Two devices in one is the greatest foldable phone. One option is to purchase a large foldable tablet, such as the Google Pixel 9 Pro Fold, which combines a small tablet and phone into one pocket-friendly device. Alternatively, opt for a flip foldable device such as the Motorola Razr Plus 2024, which folds up to reveal a completely new experience with to its interchangeable cover display. In any case, a foldable phone is more than a simple smartphone that has been bent.
Because they cost significantly more—sometimes even more than purchasing a phone and a tablet separately—foldable phones must include more features. The ideal foldable phone must be flawless, which means it must be long-lasting enough to withstand years of opening and closing.
I’ve looked over every of the best foldable phones you can buy in the US and here are my favorites from the larger foldables to the smaller flips. I’ve included budget options, and I’ve even tested the cameras to find the foldable that defies the rule that foldable phones can’t take great pics.
1.OnePlus Open
The only large foldable phone that doesn’t feel like a sacrifice is the OnePlus Open. It has the finest camera of any foldable phone, and it feels and looks like a regular phone. You may get a foldable with more functionality than the OnePlus Open, but all you really need from it is beautiful, capable multitasking and a wonderful folding experience. The Open is superior than the competition despite a few shortcomings (the performance and battery life might use some work), and the greatest part is that it is far less expensive.
The first foldable phone that feels comfortable on a tablet is the OnePlus Open. The Pixel Fold, which was released recently, and the Galaxy Z Fold 5, the two previous “Folds,” all feel off. When closed, they have odd shapes: the Pixel is too squat, and the Galaxy is too narrow. The shape of the OnePlus Open is excellent, and it’s the biggest change OnePlus could have made to the form factor. You shouldn’t feel like your phone is the incorrect size half the time if you’re paying twice as much for it.
When you first open the OnePlus Open, its display greets you with the largest, brightest, and most gratifying of all the large foldable phones. The crease is not even detectable when you touch it; you have to look closely to see it.
The best part is that opening this phone is simple and pleasant. The Pixel Fold never likes to fold flat; it requires an awkward second push, and the Galaxy can be rather stiff at first. I was always afraid I would damage my Pixel Fold. I open the hinge, and the OnePlus Open instantly reacts.
The OnePlus Open is just better than other foldable tablets. When closed, its dimensions are more ideal. It opens more easily. All things considered, the Open is a better experience, but OnePlus didn’t stop at the folding hinge. It also added something that no other foldable phone maker has dared: really good cameras.
The fold-in-half design’s size restrictions have led to cameras on every other foldable phone that range from subpar to completely horrible. With the best cameras among the group, the OnePlus Open is almost as excellent as the top phones with flat cameras—better than any foldable device I’ve used thus far.
Naturally, this calls for an enormous camera hump around rear. The hump is a powerful bubble that is twice as thick as the largest camera bump you have ever seen. However, even if there were moments when the phone felt strange in my pocket, it was still a worthwhile trade-off.
It’s unfortunate that the greatest folding phones to far haven’t had cameras because foldable phones can offer such a wide range of camera perspectives.
Pros
Bigger displays inside and out
Best cameras on any foldable phone
Cons
Not as feature-packed as the Galaxy Z Fold 5
2.Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 5
The bigger foldable in Samsung’s lineup, which also includes the Galaxy Z Flip 5, is the Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 5. The Fold 5 is a regular Android slab phone that unfolds like a book into a 7.6-inch tablet, in contrast to the Flip 5, which packs a large 6.7-inch display into a small chassis that folds in half like a clamshell. Better Gorilla Glass, a lighter, thinner chassis that folds entirely flat, and top-tier specifications distinguish the Z Fold 4 from its predecessor. The Z Fold 5 is the phone you’ve been waiting for if you were waiting for the Z Fold series to iron out its flaws. For power users, the hefty cost is justified, and it receives our Choice award for folding phones.
The Galaxy Z Fold 5 weighs at 8.92 ounces, which is less than the 9.28 ounces of the Fold 4, and has a beautifully polished, fitted, and finished package. It feels like you are carrying the Fold 5 instead of hauling it, which makes the ostensibly tiny 0.36-ounce difference significant. Whether you hold the gadget closed or open, the weight is well distributed, and it feels balanced. In contrast, because the cameras on the 10-ounce Google Pixel Fold can feel like a counterbalance, using the phone can be challenging. There are five colors for the Z Fold; however, two are only available on Samsung’s website. Though the Blue and Gray models are accessible, the Cream, Icy Blue, and Phantom Black varieties are generally available.
