In 2024, foldable phones have moved from futuristic gadgets to viable daily drivers—and UK consumers are taking notice. With major advancements in durability, performance, and software, devices like the Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 5, Google Pixel Fold, and the newly launched Motorola Razr+ 2024 are proving that folding screens are no longer a gimmick, but a legitimate alternative to traditional smartphones.
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The biggest breakthrough this year is durability. Early foldables were plagued by creases, fragile hinges, and screen wear. But in 2024, manufacturers have refined their designs using stronger materials. Samsung’s latest Ultra Thin Glass (UTG) layer, combined with a redesigned “waterdrop” hinge, has reduced visible creasing by 60% compared to 2022 models. The device is now rated for 200,000 folds—equivalent to five years of average use—according to IP protection tests conducted at its UK innovation hub in Surrey.
Google’s Pixel Fold, launched in late 2023 and gaining traction in 2024, features a multi-layer composite display that resists punctures and scratches. In real-world tests by UK tech reviewers, the device survived pocket keys, accidental drops on concrete, and even brief submersion in water (thanks to IPX8 rating). Its Tensor G3 chip also ensures smooth multitasking, making it ideal for professionals using Gmail, Docs, and Meet across split screens.
Motorola has re-entered the market with the Razr+ 2024, a modern reinterpretation of the iconic flip phone. Designed with a larger 6.9-inch main display and a 3.6-inch external screen, it allows users to check messages, control music, or take selfies without opening the device. The hinge now supports multiple angles, enabling hands-free video calls—a feature increasingly popular among remote workers in London, Manchester, and Edinburgh.
Software integration has also matured. Android 14, optimised for foldables, now supports app continuity, meaning users can seamlessly transition from external to internal screens. Samsung’s One UI 6.1 and Google’s Fold Experience enhance productivity with drag-and-drop between apps, resizable windows, and tablet-mode adaptations for YouTube, Netflix, and Microsoft 365.
UK network compatibility is no longer an issue. All major carriers—EE, O2, Vodafone, and Three—now offer foldables on contract with 5G support. The compact size when folded makes them ideal for crowded commutes on the Tube or National Rail, while the large internal screen excels for streaming, mobile gaming, and document editing.
