The best foldable phones for 2025
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 cellphone that turns heads, the very best foldable telephones you should purchase 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 relies on how you want to make use of your system. Some fashions concentrate on flagship-level energy and multitasking options, whereas others purpose to maintain issues compact and classy. Both method, these folding handsets are pushing the boundaries of what smartphones can do.
Observe: For this information, we’re specializing in units which are extensively obtainable 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 troublesome to purchase from overseas and should 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 evaluation
Full display measurement: 8 inches | Folded display 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 usually 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 inside and outside — whereas being 26 p.c 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 major digital camera, matching or exceeding what you get from conventional flagship smartphones. The primary downsides are that at $2,000, it is nonetheless removed from inexpensive and for long-time Samsung followers, the lack of S Pen assist could also be a dealbreaker. However for individuals 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
- Large 200MP major digital camera
- Bigger shows
- Prime-tier efficiency
- Very costly
- No S Pen assist
- Mediocre charging speeds
$1,720 at Amazon
Sam Rutherford for Engadget
Learn our full Pixel 10 Professional Fold evaluation
Full display measurement: 8 inches | Folded display measurement: 6.4 inches | Storage capability: As much as 1TB | Weight: 9.1 oz | Max battery life: Greater than 24 hours
Whereas the design and efficiency of the Galaxy Z Fold 7 is so good that we needed to decide it as our favourite foldable of this era, the Pixel 10 Professional Fold isn’t that far behind. Certain, it’s larger and bulkier, but it surely nonetheless has the very best cameras on any foldable cellphone together with higher software program and a bigger battery. However maybe most significantly, it now has a correct IP68 ranking for mud and water resistance — one thing you gained’t discover on any of its rivals. This might save the cellphone from an early demise and stop a variety of complications for those who frequent the seashore or just about anyplace with little particles that would threaten the insides of your system. — S.R.
- Nice cameras
- IP68 ranking
- Improved software program and multitasking
- Pixelsnap charging
- Large and heavy
- Costly
- Lackluster high-end efficiency
- No Professional Res Zoom
$1,799 at Amazon
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 many who desire a huge foldable that isn’t fairly as costly, the OnePlus Open is a really attention-grabbing choice. Beginning at $1,700, its Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 chip presents 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 in need of the Pixel Fold). However the very best half is that, because of OnePlus’ trade-in deal, you’ll be able to trade any previous cellphone you’ve mendacity round for $200 off, which brings the Open’s last value right down to $1,500. That also isn’t low cost, but it surely pushes the Open nearer to being considerably inexpensive. — S.R.
- Extra inexpensive than the competitors
- Good efficiency
- Thinner and lighter design
- Good battery life
$1,699 at OnePlus
Mat Smith for Engadget
Learn our full Samsung Galaxy Z Flip 7 evaluation
Full display measurement: 6.9 inches | Folded display measurement: 4.1 inches | Storage capability: As much as 512GB | Weight: 188g | Max battery life: As much as 31 hours
The Galaxy Z Flip 7 has a slimmer design and considerably improved battery life. With a bigger, brighter entrance show, it’s simpler to make use of and the hinge mechanism has additionally been strengthened for a extra stable really feel.
Regardless of it being the smaller mannequin of Samsung’s foldable household, the corporate made the first show even larger and introduced it nearer to the standard side ratios of most conventional smartphones. It’s one other good enchancment that makes the Flip 7 simpler to make use of than its predecessors.
A bigger battery has considerably prolonged how lengthy Samsung’s newest Flip can run for between fees, though it runs a bit of sizzling with heavy apps, duties and video games.
Software program additions embrace the Now Bar and Gemini Dwell integration for the entrance show, however utilizing most different apps nonetheless requires a widget launcher workaround.
