CNET scan: 64 % of people say “No thanks” to the foldable smartphones

Its folds were an essential element in Smart phone The release course for years until now, with offers from companies such as Samsungand Motorola and Google. But despite the unique refreshing shape factor in a sea of monotheism of the mobile phone, the vast majority of consumers are still not interested.

According to CNET survey, 64 % of the respondents say they are not ready or interested in buying a A foldable smartphone Next year, while only 13 % say they are. Other 20 % are not sure if they want foldable, and only 3 % say they already own.

Its folds began making a return in the form of a smartphone about six years ago, when she released Samsung The first galaxy z Motorola The famous Razr restored. Other companies such as Google, honorand Oppo and Huawei They released their foldable devices, from the repetitions of the book to the Clamshell games.

There is still one key player who has not entered the game yet: appleAnd that has spread it is a IPhone foldable For several years until now. Reports say Work with Samsung offer To develop screens for this next phone. It is possible that once Apple enters the fold space, attention will grow across the plate.

“The potential Apple entry into the market later in 2026 can already help (with) legitimacy to the category.” Tell me earlier this month.

Specialized market

Despite the amount of options, the folds remain a specialized market. They compensate Less than 5 % of smart phone shipmentsAccording to a report issued by Trendforce. But sales are expected to rise. The IDC report says that foldable charges will It reaches 45.7 million units All over the world by 2028, a significant increase from 18.1 million units shipped in 2023. However, adoption is relatively slow.

Ryan Raith, IDC’s vice president around the world, told me before it was a great commitment to the average user to switch something that he relies a lot. ” Samsung emptying In early July. “Nobody wants to comply, especially when you move the big.”

For this reason, companies fight tooth and nails to make their phones more elegant, cheaper and more powerful – in varying degrees. The latest Samsung player Galaxy Z Fold 7 It puts the focus on building a thinner and better camera, while its price is worth $ 2000 is likely to make gravity for annoying technology lovers or people without strict budget restrictions.

Meanwhile, Motorola focused on developing more Budget versions of RAZR Smartphones, so you do not have to break the bank to take advantage of this foldable nostalgia in 2025 and beyond. (Also at Samsung A “more affordable” version From Galaxy Z Flip 7 It starts from $ 900).

However, the attractiveness of the broader consumer base can be a challenge, especially when many people have reservations.

The barriers are in front of a foldable purchase

Some of the biggest problems that prevent people from purchasing a foldable smartphone are high prices (36 %), durability (31 %), not understanding the advantages of the regular phone (31 %) and lack of the perceived process (26 %). Also, 15 % of people say that the reserve is very huge, 10 % said their favorite brand does not make foldable yet and 8 % worry about the quality of SubPar camera.

Many of these perceptions can change soon, thanks to the launch of phones such as Z to Fold 7, which focuses on thinness, durability and high -class camera. But other factors such as high price can be an obstacle. And if you swore loyalty to another brand like Apple, it is likely that nothing will convince you of switching to folding until that specified company is making one. This is the strength of the brand loyalty.

Resisting to buy a foldable phone is somewhat consistent with age groups. The generation of the millennium is the most keen on adventure in a foldable area, where 19 % of the respondents say they are interested in buying one next year (nostalgia is undoubtedly playing a role here). They are followed by 14 % of Gen Zers who will be ready to make this purchase, 10 % of Gen Xers and 8 % of Boomers.

Until now, this does not seem to prevent phone makers from putting their hat in the ring and knowing whether they can persuade the shoppers to fold.

methodology

Cent Yougov PLC. To make a survey. All numbers, unless otherwise, from Yougov PLC. The total sample size was 2,121 adults, of whom 2064 did not have a foldable smartphone. Field work was conducted between 1 and 3 July 2025. The online survey was conducted. The numbers were weighed and represent all American adults (between 18+).