment.

Real-World Use Cases: Who Benefits Most?

Foldables Excel For:

Content Creators and Professionals The larger screen makes reviewing photos, editing videos, and managing documents significantly more efficient. The ability to preview content at a larger size while still having a portable device is invaluable.

Multitaskers Users who regularly work with multiple apps simultaneously benefit from the expanded screen real estate and optimized split-screen interfaces.

Entertainment Enthusiasts For streaming video, reading e-books, or mobile gaming, the larger unfolded display provides a noticeably more immersive experience.

Frequent Travelers Combining tablet and phone functionality in one device means one less gadget to pack and charge while on the road.

Traditional Phones Excel For:

Casual Users For those primarily using their phone for calls, messaging, social media, and occasional photography, traditional phones offer all necessary functionality without the additional complexity.

Durability-Focused Users People working in rugged environments or who are particularly tough on their devices will appreciate the proven durability of traditional designs.

Budget-Conscious Consumers Those looking for the best performance-to-price ratio will find more options in the traditional smartphone market.

Photography Enthusiasts Users who prioritize camera quality above all else will generally find superior imaging capabilities in traditional flagships.

The foldable market has grown substantially, with market share increasing from less than 1% in 2021 to approximately 7% of premium smartphone sales in 2025. Key developments driving this growth include:

  • Price reductions bringing mid-range foldables under the $1,000 mark
  • Increased competition with new manufacturers entering the space
  • Improved durability addressing early consumer concerns
  • Better software optimization from both manufacturers and app developers

However, traditional smartphones still dominate the overall market, accounting for more than 90% of global smartphone sales. This continued dominance stems from:

  • Wider availability across all price points
  • Consumer familiarity and comfort with the form factor
  • More established ecosystem of accessories
  • Proven reliability record

Expert Predictions

Industry analysts remain divided on the long-term trajectory of foldable adoption:

Optimistic View: Foldables will reach 15-20% market share by 2028 as manufacturing costs decrease and technology continues to mature.

Conservative View: Foldables will remain a premium niche, stabilizing around 10% market share as traditional phones continue to satisfy most consumer needs at more attractive price points.

Our Take: We expect foldable adoption to accelerate as prices continue to fall, potentially reaching 25% of all smartphone sales by 2030, with particularly strong growth in professional and prosumer segments.

The Hybrid Future

Rather than an either/or future, we’re likely entering an era where both form factors coexist, serving different segments of the market:

  1. Premium Segment: Increasingly dominated by foldables as their remaining technical challenges are resolved
  2. Mid-Range Segment: A battleground where affordable foldables compete with high-end traditional devices
  3. Budget Segment: Remaining the domain of traditional smartphones for the foreseeable future

Additionally, we expect to see continued experimentation with new form factors, including:

  • Expandable/rollable displays that extend rather than fold
  • Modular systems that allow for display attachment/detachment
  • Hybrid devices that blur the line between smartphones and other computing categories

Making Your Decision

When deciding between a foldable and traditional phone in 2025, consider these key questions:

  1. How do you primarily use your phone? If multitasking and content consumption dominate your usage, a foldable offers tangible benefits.

  2. What’s your priority: versatility or reliability? Foldables offer more flexibility in use cases, while traditional phones still edge out in durability.

  3. What’s your budget? If you’re operating with constraints, traditional phones still offer better specifications per dollar spent.

  4. How important is future-proofing? Foldable technology is evolving rapidly, potentially making today’s purchases feel outdated sooner.

  5. What ecosystem are you invested in? Consider which form factors best complement your existing devices and workflows.

Conclusion

The question isn’t really whether foldables will replace traditional smartphones—it’s about which device category best serves different user needs and preferences. The “future of mobile” won’t be defined by a single form factor but by diverse options that cater to our increasingly varied digital lives.

For early adopters and those whose workflow benefits from larger screens in portable packages, foldables represent an exciting and increasingly practical option. For users who prioritize reliability, value, and simplicity, traditional smartphones continue to excel.

What seems clear is that the innovation sparked by foldable technology has reinvigorated the smartphone industry after years of incremental improvements. Whether you ultimately choose a device that folds or not, consumers benefit from the competition and cross-pollination of features between these two evolving categories.

Tech Empire’s Picks

Best Foldable Phones of 2025

  1. Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 7 - Best overall foldable experience
  2. Google Pixel Fold 3 - Best camera system in a foldable
  3. OnePlus Flip - Best value in the flip category
  4. Apple FlexPhone - Best ecosystem integration

Best Traditional Phones of 2025

  1. iPhone 17 Pro - Best overall traditional smartphone
  2. Samsung Galaxy S25 Ultra - Best Android experience
  3. Google Pixel 10 Pro - Best computational photography
  4. Nothing Phone (4) - Best value flagship

What’s your take on the foldable revolution? Are you ready to make the switch, or are you sticking with traditional smartphones for now? Share your thoughts in the comments below!