🔄 Foldables in 2025: Should You Finally Buy One?
Foldable smartphones have been “the future” for nearly half a decade now — yet many people are still wondering: is 2025 finally the year to buy one?
With massive improvements in durability, hinge design, and display longevity, this year’s foldables feel less like experiments and more like mature, premium devices.
If you’ve been holding off on the idea of a folding phone, now might be the best time to reconsider.
Let’s break down the foldable market of 2025 — what’s new, what’s improved, and which models are worth your money.
📈 The State of Foldables in 2025
Just a few years ago, foldables were fragile, expensive, and slightly gimmicky.
Fast forward to 2025, and we now have better materials, optimized hinges, stronger ultra-thin glass, and even water resistance in most models.
According to data from Counterpoint Research, foldable shipments are expected to grow by 46% year-over-year in 2025, thanks to brands like Samsung, Google, Honor, and OnePlus releasing affordable versions alongside their premium flagships.
What changed?
✅ Costs have dropped.
✅ Screens are more durable.
✅ Software finally understands two-screen setups.
Foldables are no longer a luxury statement — they’re becoming the next standard form factor.
🏆 1. Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 7 – The Foldable Benchmark
No discussion about foldables is complete without Samsung.
The Galaxy Z Fold 7 has refined nearly every aspect of the foldable experience.
🔍 Key Upgrades
- 7.8-inch Dynamic AMOLED 2X display
- Thinner and lighter (now just 229g)
- Snapdragon 8 Gen 4 processor
- Galaxy AI 2.0 integration
- Redesigned hinge rated for 500,000 folds
- IPX8 water resistance
Samsung has also fine-tuned the inner crease — it’s barely visible now.
With the new multitasking layout and S Pen Fold Edition, this phone is perfect for creators and productivity users alike.
💸 Price
Starts around $1,799 — still premium, but it’s the most reliable, feature-complete foldable yet.
📱 2. Samsung Galaxy Z Flip 7 – Compact Brilliance
For those who love small phones, the Galaxy Z Flip 7 remains the most stylish and accessible foldable.
Highlights
- Larger 3.9-inch cover display
- AI-assisted camera with FlexCam
- 120 Hz AMOLED inner panel
- New hinge for zero-gap fold
- Compact design with matte finishes
The Flip 7 now integrates with Samsung Health and Galaxy AI, allowing users to record workouts, track posture, and even take timed selfies hands-free.
At $999, it’s still the easiest entry into the foldable world.
🤖 3. Google Pixel Fold 3 – Smarter Than Ever
Google’s third-gen foldable brings intelligence to flexibility.
The Pixel Fold 3 is powered by the Tensor G5 chip and features the most advanced software optimization yet.
🧠 What Makes It Special
- 7.6-inch OLED inner screen (120 Hz)
- Gemini AI Core built into Android 15
- 50 MP + 48 MP dual rear cameras
- Fold-aware multitasking
- Battery life up to 2 days
Thanks to Gemini, it can summarize articles, auto-reply to messages, and even resize apps intelligently across screens.
It’s not just a phone — it’s AI that bends with you.
🧩 4. OnePlus Open 2 – Premium Meets Practical
The first OnePlus Open was a surprise hit in 2023.
Now, the OnePlus Open 2 refines that formula, blending design and performance beautifully.
Features
- Snapdragon 8 Gen 4 processor
- Hasselblad-tuned triple camera system
- 120 W fast charging
- 2K inner display, 120 Hz
- Lightweight titanium frame
The biggest improvement?
Its hinge durability has doubled, and the crease is almost invisible.
Starting around $1,499, it undercuts Samsung while offering flagship performance.
🧠 5. Honor Magic V3 – The Slimmest Foldable Yet
Honor’s Magic V3 is redefining what “thin” means in foldables.
At just 9.7 mm when folded, it’s the world’s slimmest folding phone — without sacrificing power.
Key Specs
- Snapdragon 8 Gen 3
- 7.92-inch AMOLED screen
- 50 MP triple Leica optics
- 66 W fast charging
- MagicOS 9
The Magic V3 focuses on portability and sleek design — perfect for users who hate bulky devices but want the versatility of a foldable.
