Foldable Phones 2025: Top Innovations & What to Expect Next

Latest Innovations in Foldable Phones: What to Expect in 2025

The foldable phone market has evolved dramatically since Samsung introduced the first Galaxy Fold in 2019. In 2025, these devices have transcended their initial novelty status to become sophisticated mainstream options that blend cutting-edge technology with practical functionality. From revolutionary rollable displays to advanced AI features and remarkably thin designs, the innovations in foldable phones are more exciting and diverse than ever before. This comprehensive guide explores everything you need to know about foldable phones in 2025, including the latest models, groundbreaking technologies, and practical buying advice.

The Evolution of Foldable Phones

Leading Foldable Phone Models in 2025

Breakthrough Technologies in 2025: Foldables

AI Integration in Foldable Devices

Foldable Phones for Productivity and Business

Camera Technology in 2025 Foldables

Price Trends and Accessibility

User Experience Considerations

Challenges and Limitations

Future Outlook: Beyond 2025

Buying Guide: How to Choose a Foldable Phone in 2025

Conclusion

The Evolution of Foldable Phones

The journey of foldable phones from concept to mainstream devices has been remarkable. Early models faced significant hurdles, including durability issues, visible display creases, and prohibitive pricing. However, as we move through 2025, these concerns have largely been addressed through continuous innovation and technological refinement.

The foldable phone market has experienced exponential growth, with adoption rates increasing significantly as prices gradually decrease and technology improves. Initial skepticism has given way to growing consumer confidence as manufacturers have demonstrated the practical benefits of having a device that functions as both a smartphone and a tablet.

In 2025, foldable phones have firmly established themselves as a distinct category within the smartphone market, with dedicated software experiences and unique use cases that justify their premium positioning. The technology has matured to a point where foldable displays offer comparable durability to traditional smartphones, while providing expanded functionality through their versatile form factors.

Leading Foldable Phone Models in 2025

Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 6

Samsung continues to lead the foldable phone market with its Galaxy Z Fold 6, which represents the culmination of years of refinement in foldable technology. The device features a thinner and lighter design compared to its predecessors while maintaining structural integrity. Its large internal display provides a tablet-like experience for productivity and media consumption.

The Galaxy Z Fold 6 is powered by advanced AI features through Galaxy AI, enabling innovative functionalities like Circle to Search, Interpreter for real-time translation, and Note Assist for AI-powered note organization. These features leverage the unique form factor of the device to deliver enhanced user experiences.

Key specifications include a high-resolution 50MP camera complemented by ultrawide and telephoto lenses, providing versatile photography options. The device also features an under-display camera on the main screen for an uninterrupted viewing experience.

Business users particularly appreciate the Z Fold 6's multitasking capabilities, which allow for PC-like productivity on a mobile device. The ability to run multiple apps simultaneously takes advantage of the expanded screen real estate offered by the foldable design.

Google Pixel 9 Pro Fold

Google's second-generation foldable, the Pixel 9 Pro Fold, has made significant strides in 2025. Powered by Google's in-house Tensor G4 SoC, it offers a comprehensive suite of AI features including image editing capabilities, offline transcription, and translation.

The Pixel 9 Pro Fold features a 6.3-inch outer display and an 8.0-inch inner screen, providing ample space for reading and multitasking16. While it may not have as many software productivity tweaks as Samsung's offering, it compensates with superior camera performance and Google's Gemini Live assistant integration.

For users invested in Google's ecosystem, the Pixel 9 Pro Fold offers seamless integration with Google services and the purest expression of Android optimized for the foldable form factor16. If you prioritize camera quality and Google's AI capabilities, the Pixel 9 Pro Fold stands out as an excellent choice.

OnePlus Open

The OnePlus Open has carved out a niche in the foldable market by offering the largest internal display at 7.8 inches while maintaining a competitive price point of $1,499.99. This positions it as a value alternative to more expensive flagship foldables.

Powered by the Qualcomm Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 processor and equipped with 16GB of RAM, the OnePlus Open delivers flagship-level performance. The device also features enhanced software for multitasking, with a sleek home screen designed specifically for the foldable experience.

