I’ve always thought smartphones were getting a little boring, year after year, just a better camera or a faster chip. Then foldable phones emerged, and the industry felt excited again.
These devices aren’t just about looking cool; they’ve changed how we think about carrying both a phone and a tablet in one pocket.
Of course, it wasn’t an easy road. The first models had fragile screens, clunky hinges, and price tags that deterred most people.
But little by little, foldables have grown into something much more polished and practical.
In this blog, I’ll take you through the evolution of foldable phones, from rough prototypes to today’s sleek designs, and why they might shape the future of smartphones.
Early Concepts & Prototypes (Pre-2018)
The idea of a foldable phone has been around for decades, long before the technology was ready.
In the early 2000s, companies like Nokia teased futuristic concepts, such as the Nokia Morph, which envisioned flexible displays that could bend into various shapes.
These designs captured attention but never made it past the drawing board.
The biggest roadblock was display technology. Traditional LCD screens couldn’t bend without breaking, and even the first versions of OLED displays weren’t durable enough.
Hinges were another challenge, as they had to withstand thousands of folds without damaging the screen.
As a result, foldable phones remained a dream for years, waiting for flexible OLED panels and stronger materials to make them possible.
The First Commercial Foldables
Foldable phones officially moved from concept to reality between 2018 and 2019, when the first commercial models launched, sparking excitement, competition, and plenty of challenges.
Royole FlexPai – The First Attempt (2018)
In late 2018, a little-known Chinese brand called Royole surprised the world with the FlexPai, the first foldable smartphone sold to the public.
While it earned the title of “first,” the device had plenty of issues. The design was bulky, the hinge felt stiff, and the software wasn’t well-optimized for the folding screen.
Still, it proved that foldables were no longer just a concept. Yet despite making this breakthrough, Royole remained relatively unknown outside tech circles and never became a household name.
Samsung Galaxy Fold – A Turning Point (2019)
The Galaxy Fold, launched in early 2019, was the first foldable to capture global attention. It featured:
- A 4.6-inch outer display for quick tasks
- A 7.3-inch inner display that unfolded like a tablet
- A hinge that, at first, proved unreliable and forced Samsung to delay the launch
Despite the rocky start, the improved release later in 2019 set a new standard.
Huawei Mate X – The Bold Rival (2019)
Unlike Samsung’s inward fold, Huawei’s Mate X used an outward-folding screen that wrapped around the device. This design looked futuristic and reduced bezels, but:
- It launched only in China
- Durability concerns held it back
- Still, it pushed competition forward and fueled excitement worldwide
Diversification of Designs (2019–2020)
As foldables hit the market, two clear design styles emerged. Each offered a different balance of portability and screen size.
| Feature | Book-Style (Tablet Fold) | Flip-Style (Clamshell) |
|---|---|---|
| Examples | Samsung Galaxy Fold, Huawei Mate X, | Motorola Razr (2019), Samsung Galaxy Z Flip (2020) |
| Form Factor | Opens like a book – phone to tablet | Folds vertically – small to full phone |
| Strengths | Large display, great for multitasking, tablet-like use | Compact, pocket-friendly, nostalgia factor |
| Weaknesses | Bulkier, heavier, and very high prices | Smaller main screen, less power in early models |
| Target Users | Productivity-focused users, tech enthusiasts | Style-driven users, fans of portability, and flip nostalgia |
Key Improvements in This Era
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Better hinges: More durable and slimmer than first-gen versions
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Stronger screens: Introduction of ultra-thin glass and improved plastic layers
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Software tweaks: Split-screen multitasking and app continuity became smoother
By 2020, foldables had split into two categories: power users leaned toward book-style designs, while casual users and trend-seekers were drawn to flip phones that revived the charm of the early 2000s.
Refinement Era & Mainstream Push (2021–2023)
Between 2021 and 2023, foldable phones matured rapidly, with stronger hardware, better software, and broader adoption turning them from fragile novelties into mainstream smartphone contenders.
Samsung Leads the Charge
Samsung continued to refine its foldable lineup with the Galaxy Z Fold3 (2021) and Z Fold4 (2022). These devices brought:
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Stronger ultra-thin glass that resists scratches better
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Water resistance, a first for foldables
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Improved multitasking with multi-window support
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A price drop that made foldables slightly more accessible
Samsung’s Z Flip3 and Flip4 also gained popularity thanks to bigger cover screens and fashionable color options, making flip-style foldables more appealing to everyday users.
New Challengers Step In
By 2021, other companies entered the race:
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Xiaomi Mi Mix Fold (2021): Focused on high-end cameras, including a 108MP lens
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Oppo Find N (2021): Smaller, sturdier design that impressed with usability
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Vivo X Fold (2022): Added variety to the foldable market with a balanced mix of power and practicality
Market Momentum
From 2021 to 2023, foldables shifted from niche gadgets to mainstream conversation pieces. Ads, reviews, and more carrier deals made them visible to everyday buyers.
Sales numbers climbed, especially in Asia and Europe, proving that foldables weren’t just experiments anymore; they were here to stay.
