
Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 2: Is It Still Worth Buying in 2025?
A phone that once cost two thousand dollars can now be yours for the price of a mid-range tablet. With used Galaxy Z Fold 2 units selling between $400 and $600 in early 2025 (BankMyCell resale data), the temptation is real. But buying a foldable that debuted in 2020 means weighing a gorgeous 7.6‑inch screen against outdated support and hidden wear. Here’s what you need to know before clicking “buy”.
Original Price: $1,999.99 ·
Current Used Price (2025): $400 – $600 ·
Release Year: 2020 ·
Battery Capacity: 4,500 mAh ·
Max Android Version: Android 14 (One UI 6)
Quick snapshot
- Original price $1,999.99 (TechRadar (UK pricing))
- Released August 2020 (Swappa Guide)
- 7.6‑inch foldable AMOLED display (Swappa Guide)
- Snapdragon 865+ processor with 12 GB RAM (TechRadar (specs))
- Exact end date of security patches not officially confirmed (Samsung security policy (reference))
- Long‑term hinge durability varies by user reports (TwinMind YouTube review)
- Future spare‑parts availability from Samsung unconfirmed (Samsung security policy (reference))
- Launched August 2020 with Android 10 (Swappa Guide)
- Final major OS update: Android 14 in late 2023 (Swappa Guide)
- Security‑patch period likely ends in 2025 (Samsung 4‑year policy)
- Prices may drop further as support ends (BankMyCell price trends)
- Buyers should consider newer foldables with IP ratings and longer support (Swappa Guide)
Ten specifications define the Galaxy Z Fold 2, and they reveal a device that was cutting‑edge in 2020 but shows its age in 2025.
| Specification | Value |
|---|---|
| Release date | August 2020 (Swappa Guide) |
| Original price | $1,999.99 (TechRadar) |
| Current used price (2025) | $400 – $600 (BankMyCell) |
| Battery capacity | 4,500 mAh |
| Main display | 7.6‑inch Foldable Dynamic AMOLED (Swappa Guide) |
| Processor | Snapdragon 865+ (TechRadar) |
| RAM / Storage | 12 GB / 256 GB or 512 GB (Swappa Guide) |
| Cameras | Triple 12 MP rear, dual 10 MP front (TechRadar) |
| Operating system at launch | Android 10 (Swappa Guide) |
| Maximum OS update | Android 14 (One UI 6) |
The pattern: these specs explain why the Fold 2 still tempts but also why its future is capped.
Is the Z Fold 2 still a good buy?
What makes the Z Fold 2 still relevant in 2025?
- The 7.6‑inch foldable AMOLED remains one of the largest phone screens on the market, beating even the Galaxy Z Fold 3 / 4 in display size (Swappa Guide).
- The Snapdragon 865+ and 12 GB RAM still handle multitasking, video streaming, and most productivity apps without stutter (TechRadar).
- At $400‑$600 used, it undercuts the Z Fold 3 ($500‑$700) and the Z Flip 3 ($250‑$350), making it the most affordable large‑screen foldable (BankMyCell).
When does buying a used Z Fold 2 make sense?
For a buyer who prioritises screen real estate and multitasking on a budget, the Z Fold 2 delivers. The catch: it lacks waterproofing (no IP rating), under‑display camera, and the stronger Armor Aluminium frame of later models. If you can accept a phone that won’t survive a rain shower and has no warranty, the savings are real.
You get a flagship foldable for $400‑$600, but you lose official water resistance, warranty coverage, and any guarantee of future repairs. For budget buyers, that’s a calculated risk; for anyone who needs reliable daily use, it’s a hard pass.
The implication: the Z Fold 2 is a good buy only if you’re comfortable with a device that’s already past its prime in battery and support. For the same money, a mid‑range slab like the Galaxy A55 offers better water resistance and years of updates – but not the foldable screen.
How much does the Samsung Fold 2 cost?
What is the current second‑hand market price?