Nevertheless, the cameras stay largely unchanged from the earlier mannequin, with a 50MP main and 12MP ultrawide lens. Sadly there’s nonetheless no devoted telephoto lens, which makes it much less helpful in some capturing conditions. Different areas are lengthy due an improve, too, just like the Flip 7’s sluggish charging speeds. — Mat Smith, UK Bureau Chief
- Larger entrance display
- Higher battery life
- Slimmer design
- Cameras are dated
- Entrance display utility remains to be restricted
- Sluggish cost pace
$910 at Amazon
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 exterior North America) might not be fairly as subtle because the Galaxy Z Flip 5, what it lacks in tech it makes up for with its character. It’s obtainable in three colours, with the magenta mannequin that includes a mushy vegan leather-based again. It contains 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 easy and intuitive, making it simpler to entry and use your favourite Android cellphone apps. And for individuals who are nostalgic for the unique Razr from the early 2000s, Moto even included an easter egg that contains 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 out to be very compact
- Might be personal tripod for pictures or movies
- Cameras can’t evaluate to flagships
- Lengthy-term sturdiness and safety stays a priority
$866 at Amazon
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 and 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 contains 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 costlier sibling. The one distinction is that it’s restricted to 144Hz as an alternative of 165Hz as a consequence 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 season Lilac) include a mushy vegan leather-based again. — S.R.
- A less expensive foldable cellphone
- First rate battery life
- Tactile mushy end
- Unremarkable exterior display
- Underwhelming cameras
£800 at Motorola
How we check foldable telephones
When evaluating new foldable telephones, we contemplate the identical normal standards as we do after we’re judging the very best smartphones. Units must have good battery life (at the least a full day’s use), vibrant internal shows (peaks of at the least 1,000 nits), sharp cameras and responsive efficiency. That stated, foldable telephones come in several shapes (and sizes); there are various designs that will enchantment to several types of individuals.
For many who choose extra compact and classy units, flip phone-style foldables resemble old-school namesakes however with versatile inside shows (usually six to seven inches diagonally) and smaller outer screens, also known as the duvet show. Alternatively, for energy customers and individuals who need to maximize cell productiveness, there are bigger book-style foldables (with seven to eight-inch major shows) that may rework from a sweet bar-style cellphone to basically a small pill when opened.
Are foldable telephones price it? A observe on sturdiness
Other than 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 10 Professional Fold and Samsung’s foldables provide IP68 designs or IPX8 water resistance (which is sweet for submersions of as much as 5 ft for half-hour), their versatile screens – that are largely constructed 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 permitted service facilities. Fortunately, Samsung telephones do provide one free display protector substitute for its foldables, whereas Google fees between $29 and $129 relying on the guarantee standing of your system. That stated, whereas we will’t do long-term testing for each new foldable cellphone 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 start out effervescent 9 to 12 months after buy. So that you’ll in all probability need to consider that your foldable may have some type of servicing after a couple of 12 months except you propose on eradicating the display protector completely (which is feasible, however goes towards most producers’ directions).
Moreover, foldable cellphone homeowners have to be aware about preserving 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 that you must get a versatile display serviced, you’re probably going through a a lot larger 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 rather a lot, they’re nonetheless extra delicate than conventional handsets, which is one thing that you must account for.
Nevertheless, foldables proceed to evolve, with higher AI options, improved specs and a extra refined type elements that makes them much more sensible. Whether or not you’re after a flip cellphone for nostalgia or an enormous display system for multitasking, immediately’s foldable telephones provide thrilling potentialities — you simply should determine in the event that they’re the best 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 completely different. A foldable cellphone usually opens like a e-book, supplying you with a bigger tablet-like display inside, which is nice for multitasking or media. A flip cellphone, alternatively, folds vertically to turn out to be extra compact, sort 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 cellphone?
The most important trade-offs with foldable telephones are value and sturdiness. They’re typically costlier than conventional smartphones, because of the complicated 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?
Typically, sure — at the least for now. Foldable telephones use versatile shows and complicated hinges, which may be extra susceptible to put on and tear over time in comparison with normal telephones with stable glass screens. That stated, newer fashions have gotten harder 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.