The OnePlus Open splits the size difference between the short-and-wide Pixel and the tall-and-narrow Z Fold designs, while managing to be lighter than both 16. For consumers seeking maximum screen real estate in a foldable form factor without paying the highest premium, the OnePlus Open represents an attractive option in the 2025 market.

Motorola Razr+ and Razr

Motorola continues to innovate in the flip-style foldable segment with its Razr+ and standard Razr models. The Razr+ stands out for its intuitive use of dual screens, allowing users to access information, widgets, and notifications without opening the device.

When unfolded, the Razr+ provides a full 6.7-inch smartphone experience powered by a Qualcomm Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 processor and 12GB of RAM. The device excels at creative selfie opportunities, using the folding screen as a built-in tripod.

The standard Motorola Razr offers similar functionality at a more accessible price point, making it an excellent entry point for consumers interested in exploring foldable technology 16. Despite using a MediaTek Dimensity 7300x chip to reduce costs, it still delivers adequate performance for everyday tasks while providing an exceptional battery life of over 16 hours.

Both Motorola devices feature the company's innovative Teardrop Hinge, which allows for a seamless folding motion and eliminates screen creasing issues found in earlier foldable designs.

Other Notable Competitors

While Samsung, Google, Motorola, and OnePlus dominate the foldable phone conversation in 2025, several other manufacturers have entered the market with compelling alternatives. These include luxury offerings from brands like Vertu, which blend premium materials with foldable technology to create exclusive devices for the high-end market.

The diversity of options available to consumers in 2025 reflects the maturing of the foldable phone market, with different approaches to addressing user needs through various form factors and price points.

Breakthrough Technologies in 2025: Foldables

Advanced Hinge Designs

Hinge technology remains a critical component of foldable phone design, with significant innovations appearing in 2025 models. Google's Pixel Fold utilizes a custom-built 180-degree fluid friction hinge that moves components away from the display area, allowing for an ultra-thin profile when unfolded.

"The Pixel Fold has a custom-built, 180-degree fluid friction hinge. When it opens, the hinge is completely flat; it is moved entirely out of the way of the Pixel Fold's display, which is what allows the phone to be so thin," explains George Hwang, a Pixel Product Manager. This innovative approach to hinge design has set new standards for foldable device thinness.

Motorola's Teardrop Hinge represents another breakthrough, featuring a teardrop-shaped pivot point that enables seamless folding without creating a crease in the display. This design innovation addresses one of the most persistent complaints about earlier foldable phones, offering benefits including "no crease or wrinkling of the screen" and "enhanced durability".

Samsung continues to refine its hinge technology, with the Galaxy Z Fold 6 featuring a gap-free design that protects the internal components while maintaining a sleek profile. These advancements in hinge design have significantly improved both the aesthetics and durability of foldable phones in 2025.

Display Innovations

Display technology has evolved substantially for foldable phones in 2025, with improvements in durability, brightness, and resolution. The latest foldable displays feature enhanced ultra-thin glass (UTG) that provides better protection against scratches while maintaining flexibility.

Samsung's Galaxy Z Fold 6 is described as "thinner and lighter than ever before, with a pocket-worthy silhouette and even brighter, awe-inspiring interior screen". This focus on display quality and form factor refinement demonstrates how foldable technology has matured.

Adaptive refresh rates have become standard across premium foldable devices, with screens capable of scaling from 1Hz to 120Hz depending on content needs, thus optimizing both performance and battery life. Display brightness has also increased significantly, with peak brightness levels exceeding 1,500 nits for improved outdoor visibility.

Perhaps most significantly, the visible crease that characterized earlier foldable phones has been minimized to the point of near invisibility in 2025 models, thanks to improved materials and hinge designs like Motorola's Teardrop Hinge.

Under-Display Cameras

Under-display camera (UDC) technology has matured significantly by 2025, with most premium foldable phones incorporating this feature on their main displays. This technology allows for an uninterrupted viewing experience by hiding the selfie camera beneath the display.

