By late 2025, India’s premium smartphone market could see its most ambitious wave of foldable devices yet—with Google Pixel Fold 2, Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 7, and OnePlus Open 2 all expected to hit shelves between November and December. The twist? These aren’t just incremental upgrades. They’re the first foldables that might finally feel like they’re built for everyday use, not just tech enthusiasts. And with Samsung Galaxy S24 FE 5G becoming India’s best-selling Android phone in 2025 after dropping to around ₹30,000 post-discount, the market’s appetite for high-end features at mid-range prices has never been stronger.
What’s Launching and When?
July 2025 already saw Samsung roll out the Galaxy Z Fold 7—its thinnest, lightest, and most durable foldable yet. The design tweaks? A reinforced hinge, reduced crease visibility, and a 7.6-inch inner display that now supports true 120Hz across all apps. Meanwhile, Google is set to drop the Pixel Fold 2 in November, packing the new Tensor G4 chip, a reworked triple-camera array, and tighter Android integration. Unlike its predecessor, this one actually feels like a Pixel—clean software, no bloat, and Google’s AI features baked into multitasking.
OnePlus is going all-in with the Open 2, rumored to be the slimmest foldable ever made. Early leaks suggest a 2K primary display, Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 chip, and a hinge so precise it reduces the internal crease by nearly 40%. And yes, it’ll likely launch above the OnePlus 13, signaling a shift in their flagship hierarchy.
Don’t forget the flip phones. OPPO’s Find N3 Flip and Motorola’s Razr 60 Ultra—already BIS-certified—are expected to arrive in late Q4. Motorola’s model, in particular, brings back the iconic clamshell design with a 6.9-inch inner screen and a 3.6-inch external display that actually does something useful: shows notifications, lets you answer calls, and even run apps.
Why This Matters for Indian Buyers
The real story isn’t just the hardware. It’s the software. Samsung has been quietly improving One UI for foldables—adding seamless app continuity, drag-and-drop file sharing between screens, and even optimized video playback. That’s huge. For years, foldables struggled with apps that didn’t scale properly. Now, watching a YouTube video on the full inner screen doesn’t mean black bars on the sides. It just works.
And then there’s price. The Samsung Galaxy S24 FE 5G proved something critical: Indian consumers will pay for premium features—but only if they’re accessible. Launched at ₹59,999, it dropped to ₹30,000 after discounts, selling over 2.3 million units in six months. That’s the new benchmark. The upcoming foldables? They’ll likely start at ₹65,000–₹75,000. But if Samsung and Google offer trade-in bonuses, EMI plans, or bundled accessories (like foldable-compatible styluses), adoption could spike.
The Hidden Flaws Nobody Talks About
Let’s be real: foldables still have issues. The crease? It’s less obvious now, but it’s still there. Over time, especially with daily folding, it becomes more visible—sometimes even tactile. And while manufacturers claim “ultra-thin glass,” the screens still scratch easier than standard OLEDs. One user in Mumbai reported his Galaxy Z Fold 6 screen developed micro-scratches after just four months of use, despite a case.
Then there’s video playback. Most YouTube and Netflix content is shot in 16:9. On a foldable’s 21:9 inner screen? You get letterboxing. Or worse—distorted aspect ratios when apps don’t optimize. Even Google’s own apps sometimes struggle. And battery life? It’s decent—Vivo’s upcoming X Fold 5 promises a 6,500mAh pack—but you’ll drain it faster with dual-screen multitasking.
Who Should Buy? Who Should Wait?
If you’re a power user—juggling WhatsApp, Sheets, and YouTube while commuting—then a foldable is a game-changer. The ability to drag a link from your browser into a note app? That’s productivity magic. Gamers will love the expanded screen real estate. And creatives? Editing photos or video on a 7.6-inch canvas? Unmatched.
But if you’re someone who drops phones, uses them for calls and Instagram, or just wants reliability? Stick with a Samsung Galaxy S24 FE 5G or OnePlus Nord 5. Both offer 90W charging, IP68 ratings, and flagship performance—without the fragility. And here’s the kicker: Samsung is still giving software updates to its 2023 foldables. That’s not just support—it’s a signal that the ecosystem is maturing.
What’s Next?
By 2026, expect Apple to enter the foldable arena. Rumors suggest a 2026 launch, which could force Android makers to slash prices. Until then, the next 12 months are about refinement. OnePlus’s Open 2, Google’s Pixel Fold 2, and Samsung’s Z Fold 7 aren’t just phones. They’re proof that foldables are no longer experimental. They’re becoming essential.
Frequently Asked Questions
Will foldable phones be worth buying in late 2025?
Yes—if you value multitasking, media consumption, or productivity. The 2025 models like the Pixel Fold 2 and Galaxy Z Fold 7 fix major software flaws from earlier versions, offer better durability, and have improved screen uniformity. But they’re still premium-priced (₹65K+), so only buy if you’ll use the dual-screen features daily. For casual users, a flagship like the Galaxy S24 FE remains smarter.
Why is Samsung dominating the foldable market in India?
Samsung leads because it’s the only brand offering both foldable and flip models annually, with consistent software updates and retail presence. The Galaxy S24 FE’s massive sales (over 2.3 million units) prove Indian consumers trust the brand for reliability. Plus, Samsung’s One UI optimizations for foldables are far ahead of competitors, making the experience feel cohesive—not gimmicky.
Are there any Android foldables with Apple-like build quality?
Not yet. While the Galaxy Z Fold 7 and OnePlus Open 2 use stronger hinges and Gorilla Glass Victus 2, they still lack Apple’s legendary attention to edge tolerances and material consistency. The crease remains visible under direct light, and screen scratches are more common. Apple’s entry in 2026 will likely raise the bar—but for now, Samsung and OnePlus come closest.
Can I use a foldable phone as my only device?
Absolutely—if you’re a heavy multitasker. The larger screen lets you run two apps side-by-side, copy text between them, or watch a video while checking emails. Many users report replacing tablets entirely. But if you’re often outdoors, in crowded spaces, or prone to drops, the fragility and higher repair cost (₹25K+ for screen replacement) make it risky as a sole device.
What’s the biggest downside of foldable phones right now?
The crease. Even on the latest models, it’s still physically noticeable—especially when viewing white backgrounds or scrolling through documents. It doesn’t affect functionality, but it’s a visual flaw that hasn’t been fully solved. Combined with higher repair costs and slightly reduced battery life under heavy use, it’s the main reason many buyers hesitate despite the impressive tech.
Will prices drop after the 2025 launches?
Not immediately. But by early 2026, expect discounts on 2024–2025 models as new releases arrive. Retailers like Croma and Reliance Digital often run Diwali and New Year sales with ₹10K–₹15K off on older foldables. If you can wait until January, you might get a Galaxy Z Fold 7 for under ₹60,000—making it a much more compelling value.
