These are best foldable phones you can buy right now

Samsung may have been the first company to really go all-in on the book-style foldable concept, but we’d argue that the Galaxy Z Fold 7 represents the first time the manufacturer has been able to truly deliver on the idea of having a large, tablet-like device that can fit in your pocket. As great as previous Galaxy Z Folds have been, the Fold 7 is just so slim that it’s almost on a whole other level.

When opened up, the Z Fold 7 is only 4.2mm thick, but it’s the fact that it’s 8.9mm thick when folded that makes all the difference. We are finally at that point where keeping a foldable phone on your person doesn’t feel all that different to having a traditional candy-bar style smartphone in your pocket, and that’s a huge win.

Even with the slimmer frame, Samsung has made sure to invest just as much time with the durability of the whole thing, moving the Z Fold 7 over to the more robust Advanced Armor Aluminium for the chassis, and Gorilla Glass Ceramic 2 for the display. Given that you’re getting seven years of updates with the phone, it’s nice to know that it can go the distance.

Cameras have been a bit hit-and-miss on previous Fold phones but there’s more good news to be found here too. There are still three rear-facing sensors but now they’re led by the massively upgraded 200Mp main camera (the same one from the S25 Ultra) and it’s able to capture jaw-dropping shots with plenty of colour.

Who should buy the Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 7?

Those who want the perfect combination of style, software, cameras and support in one foldable phone.

Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 7: Further considerations

It’s still one of the priciest phones out there, and there’s no shortage of cheaper alternatives either.

Just like with its Z Fold series, there was a moment in time when Samsung had given up quite a bit of ground to the competition, leaving us all wondering whether or not the tech giant could ever catch up again. Thankfully, those concerns are a thing of the past, cemented by the Samsung Galaxy Z Flip 7.

The most obvious leap forward you’ll spot, particularly against the Z Flip 6, is the total revamp of the cover screen. Now with a proper end-to-end 4.1-inch panel, the exterior display can be used without it feeling like a compromised experience, so you can respond to messages, check for directions and more, all without ever touching the interior display.

Speaking of which, the internal screen has been given a slight size increase, bumping to 6.9-inches. Having such a tall display readily available in a compact form also makes the Z Flip 7 great for catching up on the latest movies or TV shows on the go.

It would be nice to see Samsung bump up not just the battery life but also the charging speeds in a successor, but it’s a minor gripe against what is overall an outstanding flip phone that’s bolstered by Samsung’s highly refined software and long-term promise of updates.

Who should buy the Samsung Galaxy Z Flip 7?

Anyone who wants to have their phone for the long-haul, with tons of promised software updates.

Samsung Galaxy Z Flip 7: Further considerations

The battery life is instantly better by Motorola’s flip phones, and you can buy the Samsung Galaxy Z Flip 7 FE for less.

While the competition is closer than ever thanks to the significant leaps made by the Samsung Galaxy Z Flip 7, the Moto Razr 60 Ultra is still one of the best flip phones you can buy right now, with an experience that’ll leave you wanting for very little.

You’ve probably already spotted as much from the included picture but the Razr 60 Ultra is one stylish handset. While there are a few colourways available, the ‘Mountain Trail’ option that features a wood finish is just too good to pass on. It’s the type of aesthetic that’ll have your friends bubbling with envy as they wonder why their own phone doesn’t look quite so slick.

Turn on the phone and the experience just gets even better as you’re greeted with a bright and colourful 4-inch AMOLED display. While Samsung may have adopted the same end-to-end style, it still looks great on Motorola’s device and its usability saves you from having to constantly open the phone when you want to quickly dive into an app.

Having a Snapdragon 8 Elite chipset under the hood is a huge boon as everything loads up quickly and the experience of scrolling through menus and settings feels buttery smooth. It is a shame that you don’t get quite as long an update cycle as you do with Samsung, but the trade-off can be worth it to those who prefer having a longer battery life.

Who should buy the Motorola Razr 60 Ultra?

Heavy users who need a great battery life to get them through the day.