📸 6. Oppo Find N5 – Small But Mighty
Oppo continues to shine with its Find N series, known for compact, book-style foldables.
The new Find N5 perfects the small foldable experience.
Features
- 7.1-inch inner display (near square aspect)
- 120 Hz refresh rate
- Sony IMX890 main sensor
- 4,800 mAh battery
- Android 15 with ColorOS Fold
The crease? Practically gone.
And with AI-optimized multitasking, you can drag and drop between apps or record video on one side while previewing on the other.
🧮 7. Motorola Razr 50 Ultra – Retro Cool, Modern Power
Motorola’s Razr 50 Ultra keeps nostalgia alive with a modern twist.
It’s no longer a gimmick — this flip phone is a serious contender.
Highlights
- Massive 4.2-inch outer screen
- Snapdragon 8s Gen 3
- 3,800 mAh battery with 45 W charging
- Vegan leather design
- Gesture controls via Moto AI
The cover display supports full app usage — TikTok, Maps, and even YouTube.
Motorola nailed the “compact convenience” segment.
🧠 Why Foldables Finally Make Sense in 2025
Here’s why 2025 might be the year to finally buy one:
✅ Durability Is No Longer a Concern
With new hinge materials and stronger ultra-thin glass, foldables now last as long as slab phones.
Most come with IP ratings and up to 500,000 folds tested.
✅ Prices Are Falling
You can now find foldables starting under $900, especially from Honor, Tecno, and Xiaomi.
✅ Battery Life Is Catching Up
The latest chips (Snapdragon 8 Gen 4, Tensor G5) offer 25–30% better efficiency than previous models.
✅ Software Finally Feels Native
Android 15 integrates foldable-specific layouts — no more awkward transitions or app bugs.
📊 Best Foldables for Each Type of User
| Category | Recommended Phone | Why |
|---|---|---|
| Best Overall | Galaxy Z Fold 7 | Balanced performance, display, and support |
| Best for AI | Pixel Fold 3 | Smartest foldable ecosystem |
| Best Budget | Galaxy Z Flip 7 | Affordable, compact, stylish |
| Best Camera | OnePlus Open 2 | Flagship optics, sleek body |
| Best Thin Design | Honor Magic V3 | World’s slimmest foldable |
💬 Pros and Cons of Buying a Foldable in 2025
👍 Pros
- Dual-screen multitasking is genuinely useful now
- Build quality equals flagships
- More variety and price options
- AI tools make large displays practical
- They just look cool 😎
👎 Cons
- Still pricier than traditional flagships
- Slightly heavier and thicker
- Repair costs can be higher
If you’re a heavy multitasker or content creator, the benefits outweigh the drawbacks.
🧭 Should You Wait or Buy Now?
If your current phone is over two years old, 2025 is the perfect upgrade window.
Foldables are entering their mature stage — durable, affordable, and loaded with next-gen AI.
But if you want to be absolutely safe, wait for the Pixel Fold 3 or Z Fold 7 FE — both are expected to offer flagship power with better pricing later in the year.
🔮 Final Thoughts
Foldables are no longer a niche.
They’ve evolved into reliable, high-performance devices that give users more ways to use their phone.
Whether you love multitasking, creative work, or just want something different — 2025’s foldables are finally ready for the mainstream.
No gimmicks. No compromises. Just flexibility, perfected.
Stay tuned to BudgetPhonez for updates on new foldable releases, hands-on reviews, and upcoming Amazon deals — because this year, the future really folds.
❓ FAQ
Q: Are foldables finally durable enough for daily use?
A: Yes — most 2025 models are rated for over 400,000 folds and come with improved glass protection.
Q: Do they still have a visible crease?
A: Slightly, but it’s much less noticeable — brands like Oppo and Samsung have nearly eliminated it.
Q: Which foldable offers the best camera setup?
A: The OnePlus Open 2 and Pixel Fold 3 both offer true flagship-grade photography.
Q: Will foldables get cheaper?
A: Definitely — as manufacturing scales up, expect sub-$800 foldables by late 2025.
📲 Follow BudgetPhonez for real-world reviews, comparison charts, and the best affiliate deals on 2025’s top foldable smartphones.
