The best folding phones in 2024: the 6 best ones you can buy

Folding smartphones are a reasonably mature market in 2024. Once they first launched, foldables had been futuristic and thrilling, albeit buggy. With time, they’ve been refined and improved to cater to on a regular basis use. Their costs are progressively reducing because the expertise advances, however they nonetheless stay costly purchases, making it essential to make the suitable shopping for resolution.

At the moment, there are two sorts of folding smartphones out there available in the market. The primary sort resembles an everyday non-folding telephone, which might be unfolded into a bigger tablet-like system. The second sort is much like the traditional Motorola Razr clamshell telephones, the place a normal-sized telephone might be folded in half to change into extra compact and pocketable. Though each use the identical display screen and hinge expertise, they cater to completely different wants.

In the future, other styles will likely arrive, however for now you will need to select which of those two designs most accurately fits your way of life. Whichever you select, these first few weeks and months along with your new folding smartphone are thrilling, enjoyable, and genuinely transformative. Now, let’s get you to that stage with our checklist of the very best folding telephones you should purchase in 2024.

Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 6

The perfect folding telephone

Why you can purchase this: Samsung nonetheless makes among the best large folding telephones round, with highly effective specs, improved cameras, and a refined design with improved sturdiness.

Who’s it for: Anybody who needs a pill and smartphone combo of their pocket that may additionally take enjoyable, vibrant images.

Why we picked the Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 6:

Samsung has been within the foldable sport longer than nearly everybody else, and within the U.S. market, it is simply made essentially the most folding units to date, with every iteration including one thing new. As with earlier generations, the Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 6 would not make big adjustments, nevertheless it continues to refine what Samsung has already perfected.

The design is not an enormous change from the Galaxy Z Fold 5, however there are some further refinements with Samsung’s engineers managing to shave down the scale. It is solely 12.1mm thick when folded, barely larger than different foldables, however not dramatically so. It is also 14 grams lower than the Fold 5, making it total thinner and lighter than earlier generations and simpler to hold round, corresponding to the iPhone 15 Pro Max when it comes to pocketability.

The screens include a barely upsized 6.3-inch cowl display screen that is simpler to make use of with one hand than the Fold 6. There’s additionally a big 7.6-inch show when you open up with telephone and each screens include Samsung’s Dynamic AMOLED 2X tech and 120Hz refresh charges. The telephone is absolutely suitable with the S Pen stylus (although it would not include one), making it a sensible choice for sketching when mixed with the bigger inside display screen.

It should not shock you that the specs on the Fold 6 are prime tier, with the most recent Qualcomm Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 processor with 12GB of RAM, placing it on par with different Samsung flagship telephones just like the Galaxy S24 Ultra. Naturally, it is quicker than the Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 on the Fold 5, and just like the earlier system, you are in a position to run a number of apps without delay throughout the inside show and multitask. It additionally handles gaming with none hiccups, and you may get 256GB storage within the base mannequin and as much as 1TB in case you want extra room.

The digital camera is not as potent as those on the Samsung Galaxy S24 Ultra, nevertheless it’s nonetheless nothing to scoff at. It is similar to the digital camera efficiency of the Fold 5, with a 50-megapixel fundamental digital camera, a 12MP wide-angle digital camera, and a 10MP telephoto with a 3x optical zoom, which once more, is identical because the Z Fold 4. Footage are colourful, with Samsung’s HDR punching up reds, greens, and blues. There’s additionally a 10MP selfie digital camera on the entrance cowl, and a 4MP Beneath Show Digicam (UDC) that takes passible selfie images and does OK in video calls.

The 4,400mAh battery provides you with about in the future of use, however chances are you’ll battle to get rather more than that with some sudden energy drain after video games and watching movies. The 25-watt quick charging is not very quick in comparison with the 45W pace you get with the Galaxy S24 Extremely, nevertheless it’ll be faster than the 15W wi-fi quick charging.

OnePlus Open

The perfect folding telephone runner-up

Why you can purchase this: For a corporation simply moving into the folding system enterprise, OnePlus has hit a house run. The OnePlus is modern and enjoyable to make use of.

Who’s it for: Anybody who needs a singular telephone expertise.

Why we picked the OnePlus Open:

The OnePlus Open is a exceptional system that has managed to seize the eye of many individuals. It’s the firm’s first-ever foldable system and it has been constructed with meticulous consideration to element. Using titanium and different supplies has made it light-weight and compact when folded, making it a terrific alternative for individuals who are in search of a extra moveable and user-friendly system.

One of many standout options of the OnePlus Open is its high-quality cowl and inside show. The quilt show is in regards to the dimension of a typical smartphone, making it very straightforward to make use of. The anti-reflective layer on the inside show is a superb addition, making it extra comfy to make use of than different foldable units just like the Google Pixel Fold, which has a extremely reflective inside show. The general design of the OnePlus Open is kind of enticing too, and it has been well-received by those that worth aesthetics and design.

