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, one of the best foldable telephones you should buy 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, one of the best foldable telephone for you depends upon how you want to make use of your gadget. Some fashions deal with flagship-level energy and multitasking options, whereas others purpose to maintain issues compact and trendy. Both manner, these folding handsets are pushing the boundaries of what smartphones can do.
Word: For this information, we’re specializing in units which might be extensively accessible in North America and Europe. That’s as a result of whereas there are much more choices for individuals who stay in Asia (particularly China), they’re typically troublesome to purchase from overseas and will not assist your native carriers.
Desk of contents
Greatest foldable telephones for 2025
Learn our full Pixel 9 Professional Fold evaluation
Full display measurement: 8 inches | Folded display measurement: 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 dropped at its new second-gen foldable have pushed it to the entrance of the pack. The Pixel 9 Professional Fold turns the considerably unfinished authentic Pixel Fold right into a stable handset prepared for prime time. Google refined its design to have a side ratio that mimics the usual Pixel 9 smartphones, with a well-recognized 6.3-inch, 20:9 outer show, that’s each simpler to make use of and maintain. The internal show has a extra sq. facet ratio as nicely with a bit extra display actual property than earlier than. The handset general has a extra premium really feel and definitely a extra polished look because of its matte again and satin steel body.
Together with stable efficiency (and battery life) and an upgraded design to match, the Pixel 9 Professional Fold nonetheless has one of the 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 provide you with extra management over your photographs, and Pixel-only software program assist 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 Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 6 evaluation
Full display measurement: 7.6 inches | Folded display measurement: 6.3 inches | Storage capability: As much as 1TB | Weight: 239g | Max battery life: As much as 23 hours
Whereas we’d have favored to see some extra drastic design modifications, Samsung’s Galaxy Z Fold 6 stays one of the crucial versatile and well-rounded examples of an enormous, premium foldable telephone. The Galaxy Z Fold 6’s cowl show is bigger and extra usable than its rivals, and its new Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 chip delivers sturdy efficiency and improved vitality effectivity whereas its Enhanced Armor Aluminum chassis is noticeably lighter than earlier than (and a bit extra sturdy too). There’s additionally a brand new ultra-wide angle digicam sensor and a boatload of AI-powered options scattered all through the telephone. Plus, the Z Fold 6 stays one of many few foldables with native stylus assist, although you’ll must pay additional for considered one of Samsung’s S Pens. Maybe the largest draw back is that Samsung’s newest flagship now prices $100 greater than its predecessor. — Sam Rutherford, Senior Reporter
- Tremendous shiny and colourful show
- Even lighter chassis
- Nice battery life
- Native stylus assist
- Much more costly than earlier than
- Similar predominant digicam because the earlier two Z Folds
- S Pen not included
- Charging speeds may very well be sooner
Photograph by Sam Rutherford / Engadget
Learn our full OnePlus Open evaluation
Full display measurement: 7.8 inches | Folded display measurement: 6.3 inches | Storage capability: As much as 512GB | Weight: 239g | Max battery life: As much as 25.5 hours
For individuals who need a massive foldable that isn’t fairly as costly, the OnePlus Open is a really fascinating possibility. Beginning at $1,700, its Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 chip provides comparable efficiency to the Z Fold 5, however the Open options shows which might 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 digicam 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 one of the best half is that, because of OnePlus’ trade-in deal, you possibly can alternate any outdated telephone you could have mendacity round for $200 off, which brings the Open’s closing value right down to $1,500. That also isn’t low-cost, nevertheless 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
Photograph by Mat Smith / Engadget
Learn our full Samsung Galaxy Z Flip 6 evaluation
Full display measurement: 6.7 inches | Folded display measurement: 3.4 inches | Storage capability: As much as 1TB | Weight: 187g | Max battery life: As much as 23 hours
Samsung’s foldables have been main the cost within the flip-style class, and the Galaxy Z Flip 6 is not any exception. It has an upgraded digicam and a bigger battery than its predecessor, making it a extra tempting possibility, even within the face of rival flagship telephones. The leap from a 12-megapixel to 50MP digicam means you possibly can select to seize extra element, or crop in for, successfully, a digital zoom. The duvet show gives sufficient house for framing selfies, checking notifications and utilizing widgets like climate or calendar, and its new Auto-Zoom function means it may even body unsupervised group pictures for you. Images is augmented by Samsung’s improved AI picture modifying instruments, which is far simpler to make use of.
The Z Flip 6 now has a robust Snapdragon 8 Gen 3, so it’s simply as highly effective because the S24 Extremely and Z Fold 6. Unfold the principle display and also you’ll discover one which’s brighter than ever (as much as 2,600 nits). Samsung says that is its brightest foldable show but, making it simpler to make use of and browse outside.
