Foldable telephones have gone from futuristic novelties to genuinely helpful units that mix portability with big-screen versatility. Whether or not you are into multitasking, cell gaming or simply love having a telephone that turns heads, the very best foldable telephones you should purchase provide highly effective efficiency, sturdy designs and spectacular shows that unfold to disclose extra room for apps, movies and productiveness.
From book-style designs to flip-style clamshells, the very best foldable telephone for you relies on how you want to make use of your gadget. Some fashions concentrate on flagship-level energy and multitasking options, whereas others goal to maintain issues compact and classy. Both manner, these folding handsets are pushing the boundaries of what smartphones can do.
Word: For this information, we’re specializing in units which can be broadly accessible in North America and Europe. That’s as a result of whereas there are much more choices for individuals who reside in Asia (particularly China), they’re usually troublesome to purchase from overseas and should not help your native carriers.
Desk of contents
Finest foldable telephones for 2025
Learn our full Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 7 review
Full display screen dimension: 8 inches | Folded display screen dimension: 6.5 inches | Storage capability: As much as 1TB | Weight: 215 grams | Max battery life: As much as 24 hours
One of many largest points with foldable telephones is the added dimension and weight that usually comes with the inclusion of a versatile show. Samsung has made {that a} factor of the previous on the Galaxy Z Fold 7, which sports activities bigger screens — each inside and outside — whereas being 26 % thinner than earlier than. And as if that wasn’t sufficient, the Z Fold 7 additionally options improved sturdiness, elevated efficiency and a brand new 200MP major digital camera, matching or exceeding what you get from conventional flagship smartphones. The principle downsides are that at $2,000, it is nonetheless removed from inexpensive and for long-time Samsung followers, the lack of S Pen help could also be a dealbreaker. However for individuals who wish to expertise new heights in foldable telephone design, the Galaxy Z Fold 7 is a masterpiece of recent gadget design. — Sam Rutherford, Senior Reporter
- Exquisitely skinny design
- Sleeker hinge
- Large 200MP major digital camera
- Bigger shows
- Prime-tier efficiency
- Very costly
- No S Pen help
- Mediocre charging speeds
Learn our full Pixel 9 Pro Fold review
Full display screen dimension: 8 inches | Folded display screen dimension: 6.3 inches | Storage capability: As much as 512GB | Weight: 9.1 oz | Max battery life: As much as 27 hours
The small however mighty enhancements Google delivered to its new second-gen foldable have pushed it to be probably the greatest foldables on the market. The Pixel 9 Pro Fold turns the considerably unfinished unique Pixel Fold right into a strong handset prepared for prime time. Google refined its design to have a side ratio that mimics the usual Pixel 9 smartphones, with a well-known 6.3-inch, 20:9 outer show, that’s each simpler to make use of and maintain. The inside show has a extra sq. facet ratio as nicely with a bit extra display screen actual property than earlier than. The handset general has a extra premium really feel and positively a extra polished look because of its matte again and satin steel body.
Together with strong efficiency (and battery life) and an upgraded design to match, the Pixel 9 Professional Fold nonetheless has the very best cameras out of any foldable handset we’ve tried, regardless of not having any {hardware} upgrades from the unique model. Plus, Google’s AI picture modifying instruments like Magic Editor offer you extra management over your pictures, and Pixel-only software program help like Made You Look make Google’s handset a extra compelling foldable. — Valentina Palladino, Deputy Editor
- Slick design
- Higher cameras than the competitors
- Thinner and lighter than earlier mannequin
- Runs cooler than earlier than
- Nonetheless costly
- Some software program quirks
Photograph by Sam Rutherford / Engadget
Learn our full OnePlus Open review
Full display screen dimension: 7.8 inches | Folded display screen dimension: 6.3 inches | Storage capability: As much as 512GB | Weight: 239g | Max battery life: As much as 25.5 hours
For individuals who desire a large foldable that isn’t fairly as costly, the OnePlus Open is a really attention-grabbing possibility. Beginning at $1,700, its Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 chip gives related efficiency to the Z Fold 5, however the Open options shows which can be barely bigger and brighter. It’s additionally thinner and lighter whereas packing a bigger battery and its Open Canvas software program delivers an progressive tile-based UI for multitasking, permitting you to handle apps and widgets seamlessly. Positive, its triple rear digital camera module is cumbersome, however picture high quality is pretty much as good if not barely higher than the Z Fold 5 (although, nonetheless in need of the Pixel Fold). However the very best half is that, because of OnePlus’ trade-in deal, you may trade any outdated telephone you have got mendacity round for $200 off, which brings the Open’s closing value all the way down to $1,500. That also isn’t low-cost, however it pushes the Open nearer to being considerably inexpensive. — S.R.