Motorola Razr 60 Ultra: Further considerations

With only four years of updates promised, the longevity pales in comparison to what Samsung provides.

Read our full
Motorola Razr 60 Ultra review

Let’s face it, while there were a few things that the phone got right, the original Google Pixel Fold was a fairly clumsy device that just didn’t match up to the hype. Thankfully, Google learned from that experience and in the Pixel 9 Pro Fold, delivered something that it can be truly proud of.

Unlike the original Fold, the 9 Pro Fold genuinely feels like a premium Pixel handset that just also happens to have the capabilities of a folding phone. This means that you’re getting the brilliance of stock Android and all the customisation that goes with it, but now you can dive into easy multitasking in an instant.

The cameras have also been given a bump in quality this time around. It’s not quite the same level of quality that you’ll find on the Pixel 9 Pro XL, but it is close, with the main 48Mp wide-angle lens pairing beautifully with Google’s next-level computational processing which, in typical Pixel fashion, always leaves you with the type of pictures you’ll want to post there and then.

While the Tensor G4 isn’t quite able to outdo Snapdragon’s latest chipsets, it still provides a great day-to-day experience where everything runs exactly how you’d hope. It would be nice to see charging speeds improved in a successor but for the time being, the Pixel 9 Pro Fold is a very accomplished phone.

Who should buy the Google Pixel 9 Pro Fold?

Those who appreciate Google’s uncluttered take on Android.

Google Pixel 9 Pro Fold: Further considerations

While stock Android is great for day-to-day use, it’s not quite as well optimised for foldables compared to Samsung‘s One UI. The Pixel 10 Pro Fold is about to launch.

Read our full
Google Pixel 9 Pro Fold review

The Honor Magic V3 is one of those phones that needs to be held to be believed. With a total thickness of just 9.2mm when closed (long before the Galaxy Z Fold 7 outpaced it) the V3 feels incredibly lightweight and slim in the hand, which in turn doesn’t make it feel like you’re carrying around a hefty device in your bag or pocket.

While it was a fairly pricey phone at the time of launch with an RRP of £1699, it’s now possible to find the Magic V3 for far less which is why it’s currently a solid alternative to those who want a flagship foldable experience but without having to fork out a small fortune for the privilege.

On the front you’ve got a 6.43-inch OLED display which is large enough for everyday use such as web-browsing, messaging and more, but when you need to do some multitasking or fancy a large-screen experience for streaming video, the internal 7.92-inch display fits the bill nicely.

The large 5150mAh battery can easily get you through a day of use, which is helpful because you’ll want to use these cameras quite frequently. All of the cameras (with the exception of the ultra-wide) can produce eye-catching shots with plenty of detail, which can then be edited with precision on the larger internal display.

Who should buy the Honor Magic V3?

Those tied to a budget who want the big-screen experience for less.

Honor Magic V3: Further considerations

It might be worth holding off until the Honor Magic V5 hits the market.

Even though Samsung and Motorola lead the charge where flip phones are concerned, the Xiaomi Mix Flip still represents a solid alternative for anyone who’s most interested in having a solid camera setup and decent battery life to back it up.

In scenarios with good lighting, the Mix Flip is able to deliver the same great photos that Xiaomi is known for. Portrait shots do an outstanding job of naturally elevating a subject from the background, whilst buildings and areas with lots of greenery can pop with colour.

You’ve also got a decent photo editor baked into the phone with very impressive AI-backed tools. For instance, Xiaomi’s AI eraser doesn’t miss a beat when it comes to taking unwanted photo-bombers out of a shot.

The 4780mAh cell inside the phone can easily eke out a day and a half of use from a single charge, so it’s very unlikely that you’ll have any battery anxiety before reaching the end of a day. There’s also 67W fast charging for getting the battery topped up again at speed.

Who should buy the Xiaomi Mix Flip?

Buyers who value great battery life and solid daytime cameras in a single package.

Xiaomi Mix Flip: Further considerations

The Mix Flip is still more expensive than the better flip phones on this list.

The Z Flip 6 is undoubtedly Samsung’s best flip phone to date, but that’s not enough for it to replace Motorola as our go-to flip phone.

