By 2025 , folding smartphones have evolved into practical machine after their exciting yet buggy launching . While Price are decrease thanks to promotion in engineering , they stay high - close purchases that require careful consideration .
There are two chief types on the marketplace : one unfolds from a standard phone to a tablet - sized machine , while the other follows a classical clamshell design , like the old - style Motorola Razr , allowing it to fold in half for portability . Both case utilize similar engineering science but serve different needs .
As new stylesmay egress in the future , it ’s life-sustaining to choose a design that fit your life-style . The initial experience with a folding smartphone is often throb and transformative . Let ’s research the best folding phones you could grease one’s palms in 2025 .
The best folding phone
Google Pixel 9 Pro Fold
Why you should bribe this : Google is a relative newcomer to the foldaway mart , but its second - generation foldable is already the proficient you may buy in the U.S.
Who ’s it for : Anyone who wants the best all - around foldable phone experience , including a fun and versatile television camera , excellent design , and a splendid screen .
Why we picked theGoogle Pixel 9 Pro sheepfold :
Andy Boxall / Digital Trends
Google ’s 2d - coevals Pixel 9 Pro Fold defies its relative inexperience with folding phones thanks to a muckle of improvements focalize on fix all of the trouble with the first - genesis . After an overhaul of most parts of the experience , the Pixel 9 Pro sheepfold ticks almost all the boxes and steals the best folding sound crownwork from Samsung .
The Pixel 9 Pro plica feature the same premium build as the rest of the Pixel 9 batting order , but at 10.5 mm , it ’s thinner than most of the foldable phones on this list . This makes it far more comfortable to use everyday , and it feels similar to using theiPhone 15 Pro Maxin a character . The satin aluminum chassis is cool to the touch , sandwiched by two Gorilla Glass Victus 2 panel on the front and tooshie . The latter has a matte finishing that tot to the premium tactile property of the Pixel 9 Pro Fold .
The front show is a 6.3 - inch OLED Actua Display that ’s utterly sized for day-after-day use , but the 8 - in Super Actua OLED display on the inside is the actual reason to buy the Google Pixel 9 Pro Fold . It ’s fantastic for watching videos , meet games , and graze apps , and Android ’s software program smartness make it ideally sized to multitask with two apps open side by side .
Christine Romero-Chan / Digital Trends
The camera on the Pixel 9 Pro Fold belittles its Pro soubriquet , as it ’s not the same as thePixel 9 professional , despite its much higher toll . The ternary camera setup boast a 48 - megapixel master sensor , a 10.5MP ultrawide photographic camera , and a 10.8MP telephoto camera with 5x optical zoom . It ’s good than that of the Galaxy Z Fold 6 , but it ’s not as good as Google ’s non - foldaway flagships .
The Pixel 9 Pro Fold is powered by Google ’s Tensor G4 , which seems to improve on many of the performance issues with the first Pixel Fold . It delivers flawless performance with no overheat concerns even when stake extensively and is mate with 16 GB of RAM and 256 GB of depot . The 4,650mAh battery delivers between three - and - a - half to five hour of projection screen meter on a unmarried accusation , while 21 watt charging means it ’ll take around 90 bit to recharge to full . This is about the same time as the Galaxy Z Fold 6 , but almost double the swiftness of the OnePlus Open .
The best folding phone runner-up
Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 6
Why you should purchase this : Samsung still makes one of the best freehanded folding earphone around , with powerful spectacles , improved cameras , and a refined invention with improved durability .
Who ’s it for : Anyone who wants a tab and smartphone combo in their pocket that can also take fun , vibrant photo .
Why we picked theSamsung Galaxy Z Fold 6 :
Samsung has been in the foldable plot longer than almost everyone else , and in the U.S. market , it ’s easy made the most folding devices so far , with each iteration adding something novel . As with previous coevals , the Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 6 does n’t make huge changes , but it go on to refine what Samsung has already perfect . Unfortunately , Google ’s improvements with the Pixel 9 Pro Fold relegate the Galaxy Z Fold 6 to a runner - up position , but it ’s still an excellent phone that you should absolutely weigh .
The design is n’t a huge modification from theGalaxy Z Fold 5 , but there are some extra finish with Samsung ’s railroad engineer managing to shave down the dimensions . It ’s only 12.1 mm thick when close down , slightly bigger than other foldables , but not dramatically so . It ’s also 14 grams less than the Fold 5 , making it overall sparse and promiscuous than previous generations and easier to channel around , comparable to theiPhone 15 Pro Maxin term of pocketability .
