For years, tablets have been caught in a space somewhere between smartphones and laptops. They have been useful for browsing, entertainment, and light productivity, but rarely seen as true workhorse devices. That picture is changing rapidly in 2025. With the arrival of foldable and hybrid tablets, the line between casual consumption and serious productivity is disappearing. These devices are not just about style or novelty – they are reshaping how professionals, students, and businesses approach mobile computing in South Africa and across the globe.
The foldable market was once seen as a futuristic experiment, reserved for niche devices and enthusiasts willing to pay a premium. Today, it is moving firmly into the mainstream. Global brands such as Samsung, Honor, and Lenovo are leading the charge with foldable and hybrid tablets that seamlessly shift from compact portability to expansive screen real estate.
A foldable and hybrid tablet now allows a user to read a document on one half of the screen while running a video call on the other, or to transform from a slim tablet into a laptop-like workstation with a keyboard and stylus. For South African professionals who need both flexibility and performance, this evolution is proving to be a game-changer. Commuters can sketch ideas on a touch screen during a morning taxi ride, then dock the same device at the office for a full workday of spreadsheets, presentations, or creative design.
These devices are fast becoming the symbol of a mobile-first world – one where portability no longer means compromise.
South Africa is no stranger to leapfrogging technologies. Just as mobile phones became the gateway to internet access for millions, foldable and hybrid tablets are poised to become the next step in bridging the gap between accessibility and productivity. Telcos are increasingly bundling these devices with data packages, recognising their role in empowering mobile workers and students.
With the growth of e-learning platforms, digital banking, and remote healthcare, the potential of foldable and hybrid tablets in South Africa extends beyond business. They are becoming tools for inclusion, enabling more people to connect, learn, and create in ways that were once restricted to desktop environments.
The competitive pricing strategies from brands entering the foldable space mean these devices are no longer out of reach for the average consumer. As costs come down and availability improves, South Africans are set to see foldable and hybrid tablets become part of everyday life – from classrooms in Johannesburg to boardrooms in Cape Town.
Looking ahead, foldable and hybrid tablets are likely to evolve even further. Advances in display technology, stronger hinge designs, and integration of artificial intelligence will make them smarter, tougher, and more versatile. For businesses, this means investing in technology that scales with the changing nature of work. For individuals, it means carrying one device that does it all – entertainment, communication, and serious work.
Foldable and hybrid tablets are no longer just a trend. They are a sign of where productivity is heading: flexible, mobile, and limitless. In 2025, the message is clear – the future of work and creativity will be written on foldable screens.
