Foldable phones – High interest among young adults, durability a major concern

YouGov Surveys: Self-serve recently surveyed 1,002 US adults who own a smartphone, exploring interest in foldable smartphones. The survey results highlight the potential appeal and concerns surrounding these devices, providing insights for brands and manufacturers.

Overall, three in five smartphone-owning adults are interested in purchasing a foldable smartphone for their next device (59%). Interest is higher among men (63%) than women (55%). Younger adults show significantly more interest: 83% of 18-29 aged Americans and 76% of those aged 30-44 express interest. In contrast, interest drops among older demographics, with 52% of 45-64 aged adults and 52% of those 65 and older showing interest. The proportion of Americans not interested stands at 37%, with a higher percentage among older age groups, particularly those aged 45 and above.

Among adults interested in foldable smartphones, several key features drive their preferences. Long battery life is the most critical factor, cited by 75% of interested Americans. Price follows closely, with 69% listing affordability as a significant consideration. Durability, an essential feature given the nature of foldable screens, is important to 67%. High-quality displays appeal to 66%, while trust in the brand is crucial for 56%. Advanced camera features and multitasking capabilities, such as split-screen functionality, are priorities for 41% and 34%, respectively. Availability of accessories (26%) and artificial intelligence features (23%) are important to one-fifth of smartphone owners.

For those not interested in foldable smartphones, concerns center on practical drawbacks and uncertainties. The most significant issue is durability, with 56% worried about potential screen damage. Cost is another major barrier, cited by 53% as a concern. 

Additionally, 40% do not see a substantial advantage over traditional smartphones. Design factors, such as bulkiness, are noted by 29%, while 27% express concerns about limited battery life. Model variety (20%) and software optimization (13%) also influence opinions although less significantly.

Methodology: YouGov polled 1002 US adults online on November 8, 2024. The survey was carried out through YouGov Surveys: Self-serve. Data is weighted by age, gender, race, political affiliation, education level and region. The margin of error is 3% for the overall sample. Learn more about YouGov Surveys: Self-serve.