The projection screen consist of a slightly upsized 6.3 - inch cover cover that ’s easier to use with one hand than the Fold 6 . There ’s also a large 7.6 - in display once you open up with telephone and both screens total with Samsung ’s Dynamic AMOLED 2X tech and 120Hz refresh rates . The phone is in full compatible with the S Pen stylus ( though it does n’t come with one ) , making it a good choice for sketching when combined with the larger inner screen .
It should n’t storm you that the specs on the Fold 6 are top tier , with the late Qualcomm Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 mainframe with 12 GB of RAM , putting it on equality with other Samsung flagship phone like theGalaxy S24 Ultra . Naturally , it ’s faster than the Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 on the Fold 5 , and like the previous gimmick , you ’re able-bodied to run multiple apps at once across the inside display and multitask . It also handles gaming without any hiccups , and you’re able to get 256 GB storage in the base model and up to 1 TB if you need more elbow room .
The camera is n’t as potent as the ones on theSamsung Galaxy S24 Ultra , but it ’s still nothing to scoff at . It ’s very similar to the tv camera performance of the Fold 5 , with a 50 - megapixel principal photographic camera , a 12MP broad - slant camera , and a 10MP telephotograph with a 3x optic rapid climb , which again , is the same as the Z Fold 4 . Pictures are colored , with Samsung ’s HDR punching up reds , greens , and blues . There ’s also a 10MP selfie camera on the front screen , and a 4MP Under Display Camera ( UDC ) that takes passible selfie photo and does OK in video calls .
The 4,400mAh battery will give you about one day of consumption , but you may struggle to get much more than that with some unexpected power waste pipe after games and catch videos . The 25 - watt fast charging is n’t very dissolute compared to the 45W speed you get with the Galaxy S24 Ultra , but it ’ll be quicker than the 15W wireless firm charging .
The best alternative folding phone
OnePlus Open
Why you should bribe this : For a company just start into the folding gimmick business sector , OnePlus has hit a home runnel . The OnePlus is innovative and fun to use .
Who ’s it for : Anyone who want a alone phone experience .
Why we picked theOnePlus Open :
The OnePlus Open is a remarkable equipment that has managed to capture the care of many people . It is the ship’s company ’s first folding twist and it has been build with meticulous attention to detail . The use of titanium and other material has made it lightweight and compact when folded , making it a neat choice for those who are looking for a more portable and exploiter - favorable equipment .
One of the standout features of the OnePlus Open is its mellow - quality cover and inner display . The cover exhibit is about the sizing of a distinctive smartphone , making it very easy to use . The anti - reflective level on the inner display is a great improver , making it more comfortable to use than other foldable devices like the Google Pixel Fold , which has a highly brooding inner display . The overall pattern of the OnePlus Open is quite attractive too , and it has been well - received by those who value esthetic and plan .
In condition of performance , the OnePlus Open is a top - notch gadget that is able of handle even the most demanding tasks with ease — thanks to its Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 processor . It comes equipped with the late ironware and software package , and the user port is nonrational and easy to navigate . The electric battery life is also impressive , lasting for hours on a single rush . And when you require to recharge , the 67W pumped-up charging is among the fast you ’ll regain on a folding phone today , even if it ’s not confining to the 80W appoint from theOnePlus 12 .
Overall , the OnePlus Open is a keen option for those who are looking for a high - quality , well - progress , and user - friendly folding gimmick . Its lightweight and compact design , combine with its high - quality display and telling performance , make it a outstanding investment for anyone who value caliber and design .
The best budget folding phone
Motorola Razr (2024)
Why you should grease one’s palms this : If budget is your chief vexation , but you still want to take advantage of a more thickset folding form factor , this may be the gimmick for you .
Who ’s it for : Anyone who want a no - dogfight foldaway smartphone experience .
Why we picked theMotorola Razr ( 2024 ):
The a la mode in Motorola ’s Razr foldable lineup continues to work up on everything we liked before with a alone and summary snotty-nosed design , capable performance , and minimalistic features . The aim is center - catching , with various bright color options along with a vegan leather back . There ’s also an improved flexible joint excogitation that ’s smaller and smooth with a larger 3.6 - in pOLED natural covering screen that now incorporate an always - on showing , unlike theprevious generation . You also do n’t have to worry about how to use multitasking feature because it ’s a folding snotty-nosed headphone that run Android , so you may employ it just as you would a regular twist .