When it comes to efficiency, the OnePlus Open is a top-notch system that’s able to dealing with even essentially the most demanding duties with ease — because of its Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 processor. It comes outfitted with the most recent {hardware} and software program, and the person interface is intuitive and simple to navigate. The battery life can also be spectacular, lasting for hours on a single cost. And when you might want to recharge, the 67W wired charging is among the many quickest you may discover on a folding telephone at present, even when it is not near the 80W charging from the OnePlus 12.

Total, the OnePlus Open is a superb alternative for individuals who are in search of a high-quality, well-built, and user-friendly foldable system. Its light-weight and compact design, mixed with its high-quality show and spectacular efficiency, make it a terrific funding for anybody who values high quality and innovation.

Motorola Razr (2024)

The perfect low-cost folding telephone

Why you can purchase this: If price range is your major concern, however you continue to need to make the most of a extra compact foldable kind issue, this can be the system for you.

Who’s it for: Anybody who needs a no-hassle foldable smartphone expertise.

Why we picked the Motorola Razr (2024):

The newest in Motorola’s Razr foldable lineup continues to construct on the whole lot we favored earlier than with a singular and compact flip design, succesful efficiency, and minimalistic options. The design is eye-catching, with numerous vibrant coloration choices together with a vegan leather-based again. There’s additionally an improved hinge design that is smaller and smoother with a bigger 3.6-inch pOLED cowl display screen that now incorporates an always-on show, in contrast to the previous generation. You additionally do not have to fret about the best way to use multitasking options as a result of it is a folding flip telephone that runs Android, so you should use it simply as you’d an everyday system.

The inside 6.9-inch FHD+ display screen is vibrant and crowd pleasing, in a position to hit 3,000 nits in direct daylight and coming with a 120Hz refresh charge. The twin rear cameras are respectable although not distinctive, with a 50-megapixel fundamental shooter and a 13MP ultrawide digital camera. There’s additionally a 32MP selfie digital camera. Specs are additionally a bump up, with the telephone boasting a MediaTek 7300x processor with 8GB RAM and 256GB inside storage. It handles nicely and has a digital RAM characteristic for extra intensive utilization. Battery life with the 4,200mAh battery ought to final you no less than a full day.

That stated, there are some minor drawbacks together with Wi-Fi connections dropping considerably incessantly, no help for reverse wi-fi charging, and solely three years of OS upgrades supported. These are pretty minor drawbacks within the scheme of issues, particularly when considering the truth that the Razr 2024 prices a whole lot of {dollars} lower than the Z Flip 6.

When you’re in search of a glossy and clamshell foldable that is straightforward to make use of and inexpensive, the Motorola Razr (2024) could possibly be the proper alternative for you.

Google Pixel Fold

The perfect compact folding telephone

Why you can purchase this: It is a highly effective folding telephone with a clear inventory Android expertise and multitasking capabilities. It is also famous for having a brief and vast cowl display screen, which some is likely to be searching for.

Who’s it for: Anybody who needs a foldable telephone with a normal-feeling cowl show.

Why we picked the Google Pixel Fold:

The Pixel Fold is Google’s first entry into the foldable, nevertheless it will not be the final. The Pixel 9 Pro Fold is predicted to be proper across the nook, with Google holding a Made by Google occasion on August 13. Within the meantime, you do not recognize the Z Fold 6’s slender cowl show or desire a cleaner, extra inventory Android expertise, then the Pixel Fold could possibly be choice for you. It boasts a brief and vast cowl display screen, which units it aside from comparable handsets available on the market.

The Pixel Fold’s 5.8-inch OLED cowl show seems gorgeous and is much like most smartphones, so it is comfy to make use of and kind on. Because of its dimension, it’s also straightforward to make use of one-handed, and there’s no hole when the system is closed, as seen on the Z Fold 5. On the within, the system contains a 7.6-inch inside OLED show that’s positioned in panorama orientation by default, however might be rotated to portrait orientation. Each screens have a 120Hz refresh charge and are sufficiently vibrant for outside use. Nevertheless, the inside show might be fairly reflective because of the built-in plastic display screen protector.

Just like the Pixel 8 Pro, the Pixel Fold is powered by Google’s personal chip. On this case, it is the Tensor G2 chip and it additionally comes with 12GB of RAM. It has two storage capacities — 256GB or 512GB. Due to the G2 chip, the system is highly effective sufficient to deal with on a regular basis duties with ease and is very responsive. Google’s cutting-edge AI and computational images processing strategies be certain that you get glorious outcomes with images. As for the digital camera, the Pixel Fold boasts a 48MP fundamental digital camera, a ten.8MP ultrawide digital camera, and a ten.8MP telephoto digital camera with 5x optical zoom. The quilt show has a 9.5MP selfie digital camera, whereas the inside show has an 8MP selfie digital camera. You may also use the rear digital camera in Rear Digicam Selfie mode to take high-quality selfies when the system is unfolded.

