By: Bryan Tropeano
Foldable phones have come a long way since the first bendable prototypes hit the market. In 2025 we have a strong lineup from Samsung, Google, OnePlus, Oppo, Motorola, and Honor. Models like the Galaxy Z Fold6, Pixel 9 Pro Fold, OnePlus Open, Oppo Find N5, Motorola Razr 2025, and Honor Magic V2 all vie for attention as some of the Best smartphones 2025. Yet these devices still spark spirited debate among tech fans.
The Upside of Folding Screens Among Best Smartphones 2025
First, the clear benefit: screen space. Opening a Galaxy Z Fold6 or Pixel 9 Pro Fold instantly turns a pocketable phone into a mini tablet. Multitasking becomes natural when you can run two apps side by side without squinting. I’ve drafted emails, edited slides, and streamed videos on these large inner displays—and it beats juggling a separate tablet or laptop. The Oppo Find N5 impresses with its thin design and almost invisible crease while giving you a bright, vivid view.
These foldables also pack flagship specs. The OnePlus Open and Pixel 9 Pro Fold run on top-tier processors and offer five or more years of software updates. Camera arrays rival those on slab phones, and battery life has grown solid enough for a full day of mixed use. For productivity on the move, they are hard to beat.
Remaining Drawbacks Among Best Smartphones 2025
Of course, there are real trade-offs. Durability still worries many users. While Gorilla Glass Victus 2 and IP ratings are more common on this year’s Galaxy Z Fold6, the flexible screens and hinges add points of potential failure over time. I’ve seen early adopters report hinge squeaks or tiny screen creases developing after months of folding.
Price remains a barrier too. Even entry-level foldables like the Motorola Razr 2025 start close to two thousand dollars. If you value cost-effective performance over novelty, a high-end slab phone may be a smarter choice. In addition, bulk can be an issue—opened devices are thicker and a bit heavier than traditional phones, which can feel awkward during one-handed use.
Real-World Use Cases for Best Smartphones 2025
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On-the-Go Productivity
For remote workers and students, a single foldable phone can replace both smartphone and tablet. Use the cover display for quick tasks and open the main screen for spreadsheets or video conferencing. -
Enhanced Gaming and Streaming
Gamers benefit from larger controls and better immersion on a foldable display. Watching shows or sports on a tablet-sized screen without a separate device offers true convenience. -
Photography and Editing
Editing photos directly on a larger screen allows for precise adjustments. The multi-window mode helps compare before-and-after shots side by side. -
Digital Notetaking and Sketching
Certain foldables support stylus input. Artists and note-takers can use them like a digital notebook, making quick sketches or handwritten notes on the go.
Is Foldable Right for You?
If you crave innovation and need extra screen real estate in a single device, a foldable is worth serious consideration. I recommend the Galaxy Z Fold6 for its polished hinge and mature software support, or the Pixel 9 Pro Fold for those who want Google’s AI features baked in. The OnePlus Open offers a slightly more affordable entry, while the Oppo Find N5 caters to design enthusiasts with its slim profile. Budget-minded buyers may look to the Motorola Razr 2025 for a more compact style without paying top-tier prices.
On the other hand, if you value rugged reliability, simplicity, and lower cost, sticking with a high-performance slab phone makes sense. The novelty of a folding screen does not outweigh practicality for everyone.
Conclusion
Foldable phones in 2025 are no longer mere proof of concept. They deliver real benefits in productivity, entertainment, and creativity, placing them among the Best smartphones 2025 for many users. Yet they still carry premiums in price, complexity, and durability. When shopping this year, weigh those pros and cons against your own needs. For many, the magic of unfolding to a tablet-like display will justify the extra cost. For others, a classic flagship will remain the smart, reliable choice.
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About the Author: Bryan Tropeano is a senior producer and a regular reporter for NewsWatch. He lives in Washington D.C. and loves all things Tech.