The design hasn’t modified a lot and a deal with new AI software program and methods comes at the price of restricted cowl display utility, nevertheless it’s nonetheless as pocketable as ever and continues to be probably the most mainstream foldable but. — Mat Smith, Editor, UK Bureau Chief, Publication
- Higher cameras
- Longer battery life
- Enjoyable generative AI methods
- Costlier than its predecessor
- Design is sort of an identical to final 12 months
- Restricted front-screen utility
- Sluggish charging
Photograph by Cherlynn Low / Engadget
Learn our full Motorola Razr+ evaluation
Full display measurement: 6.9 inches | Folded display measurement: 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 outdoors North America) might not be fairly as refined because the Galaxy Z Flip 5, what it lacks in tech it makes up for with its persona. It’s accessible in three colours, with the magenta mannequin that includes a gentle vegan leather-based again. It encompasses 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 clean and intuitive, making it simpler to entry and use your favourite Android telephone apps. And for many who are nostalgic for the unique Razr from the early 2000s, Moto even included an easter egg that encompasses 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 into very compact
- May be personal tripod for photographs or movies
- Cameras can’t examine to flagships
- Lengthy-term sturdiness and safety stays a priority
Photograph by Mat Smith / Engadget
Learn our full Motorola Razr evaluation
Full display measurement: 6.9 inches | Folded display measurement: 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 to make a extra inexpensive flip-style foldable. Beginning at £800 (U.S. pricing nonetheless TBA), it’s one of many least costly choices on sale immediately. Nevertheless, it encompasses 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 fundamental Razr (Sage Inexperienced, Vanilla Cream, Summer time Lilac) include a gentle vegan leather-based again. — S.R.
- A less expensive foldable telephone
- Respectable battery life
- Tactile gentle end
- Unremarkable exterior display
- Underwhelming cameras
How we take a look at foldable telephones
When evaluating new foldable telephones, we take into account the identical normal standards as we do once we’re judging the greatest smartphones. Gadgets must have good battery life (at the least a full day’s use), shiny internal shows (peaks of at the least 1,000 nits), sharp cameras and responsive efficiency. That mentioned, foldable telephones come in numerous shapes (and sizes); there are various designs that will enchantment to several types of folks.
For individuals who choose extra compact and trendy units, flip phone-style foldables resemble old-school namesakes however with versatile inside shows (usually six to seven inches diagonally) and smaller outer screens, sometimes called 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 predominant shows) that may remodel from a sweet bar-style telephone to basically a small pill when opened.
Are foldable telephones value it? A be aware on sturdiness
Except for 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 nice for submersions of as much as 5 ft for half-hour), their versatile screens – that are largely created from plastic – current some distinctive challenges.
Most foldables include factory-installed display protectors. Nevertheless, not like common telephones, customers are instructed to not take away them with out help from authorised service facilities. Fortunately, Samsung telephones do provide one free display protector substitute for its foldables, whereas Google expenses between $29 and $129 relying on the guarantee standing of your gadget. That mentioned, whereas we will’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 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 might have some kind of servicing after a few 12 months until you intend on eradicating the display protector solely (which is feasible, however goes towards most producers’ directions).
Moreover, foldable telephone house owners must be conscious about holding sharp objects away from their versatile shows, as rocks, keys and even urgent down very laborious with a fingernail can depart everlasting marks. Within the occasion that you’ll want to get a versatile display serviced, you’re probably dealing with a a lot greater 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). In brief, whereas the ruggedness of foldable telephones has improved quite a bit, they’re nonetheless extra delicate than conventional handsets, which is one thing you’ll want to account for.
Nevertheless, 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 an enormous display gadget for multitasking, immediately’s foldable telephones provide thrilling potentialities — you simply must determine in the event that they’re the appropriate 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 way in which they fold — and what meaning for usability — is totally different. A foldable telephone usually opens like a e-book, providing you with a bigger tablet-like display inside, which is nice for multitasking or media. A flip telephone, alternatively, folds vertically to turn into extra compact, form of just like the basic clamshell telephones of the early 2000s. Flip telephones are extra pocket-friendly, whereas foldables provide extra display 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 typically dearer than conventional smartphones, because of the advanced hinge mechanisms and versatile shows. Battery life can generally 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 on the subject of on a regular basis use.
Are foldable telephones much less sturdy than different telephones?
Usually, sure — at the least for now. Foldable telephones use versatile shows and complex hinges, which may be extra vulnerable to put on and tear over time in comparison with commonplace telephones with stable glass screens. That mentioned, newer fashions have gotten more durable with improved hinge designs, water resistance and stronger ultra-thin glass. They’re positively extra sturdy than they was, however they nonetheless require a bit extra care than your common smartphone.
Georgie Peru contributed to this report.