Its cover display is the main reason for that, with an awkward, smaller design and an unnecessary workaround to get all apps to run. The combination of underwhelming battery life and slow charging

However, there’s still a lot to like here. A long-awaited, meaningful camera upgrade makes the Z Flip 6 a potent shooter of both selfies and the world around you. The Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 delivers genuine top-tier performance, even if there is some heat build-up.

The main display, with its subtle crease, is a joy to use, while no other flip phone can match Samsung’s 7 years of both OS and security updates.

However, with a higher price tag than the Razr and some clear downsides, we can’t recommend it over the Motorola model.

Who should buy the Samsung Galaxy Z Flip 6?

Anyone who wants to enjoy Samsung’s Flip line but at a reduced price.

Samsung Galaxy Z Flip 6: Further considerations

While it can be found for less than its successor, the Flip 7’s superior displays are well worth the upgrade.

Samsung has made only minor changes to the Z Fold 6, but they help make it a better foldable than ever, even if it can’t quite overtake the OnePlus Open as the best book-style device.

Nonetheless, this is a foldable that’s definitely worth considering. Refinements to the cover display and design make it feel more slick and modern, with both the 6.3-inch outer and 7.6-inch internal screens undoubtedly looking the part.

Performance from the Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 chipset is excellent, while the main rear camera is up there with the best non-folding phones. Slick software includes useful Galaxy AI features, plus a class-leading commitment to seven years of OS and security updates.

However, the Z Fold 6 lacks the polish of the OnePlus Open, and when you’re paying this much for a device, that matters.

Who should buy the Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 6?

Those who want a premium-feeling foldable but aren’t fussed about having the latest specs.

Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 6: Further considerations

Just like the Z Flip 7 to the 6, the Fold 7 is superior to its predecessor in almost every way.

Motorola’s latest premium flip phone has a different name in the UK and US, but one fact remains true: this is the best foldable phone on the market right now, bar none.

The compelling experience centres on that cover screen, which is larger than before at 4-inches and can run any app without any complicated workarounds (unlike Samsung). It’s a phone that you’ll actually want to use while closed a lot of the time, with improved rear cameras doubling as excellent selfie shooters.

But the 6.9-inch internal display is just as good, while the Snapdragon 8s Gen 3 and 12GB of RAM offer ample power for them both. Despite only having a 4000mAh battery, battery life is solid, while 45W charging is decent enough.

However, the cameras simply aren’t as strong as the Z Flip 6’s, while you should avoid the internal selfie lens if at all possible. It can also get noticeably hot at times.

Nonetheless, this is still a stellar flip phone that deserves its place in your pocket. Its compact nature means even small pockets should have no problem accommodating it.

Who should buy the Motorola Razr 50 Ultra?

Those who might be tempted by the Z Flip 7 or the Razr 60 Ultra, but have a limited budget to work with.

Motorola Razr 50 Ultra: Further considerations

The limited cycle of software support is even shorter now than it was at launch.

Read our full
Motorola Razr 50 Ultra review

With a starting price of just £499/$499, the Nubia Flip 5G is the flip phone many people have been waiting for. It means you no longer have to pay flagship prices for a device that folds in half.

And despite its mid-range price, the Nubia Flip 5G gets a lot right. A statement design includes unique circular cover display, while the main display is one of the best around. You also get decent battery life and solid performance.

However, compromises have inevitably been made to keep it so affordable. That’s most obvious when it comes to cameras, which tend to struggle in environments where the light isn’t good. Relatively slow 33W charging and a lack of any official water resistance are also concerns.

But the big thing that’ll stop most people buying one is the software. Nubia’s MyOS Android skin is cluttered and bloated, and there’s no specific commitment to updates from the company.

It’s still impressive value for money, but there are enough downsides for most people to look elsewhere.

Who should buy the Nubia Flip 5G?

Anyone who’s been waiting for a true budget flip phone.

Nubia Flip 5G: Further considerations

If you shop around, you can get previous-gen Samsung and Motorola phones for not that much more.