Foldable Phones Have Finally Grown Up — Here's the Proof
The first generation of foldables was delicate and expensive. The third generation is durable, refined, and genuinely worth considering.
The original Samsung Galaxy Fold cost $1,980, creased visibly after weeks of use, and felt like a prototype sold to early adopters who would report back the problems. The third generation of foldables, arriving this year from Samsung, Google, and OnePlus, tells a different story.
Durability Has Been Solved (Mostly)
The crease is still there if you look for it in certain lighting conditions, but it has become far less noticeable in daily use. More importantly, hinge durability has improved dramatically. Samsung's Galaxy Z Fold 7 is rated for 200,000 fold cycles — roughly 500 folds per day for a year — and independent drop tests show survival rates comparable to slab flagships.
The Software Story Is Better Too
Android's foldable optimisation has matured significantly. Split-screen multitasking, app continuity between cover screen and main display, and taskbar navigation feel polished rather than bolted-on. Google's own Pixel Fold benefits from deep integration with Android's foldable APIs in ways third-party manufacturers take time to match.
The price remains the sticking point — these devices start at $1,099. But for users who genuinely use a tablet and a phone, the combination device now makes a compelling case.