the best foldable phone you can buy Foldable phones have emerged as a unique segment in the smartphone market, offering innovative designs and functionalities that cater to diverse user needs.
the best foldable phone you can buy
Understanding Foldable Phones
A foldable phone isn’t for the faint of heart. They are generally heavier, pricier, and have less capable cameras than standard slab-style phones. While they are not as durable as regular smartphones, advancements have made them significantly more robust than their earlier iterations. For instance, thanks to Google, we now have a foldable phone that can withstand beach outings without fear of damage.
Currently, there are two primary types of foldable phones: book-style and clamshell-style. Book-style foldables resemble a phone plus a tablet, while clamshell-style foldables mimic the old flip phone design, combining a phone with a smartwatch-like experience. Book foldables feature an outer screen for standard phone tasks and an inner screen for a more expansive viewing experience. In contrast, flip phones come equipped with a smaller secondary display on the outer panel, allowing users to check information quickly without fully unfolding the device.
These two categories cater to different user preferences. The book-style foldable is ideal for those who desire enhanced multitasking capabilities, while the flip-style foldable appeals to users looking for a more compact device that still offers smartphone functionalities. Regardless of which category you identify with, it is advisable to purchase the manufacturer’s extended warranty. Repairs can be costly, and not all phone repair shops are equipped to handle foldable devices. If you choose not to opt for the warranty, ensure you can comfortably afford to replace your phone in case of unforeseen damage, such as sand-related incidents, which can be detrimental to folding screens.
Best Book-Style Foldable
Google Pixel Pro 10 Fold
Score: 8
- Pros: Full dust resistance, Qi2 support with built-in magnets
- Cons: Heavy and chunky, cameras aren’t as good as other 10 Pro models, pricier than a regular phone
Where to Buy: $1799 at Amazon (256GB), $1799 at Best Buy (256GB), $1799 at Google (256GB)
Screen: 8-inch, 2076p, 120Hz OLED inner screen; 6.4-inch, 1080p, 120Hz OLED cover screen
Processor: Google Tensor G5
Cameras: 48-megapixel f/1.7 main with OIS; 10.8-megapixel 5x telephoto with OIS; 10.5-megapixel ultrawide; 10-megapixel selfie (cover screen); 10-megapixel inner selfie camera
Battery: 5,015mAh
Charging: 30W wired, 15W wireless (Qi2)
Weather resistance: IP68
Durability has long been a significant concern in the foldable category, and the Pixel 10 Pro Fold marks a milestone in this journey. With an IP68 rating, it is the first foldable to offer full water and dust resistance. This feature allows users to take the $1,799 device on outdoor adventures without worrying about environmental hazards. Additionally, the device supports Qi2 with built-in magnets for accessories and wireless charging, alongside Google’s powerful Tensor G5 chip, making it one of the most well-rounded foldables available.
However, the Pixel 10 Pro Fold is not without its drawbacks. While it offers all-day battery life with minimal use of the inner display, heavy usage can lead to a drained battery by the end of the day. Furthermore, despite its improved durability, the camera performance does not match that of Google’s other 10 Pro models, particularly in low-light conditions. The device is also heavier and thicker than the Galaxy Z Fold 7, which some users may find less appealing.
Best Flip-Style Foldable
Samsung Galaxy Z Flip 7
Score: 8
- Pros: Samsung adopted a larger cover screen, all-day battery, reliable camera
- Cons: More susceptible to dust than average phones, limited app functionality on the cover screen
Where to Buy: $1099.99, $899.99 at Amazon (256GB), $1099.99, $899.99 at Best Buy (256GB), $1219.99, $1019 at Amazon (512GB)
Screen: 6.9-inch, 1080p, 120Hz OLED inner screen; 4.1-inch, 948p, OLED cover screen
Processor: Samsung Exynos 2500
Cameras: 50-megapixel f/1.8 main with OIS; 12-megapixel ultrawide; 10-megapixel selfie (inner screen)
Battery: 4,300mAh
Charging: 25W wired, 15W wireless, 4.5W reverse wireless
Weather-resistance rating: IP48
The Galaxy Z Flip 7 may not have the same level of excitement as the latest Razr Ultra, but it does come with several enhancements. Samsung has replaced the previous cover screen with a larger, 4.1-inch edge-to-edge panel that wraps around the cameras. This upgrade allows for more efficient quick responses to messages and tasks without needing to open the phone.
In addition to the larger cover screen, the Flip 7 is thinner than its predecessor and features a larger 4,300mAh battery, up from the 4,000mAh battery in the Flip 6. The camera system remains unchanged, but the 50-megapixel main shooter continues to produce high-quality images. The versatility of the flip form factor also allows for easy selfies using the rear camera.
Despite these improvements, the Flip 7 retains the same IP48 rating as its predecessor, raising concerns about long-term durability against dust. However, Samsung offers a robust warranty and repair program, along with seven years of OS and security updates. While the Flip 7 isn’t perfect, it stands as the most powerful and polished version yet, making it a solid choice for users seeking a flip-style foldable.
