The Perfect Folding Phone Doesn't Exist Yet [2025]

Somewhere between two excellent folding phones sits the one we actually need. Not the thinnest. Not the toughest. Not the most feature-packed. The balanced one.

I've spent the last month living with both the Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 7 and the Google Pixel 10 Pro Fold, and here's what I've learned: we're closer to the ideal foldable than ever before, but we're still not there. Each phone nails something the other gets wrong. Each forces you to make a compromise that, frankly, shouldn't exist in a device this expensive.

The Galaxy Z Fold 7 is impossibly thin. Pick it up and you're holding a phone that weighs less than most standard flagships. It feels like the future. But compromise on durability? Drop it wrong, and you're without a device that costs $1,900. The Pixel 10 Pro Fold is a tank. It's got that full IP68 dust resistance rating, Qi 2 magnets built in, and a ring grip that actually makes sense for a tablet-weight device. It's practical. It's also heavy enough that you feel it every single time you put it in your pocket.

Neither phone is wrong. Both are incomplete. And that gap between them? That's where the perfect foldable lives.

TL; DR

• The Galaxy Z Fold 7 excels at form factor but lacks full dust resistance and built-in ring support
• The Pixel 10 Pro Fold prioritizes durability with IP68 ratings and Qi 2 magnets, but weighs significantly more
• The ideal foldable needs balance between weight, durability, software flexibility, and stand/grip functionality
• Foldable phones are becoming pocket computers, not just bigger phones, which changes what features actually matter
• Manufacturers are caught between two markets: those who want premium slim form factors and those who need rugged reliability

The Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 7 excels in thinness but lacks durability, while the Google Pixel 10 Pro Fold is more durable but heavier. Estimated data.

Why We're Testing Foldables Like Computers Now

A year ago, folding phones were novelties. Cool to show off. Fun party tricks. "Look, it bends." That narrative has shifted dramatically, and honestly, the phones have earned it.

I brought the Pixel 10 Pro Fold to CES in Las Vegas last month. Before that, I traveled with it over the holidays, pulled it out in boarding lounges, used it during flights, and hauled it through TSA security more times than I could count. The Galaxy Z Fold 7 came with me to client meetings, to my couch while organizing grocery lists, and to places where my laptop simply wasn't available.

These aren't edge cases anymore. These are real scenarios where a folding phone becomes your actual computer because your actual computer isn't available or isn't practical.

Think about it. You're on a plane. Large electronics must be stowed. You've got a three-hour flight and actual work to do. Your 6.3-inch phone screen? Not cutting it. The same device unfolded to 7.6 inches? Suddenly you're typing emails, editing documents, and getting real work done. That's not a novelty. That's a fundamental shift in what the device means.

Or you're sitting on your couch. Your laptop is in the other room. You want to put together that grocery order, organize your photos, maybe draft a few emails. Your standard phone feels cramped. Unfolding the tablet screen feels natural. It's the right size for the task. It's the right size for how you're holding it.

I've been using these devices for a month specifically as secondary computers, and the experience has been excellent enough to make me greedy. I want more from both of them. I want the best parts of each, without the compromises.

The Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 7 Form Factor Problem

Let's start with the Galaxy Z Fold 7, because it does something no other folding phone on the market does quite as well: it's ridiculously thin.

When you hold the Z Fold 7 closed, it feels like a premium phone. It weighs slightly more than a standard flagship, but "slightly more" is the operative phrase. Most of the time, you forget it's not a regular slab phone. That changes the equation entirely when you're deciding whether to actually carry it with you.

The Pixel 10 Pro Fold, by contrast, is noticeably heavier. It's the weight of two phones glued together because, well, that's basically what it is. You feel it in your pocket. You feel it when you're holding it. You feel it when you're trying to take a photo with one hand. The weight is a constant reminder that you're carrying something special, which sounds cool in theory and gets old fast in practice.

But the Z Fold 7 makes some sacrifices to achieve that thinness, and they matter more than Samsung probably wants to admit.

Dust Resistance Gaps

The Pixel 10 Pro Fold has a full IP68 rating, which means it's fully sealed against dust. The Galaxy Z Fold 7? It's only sealed against large particles. In practical terms, the Z Fold 7 is less confident about what happens when it meets the chaotic environment at the bottom of your tote bag.

