Top Foldable Phones to Buy Right Now

For those seeking the pinnacle of mobile innovation, foldable phones present a compelling yet complex choice. These devices blend cutting-edge technology with unique form factors, offering experiences that traditional smartphones simply cannot match. However, they also come with significant trade-offs, including higher costs, increased weight, and ongoing questions about long-term durability. Choosing the right model requires careful consideration of your lifestyle and priorities.

Foldables currently fall into two main categories. The first are book-style devices, which effectively combine a standard phone with a small tablet. They feature an outer screen for everyday tasks and a larger inner display for immersive viewing and multitasking. The second category is the flip-style, reminiscent of classic flip phones. These models focus on portability and feature a smaller outer display for quick glances at information, unfolding to reveal a full-sized smartphone screen. Each design caters to a distinct user: one who desires more screen real estate, and another who appreciates a more compact, pocketable device.

Our evaluation process involves living with each device as a primary phone for at least one week. This hands-on approach includes setting up the phone from scratch, installing essential apps, and putting it through real-world scenarios. We test battery life under demanding conditions, use GPS navigation while streaming media, and push the camera systems to their limits. This rigorous testing provides a genuine sense of how each phone performs in daily life.

Several key factors separate the best foldables from the rest. Strong software support is non-negotiable; we expect a minimum of four years of OS updates and five years of security patches to protect your investment. Camera performance is another critical area. While most phones take decent photos in good light, the best foldables offer extra capabilities like superior telephoto lenses, excellent portrait modes, and impressive low-light photography, often with robust stabilization. Build quality and durability are paramount, with most modern foldables carrying an IP48 rating for water resistance, though dust ingress remains a concern. Finally, we assess value, looking for devices that deliver a powerful combination of essential features at a competitive price point.

Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 7 stands out as the premier book-style foldable. It features an 8-inch 120Hz OLED inner display and a 6.5-inch cover screen, powered by the Qualcomm Snapdragon 8 Elite processor. Its camera system is headlined by a 200-megapixel main sensor that excels in low light. A significant improvement is its more conventional 21:9 aspect ratio, making it feel less awkward than previous models. At 8.9mm thick, it rivals standard phones in slimness. The main drawback is its $1,999 starting price, positioning it as a luxury item. The camera bump is also quite prominent, causing the phone to wobble on flat surfaces.

For the flip-style category, the Samsung Galaxy Z Flip 7 is a top contender. It boasts a large 4.1-inch edge-to-edge cover screen that wraps around its dual cameras, allowing for extensive interactions without opening the phone. It is thinner than its predecessor and houses a 4,300mAh battery. The 50-megapixel main camera delivers consistent quality. Samsung supports it with a generous seven-year update promise. Its IP48 rating means dust resistance is still not comprehensive, so caution is advised.

The Motorola Razr Ultra earns its spot as the most fun foldable. It features a stunning design with a gold-bronze chassis and a distinctive wooden back panel. Its 4-inch outer screen is incredibly useful for notifications and quick tasks. Powered by the Snapdragon 8 Elite chipset, it offers strong performance. However, camera processing can be inconsistent, and Motorola’s promise of only three OS updates feels limited for a device at this price point.

When it comes to battery life, the Oppo Find N5 is unmatched, thanks to its massive 5,600mAh silicon-carbon battery. It is also one of the thinnest book-style foldables available and carries a full IPX8 water resistance rating. The major caveat is its limited availability, as it is not officially sold in the US or Europe, making it a tantalizing option for those in supported regions.

Other notable devices include the Huawei Mate XTs, a trifold phone with impressive specs but a very high price tag. The Motorola Razr Plus 2025 offers a titanium hinge for improved durability, while the standard Razr 2025 provides a more affordable entry into the foldable market. Google’s Pixel 9 Pro Fold is praised for its excellent form factor, though it lacks formal dust resistance.

Looking ahead, the upcoming Google Pixel 10 Pro Fold is generating excitement as the first foldable to achieve a full IP68 rating for dust and water resistance. It will feature Google’s new Tensor G5 chip and is set for release in October. While promising, a full assessment will require more extensive testing after its launch.

Purchasing a foldable phone is an exciting step into the future of mobile technology. The ability to multitask with multiple apps, use it as a mini laptop, or capture video with a unique grip are experiences that standard phones cannot replicate. The satisfying act of folding the device closed continues to delight. Given the potential repair costs, investing in the manufacturer’s extended warranty is a highly recommended precaution for any foldable phone owner.

(Source: The Verge)