The Pixel Fold comes with a 4,821mAh battery that lasts for a couple of full day with average to heavy use. Charging speeds can attain as much as 30W, however Google doesn’t present an influence adapter, so you’ll need to make use of your personal. Whereas wi-fi charging is supported, its max speeds of seven.5W are slightly underwhelming, and there’s no reverse wi-fi charging characteristic.

Samsung Galaxy Z Flip 6

The perfect folding flip telephone

Why you can purchase this: Samsung’s greatest flip telephone comes with some key enhancements, stable cameras, good efficiency, and improved sturdiness.

Who’s it for: Individuals who need the very best clamshell foldable available on the market.

Why we picked the Samsung Galaxy Z Flip 6:

The Samsung Galaxy Z Flip 6 continues to retain its prime spot as the very best clamshell foldable telephone available on the market, nevertheless it faces a lot more durable competitors than earlier than. There are some key enhancements, together with the introduction of IP48 water and dirt resistance, a extra sturdy hinge, and improved shock distribution that ought to all go towards making your costly foldable last more. There are additionally loads of eye-catching coloration choice, and total the Flip 6 simply feels high-quality.

Different adjustments are comparatively minimal. You get the identical 3.4-inch AMOLED cowl display screen with a 60Hz refresh charge. The inside display screen can also be the identical, nevertheless it’s nonetheless good with a 6.7-inch AMOLED panel with a 120Hz refresh charge and as much as 2,600 nits of peak brightness. A pleasant change is that the display screen crease is much less distinguished than the one on the Flip 6, although it is nonetheless extra noticeable than the one on the Motorola Razr (2024). Efficiency additionally takes a bump, with a Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 chipset with 12GB of RAM, greater than the earlier era, and storage choices starting from 256GB to 512GB.

The Z Flip 6 cameras are usually fairly good, although they will not match the efficiency of the S24 Extremely. You get a 50MP major digital camera, similar as on the S24 and S24 Plus. There’s additionally a 12MP ultrawide digital camera and a 10MP selfie digital camera. Photographs are usually fairly clear, and the 123-degree subject of view on the ultrawide sensor enables you to seize much more within the body.

The battery life takes a pleasant bump up as nicely, with a 4,000mAh cell making it the biggest Samsung has ever put in a Z Flip. On the draw back, it is nonetheless solely a one-day smartphone, however extra comfortably so. Charging speeds proceed to be lackluster, with 25W wired charging, 15W wi-fi charging, and 4.5W reverse wi-fi charging.

Motorola Razr Plus 2024

The perfect folding flip telephone runner-up

Why you can purchase this: Motorola’s Razr Plus is a beefed-up flip telephone when it comes to specs and a real competitor to the Samsung’s Z Flip 6.

Who’s it for: Anybody who needs a strong telephone in a compact and small bundle that is additionally enjoyable to make use of.

Why we picked the Motorola Razr Plus:

The Samsung Galaxy Z Flip 6 might have taken its throne, however the Motorola Razr Plus is certainly among the best compact flip telephones in 2024. It resembles the Razr Plus 2023 in design, with a vegan leather-based again and a verity of cool coloration choices. The brand new hinge can also be an enormous enchancment — it feels a lot nicer opening and shutting, and it is clean and silent. The Motorola Razr Plus 2024 has spectacular IP52 mud and water resistance, arguably a step above the IP48 you get with the Z Flip 6.

The screens are vibrant and colourful, with the quilt display screen consisting of a bigger 4-inch pOLED show with 2,400 nits of peak brightness and a 165Hz refresh charge. It is a large enchancment over the quilt display screen from final 12 months, and blows the Flip 6 out of the water. The quilt display screen also can run apps that fill the whole display screen, in contrast to the Samsung, which makes you leap by a lot of hoops. It additionally lastly incorporates an always-on show.

The inside display screen is a 6.9-inch FHD+ show that may hit 3,000 nits of peak brightness and has a 165Hz refresh charge, making it quicker and extra responsive than the Flip 6. The crease can also be rather more minimal than earlier than, which is one other good enchancment. Specs are nothing to scoff at with a Snapdragon 8s Gen 3 processor. It is inferior to the top-tier Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 chip you may get on telephones just like the Galaxy S24, nevertheless it matches the capabilities of the Honor 200 Pro.

Digicam efficiency will get a substantial enchancment from the 2023 mannequin, fixing one of many large areas of disappointment. You get a 50-megapixel fundamental digital camera with optical picture stabilization (OIS), a 50MP telephoto digital camera with 2x zoom, and a 32MP selfie digital camera. We favored the look of just about all of the images we took on the Razr Plus, although they do are inclined to err on the oversaturated facet.

Lastly, battery life additionally will get an enchancment, bumping issues as much as a 4,000mAh cell that means that you can use it comfortably for a full day and matching the scale of the Flip 6. It helps 45W wired quick charging, 15W wi-fi charging, and 5W reverse wi-fi charging, making it quicker to prime up than both of Samsung’s newest foldables.

Regularly Requested Questions