They seem cool on paper, but theyre a great big flop in real life.

Second, they tend to be very sleek and lightweight, making them easy to carry around.

Nice, but Not Nice Enough

A folding phone seems like a great idea.

Hand holding the Microsoft Surface Duo 2

Microsoft

It essentially lets you pocket a tablet-sized screen, and that screen remains protected while folded.

The biggest problem is the price.

These things all make the highest-end smartphones, like the iPhone Pro, look cheap.

Youll be paying well over a grandeven the flawedSamsung Galaxy Z Fold 2 can cost around $2,000.

Why are they so expensive?

First, you essentially have two phones joined with a hinge.

And that hinge has to be amazing, or the whole deal is off.

“Of course, there are also some drawbacks to foldable phones that could limit their appeal.

When folded, the package is thick.

Technically, its pocketable, unlike even small tablets, but you probably wouldnt want to do it.

And finally, its hard to just glance at your phone to check your notifications.

One answer is to put the vulnerable screen on the outside.

Why Bother?

One reason could be hype.

“If everyone else makes one, then we should too,” the thinking may go.

Apple doesnt make one, nor does it show any signs of doing so.

But that doesnt look likely anytime soon.