In terms of measurements, the Z Fold 5 is 6.10 by 2.64 by 0.53 inches (HWD), whereas the Fold 4 is 6.11 by 2.64 by 0.62 inches. The Fold 5 folds flat, eliminating the wedge-shaped form of the earlier models and making it marginally thinner than the others. When folded, the Google Pixel Fold measures 5.5 by 3.1 by 0.5 inches, making it slimmer. Folded, the Z Flip 5 measures 3.4 by 2.8 by 0.6 inches, making it even lighter and smaller. The Fold 5 (6.10 by 5.11 by 0.24 inches) is somewhat smaller when unfolded in all dimensions than the Fold 4 (6.11 by 5.12 by 0.25 inches). These small adjustments result in a more portable, comfy gadget.
Corning Gorilla Glass Victus 2, which is more drop resistant than Victus+ on the Fold 4, is used to protect the cover screen and back panel. Like the Pixel Fold and the Flip 5, the Z Fold 5 maintains the same IP classification of IPX8, which it shared with the Fold 4. Therefore, while it is completely water resistant, it is not dustproof.
The 7.6-inch inner screen retains the same 4:3 aspect ratio, 120Hz refresh rate, and 2,176 by 1,812-pixel resolution as the Fold 4, but it can become brighter than before, reaching a peak brightness of 1,750 nits as opposed to 1,000 nits. The fold’s crease is still discernible. It is most noticeable when the screen is completely black and least noticeable when you have two apps open in a 50/50 split screen. When you examine text, images, and videos on the screen, you probably won’t see the distorted portion of the screen. Furthermore, compared to the crease on the Fold 4, the folded area feels a little shallower to the touch.
Pros
Incredibly versatile
Excellent productivity software
Cons
Odd speaker placement
3.Motorola Razr Plus
It was accomplished by Motorola. The Motorola Razr Plus 2024 is the solution if your old smartphone is driving you crazy. Every owner of a boring slab phone should be envious of the Razr Plus flip phone. Its screens and shell are all vivid and brilliant, both inside and out. The nicest parts of this Razr’s entire difference are primarily subtle.
Although I didn’t think the Motorola Razr Plus from the previous year needed much improvement, Motorola did make improvements. This year’s top flip-phone cover display is brighter and even bigger than last, surpassing the file-folder window on Samsung’s Galaxy Z Flip 6 in terms of versatility. It covers the entire phone and provides you with a little preview of every program. Apps get more functional than ever when you use them on this palm-sized marvel.
The Razr Plus 2024 also gets a welcome durability upgrade, and it’s now water resistant enough to take a dunk. Motorola’s vegan leather, with a new suede feel, replaces the glass on the back of the Razr Plus. The result is a colorful finish that feels great to hold, giving the Razr a unique look all its own. It also won’t slip off your desk.
Has Motorola evaded the most recent AI trends for smartphones? Or did they just jam AI into the brand-new Razr 2024 phones? Sadly, the latter is the case. With its new Razr Plus, Motorola has followed the herd and loaded the device with unfinished artificial intelligence (AI), which is bound to have unfavorable effects.
The Moto AI tools on the Razr Plus 2024 draw attention to the worst stereotype-forming aspects of generative AI. Moto AI provides outcomes that seem racist, misogynist, ageist, and anti-Semitic. The Razr Plus 2024’s AI tools demonstrate how AI isn’t yet ready for the mass market. Such tools have no place in a consumer gadget, let alone a high-end smartphone. The Moto AI image generator should be removed because it is embarrassing.
It’s a bit of a shame, yes? I felt thrilled.for the new Motorola Razr Plus 2024, with its new colors and bigger cover display, but the offensive AI quelled my excitement. Even worse, Motorola promises that even more intrusive AI features are coming. Right now, the bigotry is confined to the wallpapers, but soon Moto AI will be listening to all of your phone calls and conversations.
Honestly, the Razr Plus 2024’s new AI functions are little to get excited about. When the AI tricks are removed, this phone is still excellent. The redesigned hinge on the Razr Plus 2024 snaps open and close with more aplomb. People will grin when they see themselves on the cover screen when you take a group photo.
Pros
Cool colors and a more durable design with vegan leather
Larger cover display is brighter and more immersive
Cons
Cameras are better, but still can’t match the best camera phones
4.Google Pixel Fold
The Google Pixel Fold joins the foldable smartphone/tablet party a little later than expected, but from little I’ve used of it, it’s a mostly enjoyable device that will undoubtedly make it into our list of the top foldable phones.The Pixel Fold is a well-considered Android phone that works well both as an unfurled 7.6-inch tiny tablet and as a small-screened, but heavy, 5.8-inch phone thanks to its precise hinge and high-resolution panels.
Some people may find the thick bezel surrounding the primary screen distracting, but the screen itself is vibrant, snappy, and conducive to multitasking. Even the inevitable seam running down the middle is not as noticeable as it is on rival foldable phones. Additionally, when you fold the Pixel Fold, the two sides meet with nary any visible space between them.
