Foldable telephones have gone from futuristic novelties to genuinely helpful gadgets that mix portability with big-screen versatility. Whether or not you are into multitasking, cellular gaming or simply love having a cellphone that turns heads, the very 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, the very best foldable cellphone for you depends upon how you want to make use of your gadget. Some fashions give attention to flagship-level energy and multitasking options, whereas others purpose to maintain issues compact and classy. Both manner, these folding handsets are pushing the boundaries of what smartphones can do.
Be aware: For this information, we’re specializing in gadgets which are extensively out there 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 typically tough to purchase from overseas and will not assist your native carriers.
Desk of contents
Greatest foldable telephones for 2025
Sam Rutherford for Engadget
Learn our full Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 7 review
Full display screen measurement: 8 inches | Folded display screen measurement: 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 measurement and weight that always 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 in and out — 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 primary 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 reasonably priced and for long-time Samsung followers, the lack of S Pen assist could also be a dealbreaker. However for many who need to expertise new heights in foldable cellphone design, the Galaxy Z Fold 7 is a masterpiece of recent gadget design. — Sam Rutherford, Senior Reporter
- Exquisitely skinny design
- Sleeker hinge
- Huge 200MP primary digital camera
- Bigger shows
- High-tier efficiency
- Very costly
- No S Pen assist
- Mediocre charging speeds
Learn our full Pixel 9 Pro Fold review
Full display screen measurement: 8 inches | Folded display screen 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 be the most effective foldables on the market. The Pixel 9 Pro 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-known 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 effectively with a bit extra display screen actual property than earlier than. The handset total has a extra premium really feel and positively a extra polished look due to its matte again and satin metallic body.
Together with stable 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 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
Picture by Sam Rutherford / Engadget
Learn our full OnePlus Open review
Full display screen measurement: 7.8 inches | Folded display screen measurement: 6.3 inches | Storage capability: As much as 512GB | Weight: 239g | Max battery life: As much as 25.5 hours
For many who desire a huge 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 gives comparable efficiency to the Z Fold 5, however the Open options shows which are 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. Certain, its triple rear digital camera module is cumbersome, however picture high quality is nearly as good if not barely higher than the Z Fold 5 (although, nonetheless wanting the Pixel Fold). However the very best half is that, due to OnePlus’ trade-in deal, you possibly can trade any previous cellphone you have got mendacity round for $200 off, which brings the Open’s ultimate worth all the way down to $1,500. That also isn’t low-cost, however it pushes the Open nearer to being considerably reasonably priced. — S.R.
- Extra reasonably priced than the competitors
- Good efficiency
- Thinner and lighter design
- Good battery life
Picture by Mat Smith / Engadget
Learn our full Samsung Galaxy Z Flip 6 review
Full display screen measurement: 6.7 inches | Folded display screen 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 isn’t any exception. It has an upgraded digital camera 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 digital camera means you possibly can select to seize extra element, or crop in for, successfully, a digital zoom. The quilt show supplies sufficient area for framing selfies, checking notifications and utilizing widgets like climate or calendar, and its new Auto-Zoom function means it will possibly even body unsupervised group photographs for you. Pictures is augmented by Samsung’s improved AI photograph modifying instruments, which is far simpler to make use of.
The Z Flip 6 now has a strong Snapdragon 8 Gen 3, so it’s simply as highly effective because the S24 Extremely and Z Fold 6. Unfold the principle display screen 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 skim open air.
The design hasn’t modified a lot and a give attention to new AI software program and tips comes at the price of restricted cowl display screen utility, however 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 tips
- Dearer than its predecessor
- Design is sort of an identical to final 12 months
- Restricted front-screen utility
- Sluggish charging
Picture by Cherlynn Low / Engadget
Learn our full Motorola Razr+ review
Full display screen measurement: 6.9 inches | Folded display screen 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 exterior 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 personality. It’s out there in three colours, with the magenta mannequin that includes a comfortable vegan leather-based again. It includes a smooth 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 cellphone apps. And for many 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 resist spills or small splashes. — S.R.
