Tablets or Folding Phones: Making the Right Choice

Phone innovation has always fascinated me, and anything that turns a tablet into a compact device naturally gets me curious. There’s no denying that the engineering behind this type of phone still feels futuristic, and the idea of carrying a phone that unfolds into something “tablet-like” sounds perfect – on paper, at least.

The appeal is clear. The design allows you to quickly switch from a standard slab phone to a tablet-sized display. The folded form works well for quick tasks, including taking notes or sending messages. Opening the inner display allows for more immersive activities, such as watching videos or editing content. This narrows the gap between a tablet and a compact smartphone, while still remaining pocket-friendly.

A foldable’s bigger screen still isn’t big enough

If you’re truly into a larger display, a foldable may not be for you. The largest foldable phones, such as the Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 7 with its 8-inch inner display, still offer less usable screen space than most compact tablets, which typically sit around the 10-inch mark.

Here, we can argue that foldables do include an additional outer display, but it doesn’t meaningfully replace the experience of working on a larger screen. But “bigger than a phone” doesn’t automatically mean “as good as a tablet”.

Even with Samsung pushing the form factor further with a TriFold design, the bigger picture hasn’t really changed.

Britta O’Boyle

Aspect ratio is another limitation. Foldable phones use near-square inner displays, which can feel awkward for reading, writing, and multitasking. Tablets have a wider natural display, while folding phones may show shorter text lines, apps feel cramped, and layouts often need constant adjustment.

The crease is another compromise. It may look minor but it can be distracting and break immersion. You’re constantly reminded of the design trade-offs involved.

Luke Baker

A tablet offers uninterrupted screen space, resulting in a smoother experience. I won’t say foldables are bad – I’d rather say they’re compromised by design. That gap between promise and everyday usability is why I’d still choose a tablet.

Foldables still fall short on durability and battery life

Hinges and inner screens can suffer from long-term wear. I don’t want to be aware of how carefully I need to open my device whenever I use it. They’re sensitive, regardless of how much a company emphasises durability.

For many users, there can be anxiety around opening and closing an expensive device daily. Even a small crackling sound or a slight change in how the fold opens and closes can create worry.

On the other hand, tablets are simpler. They’re sturdier and easier to protect, even though they need more space in your bag. They’re generally more robust, and if they fall from a height, there’s no exposed inner screen to worry about damaging. That peace of mind matters.

While I like foldable phones for their two displays, which can make multitasking easier, a bigger battery is ideally needed – but that would make the phone bulkier.

In general, these phones tend to have smaller batteries, as you see on the OnePlus Open, which has 4805 mAh – it’s good enough for everyday use but not very powerful for a dual display.

Endurance is another factor to consider. Their hinges, flexible screens, and smaller batteries face more wear over time than traditional devices. Tablets tend to last longer for media, work, and travel.

Foldables still struggle with large-screen software

This is where the promise of foldables falls short in everyday use. While they give you a bigger display, the software doesn’t always fit. I still run into apps that aren’t properly optimised for foldables, even now in 2026. You’ll notice stretched layouts and odd spacing that feel like apps are blown up disproportionately.

Split-screen works decently in some cases but other apps resize strangely, or force you to keep tweaking. In theory, multitasking looks brilliant, yet it can feel messy in reality.

Luke Baker

Tablets handle this far better. Apps are usually designed with big screens in mind, more thoughtful layouts, clearer spacing, and smoother task flow. The difference really shows during longer sessions. At the end of the day, a larger screen only shines when the software backs it up properly, and tablets still win hands-down.

Foldables still fall short on long-term value

This is where things get tricky. Repairability is one area where foldables struggle to justify themselves. The adhesive used for flexible inner displays can wear over time, while the hinge mechanism adds layers of complexity that make even simple repairs more difficult and expensive.

A damaged inner screen or hinge issue can quickly turn into a costly repair. This repair can be as expensive as a replacement device. Tablets, by comparison, are far simpler. They may not be easy to repair, but as a traditional design, it makes screen or battery replacements more straightforward. This matters over time, especially if you plan to keep a device for several years.