By Joshua Tosin Ogunsakin 
In a market flooded with look-alike smartphones, foldable devices are quietly redefining what a phone can do.
What started as a gimmick has evolved — foldable phones from Samsung, Tecno, Oppo, and Huawei now show how foldable displays can genuinely change how we use our smartphones.
Here are five things foldable phones can do that traditional devices simply can’t:
1. Transform from Phone to Tablet Instantly
Foldable phones blur the line between smartphone and tablet. With a quick flip or unfold, users can double their screen size for reading, gaming, or multitasking. This flexibility allows one device to perform two roles — pocket-sized convenience and tablet-level productivity — without the need to carry both.
2. Multitask Like a Pro
While most smartphones allow split-screen use, foldables take multitasking to another level. You can run three or more apps simultaneously, drag and drop between them, or watch a video while typing a document. The expanded display makes it feel more like a small computer than a phone.
3. Capture Selfies with Rear Cameras
Foldable designs make it possible to take high-quality selfies using the main (rear) cameras. When partially folded, the external screen acts as a viewfinder, allowing users to use the best lenses for front-facing shots — something flat phones simply can’t match.
4. Stand on Their Own — No Tripod Needed
A hinge isn’t just for folding; it’s also a built-in stand. Foldables can be propped halfway open for hands-free video calls, steady time-lapse shots, or watching movies. This “Flex Mode” function turns the hinge into an advantage, adding versatility to everyday use.
5. Offer a More Immersive, Customizable Experience
Foldable interfaces adapt to how you use the device. Apps automatically resize or split intelligently across screens, while manufacturers keep adding unique features like app continuity and adaptive keyboards. It’s a level of interaction that flat-screen phones can’t fully replicate.