Is A Foldable Phone Really Worth It?
The latest foldable phone technology is here – find out what it can do for you.
Summary: Are Foldables Worth it?
● Flip vs Fold difference: Fold-style phones unfold horizontally like a book to reveal a huge screen, while flip-style phones fold vertically to become half the size to fit easily into a pocket.
● Benefits: Foldable phones offer all the benefits of a tablet with the portability of a smartphone: from the large screen to their multitasking ability, but pocketable and with great smartphone-level cameras.
● Durability: The new Galaxy Z Fold 8 is the lightest foldable phone ever, while Galaxy Z Fold 8 Ultra is the thinnest folding phone ever. Galaxy Z Flip 8 is the thinnest & lightest flip phone, making it extremely pocketable.
What Makes Fold Phones Different?
In short, foldable phones are different from traditional smartphones as they use advanced hinges and flexible displays in order to change their physical shape. If you opt for a Flip phone, it means that your smartphone folds vertically and fits easily into your pocket. If you opt for a Fold phone, it folds horizontally like a book and provides impressive large screen to work with.
Find out how foldable phone screens work in our guide.
What are the Benefits of Folding Phones?
The main benefits of a folding phone are all the advantages of a tablet combined with the portability of a mobile smartphone. Experience multitasking to a new level with apps viewable side-by-side, enhanced entertainment and gaming with an expansive screen, and a built-in stand for hands-free viewing, reading, and photography.
Improved Productivity
A foldable phone like the Galaxy Z Fold 8 Ultra offers an expansive 8.0-inch screen when unfolded, which unlocks far more multitasking opportunity than your typical smartphone. You can easily run apps side by side using Multi Window, drag and drop text, move files around and so much more without constantly having to switch windows.
Immersive Media Experiences
When unfolded, you can watch media on a tablet-sized screen without the bulk of lugging it around. Galaxy Z Fold 8 unfolds to an immersive 7.6-inch main display with the ratio of 4:3, making it the perfect choice for content, from watching movies, reading e-books, to scrolling and creating social media contents. Plus, it’s our lightest Galaxy Fold yet, so it travels much easier than a tablet – just pop it in your pocket!
Advanced Camera Angles
Flip style smartphones unlock a new element to photography, allowing you to capture more complex photography angles without using a tripod. FlexCam on Galaxy Z Flip smartphones like the Galaxy Z Flip 8 make group photos, hands-free video, and rear-camera selfies a breeze. Whether you’re an amateur or full-time content creator, when unfolded, the Galaxy Z Flip 8’s 50MP main camera is great for quick, in-the-moment shots of what’s around you, even on the brightest days.
Go Hands-Free
The hinge of a foldable phone allows more than just hands-free photography – you can set your folding phone down on a desk or surface for easy viewing, reading, or chatting wherever you are.
More Durable Than Ever
The latest Galaxy folding phones are more durable than ever, able to withstand hundreds of folds and drops without damage. The hinges across the new Galaxy Z Fold 8 & Flip 8 series have been optimised so they’re easy and intuitive to open. Find out more about Samsung's most durable phones.
Who Should Consider a Foldable Phone?
How are Foldable Phones Improving?
Since the release of the first Samsung Galaxy Z series, new models have seen huge advancements, especially in battery life, camera quality, screen size and design.
Take the new Galaxy Z Fold 8 for example. Aside from being Samsung's largest foldable phone, it’s also the lightest foldable phone ever, weighing at only 201g. Even though it’s lightweight, Galaxy Z Fold 8 is made with Corning® Gorilla® Glass Ceramic 3 on the cover screen, an Advanced Armor Aluminium FlexHinge and frame1 and IP48 water resistance2, making it ready for any wear and tear.
Whilst Galaxy Z Fold 8 is the lightest, Galaxy Z Fold 8 Ultra is the thinnest foldable phone ever. At a mere 4.1mm when unfolded, it’s given a whole new meaning to slim phones. But thin doesn’t mean there’s any compromise on quality: Corning® Gorilla® Glass Ceramic 3 on the cover screen keeps your Galaxy Z Fold 8 Ultra secure, and an Advanced Armor Aluminium frame1 keeps it protected from fall.
Galaxy Z Flip 8 came in with an upgrade too – it’s now the thinnest and lightest flip phone ever, weighing at 180g and only 6.1mm thin. The innovative design makes opening it feel smoother than ever before3. And when shut, it’s perfectly pocketable! Thanks to a thinner bezel3, FlexWindow is now more immersive than ever and there’s more room to customise. You can pick your favourite wallpapers and custom widgets to make your Galaxy Z Flip 8 more you.
All our new Galaxy Z foldables are available on Samsung Pay Monthly Contracts, where you can enjoy exclusive Trade In discount and deals with a range of leading networks.
If you want to see how the new Galaxy Z Fold & Flip 8 series stack up against the older models, find more information in our guide.
Frequently Asked Questions
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What’s the lifespan of a foldable phone compared to a slab design?Samsung’s flagship foldable phones are rated to last between 2-5 years, built with complex hinges and flexible screens to last users for more than 300,000 folds. They also feature IPX8 water and dust resistance, so you can rest assured that your Samsung Galaxy Z smartphone can withstand daily accidents and typical wear and tear.
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Can you use a case with a folding phone?Yes, you absolutely can use a case with a folding phone. The unique design of a foldable phone means that the case is also uniquely designed to provide adequate protection. These typically feature two parts and adhesive strips in order to protect the screen and hardware on each side.
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Are foldable phones 5G compatible?Yes, foldable phones like the Samsung Galaxy Z range are fully 5G compatible.
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Can I buy a folding phone on a pay monthly contract?Yes, the latest Galaxy Z Fold8 and Z Flip8 are available via Samsung pay monthly contracts. Use our tool and browse monthly data and minutes contracts from our partners: Three, O2, Vodafone and T Mobile.
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Should I upgrade to the latest foldable phone?If you are constantly multitasking on your phone, want a more immersive watching or gaming experience from your current smartphone, or are fascinated by the latest technology, then upgrading to the latest Galaxy Z Foldable is a great choice. Find out how you can Buy Direct and Get More today.
- 1. Armor Aluminium Frame does not include volume and side keys or SIM tray.
- 2. IP48 rating based on lab test conditions for submersion in up to 1.5 meters of freshwater for up to 30 minutes. Not advised for beach or pool use.
- 3. Compared to Galaxy Z Flip 7.
- 4. Purchase from Samsung.com by 06.08.26. £100 value based on Galaxy A56 256GB in working condition. £752 value based on Galaxy Z Fold7 1TB. Values over £100 vary by model and condition. Charges apply if you don't send us your Trade In device. T&Cs apply. Trade in discount capped at 60% of product price before discount.