Can a Foldable Smartphone Replace Your Tablet? The Pros and Cons

Book-style foldable smartphones can handle some tablet-like tasks, but they are not a full substitute for a dedicated tablet. When unfolded, their inner screens can reach around eight inches, while the same device still works as a regular smartphone when closed.

The larger screen makes it more comfortable to watch videos, read, work with documents and use two or three apps at once. A single foldable can also remove the need for a separate mobile data plan for a tablet when you need full access on the go.

IDC forecasts that global foldable smartphone shipments will rise 12.6% in 2026 to 22.9 million devices, while the overall smartphone market could shrink by 16.7%. That would make foldables one of the few growing segments. Their expanding inner displays help with portable entertainment and multitasking, but they still do not offer the same workspace as a dedicated tablet.

For longer work sessions, tablets remain more comfortable, particularly for video editing, graphic design and other tasks that benefit from a larger canvas. Using a foldable as a full-time work device also puts more strain on its battery, which still has to power everyday phone use.

There are trade-offs in the hardware and price, too. Foldables tend to be bulkier and heavier than standard phones, and their inner screens can show a crease under certain lighting. Some apps also handle the wider unfolded display poorly, stretching a vertical layout across the screen. A flagship foldable can cost more than buying a phone and compact tablet separately.

Would you give up a separate tablet for a foldable phone, or do you need the larger screen for sustained work?