The evolution of foldable phones in eight devices

Foldables have transitioned from novelty prototypes into advanced, mainstream devices in 2025. We trace their journey

- Shouvik Das

Over the past seven years, foldable smartphones have seen several waves of evolution in the way they look, feel, and work. The early foldable designs in 2018 were all about showcasing the technology. Now, as Samsung unveiled the seventh generation of its foldable phones last week, consumer tech brands are looking to make these premium devices more pocketable and palatable too. Case in point: the new Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 7, which measures only 4mm in thickness when unfolded—and under 9mm even when folded. Mint takes a look at the evolution of the technology.

ROYOLE FLEXPAI: THE PREQUEL OCTOBER 2018 A little-known Chinese electronics firm Royole became the first to showcase a commercial foldable smartphone. Then a feat of engineering, the FlexPai didn't shut flat, with a large gap in the middle. Still, it showcased a future for tablet-sized displays with a 7.8-inch Amoled screen that still fit in pockets. It was not a success, but was the base format that many eventually adopted.