I tested both phones over a month that included travel, holidays, and daily commuting. The Pixel's full dust rating gave me genuine peace of mind. The Z Fold 7 made me slightly more nervous every time I threw it in a bag without a protective case. That's not a massive issue for most users, but it's a real consideration if this is your primary device.

The Grip and Stand Problem

Here's something nobody talks about enough: a phone that becomes a tablet really benefits from a way to hold it or prop it up. The Pixel 10 Pro Fold solved this with Qi 2 and built-in magnets, which means you can attach magnetic ring grips, pop sockets, and stands without adding bulk to the phone itself.

The Galaxy Z Fold 7 doesn't have this. Samsung offers low-profile cases that add a magnetic ring, but cases feel antithetical to everything the Z Fold 7 is. It's impossibly thin. Adding a case, even a thin one, negates that entire design achievement.

I spent weeks trying to use the Z Fold 7 without a case, and it created a constant low-level friction. When you unfold it to use as a tablet, you want to set it down at an angle. The camera bump causes wobble. You end up propping it on a drink coaster or finding some other workaround. It's not dealbreaker territory, but it's the kind of thing that makes you say, "This would be better if..." a dozen times a day.

A simple magnetic ring that could pop on and off without adding bulk? That would solve this. Samsung, if you're reading this: please steal the Qi 2 implementation. It's elegant and it solves a real problem.

The Galaxy Z Fold 7 excels in thinness but compromises on dust resistance and grip features compared to the Pixel 10 Pro Fold. Estimated data.

The Pixel 10 Pro Fold: Premium Durability Meets Weight

The Pixel 10 Pro Fold is a statement of different values. It's saying, "You're spending two grand on this. It's going to last." That's a more conservative philosophy, but it resonates with people who treat their phones like essential tools rather than fashion accessories.

That Qi 2 implementation is brilliant. The ring grip Google includes in the box actually works. It mitigates the weight when you're holding the phone for extended periods. It doubles as a stand. It's a small example of thoughtful product design that makes the phone genuinely more usable.

The dust resistance is genuinely valuable if you live anywhere dusty, travel frequently, or just have a chaotic daily life. The sealed design means you're not watching your phone nervously every time it gets close to sand, dirt, or debris.

But that weight. Let me be specific about this because it matters more than the spec sheet suggests.

The Pixel 10 Pro Fold weighs around 230 grams. A standard iPhone 16 Pro Max weighs 221 grams. Technically, they're close. But the weight distribution is completely different. The Pixel feels heavier because it's a slab with a lot of mass concentrated in a form factor your brain expects to be lighter. Your pocket feels it. Your hand feels it. After weeks with the Galaxy Z Fold 7, which weighs around 203 grams and feels like a normal phone, picking up the Pixel feels like a step backward in the fundamental experience.

That's not to say the Pixel is bad. It's saying that the weight creates a constant negotiation. Do I bring this or my regular phone? Do I carry it in my pocket or my bag? Is the durability worth the heft? These are questions you shouldn't have to ask at this price point.

The Software Gap Nobody Talks About

Both phones run versions of Android optimized for foldables. Google's approach with the Pixel 10 Pro Fold is cleaner and simpler. Samsung's approach with One UI is more permissive and flexible.

I prefer Google's simplified implementation for basic tasks. It's elegant. But I prefer Samsung's flexibility for actual work. Samsung lets you run multiple apps side-by-side with minimal friction. You can have a messaging app on one side of the screen and your notes app on the other, and switching between configurations feels natural. Google's approach works, but it feels slightly more rigid.

Here's the thing though: neither manufacturer is really thinking about what productivity software developers should build for these devices. Both Android implementations assume you're running typical phone apps on a larger screen. That's technically correct, but it's also leaving a massive opportunity on the table.

Where are the apps actually designed for the unfolded tablet experience? Where's the productivity software that takes real advantage of having two usable screen sections? Adobe's trying with some of their Creative Suite apps. Microsoft's trying with Office. But most developers are still thinking in terms of portrait orientation. Samsung's multi-window approach is closer to useful, but it's still not quite there.

The ideal folding phone needs the operating system to assume you're going to use it as an actual tablet. That means better default split-screen configurations, better app recommendations for side-by-side workflows, and better integration with cloud storage for serious work.

