What was once a category defined primarily by novelty now includes sophisticated devices capable of replacing both a conventional smartphone and, for certain tasks, a small tablet.
The most convincing book style foldables provide expansive internal displays for reading, multitasking, photographs and video while retaining an exterior screen for everyday use. Flip phones take a different approach, reducing a full sized smartphone into a considerably smaller object when closed. Both formats have become more refined, but they solve distinctly different problems, which makes choosing the right type of foldable more important than simply choosing the newest model.
The current selection is also considerably more competitive. Samsung continues to refine both its Fold and Flip families, while Google brings the Pixel experience to a large folding display. HONOR has concentrated heavily on reducing the thickness and weight traditionally associated with book style foldables, while Motorola has developed the Razr into a particularly design conscious alternative.
OnePlus remains interesting for buyers seeking a large display and capable multitasking without necessarily choosing the latest generation. The best foldable phone ultimately depends on whether you value productivity, portability, photography or simply a more elegant way of carrying a large screen.
Top Picks
The Best Foldable Phones to Buy
Best Premium Foldable: Samsung Galaxy Z Fold7
The Samsung Galaxy Z Fold7 represents the more productivity focused side of foldable phones. Its 8 inch Dynamic AMOLED 2X main display provides the space that makes the folding format worthwhile, complemented by a 6.5 inch cover screen for conventional use.
Samsung has also reduced the compromises associated with carrying such a large display. The Fold7 weighs 215g and measures 8.9mm thick when folded. A 200MP main camera adds considerable photographic capability.
It is best for professionals, frequent travellers and anyone who regularly works across several applications on a smartphone.
Best Google Foldable: Google Pixel 10 Pro Fold
The Google Pixel 10 Pro Fold combines Google’s Pixel software experience with an 8 inch inner OLED display and 6.4 inch exterior screen, both capable of adaptive refresh rates up to 120Hz.
Inside is Google’s Tensor G5 processor accompanied by 16GB of RAM. A 5,015mAh typical battery and Qi2 certified wireless charging strengthen its credentials as an everyday flagship rather than simply an experimental form factor.
It makes particular sense for existing Pixel users and those who value Google’s approach to Android, photography and integrated AI features.
Best Slim Foldable: HONOR Magic V5
The HONOR Magic V5 addresses one of the most persistent objections to book style foldables: bulk. HONOR states that it measures just 4.1mm when unfolded and weighs 217g.
Its 7.95 inch inner and 6.43 inch outer displays both support 120Hz refresh rates, while the Snapdragon 8 Elite platform and 5,820mAh battery give the device suitably flagship foundations. The camera system includes a 64MP periscope telephoto camera with 3x optical zoom.
This is the foldable for someone attracted to a tablet sized display but reluctant to carry something that feels unnecessarily substantial.
Best Compact Flip Phone: Samsung Galaxy Z Flip7
The Samsung Galaxy Z Flip7 demonstrates the other advantage of flexible displays. Rather than becoming larger when opened, its purpose is to become smaller when closed.
The main 6.9 inch Dynamic AMOLED 2X display folds into a compact device measuring 85.5mm tall. Its 4.1 inch Super AMOLED cover screen allows useful interactions without opening the phone each time. Samsung pairs this with a 50MP main camera and 4,300mAh battery.
It is best for someone who wants a full sized smartphone that occupies considerably less space in a small handbag or pocket.
Best Stylish Flip Phone: Motorola Razr 60 Ultra
The Motorola Razr 60 Ultra approaches the flip phone with particular attention to visual identity. Its familiar Razr proportions make it an appealing alternative for buyers who consider the appearance of a device almost as important as its technical capabilities.
The advantage of this format is straightforward. You retain a generous smartphone display when required, then fold the device into a much smaller footprint when it is time to put it away.
It is particularly suited to design conscious buyers who want the practicality of a modern Android flagship without carrying a large rectangular device at all times.
Best Value Book Style Foldable: OnePlus Open
The OnePlus Open remains interesting because its fundamentals still make sense. It combines a 7.82 inch 120Hz inner AMOLED display with a 6.31 inch 120Hz cover display, Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 processor, 16GB RAM and a 4,805mAh battery.
Its Open Canvas interface is particularly relevant to the foldable format, allowing several applications to occupy an expanded workspace rather than treating the larger display merely as an oversized phone screen.
For buyers who find it at a substantial saving compared with newer flagships, it remains a compelling route into a book style foldable.
Buying Guide: How to Choose a Foldable Phone
Choose Between Book Style and Flip
Begin with the format. Book style devices such as the Galaxy Z Fold7, Pixel 10 Pro Fold and Magic V5 are intended to provide significantly more working space when opened. They make sense for reading, multitasking, editing and entertainment.
Flip phones such as the Galaxy Z Flip7 and Razr 60 Ultra prioritise portability instead. Their screens are comparable in scale to conventional smartphones when opened, but the device occupies much less vertical space when folded.
Consider Thickness and Weight
Consider thickness and weight carefully, particularly if the phone will be carried all day. Battery capacity, camera hardware and software support also matter because a folding mechanism alone does not make a phone better.
Look Beyond the Folding Mechanism
Camera quality, battery life, processor performance, software support and durability remain important considerations. The folding mechanism should complement these fundamentals rather than replace them.
Consider the Exterior Display
Finally, consider how useful the exterior display will be. A good foldable should remain practical when closed. Constantly opening a large book style device for basic tasks quickly diminishes the convenience of the format.
Foldable Phones FAQ
What is the best foldable phone for a large screen?
The Galaxy Z Fold7 and Pixel 10 Pro Fold both offer 8 inch internal displays, making them particularly suitable for multitasking and media.
What is the difference between a foldable and flip phone?
Book style foldables open into tablet like displays. Flip phones fold a conventional smartphone display into a smaller form for easier carrying.
Which foldable phone is best for portability?
The Galaxy Z Flip7 and Motorola Razr 60 Ultra are designed specifically around compactness when folded.
Are foldable phones suitable for everyday use?
Modern foldables are designed as everyday smartphones, but buyers should still consider hinge construction, screen protection, water and dust resistance, battery life and manufacturer support before choosing one.
Which foldable is particularly slim?
The HONOR Magic V5 measures 4.1mm when unfolded and weighs 217g, making slimness one of its defining characteristics.
Final Thoughts
Foldable phones now offer two distinctly different propositions. Book style models such as the Galaxy Z Fold7, Pixel 10 Pro Fold and HONOR Magic V5 prioritise additional screen space and multitasking, while flip phones such as the Galaxy Z Flip7 and Motorola Razr 60 Ultra use folding technology primarily to make a full sized smartphone easier to carry.
The most appropriate choice therefore depends on how the folding design will improve everyday use. Display size, portability, cameras, battery life, software support and the usefulness of the exterior screen should all be considered alongside the novelty of the form factor.
Image credits:
Product images courtesy of the respective retailers and manufacturers.
