The pros and cons of using a foldable phone
Foldable smartphones are gaining popularity among consumers who value larger displays and versatile usage, despite representing only a small fraction of the overall market. These devices offer significant advantages in multitasking and form factor flexibility, allowing users to switch between phone, tablet, and laptop modes. However, potential buyers must weigh these benefits against higher costs, durability concerns, and the current limitations in camera quality and repairability.
- ▪Foldable phones currently account for approximately 2 percent of the entire smartphone market but are growing as more consumers accept the premium pricing.
- ▪Major manufacturers like Apple, Google, and Samsung now offer foldable devices, with 59 percent of smartphone owners expressing interest in the category.
- ▪Key advantages include displays up to 8 inches, improved multitasking capabilities, and the ability to function as a phone, tablet, or mini-laptop.
- ▪Disadvantages include potential screen scratches, hinge issues with dust, heavier weight compared to standard phones, and less advanced camera systems.
- ▪Repair costs are high because the devices are complex and currently considered not repairable by experts, making insurance essential for owners.
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| Original publisher | Engadget |
| Canonical URL | https://www.engadget.com/2266434/foldable-phone-pros-cons/ |
| Publication time | Sun, 27 Sep 2026 18:00:00 +0000 |
| Retrieval time | 2026-09-27T20:46:24.936Z |
| Last seen | 2026-09-27T20:46:24.936Z |
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News Mobile Smartphones The pros and cons of using a foldable phone They're neat, but are they worth the price? By Jonny Evans Sept. 27, 2026 2:00 pm EST Framesira/Shutterstock Add Engadget on Google: Preferred Source Google Discover Apple, Google, Samsung — all the big-name manufacturers offer foldable phones, and consumers are growing more curious about them. While the category isn't huge, accounting for approximately 2 percent of the entire smartphone market, they are growing as shoppers decide the features they provide justify their significantly higher price. But perhaps it is true to say that when you are spending a good slice of $2,000+ on a device, you want it to be able to deliver on the higher end of the features it promises.
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