The Most Fun Foldable
Motorola Razr Ultra (2025)
Score: 7
- Pros: One of the best-looking phones available, great battery life, useful outer screen
- Cons: AI button is wasted real estate, long-term durability remains uncertain, camera processing can be inconsistent
Where to Buy: $1299.99, $999.99 at Best Buy (512GB), $1299.99 at Amazon (512GB), $1299.99 at Motorola (512GB)
Screen: 7-inch 1224p OLED 165Hz inner screen; 4-inch 1080p OLED 165Hz outer screen
Processor: Qualcomm Snapdragon 8 Elite
Cameras: 50-megapixel f/1.8 main with OIS; 50-megapixel f/2.0 ultrawide; 50-megapixel f/2.0 selfie
Battery: 4,700mAh
Charging: 68W wired, 30W wireless
Weather-resistance rating: IP48
The Razr Ultra is the newest and most advanced member of Motorola’s foldable lineup. Compared to the Razr Plus, it features a higher-resolution inner screen, Qualcomm’s most powerful mobile processor, double the storage space, and an upgraded selfie camera. Its elegant design, characterized by a gold-bronze chassis and wooden back panel, sets it apart in a market saturated with similar-looking devices.
Beyond its aesthetics, the Ultra is enjoyable to use. The 4-inch outer screen covers almost the entire front of the phone, making it ideal for checking notifications, responding to messages, and performing quick tasks. The titanium hinge is an upgrade over the stainless steel found in the Razr Plus, enhancing durability. However, the device still suffers from inconsistent camera processing, and Motorola’s promise of only three OS upgrades and four years of security updates falls short compared to competitors.
The Best Battery Life in a Foldable
Oppo Find N5
Score: 8
- Pros: Exceptionally thin, excellent battery life, nearly invisible crease
- Cons: Still fragile, not launching in the US or Europe
Where to Buy: $2499, $1999 at Oppo (512GB)
Screen: 8.12-inch, 2248p, 120Hz OLED inner screen; 6.62-inch, 1140p, 120Hz OLED outer screen
Processor: Qualcomm Snapdragon 8 Elite
Cameras: 50-megapixel f/1.9 main with OIS, 50-megapixel 3x telephoto with OIS, 8-megapixel ultrawide, 8-megapixel selfie cameras (inner and outer)
Battery: 5,600mAh
Charging: 80W wired, 50W wireless
Weather-resistance rating: IPX8/IPX9
Unfortunately, the Oppo Find N5 is not available for purchase in the US or Europe, limiting its accessibility. However, for users in China, Singapore, and other Asian countries included in its “global” release, this phone represents one of the world’s thinnest book-style folding devices. The Find N5 is not only thin but also features a highly capable Qualcomm Snapdragon 8 Elite chipset and excellent battery life, thanks to its silicon-carbon battery technology, which accommodates a large 5,600mAh battery.
The device’s impressive battery life holds up even after a long day of heavy use. Remarkably, the Find N5 is only slightly thicker than a standard slab-style phone, making it comfortable for prolonged use. This balance of performance and portability makes the Find N5 a standout option, although its limited availability is a significant drawback.
Other Foldables to Consider
Several other foldable devices are worth mentioning:
- Huawei Mate XTs: This trifold phone offers impressive features, including stylus support and an upgraded Kirin 9020 chipset. Priced at 17,999 yuan (approximately $2,520), it is cheaper than its predecessor.
- Motorola Razr Plus 2025: This model features a titanium hinge for better durability and an IP48 rating for dust and water resistance. Although it looks similar to its predecessor, it offers notable improvements.
- Standard Motorola Razr 2025: Starting at $699, this model provides a more budget-friendly entry point into the foldable market while still offering improved performance and battery life.
- Galaxy Z Fold 7: An excellent alternative to the Pixel 10 Pro Fold, the Z Fold 7 is slim and lightweight, with a spacious inner display. However, it lacks full dust and water resistance, making it more susceptible to damage.
What’s Coming Next
The future of foldable phones looks promising with several exciting releases on the horizon:
- Samsung Galaxy Z TriFold: Launching on January 30th for $2,899, this device features two hinges that open to reveal a 10-inch inner screen. It also boasts a ceramic-glass back panel designed to resist cracking and an IP48 rating for water resistance.
- Motorola Razr Fold: Announced at CES 2026, this book-style foldable is expected to be more affordable. It features a 6.6-inch outer screen and an 8.1 2K LTPO inner display, along with three 50-megapixel rear cameras.
As the foldable phone market continues to evolve, consumers can expect more options that cater to their specific needs and preferences. With advancements in technology, the durability and functionality of these devices are likely to improve, making them a more viable choice for a broader audience.
Source: Original report
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Last Modified: January 30, 2026 at 3:49 am
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