Introduction

The first time I held a foldable phone, it felt like something straight out of science fiction. A sleek device that opens like a book and closes into a compact square? Pretty cool. But after spending a full week using the Samsung Galaxy Z Fold6 as my daily driver, the real question is: are foldables just a gimmick—or do they actually make sense for the future?

Here’s what I discovered after using the Galaxy Z Fold6 for seven days, and whether I think foldable phones are here to stay.

The Foldable Experience: Samsung Galaxy Z Fold6

For this test, I used the Samsung Galaxy Z Fold6, Samsung’s latest and most refined foldable to date. With its 7.6-inch inner display and 6.3-inch cover screen, the device offers a tablet-like experience that fits in your pocket. It’s powered by the Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 for Galaxy processor, comes with 12GB RAM, and offers storage options up to 1TB. The device also boasts a 50MP main camera, 12MP ultrawide, and 10MP telephoto lenses, along with a 4MP under-display inner camera and a 10MP cover camera .

But is it practical for everyday life? Let’s get into the details.

What Foldables Do Really Well

Multitasking Heaven

One of the biggest wins is productivity. I was able to:

  1. Run Google Docs on one half and a browser on the other
  2. Watch YouTube while responding to emails
  3. Drag and drop between apps

This felt like having a mini laptop in my pocket. If you’re someone who works on the go, this is a game-changer.

Content Consumption

Watching Netflix, gaming, and reading articles is just better on a larger screen. The inner display offers an immersive viewing experience with great resolution and smooth refresh rates.

Portability

Despite its size, the foldable fits comfortably in my pocket when closed. It’s surprisingly convenient compared to carrying both a phone and a tablet.

Where Foldables Still Fall Short

  1. Durability Concerns: Even with improvements in hinge design and screen protection, I was constantly nervous about dust, scratches, and accidental drops. Foldables have a reputation for fragility—and it’s not totally unfounded.
  2. Battery Life: With a large screen comes large power demands. I found myself charging the device more than once a day during heavy use, which could be a problem for road warriors.
  3. Price Tag: Foldables are still significantly more expensive than standard smartphones. The Z Fold6 starts around $1,799, making it more of a luxury than a necessity for most users.

So, Are Foldables Just a Gimmick?

Absolutely not. Foldable phones are not a passing trend—they’re a genuine step forward in mobile innovation. But right now, they’re still niche devices that cater to power users, tech enthusiasts, and early adopters.

For the average consumer, traditional smartphones still offer better value, durability, and simplicity. But that’s how most tech evolutions begin.

Industry Support and Innovation

Major players like Samsung, Motorola, Huawei, and Google are all investing heavily in foldable tech. The recent launch of the Pixel Fold and OnePlus Open shows that this form factor is gaining traction across ecosystems.

Software support is improving too:

  1. Android 12L and 13 optimize app layouts for foldables
  2. Popular apps like YouTube, Outlook, and Slack support split-screen and flex mode
  3. Game developers are exploring dynamic screen layouts

This signals a long-term commitment from both hardware and software providers.

What Needs to Change for Mass Adoption?

For foldable phones to become mainstream, a few things must evolve:

  1. Lower prices: Bringing flagship foldables below $1,000 would be a tipping point.
  2. Better durability: Water resistance, tougher hinges, and shatter-proof inner displays.
  3. Wider app support: Developers need to optimize more apps for dual and flexible screens.

Once these barriers fall, foldables could very well replace both phones and tablets in one go.

Final Verdict: Foldables Are the Future—But Not for Everyone Yet

After using the Galaxy Z Fold6 for a week, I can confidently say it offers a compelling user experience—one that’s unique, productive, and undeniably fun. But it’s not without trade-offs.

If you’re a mobile multitasker, content creator, or tech enthusiast, a foldable might be worth the splurge. For everyone else, waiting a year or two could mean more refined, affordable options.

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