Guide

Are Foldable Phones Finally Worth It?

Foldables have moved well past the first-generation problems, but they're still a genuine trade-off โ€” not simply a better version of a normal phone.

Twisti guides ยท Updated July 2026

Book-style vs flip-style

Book-style foldables

Unfold into a small tablet, with a smaller cover screen for quick tasks when closed. Best for anyone who wants a phone-and-tablet hybrid โ€” more screen for reading, browsing, and multitasking, at the cost of a thicker, heavier device when folded.

Flip-style foldables

A normal-sized phone screen that folds in half for pocketability, with a small cover display for notifications and quick glances. The appeal is mostly nostalgia and compactness rather than more screen real estate.

Has durability actually improved?

Meaningfully, yes โ€” later generations use tougher folding glass and improved hinge mechanisms compared to early models that were genuinely fragile. That said, foldables are still generally less durable than a standard flagship phone, and the crease in the folding screen, while less visible than early models, hasn't disappeared entirely.

Repair cost matters more here than with normal phones: a cracked folding screen is typically far more expensive to repair than a standard phone screen. Check the manufacturer's warranty terms and repair pricing before buying, and consider a case specifically designed for the hinge mechanism.

Who should actually buy one

Worth it if you specifically want the tablet-in-pocket form factor, or the compact flip form factor, and you're comfortable with a price premium and somewhat higher repair risk. For most buyers prioritising durability and value, a standard flagship phone remains the safer, cheaper choice with no meaningful downside in daily use.

Comparing phones before you buy?

Compare live NZ prices on Twisti across JB Hi-Fi, Noel Leeming and PB Tech, plus an AI verdict on whether now's a good time to buy.

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