Samsung's implementation in the Galaxy Z Fold 6 represents the most advanced version of this technology, with improved light transmission and image processing algorithms that compensate for the limitations of capturing photos through display pixels. The upcoming rollable phone from Samsung is also expected to feature UDC technology, "eliminating the need for a camera cutout and providing an uninterrupted display surface".

While UDC image quality still doesn't quite match traditional front-facing cameras, the gap has narrowed substantially, making the trade-off for an uninterrupted display increasingly worthwhile for many users.

Durability Improvements

Durability has been a primary focus area for foldable phone manufacturers, with 2025 models offering significantly improved resistance to damage from everyday use. Enhanced water and dust resistance has become standard, with most premium foldables achieving IP ratings that were previously reserved for conventional smartphones.

The folding displays themselves have become more resistant to damage at the fold point, with advanced protective films and strengthened ultra-thin glass technologies. Manufacturers have also improved the structural integrity of these devices, resulting in foldables that can withstand tens of thousands of fold cycles without degradation.

These durability improvements have been crucial in increasing consumer confidence in foldable technology, addressing one of the major barriers to adoption in earlier years.

New Form Factors: Rollable Displays

Perhaps the most exciting development in the 2025 foldable phone landscape is the emergence of rollable displays. Samsung is reportedly developing a smartphone with a large, rollable display that could launch in the second half of 2025, featuring a flexible screen that unrolls to an impressive 12.4 inches.

According to a report by The Elec, "this innovative device will feature a flexible screen that unrolls to an impressive 12.4 inches, rivaling the size of some Android tablets". This represents a significant evolution in flexible display technology, moving beyond folding to rolling as a means of expanding screen size.

"The report suggests that Samsung is now prioritizing rollable phone technology, aiming for a 2025 launch," indicating a strategic shift in the company's approach to flexible displays 15. This innovation represents the next frontier in flexible display technology, potentially offering even larger screen sizes without the visible crease associated with folding displays.

AI Integration in Foldable Devices

Galaxy AI and Its Features

Samsung's Galaxy AI represents one of the most comprehensive AI implementations in foldable devices, with the Galaxy Z Fold 6 showcasing several innovative features that leverage the unique form factor of foldable phones. Circle to Search allows users to intuitively search for information by simply circling objects on the expansive internal display, eliminating the need to switch between apps.

Interpreter mode transforms the foldable phone into a powerful translation tool, displaying two languages simultaneously on different portions of the screen 20. The feature description notes: "FlexMode displays your language on one screen and theirs on the other," making effective use of the device's dual-screen nature.

Note Assist with Galaxy AI brings intelligent note-taking capabilities to the foldable experience, automatically organizing information, creating shopping lists, and summarizing lengthy documents 20. The large internal display of the Galaxy Z Fold 6 provides an ideal canvas for these AI-powered productivity features.

Google's Tensor and AI Capabilities

Google's Pixel 9 Pro Fold leverages the company's Tensor G4 chip to deliver a suite of AI features optimized for the foldable form factor. The device excels at computational photography, with AI-assisted image editing that can remove unwanted objects or people from photos, enhance image quality in challenging lighting conditions, and generate creative variations of existing images.

The Pixel 9 Pro Fold features "AI-assisted image editing, offline transcription, and even offline translation" capabilities. These features are particularly valuable on a foldable device, where the larger screen provides more space for complex editing interfaces and side-by-side translations.

Google's Gemini Live assistant provides contextually aware information and assistance, making effective use of the larger screen to display relevant information alongside conversation interfaces. For users who prioritize AI capabilities, the Pixel 9 Pro Fold offers the most comprehensive implementation of Google's AI vision on a foldable form factor.

Practical AI Applications for Foldables

The combination of AI capabilities and foldable form factors has enabled several practical applications that weren't possible on conventional smartphones. Split-screen AI analysis allows users to compare products, translate documents side-by-side with originals, or edit photos while referencing original versions.

Samsung's Z Fold 6 includes features like Sketch to Image, which transforms simple drawings into detailed images through AI processing. The company notes that it "partnered with Vogue during fashion week to help a designer develop chic new looks using Galaxy Z Fold6 and Sketch to Image," highlighting creative professional applications for the technology.

