Foldables Have Come a Long Way — But the Story Isn't Over
Remember the first Samsung Galaxy Fold? The one that reviewers broke before it even launched to the public? Foldable phones started their commercial life as expensive, fragile experiments. Fast-forward to 2024, and the category has matured considerably. But "matured" doesn't automatically mean "ready for everyone." Let's look at where foldables actually stand.
How Foldable Phones Have Improved
Durability: From Worrying to Acceptable
The hinge and inner display crease were the Achilles heels of early foldables. Modern foldables use significantly more robust hinge mechanisms with rated fold cycles in the hundreds of thousands. The crease in the display is still visible — no manufacturer has eliminated it — but it's less distracting on newer models and largely invisible during active use.
IPX8 water resistance is now available on flagship foldables, which was unthinkable in the first generation. This doesn't mean you should swim with your foldable, but it means a rain shower or spilled drink is no longer catastrophic.
Thinness: Finally Pocket-Friendly
Early foldables were embarrassingly thick when folded. The latest generation from Samsung, Google, and others have closed the gap substantially. Folded dimensions are approaching regular smartphone thickness, making daily carry far more practical.
Software: Getting There
Android app optimization for larger, folded displays has improved, driven largely by Google's own efforts and Samsung's developer relationships. Split-screen multitasking, drag-and-drop between apps, and taskbar navigation all work meaningfully better than they did two years ago. That said, many third-party apps still don't take full advantage of the larger canvas — the optimization remains incomplete.
The Two Types of Foldable: Which Is Right for You?
Book-Style (Galaxy Z Fold, Pixel Fold)
These open horizontally to reveal a tablet-sized inner display. They're productivity powerhouses — excellent for multitasking, reading, and media consumption. The trade-off is that they're expensive, relatively thick, and heavier than standard phones.
Clamshell-Style (Galaxy Z Flip, Motorola Razr)
These fold vertically, making a standard-sized smartphone pocketable in half. They're fashion-forward, more affordable than book-style foldables, and feel genuinely different to use. They don't offer the expanded screen real estate of book-style devices — the main benefit is the compact folded form.
The Arguments Against Buying a Foldable Right Now
- Price: Book-style foldables start around $1,800. That's a significant premium over flagship slabs.
- Screen protectors are non-negotiable: The inner display uses a plastic layer that scratches easily. Replacing it professionally is expensive.
- Resale value drops faster: Foldables depreciate more sharply than traditional flagships.
- Repairability is limited: These devices are complex and expensive to repair. Manufacturer protection plans are more important here than on standard phones.
Who Should Buy a Foldable in 2024?
Foldables make the most sense for people who genuinely use their phones as productivity tools — reviewing documents, running multiple apps simultaneously, or consuming long-form content. If your phone mostly handles calls, social media, and messaging, a foldable's premium won't pay off in daily experience.
The technology is no longer fragile and experimental. But it remains a niche choice for a mainstream price. If you've been watching the category and waiting for it to feel "ready" — for many users, that moment has arrived. Just go in knowing what you're paying for.