Pros and Cons of Foldable Phones (With Recommendations)

Foldable phones first came into the scene over 25 years ago in the shape of the 1996 Motorola StarTAC. However, over time, they were excused from the digital phone scene towards the end of the early 2000s. The rise of Apple’s iPhones and various then-current BlackBerry handsets caused this extinction. However, fast-forward to today, and they’re back on the scene. Many high-quality foldable smartphones are dominating the market. Therefore, it is essential to know the pros and cons of foldable phones to make an informed purchase if you decide to get one.

What do you need to know about using a foldable smartphone? Should you swap your iPhone for a Microsoft Surface Duo 2 or your Samsung Galaxy S21 Ultra for a Galaxy Z Fold or the comparatively tiny Galaxy Z Flip? Here are the pros and cons of using foldable smartphones. You can also read a comparison between regular smartphones and foldable smartphones here.

The Pros of Foldable Smartphones

The first and most obvious feature of foldable smartphones is their shape factor. They are larger when opened and reduced when folded, up to twice the size of regular smartphones. This ability to fold makes them perfect for tiny spaces while maintaining their size functionality. On the other hand, larger models grant users a more tablet-like experience on the go. They do so in a handset that folds to the size of a typical non-folding smartphone when not in use.

Another major advantage is the ‘cool factor’, which refers to how cool the phones make the users look. The cool factor is the most important factor for non-tech-inclined people when considering foldable phones. These phones will surely be a conversation starter, and having one in your hand signals that you’re a tech enthusiast keeping up with the latest and greatest gadgets.

Although most of the advantages of foldable phones are in the form factor, other benefits include bigger, longer-lasting batteries, cutting-edge tech, better entertainment options, and improved multitasking abilities.

The Cons of Foldable Smartphones

The first con is the high price tag. Like any new technology, most foldable smartphones come with a high price tag. Compared to conventional smartphones, foldable ones are priced at a premium, making them less accessible for many users.

A major disadvantage of foldable phones is their weak battery life. Powering a device with a larger display requires more energy than usual, leading to a shorter battery life compared to traditional smartphones. This could be a significant turn-off for many potential buyers.

On a final note, another important concern for foldable phones is their durability. Most smartphone brands have been taking steps to make their foldable phones better. However, they’re still more fragile than their regular, non-foldable counterparts. Even though they have been specially designed for this, foldable phones will still involve lots of folding and unfolding movements daily, which puts stress on the physical parts. Therefore, users must be extra careful not to drop or damage these devices, which could add to the stress of daily use.

Weigh these pros and cons before buying a smartphone. Foldable phones are an interesting technological invention. However, it is essential to understand the pros and cons of foldable phones before owning one.