It seemed like a glimpse of the future when Samsung first showed the Galaxy Fold in 2019—a phone that could fold in half and change into a tablet? It was futuristic, groundbreaking, and, let's face it, a little awkward. By 2025, foldable smartphones are more than just a sci-fi gimmick. Not whether foldables are here to stay, but rather whether they're ready to become widely available, is the question raised by the impending debuts of the Vivo X Fold 5, Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 7, and Z Flip 7. Let's examine what makes these gadgets so intriguing and see if foldables will catch up to slab phones in terms of popularity in 2025.
Foldables' Development: From Speciality to Near-Necessity
When foldables initially came out, they were beset by issues with durability, exorbitant costs, and a "cool but impractical" vibe. Early users felt like beta testers because of squeaky hinges, fragile screens, and inadequate software optimisation. With sleeker designs, stronger construction, and features that make foldables seem less like a risk and more like a need, companies like Vivo and Samsung are changing the game in 2025.
The Z Fold 7 and Z Flip 7 are expected to be the pinnacle of Samsung's Galaxy Z series, which the foldables pioneer has spent years perfecting. Vivo is stepping up with the X Fold 5, a gadget that challenges Samsung's hegemony thanks to its enormous battery and exceptional endurance. Why does 2025 seem like a turning point, and what is causing this change?
The thinnest, lightest, and most ambitious Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 7 to date
Touted as the “thinnest, lightest, and most advanced foldable yet,” Samsung’s Galaxy Z Fold 7 is scheduled to make its premiere on July 9, 2025, at the Galaxy Unpacked event. According to leaks, it weighs only 215 grammes and is thinner than Vivo's X Fold 5 (9.2mm folded), measuring only 8.9mm thick when folded and 4.2mm when unfurled. That's significant for a gadget that can be folded up into an 8-inch tablet-like screen, making it ideal for gaming, binge-watching, and multitasking.
The Z Fold 7 is expected to have a 200MP primary camera, which is a first for Samsung's foldable range, and is powered by the Snapdragon 8 Elite for Galaxy, which promises flagship-level performance. The inner 8-inch Dynamic AMOLED display provides a better, more immersive experience, while the cover screen expands to 6.5 inches, making it more useful when folded. When you combine a glass ceramic back, an upgraded armoured aluminium frame, and a slightly larger 4,400mAh battery, you have a gadget that is both powerful and long-lasting.
It's not flawless, though. According to leaks, the Z Fold 7 will continue to use an IP48 rating, which is disappointing given that rivals like the Vivo X Fold 5 are aiming for greater durability standards. This level provides respectable water resistance but no protection against dust. However, Samsung's emphasis on larger displays and a thinner form demonstrates that they are paying attention to consumers who want a foldable that feels more like a high-end smartphone than a brick.
Galaxy Z Flip 7 & Z Flip 7 FE: Increasing Access to Foldables
There are several significant improvements with the Galaxy Z Flip 7 for those who like the clamshell design. It weighs only 188 grammes and is said to be the thinnest flip-style foldable ever, measuring 13.7 mm thick when folded and a svelte 6.5 mm when unfurled. With a brightness of 2,600 nits and a 4.1-inch 120Hz AMOLED, the external display is becoming ideal for fast glances and even entering text without unfolding.
With the Exynos 2500 chipset for the Z Flip 7, Samsung is making a daring departure from the Snapdragon that could increase performance and save expenses. By increasing the battery capacity to 4,300mAh, one of the main grievances regarding flip phones is being addressed.
The Galaxy Z Flip 7 FE, a less expensive model that is expected to start at $799 instead of $1,099 for the Z Flip 7, is arguably the most intriguing news. Samsung is obviously trying to reach a wider audience with foldables by providing almost the same features—such as Galaxy AI tools and a full-view OLED cover screen—at a lower cost. This action might revolutionise the market by reducing the perception of foldables as a luxury and elevating them to the status of a practical choice for the typical customer.
The Vivo X Fold 5: The Powerful Battery
Vivo's X Fold 5, which will debut in India on July 14, 2025, is challenging Samsung. Despite not aiming for the "thinnest foldable" crown (its titanium finish measures 9.2 mm when folded and 4.3 mm when unfolded), it stands out thanks to its many useful enhancements. The show's star? With Silicon-Carbon technology, the enormous 6,000mAh battery—the largest in any foldable device sold commercially—splits into two cells for increased longevity. It is designed for all-day use and more, with 80W wired and 40W wireless charging.
The X Fold 5 boasts a triple 50MP camera array that offers superb shot quality and top-tier performance thanks to its Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 processor. With a best-in-class IP rating, Vivo is also stepping up its durability game. It probably outperforms Samsung's IP48 in terms of dust and water resistance. This high-end gadget, which comes in titanium, white, and green pine finishes, puts functionality above style.
Will Foldables Eventually Become Commonplace?
In 2025, will foldables be ready to take over? The indications are encouraging. This is the reason:
Increased Durability: Vivo and Samsung are resolving early foldable issues. Vivo's higher IP certification and Samsung's improved aluminium frame give both handsets a more conventional flagship feel. Although Samsung's IP48 rating is not up to par, the build quality is improving overall.
Reasonably priced options: The Galaxy Z Flip 7 FE is a significant advancement in the accessibility of foldables. It is reasonably priced at $799 when compared to mid-range slab phones, and its incorporation of high-end capabilities like Galaxy AI may persuade consumers on a tight budget.
Bigger, Better Displays: Foldables are more useful for daily use thanks to larger cover screens (6.5 inches on the Z Fold 7 and 4.1 inches on the Z Flip 7) and more elegant inside displays. These phones are more functional than ever, whether you're using the 8-inch screen of the Z Fold 7 for multitasking or the cover display of the Z Flip 7 for checking alerts.
Battery Life Advancements: Foldable phones are now able to compete with standard phones on endurance thanks to Vivo's 6,000mAh battery and Samsung's slight advancements (4,400mAh for the Z Fold 7, 4,300mAh for the Z Flip 7).
Software Smarts: With the release of the Z Fold 7 and Z Flip 7, Samsung's One UI 8.0, which is based on Android 16, will include new AI-powered capabilities that improve productivity and multitasking. Additionally, Vivo's software is catching up because to improvements made for its foldable design.
However, obstacles still exist. Foldables are still pricey; the Z Fold 7 is anticipated to retail for $1,899, and even the Z Flip 7 FE isn't exactly inexpensive. Some purchasers may be put off by durability issues, such as Samsung's stagnating IP48 grade. Despite being a formidable competitor, Vivo's X Fold 5 could not be as widely available as Samsung's.
The Distinct Feel of Foldables
There is no denying that using a foldable phone is fascinating. Opening a Z Flip 7 is like opening a throwback to the early 2000s flip phones, but with modern technology. These gadgets are about the experience, not just the specifications.