The inner 6.9 - in FHD+ blind is shining and centre - catching , able to hit 3,000 nits in direct sunshine and coming with a 120Hz refresh rate . The three-fold rearward television camera are decent though not prodigious , with a 50 - megapixel master shooter and a 13MP ultrawide photographic camera . There ’s also a 32MP selfie camera . spec are also a bump up , with the phone boasting a MediaTek 7300x processor with 8 GB random memory and 256 GB internal storehouse . It handles well and has a virtual RAM feature for more intensive usage . Battery sprightliness with the 4,200mAh barrage should last you at least a full mean solar day .
That say , there are some minor drawbacks including Wi - Fi connexion expend pretty ofttimes , no support for reverse wireless charging , and only three twelvemonth of OS upgrades supported . These are fairly minor drawbacks in the dodging of things , especially when taking into account the fact that the Razr 2024 costs hundreds of dollars less than the Z Flip 6 .
If you ’re take care for a sleek and clamshell foldable that ’s easy to use and low-cost , the Motorola Razr ( 2024 ) could be the perfect choice for you .
The best compact folding phone
Google Pixel Fold
Why you should corrupt this : It ’s a powerful fold phone with a uncontaminating stock Android experience and multitasking capabilities . It ’s also observe for having a little and wide masking screen , which some might be seeking .
Who ’s it for : Anyone who wants a foldable telephone set with a normal - finger natural covering display .
Why we pick theGoogle Pixel Fold :
The Pixel Fold is Google ’s first entry into the foldaway , but it wo n’t be the last . ThePixel 9 Pro Foldis look to be the right way around the corner , with Google holding a Made by Google event on August 13 . In the meantime , you do n’t appreciate the Z Fold 6 ’s minute cover video display or prefer a clean , more strain Android experience , then the Pixel Fold could be a good option for you . It boasts a short and encompassing screen concealment , which set it aside from similar handset on the market .
The Pixel Fold ’s 5.8 - in OLED cover display take care arresting and is similar to most smartphones , so it ’s well-situated to habituate and type on . Due to its sizing , it is also easy to use one - handed , and there is no crack when the gimmick is close , as seen on the Z Fold 5 . On the inside , the machine features a 7.6 - inch inner organic light-emitting diode display that is positioned in landscape orientation course by default , but can be rotated to portrait orientation . Both screens have a 120Hz refresh pace and are sufficiently shining for outdoor consumption . However , the internal display can be quite pondering due to the built - in charge card screen protector .
Like thePixel 8 professional , the Pixel Fold is power by Google ’s own chip . In this display case , it ’s the Tensor G2 chip and it also comes with 12 GB of RAM . It has two memory board capacity — 256 GB or 512 Gbit . Thanks to the G2 chip , the gadget is sinewy enough to deal everyday tasks with informality and is highly responsive . Google ’s cutting - edge AI and computational photography processing techniques ensure that you get excellent results with photos . As for the camera , the Pixel Fold boast a 48MP main camera , a 10.8MP ultrawide camera , and a 10.8MP telephotograph camera with 5x optical zoom . The covering display has a 9.5MP selfie photographic camera , while the inner display has an 8MP selfie tv camera . you’re able to also use the rearward television camera in Rear Camera Selfie modal value to take gamy - timbre selfies when the machine is spread .
The Pixel Fold comes with a 4,821mAh battery that lasts for about a full day with moderate to heavy use . Charging speeds can hand up to 30W , but Google does not provide a power adaptor , so you will ask to use your own . While wireless charging is bear out , its max speed of 7.5W are a little underwhelming , and there is no rearward wireless commove feature .
The best folding flip phone
Motorola Razr Plus 2024
Why you should buy this : Motorola ’s Razr Plus is a beefed - up flip phone in term of specs and a dependable competition to the Samsung ’s Z Flip 6 .
Who ’s it for : Anyone who wants a powerful phone in a succinct and small package that ’s also fun to use .
Why we picked theMotorola Razr Plus :
The Motorola Razr Plus is definitely one of the best thickset snotty-nosed phones in 2024 . It resemble the Razr Plus 2023 in blueprint , with a vegan leather back and a verity of cool color options . The new flexible joint is also a bounteous melioration — it feel much nicer opening and mop up , and it ’s smooth and silent . The Motorola Razr Plus 2024 has impressive IP52 rubble and water opposition , arguably a step above the IP48 you get with the Z Flip 6 .
The screens are hopeful and colorful , with the cover concealment consisting of a larger 4 - inch pOLED display with 2,400 nit of peak brightness and a 165Hz refresh rate . It ’s a big advance over the cover version screen from the last modelling , and blows the Flip 6 out of the water . The book binding screen door can also run apps that make full the entire screen , unlike the Samsung , which make you jump through a turn of hoops . It also finally incorporates an always - on display .
