Buying Guide
Are Foldable Phones Worth It in 2026?
Foldables have been pitched as 'the future of phones' since 2019. Seven years and seven generations later, they finally feel mature in 2026 — but they still aren't the right buy for most people. Here's an honest take on whether you should consider one.
Updated · By SmartphoneAwards Editorial
What got better in 2026
Three things that used to be deal-breakers are now solved: 1. **Hinges last**. Samsung's 7th-generation hinge on the Z Fold 7 (MKBHD's 2025 Best Foldable winner) and Z Flip 7 (Best Small Phone) are rated for 200,000+ folds. Real-world failure rates are now comparable to non-folding flagships. 2. **Software supports the form factor**. Galaxy AI, Pixel UI, and HyperOS now natively handle split-screen, app continuity across folds, and cover-screen task offloading. 3. **Prices have come down**. The Pixel 9 Pro Fold (2024 Best Foldable winner) is now $300+ off launch — a foldable in the $1,400 range, which is competitive with traditional Pro flagships.
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What hasn't changed
Three real downsides remain: 1. **Battery life is shorter**. Z Flip 7: ~5 hours screen-on. Z Fold 7: ~5–6 hours across both displays. Compare to the OnePlus 15 (MKBHD's 2025 Best Battery): 9–11 hours. 2. **Cameras trail non-folding flagships**. The slim folding bodies don't fit the larger sensors that make iPhone 17 Pro, Galaxy S25 Ultra, and Oppo Find X9 Pro the camera leaders. 3. **You pay a premium**. Even discounted, you're paying $200–$400 more for the folding form factor than for an equivalent slab.
When a foldable is the right pick
**Get a flip foldable** (Samsung Galaxy Z Flip 7 — MKBHD's 2025 Best Small Phone winner) if: - You actually want a small phone in your pocket and you're tired of 6.7-inch slabs - You'd use the cover screen for quick tasks (music, maps, messaging) - You'll commit to charging more often **Get a book foldable** (Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 7 — MKBHD's 2025 Best Foldable winner) if: - You'd actually use a tablet-sized inner display daily — for productivity, video, reading - You're replacing both a phone and a small tablet - You can afford $1,800+ for a single device **Don't buy a foldable** if: - You'd just unfold it occasionally - Battery anxiety is your top frustration - Camera is your #1 priority - You're price-sensitive and can find a discounted slab flagship
Comparison vs. slab flagships
Concretely: should you buy a Z Fold 7 ($1,899) or a Galaxy S25 Ultra ($1,299)? Z Fold 7 wins for productivity, video, and reading. S25 Ultra wins for camera (5x periscope, 200MP main), battery (8+ hours screen-on), and S Pen utility. The S25 Ultra was runner-up Phone of the Year at MKBHD's 2025 awards; the Z Fold 7 won Best Foldable. They're picked for different buyers. For most people, the slab flagship is the more practical buy.
Foldable durability — what to expect
Modern foldables (2024+ generation) are durable enough for daily use without paranoia: - Hinges last 5+ years of normal use - Inner displays now have plastic-on-glass construction with reduced creasing - All current-gen folds have IP rating (Z Fold 7: IP48, Z Flip 7: IP48) What to avoid: pressing into the inner display with fingernails or sharp objects, opening the phone with debris caught in the hinge, and using cases that interfere with full closure.
Frequently Asked Questions
Are foldable phones worth it in 2026?
Yes for buyers who specifically want pocketability (flip-style) or a tablet-sized inner display (book-style). No for buyers who want the best camera, longest battery, or lowest price — slab flagships still win on those axes.
Which foldable should I buy in 2026?
Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 7 (MKBHD's 2025 Best Foldable) for book-style; Samsung Galaxy Z Flip 7 (2025 Best Small Phone) for flip-style. Both are the most refined products in their respective categories.
Do foldable phones break easily?
Modern foldables (2024+) have largely solved the durability concerns from earlier generations. The 2025 Best Foldable winner — Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 7 — is the most robust hinge mechanism Samsung has shipped.