Foldable phones have been around for almost a decade now. With Apple rumored to soon introduce its next iPhone Fold, 2026 saw us get a glimpse of Samsung and Google’s latest foldable devices, with the South Korean company introducing a new passport-sized device. Although foldable devices have already come a long way, they’re still not quite ready to make tablets obsolete – at least not in the short term.
The main problem is of course the price. These new foldable devices all cost over $1,500, while really good tablets can cost half or less than that. Even though the memory crisis has driven up industry prices, it will be much easier to buy a tablet in 2026 than a foldable. Additionally, customers always complain about the durability of foldable devices, with many users reporting that the inner screen is completely destroyed after a year.
Combining this expensive investment with a not-so-long lifespan, it will certainly take longer before foldables can make tablets obsolete, although this still also depends on the type of tablet. After all, the companies are aiming for their foldable devices to rival tablets that are roughly the same size as an iPad mini with its 8-inch screen. However, none of these companies as of this writing have discontinued their larger tablets ranging from 10 to 13 inches. Although one day tablets may become obsolete, it seems we’re just seeing different product categories look slightly similar.
Here’s Why Tablets Still Thrive Over Foldables
If you’re a student, buying a tablet is one of the best deals – and there are five that BGR recommends as ideal if you’re looking for one. After all, if you’re looking for a larger screen for studying on a budget, a tablet is still a solid option. This is especially true because these devices support stylus accessories, while not all foldable devices do. Tablets are also easier to pair and attach a keyboard, and there are several other accessories that can make a tablet shine before it gets to the price of a foldable.
Additionally, tablets have been on the market longer, which means customers from different backgrounds and needs know exactly what they will get with such a device. Although a computer remains the easiest way to accomplish certain tasks since businesses have yet to discover the true multitasking capabilities of tablets, a foldable computer won’t get you far; Just placing two apps side by side doesn’t mean you’re multitasking.
Another concern comparing the two categories is battery life. After all, using a foldable device like a tablet will drain its battery much faster, and without a larger case you’ll have to rely on a charger much more often. Finally, many players in the sector are waiting for Apple to present its solution to see what the company has in store for us. As happened with other product categories, Apple was not the first to introduce a computer, laptop, phone, tablet, or watch, but when the company joined these markets, it profoundly changed the way others would approach these products.
For some, tablets are already dead
Right now, if you’re willing to spend enough money on a foldable, it will likely replace a tablet like the iPad mini. After all, the form factor when opened is very similar to the Apple device, and a foldable likely has better internal specs, a nicer OLED display, and more powerful cameras. On top of that, it also fits better when folded, slipping more easily into a pocket or purse.
If your main reason for having a foldable, besides the super futuristic look of the device, is to scroll through social media, watch videos on a larger screen, or even read articles, then it can easily replace a mini tablet, as both have similar use cases. However, to think about a world where there is no table, it will mean that companies will have to figure out how to make foldables much more affordable so that more people can upgrade to this new technology.
That said, with a serious memory crisis still ongoing as of this writing, the current trend only indicates that tech products are costing more and not the other way around. Tablets will live for many more years until companies figure out how to make bigger, better, more capable foldables.