What The Perfect Folding Phone Actually Needs

If I were designing the ideal folding phone, here's what I'd take from each device and what I'd change.

Weight Sweet Spot

The Z Fold 7 at 203 grams hits the right number, but the Pixel's durability approach is correct. You need materials and design that can handle real-world abuse. That means finding materials that are both durable and light. We're not there yet. Titanium helps, but titanium alone doesn't solve the problem. You need a fundamental rethinking of how the device is structured.

Connectivity Without Compromise

Take the Pixel's Qi 2 implementation. Make it standard. Build magnetic ring compatibility into every folding phone. This isn't expensive. It's not particularly complex. It's just thoughtful design that acknowledges what these devices are used for.

Durability With Nuance

Full dust and water resistance matters, but there's a middle ground between the Pixel's fortress approach and the Galaxy's "well, maybe" approach. A phone this expensive should handle daily life without making you nervous. That doesn't require an IP68 rating. IP67 (fully sealed against liquids, dust to a practical degree) would be enough for most users and wouldn't require the same engineering tradeoffs.

Software That Assumes Productivity

Stop treating the folded-out state as a "big phone." Treat it as a computer. Let multiple apps run side-by-side by default. Optimize the experience for actual work. Make it easy to arrange windows, to move files between apps, to use the device like the small laptop it actually is.

Thermal Management for Real Work

Neither phone really addresses this, but if you're going to use these devices as actual computers, sustained performance matters. Gaming, video editing, heavy multitasking: these tasks generate heat. The ideal folding phone needs better thermal management than a standard phone because you're actually pushing it harder.

The Crease Problem (Finally Addressed)

Both phones have reduced the crease significantly. The Pixel 10 Pro Fold's crease is genuinely less noticeable than previous generations. But neither phone has solved it. That's not really solvable yet without a fundamental breakthrough in display technology. But acknowledging it and continuing to iterate is the right approach.

Samsung focuses more on the cool factor and premium feel, while Google emphasizes reliability and longevity. Estimated data based on market observations.

Why Manufacturers Haven't Built This Phone Yet

This isn't a capability problem. The technology exists to build what I'm describing. The problem is market segmentation and competing design philosophies.

Samsung is optimizing for the "this is so cool" factor. Slim, light, premium feel. That sells folding phones to people who might otherwise skip them. It's a form factor first, features second.

Google is optimizing for reliability and longevity. This is your primary device. We want you to be confident you can use it for years. It's a trustworthy tool first, coolness factor second.

Both approaches are valid. Both appeal to different users. The problem is that both approaches require tradeoffs that shouldn't be necessary at the $1,900 price point.

The market isn't big enough yet for a third player to emerge with a "just right" approach in the middle. Apple hasn't entered the foldable market, which would theoretically force consolidation around better design. And the two players who do make folding phones are too focused on being different from each other to find the obvious middle ground.

The Foldable Phone Is Actually Three Devices

Here's the thing that manufacturers need to understand: every person who buys a folding phone is actually buying three devices.

First, it's a phone. It needs to be phone-sized, phone-weight, and phone-practical when closed. It needs to fit in pockets. It needs to be holdable with one hand for basic tasks.

Second, it's a tablet. When unfolded, it needs to be useful as a real tablet for reading, watching, light productivity work, and creativity tools. It needs to feel good at that size. It needs to not require a case if you don't want one.

Third, it's a computer. For some users, unfolded, it becomes the device they actually get work done on. Email, documents, spreadsheets, creative tasks, code. These users need multitasking, integration with cloud services, and an operating system that assumes productivity.

The perfect folding phone would serve all three of these roles equally well. Right now, every folding phone on the market optimizes for one or two and asks you to tolerate mediocrity at the third.

The Competition and Why It Matters

Samsung has been making folding phones longer than anyone. They've refined the hinges, improved the screens, reduced the crease. With the Galaxy Z Fold 7, they've achieved something genuinely impressive in terms of form factor. But they've also decided that thinness and lightness are table stakes. Everything else is secondary.

Google entered the foldable market specifically because they knew they could do it differently. The Pixel 10 Pro Fold is Google saying, "We can make a folding phone that's more durable, more reliable, and better integrated with our services." That's a valid strategy. It's differentiation. But it came at the cost of weight and bulk that other users don't want to accept.