- Helpful and roomy exterior show
- Folds in half to develop 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
Picture by Mat Smith / Engadget
Learn our full Motorola Razr review
Full display screen measurement: 6.9 inches | Folded display screen 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 and make a extra reasonably priced flip-style foldable. Beginning at £800 (U.S. pricing nonetheless TBA), it’s one of the least expensive options on sale at this time. Nonetheless, it includes a a lot smaller 1.5-inch exterior show together with a slower Snapdragon 7 Gen 1 chipset and considerably underwhelming cameras. On the brilliant aspect, it options the identical show you get on its costlier sibling. The one distinction is that it’s restricted to 144Hz as an alternative of 165Hz attributable to its much less highly effective processor. And, much like the magenta Razr+, all the colours of the essential Razr (Sage Inexperienced, Vanilla Cream, Summer time Lilac) include a comfortable vegan leather-based again. — S.R.
- A less expensive foldable cellphone
- First rate battery life
- Tactile comfortable end
- Unremarkable exterior display screen
- Underwhelming cameras
How we take a look at foldable telephones
When evaluating new foldable telephones, we think about the identical normal standards as we do once we’re judging the best smartphones. Gadgets must have good battery life (not less than a full day’s use), vivid internal shows (peaks of not less than 1,000 nits), sharp cameras and responsive efficiency. That mentioned, foldable telephones come in numerous shapes (and sizes); there are various designs which will attraction to several types of folks.
For many who favor extra compact and classy gadgets, 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 duvet show. Alternatively, for energy customers and individuals who need to maximize cellular productiveness, there are bigger book-style foldables (with seven to eight-inch primary shows) that may remodel from a sweet bar-style cellphone to basically a small pill when opened.
Are foldable telephones value it? A word on sturdiness
Except for their shows, the most important 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 produced from 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 alternative for its foldables, whereas Google prices 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 cellphone in the marketplace, 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 start out effervescent 9 to 12 months after buy. So that you’ll most likely need to think about that your foldable might have some form of servicing after a couple of 12 months except you intend on eradicating the display screen protector completely (which is feasible, however goes towards most producers’ directions).
Moreover, foldable cellphone house owners should be conscious about protecting sharp objects away from their versatile shows, as rocks, keys and even urgent down very laborious with a fingernail can go away everlasting marks. Within the occasion that it is advisable to get a versatile display screen serviced, you’re probably going through a a lot increased restore invoice when in comparison with a typical cellphone (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 so much, they’re nonetheless extra delicate than conventional handsets, which is one thing it is advisable to account for.
Nonetheless, foldables proceed to evolve, with higher AI options, improved specs and a extra refined type components that makes them much more sensible. Whether or not you’re after a flip cellphone for nostalgia or a giant display screen gadget for multitasking, at this time’s foldable telephones provide thrilling prospects — you simply need to resolve in the event that they’re the fitting match for you.
Foldable cellphone FAQs
What’s the distinction between a foldable cellphone and a flip cellphone?
Foldable and flip telephones each use versatile shows, however the way in which they fold — and what which means for usability — is totally different. A foldable cellphone usually opens like a ebook, providing you with a bigger tablet-like display screen inside, which is nice for multitasking or media. A flip cellphone, alternatively, folds vertically to develop into 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 cellphone?
The most important trade-offs with foldable telephones are worth and sturdiness. They’re typically costlier than conventional smartphones, due to the complicated hinge mechanisms and versatile shows. Battery life can typically take successful 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 with regards to on a regular basis use.
Are foldable telephones much less sturdy than different telephones?
Typically, sure — not less than for now. Foldable telephones use versatile shows and complicated hinges, which might be extra susceptible to put on and tear over time in comparison with customary 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 once, however they nonetheless require a bit extra care than your common smartphone.
Georgie Peru contributed to this report.
Trending Merchandise