The interior screen is a 6.9 - in FHD+ show that can hit 3,000 nits of peak brightness and has a 165Hz refresh pace , create it quicker and more responsive than the Flip 6 . The crease is also much more minimum than before , which is another dainty improvement . specification are nothing to gibe at with a Snapdragon 8s Gen 3 processor . It ’s not as secure as the top - tier Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 chip you may get on telephone set like the Galaxy S24 , but it oppose the potentiality of theHonor 200 Pro .
photographic camera performance gets a considerable melioration from the 2023 model , fixing one of the large areas of disappointment . You get a 50 - megapixel main tv camera with optical image stabilization ( OIS ) , a 50MP telephoto camera with 2x zoom , and a 32MP selfie camera . We liked the look of almost all the photos we took on the Razr Plus , though they do incline to stray on the oversaturated side .
Finally , battery life also gets an betterment , bumping things up to a 4,000mAh cell that allows you to use it well for a full day and matching the size of the Flip 6 . It supports 45W cable fast charging , 15W radio charging , and 5W reverse wireless charging , ready it quicker to top up than either of Samsung ’s late foldables .
The best folding flip phone runner-up
Samsung Galaxy Z Flip 6
Why you should bribe this : Samsung ’s good flip headphone comes with some key advance , solid cameras , good public presentation , and improved strength .
Who ’s it for : People who want the beneficial Samsung grapple foldable on the market .
Why we picked theSamsung Galaxy Z Flip 6 :
The Samsung Galaxy Z Flip 6 slips to second spot for best clamshell foldable phone on the market as despite some welcome improvements , the Motorola Razr Plus takes the crown . Samsung listen to client feedback with the improvments in the Galaxy Z Flip 6 including the institution of IP48 water and debris resistance , a more durable hinge , and better shock absorber distribution that should all go toward making your expensive foldable last longer . There are also plenty of oculus - catch color pick , and overall the Flip 6 just feels mellow - quality .
Other variety are relatively minimal . You get the same 3.4 - inch AMOLED cover blind with a 60Hz refresh rate . The inner screen is also the same , but it ’s still ripe with a 6.7 - column inch AMOLED panel with a 120Hz refresh rate and up to 2,600 nits of peak brightness . A overnice change is that the screen crease is less prominent than the one on the Flip 6 , though it ’s still more noticeable than the one on the Motorola Razr ( 2024 ) . Performance also takes a bump , with a Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 chipset with 12 GB of RAM , more than the previous multiplication , and repositing selection ranging from 256 GB to 512 GB .
The Z Flip 6 camera are generally quite good , though they wo n’t pit the public presentation of the S24 Ultra . You get a 50MP principal camera , same as on the S24 and S24 Plus . There ’s also a 12MP ultrawide camera and a 10MP selfie photographic camera . Photos are generally quite clear , and the 123 - academic degree field of force of view on the ultrawide sensor lease you capture a wad more in the frame .
The battery life takes a overnice bump up as well , with a 4,000mAh cell make it the largest Samsung has ever put in a Z Flip . On the downside , it ’s still only a one - day smartphone , but more well so . charge speeds carry on to be lackluster , with 25W wired charging , 15W radio charging , and 4.5W reverse wireless charging .
Frequently Asked Questions
A foldable smartphone does everything a normal smartphone does , include strike calls , snapping scene , recreate game , all the usual material . But what it does have is versatility , as folding smartphone displays are a draw more versatile than non - folding phone .
If you choose a large close up smartphone like the Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 6 , the unfastened screen ’s gravid size makes it gravid for watching videos , play games , reading , and multitasking — just like on a tablet . Once you ’re done , you may fold the speech sound so it ’s a “ normal ” sizing and easier to bear around than a lozenge , yetstill usable like a non - folding headphone .
model like the Galaxy Z Flip 6 are also versatile , just in a dissimilar way . Open , the screen is the same sizing as a big non - foldable smartphone , but you could turn up the speech sound in one-half when it ’s not in use . It ’s the arrant phone for anyone who values toilet facility but does n’t desire to sacrifice a utilitarian , modern , big screen in their seeking for a more pocketable gimmick . Non - folding smartphones ca n’t match this level of versatility .
It ’s surprisingly difficult to imagine how transformative owning a pen up smartphone can be , so we really recommend try one out in a shop before purchase . Often , just the action of folding and unfolding the earphone is often enough to fire your imagination , and you ’ll start to understand how helpful this new wave of smartphones can be . Not everyone will benefit from the technology , but do n’t terminate them until you ’ve held one in your bridge player .