Neither company is wrong. But neither company has built the phone that both audiences actually want.

Apple, notably, hasn't entered this market. There's speculation that Apple is waiting for the technology to mature more. There's also speculation that Apple's design standards wouldn't allow a product with this many compromises. If Apple ever releases a foldable iPhone, it will be because they figured out how to hit that middle ground better than Samsung and Google. That phone would be dangerous to the market because it would likely succeed on sheer brand power and design coherence.

The Pixel 10 Pro Fold is lighter and has a higher IP68 rating compared to the Galaxy Z Fold 7, which has a slightly smaller screen and lower IP67 rating.

The Practical Case for Foldables as Primary Devices

I want to be clear: using a folding phone as your primary device works. I've done it. Both of these phones can handle everything a standard phone can do, and then some. The difference in daily usability is real but not dramatic.

Where it becomes genuinely valuable is in the specific scenarios I mentioned. Travel, meetings, situations where you need more screen space but your laptop isn't available. For office workers, creatives, and anyone whose job involves looking at screens, the folding phone covers gaps that standard phones can't.

The battery life is solid on both devices. The cameras are flagship-tier. Performance is excellent. You're not making sacrifices on core phone functionality to get the foldable form factor anymore. That's genuinely new.

What you are making sacrifices on is practicality. The weight, the durability tradeoffs, the software that hasn't caught up to what the hardware is capable of. These aren't dealbreakers, but they're not nothing either.

Display Technology: The Unsung Progress

Neither the Galaxy Z Fold 7 nor the Pixel 10 Pro Fold has a perfect screen. The crease is still visible. The brightness can dip in certain lighting conditions. But the progress in the last two years has been substantial.

The inner displays on both phones are genuinely usable now. They're not "good for a folding phone." They're just good. The color accuracy is solid. The refresh rate is smooth. The brightness is adequate for most scenarios.

The outer displays are actually faster to access than expected. Because both phones optimize the outer screen for quick tasks, you don't need to unfold as often as you might think. Quick replies, navigation, quick searches: these all work fine on the closed-form screen.

The real breakthrough will come when the crease becomes functionally invisible. We're not there yet, but both companies are clearly working on it. Samsung's implemented a micro-lens array that reduces how visible the crease is at normal viewing angles. Google's using different materials to diffuse light across the crease. Neither solution is perfect, but both are progress.

Once the crease truly disappears, that's when the folding phone becomes obviously superior to anything else, at least for some users. You won't be looking at a visual marker of compromise every time you use the main screen.

The Integration Problem: Why Software Hasn't Caught Up

Android has supported multiple windows and split-screen since version 7. That's not new. But neither Samsung nor Google has made this the default assumption for folding phones. It's still an opt-in feature that most users never discover.

The ideal folding phone assumes you want to run multiple apps side-by-side by default. It suggests configurations. It makes it easy to save frequently used split-screen setups. It treats this as the normal way to use the larger screen, not an advanced feature.

Moreover, the ideal software would have better communication between the two screens. If you're running a calendar app on one side and email on the other, they should be aware of each other. Dragging an event into the email app should draft a message. Sharing information between the two sides should feel natural, not forced.

Google's making progress here. Their latest Android versions have better multitasking suggestions. Samsung's been ahead on this for years. But both are still treating split-screen as a specialized feature rather than the default assumption.

The developer community would help too. If folding phones had a critical mass of users, developers would build apps specifically optimized for the larger screen. Instead, most apps are designed for standard phones and just happen to work larger. That's functional but uninspired.

The Galaxy Z Fold 7 excels in form factor but lacks in durability and grip features, whereas the Pixel 10 Pro Fold offers superior durability but is heavier. Estimated data.

Build Quality and Longevity Concerns

The durability question matters more for foldables than for standard phones because the crease is a structural weak point. Both the Pixel 10 Pro Fold and Galaxy Z Fold 7 have improved dramatically in this regard. Samsung's been refining their hinges for years. Google's brought serious engineering to their first folding phone.

But neither company has publicly committed to how many fold cycles these phones can handle. Samsung dropped mentions of durability specifications after earlier generations got criticized for longevity issues. Google hasn't provided detailed figures either.

