Flip, Fold, and Flex: Are Foldable Phones the Future?

Foldable phones are becoming more popular, and they mainly come in two types. The first is the book style foldable, like the Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 6, which opens up like a small tablet.

The second type is the clamshell design, such as the Motorola Razr+, which folds in half to stay compact and easy to carry.

These phones use special flexible OLED screens and advanced hinges to fold and unfold smoothly. They act like two devices in one small when closed, big when open.

Earlier models were often bulky and easy to damage, but newer versions are much better. For example, the Honor Magic V3 is just 4.35mm thick when folded, and the Z Fold 6 has an IP48 rating, meaning it can handle water splashes and dust better than any foldable before.

The book style models are great for multitasking, you can run several apps on a wide 7.6-inch screen, perfect for work or entertainment. Google’s new Pixel 9 Pro Fold also has a smart design, its 6.3-inch outer screen and powerful rear cameras make it great for vlogging, using the main camera and screen together.

Clamshells, like the Samsung Z Flip 6, are all about style and convenience. They fit easily in your pocket but still offer large cover screens, so you can check messages or use apps without even opening the phone.

However, they are expensive, with many costing over $1,000. The Z Fold 6, for example, sells for around $1,900. They’re also still not as strong as regular phones no foldable phone is fully dustproof yet, and hinges can still break if dirt gets inside.

The foldable market is growing fast. Rumors suggest Apple might release a foldable iPhone in 2026, and OnePlus is expected to launch the Open 2 in 2025. As technology improves and prices drop, foldables may become more common.