Other Foldable Smartphones to Consider
Photo: Julian Cioccatu
Samsung Galaxy Z Fold8 Ultra for $2,100:
The Samsung Galaxy Z Fold8 Ultra is a premium book-style foldable phone with a
6.5-inch cover display that opens into a spacious 8-inch screen. Its 5,000-mAh
battery delivers strong all-day performance, while the flagship camera system
gives the Ultra model its name. The setup includes a 200-megapixel main camera,
a 50-megapixel ultrawide camera, and a 10-megapixel telephoto lens with 3X
optical zoom. The phone does not support Qi2 magnetic wireless charging, and its
large camera bump can cause it to rock when placed flat. The smaller Galaxy Z
Fold8 remains easier to carry and use, which is why it may be the better choice
for most people.
Samsung Galaxy Z Flip8 for $1,200:
The Samsung Galaxy Z Flip8 is one of the best compact foldable smartphones to
consider. It has a 4.1-inch cover screen that opens into a 6.9-inch display,
making it easy to carry while still offering a full-size smartphone experience.
Samsung has redesigned the chassis for improved durability, and the phone uses
the same high-performance chipset found in the company’s larger Galaxy Z Fold
models. Its 4,300-mAh battery should last through a typical day. The camera
system is more modest, with a 50-megapixel primary camera and a 12-megapixel
ultrawide camera, but the Flip8 remains a strong alternative to the Motorola
Razr Ultra.
Motorola Razr Fold
Photo: Julian Cioccatu
Motorola Razr Fold for $1,900:
Motorola’s first book-style foldable phone offers a familiar outer display and
an expansive 8.1-inch inner screen. Its standout feature is the enormous
6,000-mAh battery, which can provide nearly three days of use for some owners.
Motorola also promises seven years of software updates and adds a telephoto
camera to the rear camera system. However, the Razr Fold does not use the
latest flagship processor, which is a significant drawback at this price. Its
cameras are also behind the Google Pixel 11 Pro Fold.
Motorola Razr+ 2026 for $1,100:
The Motorola Razr+ 2026 sits between the standard Razr and the premium Razr
Ultra. It provides a similar foldable phone experience but lacks the flagship
features and top-tier specifications of the Ultra model. Battery life is only
average because of its smaller design, and the cover glass is less durable than
the ceramic glass used on the Razr Ultra. A protective case and screen protector
are highly recommended, especially because replacing a foldable display can be
expensive.
OPPO Find N6
Photo: Simon Hill
Oppo Find N6 for $1,929:
The Oppo Find N6 is a slim and lightweight book-style foldable smartphone with
an 8.12-inch internal display. Although the display is not entirely crease-free,
the crease is difficult to notice during everyday use. Performance is smooth,
battery life is sufficient for a busy day, and the camera system is a major
improvement over the previous generation. It features a 200-megapixel primary
camera, a 50-megapixel telephoto camera, and a 50-megapixel ultrawide camera.
The global version supports familiar Google apps, but the phone is not officially
sold in some Western markets, so buyers may need to import it.
Google Pixel 10 Pro Fold for $1,799:
The Google Pixel 10 Pro Fold is worth considering when discounted. Google’s
newer Pixel 11 Pro Fold offers better overall performance, but the Pixel 10 Pro
Fold remains a capable alternative. It has a slim design, a conventional outer
screen, an 8-inch inner display, and a versatile triple-camera system that
captures excellent photos. Shoppers interested in Google’s software, artificial
intelligence features, and photography tools can also compare it with other
models in our guide to the best Pixel phones.
Xiaomi Mix Flip for $899:
The Xiaomi Mix Flip combines an attractive design with bright displays, strong
battery life, fast charging, and flagship-level performance. Its dual-camera
system pairs a capable main camera with a telephoto lens instead of an
ultrawide camera, a practical choice for many users. The software experience is
less polished than what you get from Samsung or Google, and the phone does not
have an official IP rating. Even so, it is an appealing option for shoppers
seeking an affordable foldable flip phone.
What to know before buying a foldable smartphone
Foldable phones are more fragile than traditional smartphones.
Foldable devices contain more moving parts, including a hinge and flexible
display. Manufacturers test their hinges hundreds of thousands of times,
but a single drop can still cause serious damage. Dust and water
resistance also vary considerably between models. In the US, the Pixel 11
Pro Fold is currently the only model listed here with an IP68 rating. A
durable case and an extended device-care plan may be worthwhile.
Do not remove the built-in screen protector.
Most foldable phones include a protective film over the inner display.
Removing it can damage the screen or affect the phone’s warranty. Follow
the manufacturer’s instructions for cleaning and maintaining the display.
Foldable phone software takes some practice.
Flip phones are generally easy to use, but book-style foldables offer
tablet-like multitasking tools, split-screen apps, and special hinge modes.
Spend time exploring these features to get the most value from a foldable
smartphone.
Foldable phones remain expensive.
A folding phone is not essential for most people, and premium models can
cost significantly more than conventional smartphones. Look for discounts
during major sales events, and consider trading in an eligible device to
reduce the price.
Which type of foldable phone is right for you?
Choose a foldable flip phone if you want a compact design.
Flip phones fold a standard-size smartphone in half, making them easier to
carry in a pocket or small bag. Most include an exterior display for
checking notifications, controlling music, viewing widgets, and answering
calls without opening the phone. Some can remain partially folded at a
90-degree angle, allowing compatible apps to place controls on the lower
half of the screen. Flip phones typically have shorter battery life and
less advanced cameras than conventional flagship phones.
Choose a book-style foldable if you want a larger screen.
These phones open into a tablet-like display, making them useful for
watching movies, reading, gaming, and multitasking between two apps. They
often offer larger batteries and more capable camera systems than flip
phones, but they are also heavier, thicker, and more expensive. Large
three-panel devices offer even more screen space, although their size can
make them difficult to carry.
Is now a good time to buy a foldable phone?
For Android users, this is a good time to shop for a foldable smartphone.
Samsung and Google have updated their current foldable phone lineups, while
Motorola is preparing its first large foldable model. Buyers outside the
US may also want to consider availability, warranty coverage, and import
costs before choosing a device from Oppo, Honor, or Xiaomi.
If you are waiting for an iPhone, it may be worth holding off to see
whether Apple introduces a foldable iPhone. A new Apple device could
change the market and give shoppers another premium option.
Our favorite foldable phone features
One of the most useful foldable phone features is the ability to use the
outer display as a viewfinder while taking selfies with the primary rear
camera. Fold the phone at an angle, activate the external preview, and
capture a higher-quality selfie without using the front-facing camera.
Many models also support hands-free shutter controls through palm gestures.
Motorola’s Razr Ultra can start and stop video recording with hand
gestures, making it especially useful for travel and group photos.
Foldable phones can also improve live translation. Samsung and Google let
you display translated text on the exterior screen so another person can
read it while you view the conversation and translation on the internal
display. This two-screen approach is often more natural than passing a
traditional smartphone back and forth while using a translation app.
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