For a $1,900 device, we should know. How many times can you fold and unfold this phone before the hinge starts to wear? How many years of daily use will the display last? What happens to the crease over time as the materials expand and contract?

These aren't trivial questions. They affect whether this is actually a primary device or an expensive toy.

Based on real-world usage and repair data, both phones seem to hold up reasonably well after a year or two. But we need longer-term data before we can really say these are devices meant to last. The ideal folding phone would come with longevity guarantees that manufacturers are currently unwilling to make.

The Price Reality Nobody Wants to Discuss

At nearly two thousand dollars, folding phones are luxury items. They're not mass market. They're not going to replace standard phones in the next decade. They're premium devices for specific use cases and users who can afford them.

But here's the thing: for that price, users expect more. They expect fewer compromises. They expect a device that doesn't require you to choose between having a thin phone and having a durable one. They expect software that's been optimized for the hardware, not just adapted from standard phones.

Samsung and Google are both delivering phones that are worth the money for specific audiences. The Galaxy Z Fold 7 for people who want the cool factor and are willing to accept slightly less durability. The Pixel 10 Pro Fold for people who want reliability and don't mind carrying extra weight.

But the ideal folding phone would cost the same two grand and deliver all the benefits of both without the tradeoffs. That's the phone we're waiting for.

What the Next Generation Needs to Learn

Samsung's already announced they're working on even thinner materials. Google's clearly invested in durability as a core philosophy. One of these companies, or a dark horse entrant, is going to synthesize these approaches.

The next generation of folding phones needs to hit a weight under 210 grams while maintaining full IP67 dust and water resistance. They need integrated magnetic support (Qi 2 standard) built in by default. They need software that assumes productivity from the moment you unfold them.

Most importantly, they need to acknowledge that these are computers, not just phones. Design them with that in mind. Optimize for longer battery life during sustained use. Build thermal management that handles real workloads. Create software that integrates cloud services seamlessly. Make it actually useful for the professionals who are buying these devices as laptop replacements.

Once that happens, folding phones stop being novelties and become obvious choices for a huge segment of power users.

The Future Is Getting Clearer

I've spent a month living with both of these phones, and the experience has convinced me that the folding phone is the actual future of mobile computing. Not immediately. Not as a replacement for standard phones. But as the premium option that serious users migrate to once the compromises disappear.

We're maybe two to three generations away from that point. Samsung needs to prove they can deliver durability without compromising thinness. Google needs to prove that their durability philosophy doesn't require weight penalties. Software needs to catch up to the hardware capabilities.

The phone that solves all of this won't be the thinnest. It won't be the most durable. It'll be the most balanced. It'll be the one that acknowledges all three use cases: phone, tablet, and computer. It'll do none of them perfectly, but it'll do all of them well enough that you never feel like you're making a sacrifice.

That phone doesn't exist yet. But I've held both pieces of it, and I know it's coming.

Final Thoughts: What I'm Waiting For

If I'm being honest, I'm waiting for the iteration that doesn't require a choice. I want Samsung's thinness with Google's durability. I want Google's software clarity with Samsung's multitasking flexibility. I want a price that still allows for premium materials but feels like less of a statement purchase and more like a practical tool.

I know that's greedy. I know compromise is part of how products work. But these phones cost nearly two grand. At that price point, you should get the combination you actually want, not the combination that represents your best available option.

The market isn't big enough yet for a third player to make that phone. But it will be. And when it arrives, it'll make both the Galaxy Z Fold 7 and Pixel 10 Pro Fold feel like necessary stepping stones to something better.

Until then, I'll keep alternating between them, enjoying the strengths of each and frustrated by the weaknesses. Because that's what using a current-generation folding phone is right now: genuinely great with constant reminders that it could be better.

FAQ

What is a folding phone and how does it differ from a standard smartphone?

A folding phone is a mobile device with a flexible display that folds in half, similar to a book. Unlike standard phones, folding phones offer a larger interior screen (typically 7-8 inches) when unfolded, providing tablet-like functionality in a phone-sized form factor when closed. This allows users to have a pocket-sized device that transforms into a tablet for productivity, media consumption, and creative tasks.

How durable are folding phones like the Galaxy Z Fold 7 and Pixel 10 Pro Fold?

