Foldable smartphones lose about 70% of value in first year, report shows

A market analysis by Compare and Recycle in the United Kingdom shows that foldable smartphones depreciate by roughly 70% after twelve months of use, a rate that is 10‑15 percentage points higher than that of conventional smartphones. The study examined premium devices such as Samsung’s Galaxy Z Flip and Fold series and Google’s Pixel Fold, noting that each model lost at least 57% of its retail price within the first year, with some falling beyond 80%.

The report warns potential buyers that resale values for these high‑cost, innovative devices are considerably lower in the short‑ to medium‑term. Industry experts suggest that upcoming models—such as Apple’s first foldable iPhone and newer, more mature Galaxy Z iterations—could moderate the steep depreciation trend.