- Extra inexpensive than the competitors
- Good efficiency
- Thinner and lighter design
- Good battery life
Mat Smith for Engadget
Learn our full Samsung Galaxy Z Flip 7 review
Full display screen dimension: 6.9 inches | Folded display screen dimension: 4.1 inches | Storage capability: As much as 512GB | Weight: 188g | Max battery life: As much as 31 hours
The Galaxy Z Flip 7 has a slimmer design and considerably improved battery life. With a bigger, brighter entrance show, it’s simpler to make use of and the hinge mechanism has additionally been strengthened for a extra strong really feel.
Regardless of it being the smaller mannequin of Samsung’s foldable household, the corporate made the first show even larger and introduced it nearer to the normal facet ratios of most conventional smartphones. It’s one other sensible enchancment that makes the Flip 7 simpler to make use of than its predecessors.
A bigger battery has considerably prolonged how lengthy Samsung’s newest Flip can run for between costs, though it runs a little bit scorching with heavy apps, duties and video games.
Software program additions embody the Now Bar and Gemini Dwell integration for the entrance show, however utilizing most different apps nonetheless requires a widget launcher workaround.
Nonetheless, the cameras stay largely unchanged from the earlier mannequin, with a 50MP major and 12MP ultrawide lens. Sadly there’s nonetheless no devoted telephoto lens, which makes it much less helpful in some capturing conditions. Different areas are lengthy due an improve, too, just like the Flip 7’s sluggish charging speeds. — Mat Smith, UK Bureau Chief
- Larger entrance display screen
- Higher battery life
- Slimmer design
- Cameras are dated
- Entrance display screen utility continues to be restricted
- Sluggish cost pace
Photograph by Cherlynn Low / Engadget
Learn our full Motorola Razr+ review
Full display screen dimension: 6.9 inches | Folded display screen dimension: 3.6 inches | Storage capability: As much as 256GB | Weight: 189g | Max battery life: As much as 23 hours
Whereas the Razr+ (or the Razr 40 Extremely for these exterior North America) is probably not fairly as subtle because the Galaxy Z Flip 5, what it lacks in tech it makes up for with its personality. It’s accessible in three colours, with the magenta mannequin that includes a mushy vegan leather-based again. It incorporates a modern design with a canopy show that wraps round its cameras and is barely extra user-friendly than Samsung’s. Plus, the software program is easy and intuitive, making it simpler to entry and use your favourite Android telephone apps. And for individuals who are nostalgic for the unique Razr from the early 2000s, Moto even included an easter egg that features a retro UI. Sadly, its water resistance is far much less substantial, because it’s solely rated to face up to spills or small splashes. — S.R.
- Helpful and roomy exterior show
- Folds in half to turn out to be very compact
- Will be personal tripod for pictures or movies
- Cameras can’t evaluate to flagships
- Lengthy-term sturdiness and safety stays a priority
Photograph by Mat Smith / Engadget
Learn our full Motorola Razr review
Full display screen dimension: 6.9 inches | Folded display screen dimension: 1.5 inches | Storage capability: As much as 256GB | Weight: 189g | Max battery life: As much as 23 hours
The non-plus Moto Razr (aka the Razr 40 internationally) is the corporate’s first try and make a extra inexpensive flip-style foldable. Beginning at £800 (U.S. pricing nonetheless TBA), it’s one of the least expensive options on sale in the present day. Nonetheless, it incorporates a a lot smaller 1.5-inch exterior show together with a slower Snapdragon 7 Gen 1 chipset and considerably underwhelming cameras. On the intense facet, it options the identical show you get on its dearer sibling. The one distinction is that it’s restricted to 144Hz as a substitute of 165Hz as a result of its much less highly effective processor. And, just like the magenta Razr+, all the colours of the essential Razr (Sage Inexperienced, Vanilla Cream, Summer time Lilac) include a mushy vegan leather-based again. — S.R.
