Mobile phone makers are locked in a relentless arms race, releasing larger devices with each generation. While bigger screens appeal to many, they often sacrifice practicality. Phones exceeding 6.9 inches can be difficult to hold, less portable, and cumbersome for one-handed use. As a consumer tech writer and reviewer who has tested countless smartphones, I've learned to prioritize real-world usability over raw specs. For the past two years, my primary device was an iPhone 15 Pro Max, which I appreciated for its camera, reliability, and ease of use. However, its large footprint made it challenging to grip, awkward to fit in pockets, and bulky in bags. Last year, I ventured into the foldable phone world, acquiring a Motorola Razr Ultra 2025 as a secondary device. After more than a year of regular use, it has become my daily driver. Here are four reasons why I don't regret joining the foldable phone club, and why you might consider making your next smartphone a foldable one.
You get a more compact phone without giving up screen space
The most obvious advantage of a foldable phone is the ability to enjoy a large display when needed while collapsing into a compact form for portability. Unlike standard slab smartphones, foldables can fold into a smaller footprint that is easier to carry. The experience varies by type. Clamshell models, like my Motorola Razr Ultra 2025, fold horizontally, making them pocket-friendly and ideal for active use—I often bring mine on runs because it fits securely in tight leggings pockets without protruding. Book-style foldables, on the other hand, transform a regular smartphone into a mini-tablet, perfect for those who want the flexibility of browsing, gaming, reading, and multitasking on a larger screen.
Many potential buyers worry about the visible crease created by constant folding. While I noticed it in my first few weeks, I quickly adapted; the hinge line became unnoticeable as I focused on the device's benefits. The ability to switch between the compact external cover screen and the expansive main display is well worth the trade-off, and pocketability remains the biggest game-changer.
Foldables offer more versatility for photos and video
Foldable phones unlock camera capabilities impossible on conventional smartphones. They enable hands-free photo and video capture, allowing the device to serve as its own tripod—eliminating the need for additional accessories. Many foldables let you use the superior rear cameras for high-quality selfies when the phone is folded. With a flip-style model, the external cover screen acts as a live viewfinder for properly composed portraits or wide-angle shots. Inward-folding models provide an unfolded display that offers greater flexibility for framing group photos, reviewing shots, or content creation.
In my experience with the Razr Ultra, I've folded the phone at 90 degrees (laptop-style) for video calls, followed video recipes while cooking, and captured timed photos without propping the device against anything. Using it tent-style for stable video recording without a tripod has been particularly fun. I've even clamped the phone to a flat vertical surface—like a pickleball net—for hands-free photos at an appropriate height. (Caution: always be ready to catch your phone and ensure the surface isn't rough enough to scratch the main screen.)
It's more convenient for everyday use
Based on my time with the Razr Ultra, a surprising number of tasks can be accomplished without ever opening the phone. The cover screen handles app notifications, quick replies to texts, email checks, game play, Google Maps navigation, digital boarding passes, media playback control, and much more. For devices that unfold into a tablet, convenience takes a different form: you can breeze through routine tasks on the outer display or unfold for instant room to proofread documents, edit photos, watch videos, or multitask—without switching to a tablet or computer.
Foldable phones also provide better protection for the main display. Whether flip-style or book-style, the inner screen remains secure when folded, reducing the risk of scratches from keys, coins, or other sharp objects in a bag or pocket. This added durability is a practical benefit that enhances day-to-day use.
It helps break the scrolling habit
An unexpected benefit of using a foldable phone is how it subtly alters interaction patterns. Because the main display isn't always accessible, opening the phone becomes a conscious decision rather than an automatic impulse. I find myself reaching for my phone less often, spending more time on immediate tasks instead of mindlessly scrolling or hopping between apps. On the Razr Ultra, the nostalgic snap of closing the phone after finishing a task or call acts as a cognitive signal: "I'm done!" While tablet-style foldables lack that classic flip-phone experience, they still promote more intentional use—you unfold the larger display because you actually need it, not just because it's always there.
This folding/unfolding process has become an effective digital detox tool. The brief pause between wanting to use the phone and actually opening it gives enough time to ask, "Do I really need to do this right now?" More often than not, the answer is no. These small moments of hesitation gradually build a healthier relationship with your smartphone. The foldable form factor encourages mindfulness in a world of constant digital distractions.
Source:SlashGear News