Since their launch in 2019, foldables have claimed to revolutionize mobile technology by offering tablet displays in portable packages. So far, through the year 2025, several generations of Samsung, Huawei, Motorola, Google, and other foldables have come onto the market—each thinner, stronger, and smarter.
All the hype notwithstanding, however, foldables remain niche items with a relatively low share of the worldwide smartphone market.
So why haven’t they sold off the shelves? This article breaks down the top reasons foldables continue to struggle in real-world use—despite technology improving and hype in the press.
1. Too Costly for Mainstream AdoptionThe biggest hurdle remains cost. Foldables typically retail for $1,500 to $2,000, far above high-end bar phones like the Galaxy S25 or iPhone 16 Pro.
By 2025, even budget foldables are over $1,000, and they’re still out of the budgets of mainstream users. Buyers still see foldables as high-end phones and not upgrades that must be had.
Why it matters: Most users expect more bang for their money—improved camera, battery, or build—when they’re paying a premium. Foldables make these trade-offs to focus on the folding novelty.
2. Durability Concerns Haven't Gone AwayIn spite of improvements in ultra-thin glass, hinge technology, and waterproofing, durability remains an issue with foldables:
Creases: Folds in the screen are still an eyesore, particularly in sunlight or dark color schemes.
Hinges: Durability over years is in doubt; hinge creaks or tightness are reported in some users after a year.
Screens: Flexible OLED screens are still more susceptible to scratches and cracks than standard Gorilla Glass displays.
In 2025, consumers again wonder: Will this phone last me 3+ years like a regular flagship?
Answer: More often than not, the answer is no—at least, not without babying it.
3. Software Still Lags the HardwareAndroid has come a long way in optimizing for foldables, especially with Android 14 and 15. But app developers still struggle to develop truly adaptive, seamless foldable experiences.
Some of the frequent issues are:
Apps not resizing correctly between folded/unfolded states
UI elements breaking or overlapping when split-screened
Games running in unseemly aspect ratios
While Samsung’s One UI and Google’s Pixel Fold software attempt to work around this, the overall user experience is jarring between apps.
4. Battery Life and Bulk Still Trade-OffsFolding architectures occupy space for several screens, hinges, and complex circuitry. That gives less room for big batteries—and more weight.
Even in 2025:
Battery life on foldables still lags behind regular phones by 20–30%.
Foldables are heavier and thicker, especially in fold mode.
Flip phones are small cover screens that require you to open them constantly (losing battery and convenience).
For people who care about all-day use and portability, foldables remain an imperfect compromise.
5. Use Cases Aren't Compelling for EveryoneFoldables are sexy—but what’s the actual payoff?
For casual users: More screen is a nice-to-have, not a have-to-have.
For productivity: Tablets or laptops remain more comfortable and more capable of multitasking.
For creators: Foldables can be used as mini-cameras or preview monitors, but not revolutionizers.
In brief, the “wow” effect fades away, and most users return to comfortable familiar devices that serve more effectively.
6. Business & Repair Costs Remain RiskyRepairing foldable phones in 2025 remains costly and only accessible at a few certified service centers. Typical faults are:
Screen replacements over $500–$700
Custom part and labor-requiring hinges
Shorter warranty windows for foldables compared to standard phones
For enterprise or business users, these risks aren’t worth it—especially considering reliability matters so much.
7. Foldables Still Hold a Small Market ShareDespite shiny ads and product releases every year, foldable phone usage remains under 5% of the world’s market in 2025.
Brought partly by:
Consumer skepticism
Higher cost of production
Limited options provided by premium brands
Even early adopters only use foldables as second devices or status symbols, and not as daily drivers.
What Would Make Foldables Succeed?
To make foldables mainstream, manufacturers must:
Lower the price—ideally making entry-level models under $1,000
Make them more resilient, up to flagship levels
Provide software that’s smooth, intuitive, and responsive
Pioneer new tech beyond folding—rollables, hybrid tech, and AI integrations
Target practical use cases like productivity, content creation, or specialized business tools
Until they happen, foldables will continue to impress at tech shows—but disappoint in the real world.
Final Thoughts
Foldables are not dying—but they’re not exactly flourishing either. In 2025, they still remain in the mid-ground between innovation and usability, lauded for engineering brilliance but bogged down by compromises.
To tech enthusiasts, foldables offer something new and spaceship-like. To normal users? They remain a tough sell.
So if you’re wondering, “Should I buy a fold phone in 2025?” — the reply is:
Only if you know what you’re giving up for that fold.