- A less expensive foldable telephone
- First rate battery life
- Tactile mushy end
- Unremarkable exterior display screen
- Underwhelming cameras
How we take a look at foldable telephones
When evaluating new foldable telephones, we contemplate the identical normal standards as we do after we’re judging the best smartphones. Gadgets have to have good battery life (at the very least a full day’s use), vibrant inside shows (peaks of at the very least 1,000 nits), sharp cameras and responsive efficiency. That stated, foldable telephones come in several shapes (and sizes); there are various designs which will enchantment to several types of folks.
For individuals who favor extra compact and classy units, flip phone-style foldables resemble old-school namesakes however with versatile inside shows (usually six to seven inches diagonally) and smaller outer screens, also known as the quilt show. Alternatively, for energy customers and individuals who wish to maximize cell productiveness, there are bigger book-style foldables (with seven to eight-inch major shows) that may remodel from a sweet bar-style telephone to basically a small pill when opened.
Are foldable telephones value it? A notice on sturdiness
Other than their shows, the largest distinction between foldable telephones and extra conventional handsets is sturdiness. That’s as a result of whereas some fashions just like the Pixel 9 Professional Fold and Samsung’s foldables provide IPX8 water resistance (which is sweet for submersions of as much as 5 toes for half-hour), their versatile screens – that are largely made out of plastic – current some distinctive challenges.
Most foldables include factory-installed display screen protectors. Nonetheless, in contrast to common telephones, customers are instructed to not take away them with out help from permitted service facilities. Fortunately, Samsung telephones do provide one free display screen protector substitute for its foldables, whereas Google costs between $29 and $129 relying on the guarantee standing of your gadget. That stated, whereas we are able to’t do long-term testing for each new foldable telephone available on the market, after personally utilizing the Galaxy Z Fold 3 and Galaxy Z Fold 4 every for a 12 months, I’ve discovered that Samsung’s pre-installed display screen protector tends to begin effervescent 9 to 12 months after buy. So that you’ll in all probability wish to think about that your foldable may have some kind of servicing after a few 12 months until you propose on eradicating the display screen protector fully (which is feasible, however goes towards most producers’ directions).
Moreover, foldable telephone homeowners have to be aware about holding sharp objects away from their versatile shows, as rocks, keys and even urgent down very arduous with a fingernail can depart everlasting marks. Within the occasion that it is advisable get a versatile display screen serviced, you’re doubtlessly dealing with a a lot increased restore invoice when in comparison with a typical telephone (as much as $500 or extra relying on the mannequin and the severity of the harm). Briefly, whereas the ruggedness of foldable telephones has improved lots, they’re nonetheless extra delicate than conventional handsets, which is one thing it is advisable account for.
Nonetheless, foldables proceed to evolve, with higher AI options, improved specs and a extra refined kind components that makes them much more sensible. Whether or not you’re after a flip telephone for nostalgia or a giant display screen gadget for multitasking, in the present day’s foldable telephones provide thrilling prospects — you simply must resolve in the event that they’re the proper match for you.
Foldable telephone FAQs
What’s the distinction between a foldable telephone and a flip telephone?
Foldable and flip telephones each use versatile shows, however the best way they fold — and what which means for usability — is totally different. A foldable telephone usually opens like a e book, supplying you with a bigger tablet-like display screen inside, which is nice for multitasking or media. A flip telephone, then again, folds vertically to turn out to be extra compact, type of just like the traditional clamshell telephones of the early 2000s. Flip telephones are extra pocket-friendly, whereas foldables provide extra display screen actual property when open.
What’s the drawback of a foldable telephone?
The largest trade-offs with foldable telephones are value and sturdiness. They’re usually dearer than conventional smartphones, because of the complicated hinge mechanisms and versatile shows. Battery life can typically take a success too, particularly with bigger screens. And whereas the tech has come a good distance, foldables can nonetheless be a bit bulkier and never fairly as seamless as common slab telephones relating to on a regular basis use.
Are foldable telephones much less sturdy than different telephones?
Usually, sure — at the very least for now. Foldable telephones use versatile shows and complex hinges, which will be extra vulnerable to put on and tear over time in comparison with commonplace telephones with strong glass screens. That stated, newer fashions have gotten more durable with improved hinge designs, water resistance and stronger ultra-thin glass. They’re undoubtedly extra sturdy than they was, however they nonetheless require a bit extra care than your common smartphone.
Georgie Peru contributed to this report.
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