The Modern Foldable Market (2024–2025)
From 2024 to 2025, foldable phones entered a new phase of refinement, showcasing thinner builds, lighter designs, and stronger competition that reshaped consumer expectations worldwide.
Honor Magic V3 (2024)
Honor made waves with the Magic V3, which measures only 4.4mm when unfolded, making it the world’s thinnest foldable device at the time.
Despite the ultra-slim build, it managed to maintain solid performance, battery life, and durability. The Magic V3 proved that foldables could look sleek and elegant, not just futuristic prototypes.
Samsung Galaxy Z Fold6 & Z Flip6 (2024)
Samsung’s sixth-generation foldables marked another big step forward:
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Z Fold6: lighter, slimmer, and built for productivity
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Z Flip6: bigger cover screen and a stronger hinge for daily use
Together, these devices paired refinement with Samsung’s mature foldable ecosystem, proving foldables could finally appeal to mainstream buyers.
Google Pixel Fold (2024)
Google finally entered the foldable scene with the Pixel Fold. While not the thinnest or lightest, it stood out for its optimized Android software, seamless multitasking, and Pixel-class photography.
It quickly became a strong option for users who wanted a foldable with a pure Android experience and the best camera integration in the category.
Oppo Find N5 (2025)
Oppo pushed the boundaries in 2025 with the Find N5, which measured just 4.2mm when unfolded. Compact, lightweight, and well-balanced, it prioritized design finesse without compromising power.
Its thin profile and portability gave users a taste of how foldables could one day feel no different from regular smartphones.
Honor Magic V5 (2025)
Honor countered Oppo with the Magic V5 at just 4.1mm thick, unfolded, snatching the “world’s thinnest” title. Highlights included:
- One of the largest batteries in a foldable phone
- Upgraded camera system for sharper images
This balance of practicality and thinness showed how far foldables had come, proving they could be both sleek and powerful.
Samsung Galaxy Z Fold7 (2025)
Samsung’s Fold7 didn’t claim the thinnest title but earned recognition as the lightest foldable yet at only 215 grams.
With reduced crease visibility, advanced hinge durability, and a slimmer profile, it continued to prove Samsung’s leadership in the foldable category.
The Fold7 cemented itself as a refined, reliable device for power users.
Current Market Leaders & Competition
Today’s foldable market is defined by fierce competition, with global giants and regional innovators shaping design, performance, and accessibility while fighting for dominance in this growing category.
- Samsung: Samsung dominates the foldable market with its Z Fold and Z Flip series, combining durability, ecosystem features, and wide global availability to maintain clear industry leadership.
- Huawei: Huawei introduced bold designs like the Mate X series, including outward-folding screens. Despite limited global reach due to trade restrictions, it remains a strong innovator in China.
- Xiaomi: Xiaomi’s Mix Fold line stands out with advanced cameras and powerful specs. The company emphasizes imaging quality and affordability, strengthening its appeal in the competitive foldable market.
- Oppo: Oppo carved space with the Find N series, offering compact, user-friendly foldables. Known for refined hinges and practical design, it prioritizes usability over chasing extreme thinness.
- Vivo: Vivo entered with the X Fold series, balancing premium specs and durability. Its devices offer a polished foldable experience, helping Vivo expand into higher-end markets.
- Motorola: Motorola revived its iconic Razr as a modern foldable. With a clamshell design and nostalgic appeal, it competes strongly in the flip phone category.
- Google: Google’s Pixel Fold focuses on software excellence and photography. Its pure Android experience, optimized multitasking, and flagship-level camera integration make it a strong choice for enthusiasts.
- OnePlus: The OnePlus Open (Oppo Find N3) delivered a slim design, excellent battery life, and premium build quality. It quickly became one of the most praised foldables.
The Future of Foldable Phones
Foldable phones are moving beyond novelty, with thinner designs, better durability, and more affordable pricing pushing them toward becoming a true mainstream smartphone category.
| Future Trend | What to Expect |
|---|---|
| Price Drops | As production scales, foldables are expected to become cheaper and more accessible to everyday buyers. |
| Tri-Fold & Rollables | New designs may include tri-fold displays and rollable screens, combining portability with even larger viewing experiences. |
| Apple’s Entry | An iPhone Fold could redefine the market, boosting consumer confidence and accelerating adoption worldwide. |
| Durability Gains | Stronger hinges and crease-free displays will make foldables more reliable for long-term daily use. |
| Ecosystem Integration | Foldables will likely sync seamlessly with laptops, tablets, and wearable devices, creating a unified digital experience. |
The next chapter of foldables promises innovation, affordability, and accessibility—signaling that the best days of this evolving smartphone category are yet to come.
At the End
Looking back at how foldable phones have evolved, I can’t help but feel they represent more than just another gadget trend.
They demonstrate what happens when persistence, creativity, and engineering overcome early failures.
I recall the first clunky models that made many of us laugh; yet, today’s foldables feel polished, practical, and genuinely exciting.
Foldables aren’t perfect yet, but they’ve proven their staying power.
What are your thoughts on foldable phones? Are they the future of smartphones or just a passing trend? Share your thoughts in the comments below!
