Although I want a phone that folds half the size of a normal phone, not a normal phone size that folds out to a tablet.

You already got a joking reply to this with someone mentioning a regular flip phone, but Samsung does actually make what you're asking for, the "Z Flip" line of phones, which have been developed in lock step with the more popular Z Fold series. Most recent is the Z Flip8 from this year.

they make those

Samsung Fold and Pixel Fold have been getting it reliable for years now.

But if you want half size, look at the Razr and its like $500 not $2000.

Pretty much this. We had this multiple times already with different tech. For example "bezelless" phones were desired for years and they kept and kept making them smaller, at some point some manufacturers really forced it in premium models and then some time later it suddenly became pretty much standard.

I kinda have a feeling that when they get this folding tech working properly and affordably, it's going to start replacing gaming consoles for the younger generation. Most people have a phone, and many people can't afford >£1k for a console. It's sad, IMO, but kinda predictable.