In 2025, AI integration has moved beyond mere features to fundamentally reshape how users interact with foldable devices, creating experiences that adapt to individual needs and usage patterns while taking full advantage of the expanded screen real estate.

Foldable Phones for Productivity and Business

The business applications of foldable phones have matured significantly by 2025, with these devices increasingly positioned as productivity tools that can replace tablets and even lightweight laptops in certain scenarios. The Galaxy Z Fold 6 is explicitly promoted as a device to "unfold your best business venture" and "experience a powerful new assistant with Galaxy AI.

Multitasking capabilities have been refined through several generations of software optimization, with interfaces that intelligently manage multiple applications across the expanded display area. Samsung describes its latest foldable as offering "seamless PC-like multitasking," positioning it as a legitimate productivity device.

Document editing and review processes benefit substantially from the larger screens of unfolded devices, allowing for more comprehensive views of spreadsheets, presentations, and text documents. The OnePlus Open, with its massive 7.8-inch internal display, is particularly well-suited for document work16.

The business appeal of foldable phones in 2025 has been enhanced by improved security features, including advanced biometrics and secure folders that isolate sensitive business data from personal content. Samsung's DeX mode allows compatible devices to function as desktop computers when connected to external displays, further extending their utility in professional environments.

Camera Technology in 2025 Foldables

Camera systems in foldable phones have reached new heights of sophistication in 2025, addressing what was previously considered a weakness compared to traditional flagship smartphones. The Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 6 features a versatile triple-camera system with a 50MP wide-angle camera, complemented by 12MP ultra-wide and 10MP telephoto lenses that deliver optical-quality zoom options.

The device is described as having "mind-blowing specs and Galaxy AI features like AI Zoom powered by ProVisual Engine". Samsung emphasizes that "every image comes to life with stunning clarity and vibrancy on a high-resolution, 50MP camera," indicating that image quality has become a major focus area for foldable devices.

Google's Pixel 9 Pro Fold is noted for having "much better cameras" than Samsung's Z Fold 6, continuing Google's tradition of excellence in mobile photography. This suggests that camera quality is becoming a key differentiator among premium foldable phones, rather than an afterthought.

The unique form factor of foldable phones has enabled creative new photography experiences, such as using the partially folded device as a built-in stand for long-exposure shots or time-lapse photography. Flip-style foldables like the Motorola Razr+ offer innovative selfie experiences, with the device described as "great for taking creative selfies because the folding screen works as a tripod of sorts".

Price Trends and Accessibility

One of the most significant developments in the foldable phone market of 2025 is the gradual democratization of the technology through more accessible price points. While premium flagship foldables from Samsung and Google continue to command premium prices, mid-range options have emerged that bring foldable technology to a broader audience.

The Motorola Razr represents an excellent value proposition in the flip-style category, described as "the best value on the market" for those who "want to dip [their] toe into the world of foldable phones without spending a lot of money". It achieves this by making strategic compromises in processor specifications while maintaining adequate performance for everyday tasks.

The OnePlus Open, priced at $1,499.99, positions itself as providing "big screens without a big price," offering the largest display among mainstream foldables at a price point below the most premium options. This competitive pricing strategy has helped expand the market for foldable devices.

Despite these positive trends toward accessibility, foldable phones in 2025 still command a price premium over conventional smartphones with similar specifications. The Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 6 is described as "expensive" in comparison reviews, indicating that price remains a consideration for potential buyers 16. However, the gap has narrowed significantly, and the unique value proposition of having a device that functions as both a phone and a tablet has become more compelling as the technology has matured.

User Experience Considerations

Software Optimization for Foldable Displays

The software experience on foldable phones has evolved dramatically by 2025, with operating systems and applications specifically optimized to take advantage of the unique form factors. Android has implemented comprehensive support for different screen states, ensuring smooth transitions between folded and unfolded configurations.

The seamless transfer of an application from the cover display to the main screen when unfolding the device has become more refined, with intelligent resizing and repositioning of interface elements to make optimal use of the available screen space. The Motorola Razr+ is specifically praised for this capability, with reviews noting it "intuitively helps you take advantage of its two screens".

