Is a foldable phone really worth it?

Learn how foldable phones work, their main benefits and trade-offs, and whether a Galaxy Z Fold or Galaxy Z Flip is right for you.

Quick answer: Are foldables worth it?

● Flip vs Fold difference: Fold-style phones open like a book to reveal a larger screen. Flip-style phones fold vertically to pocket-friendly size.

● Main Benefits: Fold-style phones combine smartphone portability with flexible screen space for multitasking, entertainment, hands-free viewing and creative camera angles.

● Key trade-offs: Foldables cost more than traditional phones, and their flexible displays and hinges require careful handling as a premium device. Their value depends on how often you use the larger screen, compact form, or hands-free features.

● Durability: The latest Galaxy Z Fold8 Series uses Armour Aluminum, reinforced hinges and an IP48 water-resistance rating for everyday use.1 2

What makes foldables different?

Foldable phones combine flexible displays and precision hinges to switch between compact and expanded forms. The Galaxy Z Flip folds vertically for pocket-sized portability, while the Galaxy Z Fold opens horizontally like a book for a larger display ideal for entertainment and multitasking. One device handles everyday phone tasks in compact form, then unfolds for bigger-screen content or hands-free FlexMode use.

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. Multitask with split-screen apps, dive into gaming and entertainment on an expansive display, and use the built-in stand for hands-free viewing and content creation. When you need it, it folds into a compact phone that fits your pocket.

More Room for Productivity

A foldable phone like the Galaxy Z Fold8 Ultra offers an expansive 8.0-inch screen when unfolded6, 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 and Reading

When unfolded, you can watch media on a tablet-sized screen without the bulk of lugging it around. Galaxy Z Fold8 unfolds to an immersive 7.6-inch main display with the ratio of 4:37, 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, as its light 201 g design8 makes it easier to carry throughout the day.

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 Flip8 make group photos, hands-free video, and rear-camera selfies a breeze.9 Whether you’re an amateur or full-time content creator, when unfolded, the Galaxy Z Flip8’s 50MP main camera is great for quick, in-the-moment shots of what’s around you, even on the brightest days.

Hands-Free Viewing and Video Calls

The hinge can also act as a built-in stand. Place a compatible foldable phone on a desk or other stable surface for hands-free viewing, reading, video calls or supported camera modes.

More Functional Than Ever

The latest Galaxy Z Fold8 Ultra, Galaxy Z Fold8 and Galaxy Z Flip8 are engineered with Armor Aluminum frames, protective Corning® Gorilla® Glass and Armour FlexHinge designs.1 They also carry an IP48 water-resistance rating for protection against accidental spills and everyday mishaps. Water resistance is not permanent, and the devices are not advised for beach or pool use.2

Who Should Consider a Foldable Phone?

Productivity-Focused Professionals

If you often use your phone for work, the improved multitasking capabilities of folding phones are a game-changer. You can perform activities that you might otherwise need your laptop or tablet for, such as reading PDF documents while typing notes or replying to Teams messages while scouring spreadsheets.

Entertainment Enthusiasts

If you’re always catching up on your shows, the latest online videos, or keeping tabs on your favourite sports teams, a foldable phone is the logical choice for you. Get all the benefits of a tablet-sized screen in your pocket. Never again will you need to choose between your tablet and your smartphone.

Frequent Travelers

For those that are always on the go, portability combined with power is key. The Galaxy Z Flip Series is perfect for compact, AI-powered intelligence when you’re traveling. Avoid bulky pockets, snap hands-free shots in those Instagram-able spots, and take quick AI-powered notifications without opening it up.

Early Tech Adopters

Foldables like the Galaxy Z Fold8 are on the cutting-edge of what a smartphone can do. With large & immersive screen, Ultra-level cameras, powerful processor, and built-in AI assistant, foldable phones have got everything you’ll ever need covered in one single device that easily fits in your pocket.

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.

Galaxy Z Fold8

Take the new Galaxy Z Fold8 for example. It’s our lightest foldable phone yet, weighing at only 201g. Even though it’s lightweight, Galaxy Z Fold8 is made with Corning® Gorilla® Glass Ceramic 3 on the cover screen5, an Advanced Armor Aluminium FlexHinge and frame1 and IP48 water resistance2, making it ready for your every day.

Galaxy Z Fold8 Ultra

Whilst Galaxy Z Fold8 is our lightest, Galaxy Z Fold8 Ultra is the thinnest foldable phone yet. 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 Fold8 Ultra secure, and an Advanced Armor Aluminium frame1 keeps it protected from fall.

Galaxy Z Flip8

Galaxy Z Flip8 came in with an upgrade too – it’s now our thinnest and lightest flip phone, 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 Flip8 more you.

Buying a Foldable Phone in Canada

Eligible Galaxy smartphones may be available through Samsung Canada’s Annual Upgrade Program. The program offers 12- or 24-month options through Flexiti, 0% financing and the freedom to bring your own wireless plan. At the end of the term, you can choose to upgrade, return or keep the device, subject to eligibility and program terms. Trade-ins cannot be combined with the Annual Upgrade Program.

If you want to see how the new Galaxy Z Fold8 & Flip8 Series stack up against the older models, find more information in our guide.

 

Folding phones are absolutely worth it if you want all the benefits of a tablet but not the bulky size. Unlock a premium experience with unbelievable screen real estate when you choose a Fold or Flip smartphone.

 

Purchase direct on Samsung.com to access benefits such as Trade-In, free delivery, Price Match and the option to add Samsung Care+ for your new smartphone.

 

If you’re looking to upgrade to the latest Galaxy Z Series, you can receive up to $1,450 in Trade-In value toward a new Galaxy Z Fold8 Ultra or Galaxy Z Fold8, or up to $920 toward a new Galaxy Z Flip8 when you trade in an eligible device. 11

 

And if you’re currently an iOS device user that’s looking to switch to a Galaxy smartphone, the new & advanced Smart Switch feature makes transferring data incredibly easy – just scan the QR code with your old device and voila!10

Frequently Asked Questions

  • 1. Armor Aluminium Frame does not include volume and side keys or SIM tray, or camera lens barrel
  • 2. 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. Rinse residue and dry the device if wet. Water resistance is not permanent and may diminish over time because of normal wear and tear.
  • 3. Compared to Galaxy Z Flip 7.
  • 4. Annual Upgrade Program terms and Flexiti approval apply. Trade-ins are not eligible.
  • 5. Corning® Gorilla® Glass Ceramic 3 is applied to the front of the device and Corning® Gorilla® Glass Victus® 2 is applied to the rear.
  • 6. Measured diagonally, Galaxy Z Fold8 Ultra's Cover Screen size is 6.5” in the full rectangle and 6.5” accounting for the rounded corners. The Main Screen size is 8.0” in the full rectangle and 8.0” accounting for the rounded corners; actual viewable area is smaller due to the rounded corners and camera hole.
  • 7. Measured diagonally, Galaxy Z Fold8's Cover Screen size is 5.5” in the full rectangle and 5.4” accounting for the rounded corners. The Main Screen size is 7.6” in the full rectangle and 7.6” accounting for the rounded corners; actual viewable area is smaller due to the rounded corners and camera hole.
  • 8. Weight may vary by country or region.
  • 9. Results may vary depending on light condition and/or shooting conditions including multiple subjects, being out of focus or moving subjects.
  • 10. Available data types may vary by OS version, device model, and transfer method.
  • 11. To be eligible for Trade-In, your qualifying device must meet all Samsung Trade-In Program eligibility requirements. Trade-In values vary based on the eligible device, model and condition. Terms and conditions apply.