A we know that The craze of foldable phones is increasing in the market these days. All come with new designs and cool features, but one question is in everyone’s mind – how long does this foldable phone last?
If you are also thinking the same and want to be sure before investing your money, then this article is for you. In this, we will understand every problem, answer with research, and give you a clear idea of what you should expect.
Here you will know how long a foldable phone lasts, what is its durability, and how you can use it for a long time. Let’s get started!
How long does a foldable phone last? – What is the problem?
First of all, let’s talk about the problem. Whenever we think of buying a foldable phone, we fear that it will not be as durable as normal phones. Because it has a folding screen, people think that it may get damaged quickly. According to research, this question is absolutely correct because foldable technology is still new and its testing is going on.
Companies say that their phones can be folded lakhs of times, but what happens in real life? Does dust, scratches, and daily use have an effect on the screen or hinge or not? This confusion has brought people to this blog, and we will answer it.
The truth of durability – what does research say?
So, to understand the answer to how long a foldable phone lasts, we did a little research. Big companies like Samsung and Oppo claim that their foldable phones can last from 1 lakh to 2 lakh folds. Now that you understand these numbers, let’s do a simple calculation:
- If you fold-unfold the phone 50 times a day…
- Then 1 lakh folds will last for 2000 days, i.e. almost 5-6 years.
But this is in perfect lab conditions! In real life, water, dust, and rough use can reduce this number. Reviews of phones like Samsung’s Galaxy Z Fold series and Huawei Mate X say that they can comfortably last for 3-4 years, if you use them carefully.
What things can break?
Now let’s talk about how long a foldable phone lasts and what things affect it:
- Hinge Quality: This is the most important part of the phone. If the hinge is weak, it can get damaged quickly.
- Screen Material: Foldable screens are made of plastic or ultra-thin glass, which is softer than normal glass. That’s why scratches can appear quickly.
- Daily Use: How rough you use it – like folding it repeatedly or touching it with dirty hands – depends on this.
- Care: If you use a case and apply a screen protector, the life of the phone can increase.
Understand in a table – Top Foldable Phones Life
Phone Model | Claimed Folds | Expected Life (Years) | Real Life Feedback |
---|---|---|---|
Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 5 | 2,00,000 | 5-6 | Lasts well for 3-4 years |
Oppo Find N3 | 1,00,000 | 4-5 | Hinge solid, screen a little soft |
Huawei Mate X3 | 1,50,000 | 5 | Slight problem with dust |
This table gives you an idea of how long a foldable phone lasts, but it also depends on your usage.
How long does a foldable phone last? – Tips To Increase Life
Now that we have understood the problem and also done the research, let’s see some tips that can increase the life of your foldable phone:
- Fold slowly: Folding it too quickly again and again puts stress on the hinge.
- Keep it clean: Do not let dust and dirt get into the screen or hinge. Clean it regularly with a soft cloth.
- Use a case: A good case protects the screen and the body.
- Avoid Extreme Heat: Heat can damage the screen material, so do not keep it in the sun too much.
If you keep these things in mind, then the answer to the question how long your foldable phone lasts can be up to 4-5 years.
Users’ Experience – What is it in Real Life?
Some people say that their foldable phone became a bit slow after 2-3 years or got small scratches on the screen. But those who use it carefully, their phones are working for more than 4 years. A user said, “My Samsung Z Flip 3 is still great, just a few creases have started appearing.” So it is clear that your use and care decides how long the foldable phone lasts.
Conclusion – Is it right for you or not?
So friends, how long does a foldable phone last, the answer is – 3 to 6 years, if you use it properly. It will not last as long as normal phones, but its cool design and features make up for its shortcomings. If you are a tech lover and like to try new gadgets, then this is perfect for you. Just a little care is needed!
What are your plans? Are you thinking of buying a foldable phone? Or do you already have one? Tell us in the comments! And if you liked this article, don’t forget to share it with your friends.

Sneha here. I study how foldables mess with your habits—good or bad. Psych degree + tech obsession = endless rants about thumb cramps and multitasking myths. Pro tip: If your phone stresses you out, you’re using it wrong. Off-duty, I’m sketching UX ideas or hunting for Mumbai’s best chai. Let’s nerd out over human-first tech!