- Average used price across eBay, Swappa, and refurbished sellers: $400‑$600 (BankMyCell).
- 256 GB model averages $63‑$170 on trade‑in sites; 512 GB commands a premium of roughly $20‑$30 (Swappa trade‑in data).
- Refurbished units with 30‑day guarantees start at $118 (UpTradeIt certified stock).
- Original launch MSRP: $1,999.99 (TechRadar).
How does the price vary by condition and storage?
Condition matters more than storage. A “Fair” condition 256 GB unit can drop below $350, while a “Like New” 512 GB model can hit $600. The 512 GB variant is rare on the used market, so expect a $50‑$80 premium. Open‑box units from retailers like Best Buy or Amazon Warehouse occasionally appear around $550‑$650.
The Z Fold 2 has no official IP rating – a single drop in water can kill the device. Buying a used unit without a return policy is risky; certified refurbished offers some protection but still no water warranty.
What this means: the Z Fold 2’s price has fallen 70‑80% from launch, but the low barrier to entry is offset by hidden repair costs. A screen replacement can cost $300‑$500, wiping out the savings.
Is the Z Fold 2 still supported?
What is the software update status in 2025?
- Launched with Android 10, received three major OS upgrades: Android 11, 12, and 13 (and reportedly Android 14 via Samsung’s later update) (Swappa Guide).
- Samsung’s policy pledges four years of security updates from launch. The Z Fold 2 launched in August 2020, so support likely ended or will end during 2024‑2025 (Samsung security update policy).
- As of early 2025, the device may still receive quarterly security patches, but no further OS upgrades are expected (TwinMind YouTube review).
When will Samsung stop security patches for the Z Fold 2?
Samsung has not published a specific cutoff for the Z Fold 2. Based on the four‑year policy, the last security update should arrive before September 2025. After that, the device becomes vulnerable to new exploits – a serious concern for anyone using it for banking or personal data.
The pattern: software support is the single biggest risk of buying a Z Fold 2 in 2025. Even if you get a good deal, you’re buying a phone that will soon stop receiving patches. For a secondary device or media player that’s acceptable; for a primary phone, it’s a dealbreaker.
What are common problems with the Z Fold 2?
What are the most reported hardware issues?
- Screen crease becomes more pronounced over time; dust ingress under the display is common (TwinMind YouTube review).
- Hinge failure and screen cracking after drops are widely reported in user forums – the hinge’s internal brushes can’t keep out all debris.
- Battery degradation after 2‑3 years: the 4,500 mAh cell often drops to 80% capacity, and replacement costs $70‑$100 without labour.
- No official water resistance: the Z Fold 2 lacks any IP rating, so moisture damage is not covered.
- Third‑party repairs are complex and expensive due to the foldable display assembly; many repair shops won’t touch it.
How durable is the screen and hinge?
Samsung’s first‑generation Ultra Thin Glass (UTG) on the Z Fold 2 is more susceptible to scratching than later versions. The hinge, while improved over the original Fold, still has moving parts that can collect pocket lint and fail silently. Users report that a drop from waist height often results in a cracked inner display – a repair that costs $300‑$500.
A $450 Z Fold 2 that needs a $400 screen repair isn’t a bargain – it’s a gamble. Budget buyers should factor in the potential cost of repairs when comparing to a new mid‑range phone with a warranty.
The trade‑off: you save money upfront but assume the risk of an expensive repair. For a buyer with a steady hand and a case, the risk may be acceptable; for a daily carry, a newer foldable with better durability is worth the extra cash.
How old is Galaxy Z Fold 2?
Does the age of the device affect usability?
- Released in August 2020 – over 4.5 years old as of early 2025 (Swappa Guide).
- Battery health is a primary concern: any used unit will have degraded cells, often below 85% capacity.
- Screen longevity: the inner screen’s protective layer may show crease marks or delamination after years of folding.
- Age also means outdated connectivity: only Wi‑Fi 5 and Bluetooth 5.0, not the newer standards found in 2024 phones.