Split-screen multitasking has been enhanced with customizable layouts, allowing users to save preferred app combinations for quick access. The OnePlus Open is highlighted for its "enhanced software for multitasking, giving the Open a sleek home screen that impresses". This focus on software optimization demonstrates how manufacturers are increasingly differentiating their foldable offerings through user experience enhancements.

App Ecosystem Maturity

The app ecosystem for foldable phones has reached a significant level of maturity in 2025, with most popular applications offering dedicated interfaces optimized for different screen states. This evolution has been crucial in making foldable devices practical for everyday use rather than just technological showcases.

Media consumption apps have implemented clever interfaces that utilize the foldable form factor, such as video players that display content on the top half of the screen and controls or comments on the bottom half when the device is partially folded. Gaming experiences have been transformed on foldable devices, with titles that adapt their interfaces and controls based on the device's configuration.

Productivity applications have particularly benefited from the larger screens of unfolded devices, with expanded toolsets and more intuitive interfaces. The Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 6 is specifically marketed for its ability to support "Note Assist with Galaxy AI," which can organize notes and summarize lengthy documents.

Unique User Interfaces

Manufacturers have developed distinctive user interfaces that differentiate their foldable offerings while addressing the practical challenges of managing larger screens. Samsung's One UI has evolved to include sophisticated gesture controls that facilitate navigation across the expansive internal display of the Galaxy Z Fold 6.

FlexMode, which adapts the interface when devices are partially folded, has become more versatile and supported by a wider range of applications. This mode transforms foldable phones into self-supporting devices for video calls, photography, or media consumption, eliminating the need for external stands or holders.

The OnePlus Open is noted for its approach to the home screen, with reviewers praising its "sleek home screen that impresses". This suggests that manufacturers are finding unique ways to leverage the additional screen space afforded by foldable devices to create more intuitive and efficient user experiences.

Challenges and Limitations

Despite significant advances, foldable phones in 2025 still face several challenges that manufacturers continue to address. The price premium compared to conventional smartphones remains a barrier to widespread adoption, even as more affordable options enter the market. The Galaxy Z Fold 6 is explicitly described as "expensive" in comparison reviews.

Physical limitations persist in certain areas, with foldable phones typically offering shorter battery life than similarly priced conventional smartphones due to the power requirements of larger displays and the space constraints imposed by folding mechanisms. Battery life for the Z Flip 6 is described as "only average", indicating this remains an area for improvement.

Durability concerns, while significantly reduced compared to earlier generations, haven't been entirely eliminated. The mechanical complexity of folding mechanisms introduces potential failure points that don't exist in conventional smartphones. However, advancements like Motorola's Teardrop Hinge, which offers "enhanced durability", show how manufacturers are addressing these concerns.

Weight distribution and ergonomics present ongoing challenges, particularly for book-style foldables like the Galaxy Z Fold 6, which can feel unwieldy when used one-handed in their folded state. Manufacturers continue to refine their designs to address these usability considerations, but physical constraints impose limitations on what can be achieved.

Future Outlook: Beyond 2025

The trajectory of foldable phone technology points toward several exciting developments in the years beyond 2025. Rollable displays, currently in their early commercial phase with Samsung reportedly developing a 12.4-inch rollable smartphone, are likely to become more prominent, potentially offering the advantages of larger screens without the visible creasing associated with folding displays.

The Elec report suggests that "Samsung is shifting its focus from foldable to rollable displays, a technology that promises a more seamless and expansive viewing experience". This strategic pivot indicates where the industry may be heading in the coming years.

Multi-fold designs that implement double or triple folding mechanisms are under active development, with Samsung having already showcased "prototypes with various folding mechanisms, including double-folding and Z-shaped designs". These complex folding patterns present significant engineering challenges but could deliver tablet-like experiences in even more portable packages.

Display technology continues to evolve, with research into new materials that combine the flexibility of plastic substrates with the durability and clarity of glass. These advancements could lead to foldable devices that are even thinner, lighter, and more resistant to damage than current models.