Anyone with a potent interest in peregrine technology will appreciate have a fold smartphone , as it really does palpate completely unlike from a non - folding phone . If you ’re always groovy to try out the latest tech , then you should consider wee-wee a folding your next phone .
If you expend your phone for a lot of reading , watching videos , emails , and endless messaging , a large - screenland foldable is potential to economize you time and increase your delectation . Think of it as a phoneanda tablet , all in one . Rather than swapping to a tablet at the terminal of the solar day for the ease of the big screen , you could just give up your phone for a similar experience .
small impudent earphone like the Z Flip 6 are n’t useful in the exact same room , of course , as they unfold into a more even telephone set display size . But these are more aimed at those who want a modest , more handily sized earpiece . While a snotty-nosed phone is proceed to be thicker than a regular headphone , when fold it ’s much shorter , make it easy to keep in a cup of tea or sac . If your current phone often scram in the elbow room or frustrates due to its size , then a small foldable may be what you want .
When adjudicate which folding telephone you require , first settle what use are most important to you . Are you looking for productivity ? Or are you looking for the most commodious little twist that fits in your pants pocket ? Sometimes it ’s not an either / or question . If you want to use your mobile gadget for reading , either size makes for a great proofreader , but for larger - data formatting documents , a fold - out earpiece make believe more sense . While it may seem like a with child CRT screen is best for video recording watching , a grapple is both lighter and more widescreen compatible . Depending on your favorite games , you may pick the size based on your gameplay orientation .
Folding smartphones used to be exclusively flagship gadget with the latest engineering , and so were very expensive . That ’s started to exchange recently , with phones like the Motorola Razr ( 2024 ) starting at $ 700 , and seeing discounts down to $ 500 . While other foldables , like the Z Fold 6 and Flip 6 , have stayed at flagship prices , it ’s clear foldables are starting to become more approachable to more people .
As ever with smartphones , savvy shopping is your friend . Keeping an heart out for generous carrier trade - in deals or contracts can net you a saving , as can waiting until big sales holidays likeBlack FridayorPrime Day . Also , keep in nous that refurbished phones also come with a enceinte discount , and so do older phones . Grabbing theZ close down 5or even theZ Fold 4will still get you an advanced equipment , just without the latest bells and whistles , at a much humiliated toll .
Folding smartphones are still very new , and they represent bragging investments for manufacturers . However , it ’s an expanding market , and now we ’re seeing many more manufacturers jumping on the bandwagon . Samsung is best know for its foldaway smartphones , but 2023 saw the launch of foldables from Motorola , OnePlus , and even Google . So while Samsung was among the first to the party ( and crucially , kept releasing shut down telephone set throughout the tough other year ) others are bringing their devices to the market , and we ’re all gain as a result .
The situation is even more free-enterprise once you leave the U.S. , with a turn of manufacturers not usually seen on American shoring make their own foldables . Huawei has theMate X3 , Oppo has the Find N3 Flip . Honor has theMagic Vs , and Xiaomi has the Mi Mix Fold 3 , though these have variable availability in international markets , but increasingly you’re able to observe them outside of China .
What to consider
There are a routine of important points to reckon when purchases a foldable phone . Perhaps the most important are the pursuit :
Screen Size and Resolution
Foldable phones are available in a variety of sizes and presently come in in two principal styles . small models are more portable , while larger ones provide more sieve blank for work or entertainment . A high resolution results in sharper look-alike . If you stand for to pullulate picture or play games , it ’s commend to choose a resolution of at least 1920 x 1080 ( Full HD ) .
Processing power
A faster CPU and additional RAM will raise performance , particularly for multitasking and resource - intensive applications . This is crucial if you design to use your phone for gaming , telecasting editing , or other demanding task .
Storage capacity
This depends on how many apps , photos , video , and file you design to store on the gimmick . Phones typically come with anywhere from 128 GB to 1 TB of storage today . Anything less does n’t come recommended any longer .
Battery Life
look at how long you require the phone to last on a single charge . Look for a telephone with a stamp battery life of at least 10 to 12 hours for regular habit .
How we chose
All of the phones recommended in this clause were thoroughly used , test , and reviewed by Digital Trends . We appraise display timbre , ran various apps and games to evaluate execution , and examined battery spirit , among other factors . We dedicated significant time to each of the iPads mention to ensure we provide the best recommendations possible . For a more detailed savvy of our follow-up process , check out our guide on how we test products at Digital Trends , as well as our specific guide on how we test phones .
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