How does it compare to newer foldables in terms of age?
The Z Fold 2 is two generations older than the Z Fold 4 (2022) and three behind the Z Fold 5 (2023). Newer models bring IPX8 water resistance, stronger hinges, under‑display cameras, and longer software support. The age difference translates directly into missing features that matter for daily reliability.
The implication: age = risk. A four‑year‑old foldable is a collector’s item or a toy, not a dependable daily driver. If you need a phone for work, banking, or travel, the Z Fold 2’s age is its biggest weakness.
Upsides
- Large foldable screen at a fraction of original price
- Still capable performance with 12 GB RAM
- Great for media consumption and light productivity
- Prices have dropped 70‑80% from launch
Downsides
- No water resistance (no IP rating)
- Screen crease and hinge wear over time
- Software support ending in 2025
- Battery degradation and expensive repairs
- No expandable storage
Timeline
- – Galaxy Z Fold 2 launched with Android 10 (Swappa Guide).
- – Received Android 12 (One UI 4).
- – Received Android 13 (One UI 5).
- – Received Android 14 (One UI 6) – final major OS upgrade.
- – Security patches continue per 4‑year policy; likely end in 2025 (Samsung policy).
Clarity check
Confirmed facts
- Release date, original price, and hardware specs documented by Samsung and Wikipedia (Swappa Guide)
- Received three major Android updates (10 → 14) (Swappa Guide)
- Current used price range $400‑$600 based on active listings (BankMyCell)
What’s unclear
- Exact end date of security patches not officially announced (Samsung policy)
- Long‑term hinge durability and screen replacement costs vary by user reports (TwinMind YouTube review)
- Future availability of spare parts from Samsung unconfirmed
Perspectives
Samsung’s official support policy states four years of security updates from launch for flagship devices. For the Z Fold 2, that window ends in 2025 – after which no further patches are guaranteed.
Samsung security update policy (Samsung support page)
The hinge wear and dust accumulation are the main issues. After a year, the screen crease gets deeper and dust can get under the display. It’s not a phone for the clumsy.
TwinMind YouTube review (TwinMind channel)
The Galaxy Z Fold 2 is a paradox: it’s both an incredible value and a ticking clock. For the budget‑conscious buyer in the UK or US who wants a large foldable screen without paying $1,000+, it delivers. But the catch is the support horizon and repair risk. If you’re a tinkerer or use the phone as a secondary device, the numbers work. If you need a reliable daily driver with water resistance and guaranteed updates, the choice is clear: spend more on a newer model, or skip foldables altogether.
Related reading: **Skechers Slip Ins for Women – Complete UK Buying Guide 2025**
Frequently asked questions
Does the Galaxy Z Fold 2 have a headphone jack?
No, it does not. The Z Fold 2 only supports USB‑C audio and Bluetooth headphones.
Is the Galaxy Z Fold 2 waterproof?
No. The Z Fold 2 has no official IP rating, meaning it is not certified for water or dust resistance. Samsung added IPX8 water resistance starting with the Z Fold 3.
What colors does the Galaxy Z Fold 2 come in?
Standard colours: Mystic Black and Mystic Bronze. A limited Thom Browne Edition was also released (Swappa Guide).
Can the Galaxy Z Fold 2 use a stylus?
No. The Z Fold 2 does not support the S Pen. Stylus support was introduced with the Z Fold 3.
Does the Galaxy Z Fold 2 support wireless charging?
Yes, it supports 11W Qi wireless charging and can also charge other devices wirelessly (reverse wireless charging).
How many SIM cards does the Galaxy Z Fold 2 support?
It has a single nano‑SIM slot and supports eSIM, allowing dual‑SIM functionality (Swappa Guide).
Is the Galaxy Z Fold 2 still receiving security updates in 2025?
Likely yes, but only quarterly. Samsung’s four‑year policy from August 2020 means the last security patch will arrive before September 2025 (Samsung security policy).