Durability varies between models. The Pixel 10 Pro Fold features a full IP68 rating for dust and water resistance, meaning it's completely sealed against dust particles and can handle submersion. The Galaxy Z Fold 7 has a lesser IP67 equivalent rating that protects against larger particles but offers less comprehensive dust sealing. Both phones have improved significantly from earlier generations, with reinforced hinges and more durable screen materials, though manufacturer-specific durability claims remain limited.

What are the main advantages of using a folding phone as a primary device?

Folding phones offer significant advantages for specific use cases: they provide a larger screen for productivity tasks like email and document editing without requiring a laptop, they enable split-screen multitasking with two applications running simultaneously, they're useful for creative work like photo editing and design, and they handle media consumption (videos, reading) more effectively than standard phones. For travelers and professionals who work frequently away from their desks, folding phones can serve as a legitimate secondary computer.

Why is weight such an important consideration when choosing between folding phones?

Weight distribution directly affects daily usability and comfort. A heavier device like the Pixel 10 Pro Fold (around 230 grams) creates noticeable burden in pockets, affects how long you can comfortably hold it, and influences whether you'll actually carry it daily. The lighter Galaxy Z Fold 7 (approximately 203 grams) feels closer to a standard phone, making it easier to carry and use for extended periods. This seemingly small difference significantly impacts the practical experience of using the device throughout the day.

What software features should folding phones have for productivity?

The ideal folding phone software would assume productivity as the default use case, offering automatic split-screen suggestions, easy side-by-side app launching, seamless file sharing between applications, deep cloud integration for document access, and specialized productivity layouts. Currently, most foldables adapt standard phone software to a larger screen rather than designing experiences specifically for the larger format, leaving substantial untapped potential for multitasking efficiency and professional workflows.

When can we expect to see the "perfect" folding phone?

Based on current development trajectories, the next generation or two of folding phones should address major gaps. Expect thinner designs combined with better durability, standardized magnetic ring support (like Qi 2), optimized productivity software, and improved thermal management for sustained workloads. The timeline depends on whether Samsung can achieve durability without weight penalties and whether Google can deliver their reliability philosophy with lighter materials, likely placing a truly balanced phone 18-36 months away.

Want the Tools That Empower Professionals?

Managing productivity across multiple devices and workflows is complex. Teams need solutions that handle automation, document generation, and presentation creation without friction.

The Road Ahead for Foldable Technology

The folding phone market is still in its infancy, but the trajectory is clear. We're transitioning from novelty to necessity for a specific segment of power users. Both Samsung and Google have proven the technology is viable. The next challenge is refinement and balance.

Neither the Galaxy Z Fold 7 nor the Pixel 10 Pro Fold is a complete failure. Each succeeds in what it prioritizes and compromises on what it doesn't. The user experience gap between them isn't dramatic, but it's meaningful enough that your choice between them should depend heavily on your specific needs.

But the existence of this gap is the point. There's room for a phone that doesn't force the choice. That phone is coming. And when it arrives, it's going to reset expectations for what a premium mobile device can be.

Key Takeaways

• The Galaxy Z Fold 7 excels at form factor with exceptional thinness but compromises on durability with only IP67-level dust resistance
• The Pixel 10 Pro Fold prioritizes durability with full IP68 ratings and built-in Qi2 magnets but carries noticeable weight that affects daily usability
• The ideal folding phone requires balance: under 210 grams, full dust resistance, integrated magnetic support, and software optimized for productivity
• Folding phones are evolving from novelties into genuine secondary computers for professionals, travelers, and power users who need larger screens without laptops
• Neither current manufacturer has achieved the middle ground; the perfect foldable will likely emerge within 18-36 months as technology matures

Related Articles

• Samsung Galaxy S26 Hype Check: Real Innovation or Incremental Update? [2025]
• Samsung's TriFold Phone: $2,899 Price & Everything You Need to Know [2026]
• Samsung Galaxy Z Trifold: $2,900 Price, Specs & Release Date [2025]
• Samsung Galaxy Unpacked 2025: What to Expect and What Won't Happen [2025]
• Nvidia's Arm Laptop Offensive: N1 and N1X Challenge Intel Dominance [2025]
• Trump Phone T1 Ultra: Everything We Know [2025]