Buying Guide: How to Choose a Foldable Phone in 2025

Identifying Your Usage Patterns

When considering a foldable phone purchase in 2025, begin by analyzing your typical smartphone usage patterns. If you frequently consume media, read documents, or multitask between applications, a book-style foldable like the Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 6 or Google Pixel 9 Pro Fold might align well with your needs. These devices essentially combine a smartphone and a small tablet in one package.

For users who prioritize portability and are primarily interested in having a compact device that can expand to a conventional smartphone size when needed, flip-style foldables like the Motorola Razr+ or Samsung Galaxy Z Flip series offer a compelling alternative. The Z Flip 6 is described as ideal "if you want a big Android phone in a tiny package".

Consider how frequently you would actually use the expanded display capabilities, as this determines the value proposition of the higher price point compared to conventional smartphones with similar core specifications.

Key Features to Consider

Display quality should be a primary consideration when evaluating foldable phones, with attention to both internal and external displays. The OnePlus Open is praised for its "bright internal screen", while the Z Flip 6 receives accolades for its "excellent displays". Assess factors like brightness, resolution, refresh rate, and the visibility of any crease at the fold point.

Hinge durability and design differ significantly between manufacturers and models. Look for hinges that allow the device to close completely flat, support different angles for flex mode, and have been tested for thousands of folding cycles. Motorola's Teardrop Hinge offers "no crease or wrinkling of the screen" and "enhanced durability", while Google's fluid friction hinge creates an ultra-thin profile.

Camera capabilities vary widely across foldable phones, with some models making compromises compared to conventional flagship devices. The Pixel 9 Pro Fold is noted for having "the best cameras available on a modern foldable", while the standard Motorola Razr has "average cameras".

Battery life considerations are crucial, as the larger displays of foldable phones can consume significant power. The standard Motorola Razr stands out with "over 16 hours of battery life on a single charge", while the Z Flip 6's battery life is described as "only average".

Budget Considerations

Premium foldable phones in 2025 typically range from $1,500 to $2,000, representing a significant investment. These flagship models offer the latest processors, most refined displays, and the best camera systems, along with comprehensive software support. The Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 6 and Google Pixel 9 Pro Fold fall into this category, with both described as "expensive."

Mid-range options between $1,000 and $1,500 make strategic compromises to reduce costs while maintaining the core foldable experience. The OnePlus Open occupies this segment at $1,499.99, offering "the biggest screen you can squeeze into your pocket for a bit less than Google or Samsung's foldables".

Budget-friendly foldables under $1,000 have emerged in 2025, typically in the flip-style category with more significant compromises in processor performance, display quality, or camera capabilities. The standard Motorola Razr is positioned as "the best value on the market" for those looking to experience foldable technology without spending a lot of money.

Conclusion

The foldable phone landscape of 2025 represents a remarkable evolution from the experimental devices that introduced this form factor to the market just a few years earlier. Significant advances in display technology, hinge design, durability, and software optimization have transformed foldable phones from curiosities into compelling alternatives to conventional smartphones for an expanding segment of consumers.

Leading manufacturers have established distinct approaches to foldable technology, with Samsung focusing on premium experiences and AI integration, Google leveraging its software expertise and camera capabilities, OnePlus prioritizing screen size and value, and Motorola innovating in hinge design and affordability. This diversity of approaches ensures that different user preferences and priorities can be accommodated within the foldable ecosystem.

Looking ahead, the continued refinement of existing designs and the emergence of new form factors like rollable displays suggest that innovation in this category remains vigorous. Samsung's reported development of a 12.4-inch rollable smartphone for late 2025 indicates that the industry continues to push boundaries beyond traditional folding mechanisms.

For consumers considering a foldable phone purchase in 2025, the decision hinges on aligning specific needs and usage patterns with the unique capabilities offered by different models. By understanding the strengths and limitations of current technology and carefully evaluating how a foldable device would integrate into daily life, users can determine whether these innovative devices represent the right choice for their mobile technology needs.

As manufacturing processes improve and competition intensifies, we can expect further enhancements in performance and durability alongside greater accessibility through more approachable price points, continuing the transformation of foldable phones from luxury novelties to practical everyday devices.