The best foldable phones for 2025
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, cell 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 is dependent upon how you want to make use of your gadget. Some fashions deal with flagship-level energy and multitasking options, whereas others intention to maintain issues compact and trendy. Both manner, these folding handsets are pushing the boundaries of what smartphones can do.
Observe: For this information, we’re specializing in gadgets 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 usually tough to purchase from overseas and will not help 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 dimension: 8 inches | Folded display screen dimension: 6.5 inches | Storage capability: As much as 1TB | Weight: 215 grams | Max battery life: As much as 24 hours
One of many greatest points with foldable telephones is the added dimension 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 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 essential digicam, matching or exceeding what you get from conventional flagship smartphones. The primary downsides are that at $2,000, it is nonetheless removed from reasonably priced and for long-time Samsung followers, the lack of S Pen help 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
- Massive 200MP essential digicam
- Bigger shows
- High-tier efficiency
- Very costly
- No S Pen help
- Mediocre charging speeds
Learn our full Pixel 9 Pro Fold review
Full display screen dimension: 8 inches | Folded display screen dimension: 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 delivered to its new second-gen foldable have pushed it to be among the finest 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-recognized 6.3-inch, 20:9 outer show, that’s each simpler to make use of and maintain. The inside show has a extra sq. side ratio as effectively with a bit extra display screen actual property than earlier than. The handset general has a extra premium really feel and positively a extra polished look because of its matte again and satin steel 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 offer you extra management over your pictures, and Pixel-only software program help 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
Photograph by Sam Rutherford / Engadget
Learn our full OnePlus Open review
Full display screen dimension: 7.8 inches | Folded display screen dimension: 6.3 inches | Storage capability: As much as 512GB | Weight: 239g | Max battery life: As much as 25.5 hours
For individuals who desire a large 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 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 revolutionary tile-based UI for multitasking, permitting you to handle apps and widgets seamlessly. Certain, its triple rear digicam 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, because of OnePlus’ trade-in deal, you’ll be able to trade any previous cellphone you have got mendacity round for $200 off, which brings the Open’s closing worth all the way down to $1,500. That also isn’t low-cost, nevertheless 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
Photograph by Mat Smith / Engadget
Learn our full Samsung Galaxy Z Flip 6 review
Full display screen dimension: 6.7 inches | Folded display screen dimension: 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 digicam and a bigger battery than its predecessor, making it a extra tempting choice, even within the face of rival flagship telephones. The leap from a 12-megapixel to 50MP digicam means you’ll be able to select to seize extra element, or crop in for, successfully, a digital zoom. The quilt show supplies sufficient house for framing selfies, checking notifications and utilizing widgets like climate or calendar, and its new Auto-Zoom function means it could possibly even body unsupervised group photographs for you. Images is augmented by Samsung’s improved AI picture modifying instruments, which is way 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 deal with new AI software program and tips comes at the price of restricted cowl display screen utility, nevertheless it’s nonetheless as pocketable as ever and remains to be probably the most mainstream foldable but. — Mat Smith, Editor, UK Bureau Chief, Publication
- Higher cameras
- Longer battery life
- Enjoyable generative AI tips
- Costlier than its predecessor
- Design is sort of equivalent to final 12 months
- Restricted front-screen utility
- Sluggish charging
Photograph by Cherlynn Low / Engadget
Learn our full Motorola Razr+ review
Full display screen dimension: 6.9 inches | Folded display screen dimension: 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) will not be fairly as subtle because the Galaxy Z Flip 5, what it lacks in tech it makes up for with its personality. It’s obtainable in three colours, with the magenta mannequin that includes a gentle vegan leather-based again. It contains a glossy 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 way 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 into very compact
- Will be personal tripod for pictures or movies
- Cameras can not examine to flagships
- Lengthy-term sturdiness and safety stays a priority
Photograph by Mat Smith / Engadget
Learn our full Motorola Razr review
Full display screen dimension: 6.9 inches | Folded display screen dimension: 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 to 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 immediately. Nonetheless, 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 brilliant facet, it options the identical show you get on its dearer sibling. The one distinction is that it’s restricted to 144Hz as a substitute of 165Hz as a result of its much less highly effective processor. And, much like the magenta Razr+, all the colours of the essential Razr (Sage Inexperienced, Vanilla Cream, Summer season Lilac) include a gentle vegan leather-based again. — S.R.
- A less expensive foldable cellphone
- First rate battery life
- Tactile gentle end
- Unremarkable exterior display screen
- Underwhelming cameras
How we check foldable telephones
When evaluating new foldable telephones, we think about the identical basic standards as we do once we’re judging the best smartphones. Gadgets must have good battery life (at the least a full day’s use), brilliant inside shows (peaks of at the least 1,000 nits), sharp cameras and responsive efficiency. That mentioned, foldable telephones come in numerous shapes (and sizes); there are various designs that will attraction to several types of individuals.
For individuals who desire extra compact and trendy 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 quilt show. Alternatively, for energy customers and individuals who need to maximize cell productiveness, there are bigger book-style foldables (with seven to eight-inch essential shows) that may rework from a sweet bar-style cellphone to primarily a small pill when opened.
Are foldable telephones price it? A be aware 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 created from plastic – current some distinctive challenges.
Most foldables include factory-installed display screen protectors. Nonetheless, not like common telephones, customers are instructed to not take away them with out help from accepted service facilities. Fortunately, Samsung telephones do provide one free display screen protector alternative for its foldables, whereas Google fees 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 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 screen protector tends to begin effervescent 9 to 12 months after buy. So that you’ll most likely need to consider that your foldable might have some kind of servicing after a few 12 months until you intend on eradicating the display screen protector solely (which is feasible, however goes towards most producers’ directions).
Moreover, foldable cellphone homeowners should be conscious about protecting sharp objects away from their versatile shows, as rocks, keys and even urgent down very exhausting with a fingernail can go away everlasting marks. Within the occasion that it’s good to get a versatile display screen serviced, you’re doubtlessly going through a a lot greater restore invoice when in comparison with a typical cellphone (as much as $500 or extra relying on the mannequin and the severity of the injury). Briefly, whereas the ruggedness of foldable telephones has improved loads, they’re nonetheless extra delicate than conventional handsets, which is one thing it’s good 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 an enormous display screen gadget for multitasking, immediately’s foldable telephones provide thrilling prospects — you simply should determine in the event that they’re the suitable 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 guide, supplying you with a bigger tablet-like display screen inside, which is nice for multitasking or media. A flip cellphone, however, folds vertically to turn into extra compact, form of just like the basic 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 largest trade-offs with foldable telephones are worth and sturdiness. They’re usually dearer than conventional smartphones, because of the advanced 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 relating to on a regular basis use.
Are foldable telephones much less sturdy than different telephones?
Usually, sure — at the least for now. Foldable telephones use versatile shows and complex hinges, which could be extra vulnerable to put on and tear over time in comparison with customary telephones with stable glass screens. That mentioned, newer fashions have gotten harder with improved hinge designs, water resistance and stronger ultra-thin glass. They’re undoubtedly extra sturdy than they was once, however they nonetheless require a bit extra care than your common smartphone.
Georgie Peru contributed to this report.
2025-07-18 07:01:00