The collection of cameras on board do not disappoint. They can capture lovely landscapes, portraits, macro-like photos (there isn’t a dedicated macro mode), astrophotography, and striking long exposures that use image segmentation to blur motion while keeping other aspects of the scene in focus.
I’m particularly pleased that Google put a 5x optical zoom on this phone. Sure, that’s half of what you get on the Samsung Galaxy S23 Ultra, but it does beat its closest foldable rival, the Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 4.
The Tensor G2 chip, which powers the Pixel Fold, is the same as the one found in the Pixel 7 series. It’s an older chip that can’t compete with the competition, but it was more than capable of handling every task I gave it. The Pixel Fold is as at home with web browsing as it is with high-intensity gaming. Additionally, the differing refresh rates of the screens maintain a fluid appearance. One minor quibble could be, well, that there aren’t any. The Pixel Fold’s main screen is notably less bright than the Galaxy Z Fold 4’s (the latter boasts higher nits), and while I didn’t encounter any issues on cloudy days, it might struggle a bit in intense sunshine.
Android 13 (which comes with five years of promised security updates) is perfectly at home on the Pixel Fold, but so are all the Google apps that Google has optimized for the new platform. Mail, Photos, and more work like a charm on the big screen, and there’s real joy in being able to drag and drop a photo from another app into an email.
One could argue that Google makes a few mistakes with the pricing. Although other newcomers, like the smaller but quite impressive Motorola Razr Plus, come in at under a lot of money for a single device. Google hasn’t announced any plans to release the phone in Australia, but we’ll let you know if and when we get official confirmation either way. But in my opinion, Google is asking you to pay for effectively receiving two premium smartphones in one package.
All in all, I had a great time using Google’s first folding gadget. The Google Pixel Fold offers a clear and decisive entry into the foldable market; it’s not a hesitant or cheated first attempt at the form factor.
Pros
No-compromises front screen
Excellent construction
Cons
Huge bezel around the tablet screen
5.Motorola Razr 2023
When I first saw the Motorola Razr last year, it really impressed me, and it’s still one of my three favorite phone designs to date (the other two being OnePlus phones). I flaunt the incredible clamshell design, adore the color selections, and enjoy the feel of the “vegan leather” finish. You should get your hands on one to have a look if you haven’t seen this phone transform from a genuinely massive smartphone to a little, portable communicator.
I preferred the larger screen on the Motorola Razr Plus, but the smaller screen on the Razr’s cover was still quite useful and sharp. With this phone, you may see a preview of your films and selfies just like on the more expensive clamshell foldables, which means you can use the main camera as your selfie cam.
Regrettably, the camera on foldable phones is always a compromise, and this Razr phone is no exception. Although the Moto Razr cameras feel a little cheap in comparison to other options in this price range, the Razr Plus has underwhelming cameras. Both the OnePlus 12R and the Google Pixel 7 are available, and both have far superior cameras than this one.
The Razr’s cool appeal is what those phones, along with any other phone at this price point, lack. To end a phone call, you can snap it shut. Heck, you can even unfollow someone on Snapchat or TikTok. It’s a really fulfilling method to put your phone down and concentrate on what’s in front of you.
The Motorola Razr 40 isn’t a very powerful phone, but it can handle any apps, web pages, and games you throw its way. It lacks the high-end camera specs you’ll find on other bargain phones like the OnePlus 12R, and even the Motorola Razr 40 Ultra has slightly better cameras. That said, you still get a Snapdragon 7 Gen 1 chipset, a respectable engine that is capable enough, as well as 8GB of RAM and just enough storage, 256GB if you live outside the US (sorry Americans, only 128GB for us).
Pros
Slick design with great color options
Gapless fold with barely-visible crease
Cons
Cameras are more cheap than cool
How to choose the best foldable phone for you
First select if you want a foldable phone that opens into a larger tablet display, or a foldable phone that folds into a smaller clamshell device. For both alternatives, we have choices.
The external display of a tablet folding phone is rather smaller than that of a typical smartphone, particularly if you get the Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 6 rather than our top choice, the Google Pixel 9 Pro Fold. The Pixel 9 Pro Fold boasts the largest internal display I’ve ever seen on a phone, offering more screen space than the iPad mini.
A flip foldable phone gives you an inner display that is larger than most smartphones. The Motorola Razr Plus 2024 boasts a foldable 6.9-inch display.
How we test the best foldable phones
Only phones that have passed our rigorous testing regimen—which includes extensive and thorough testing—have made it onto this list. We test every feature that a phone could have that you might use on a daily basis before going deeper to find all of the hidden features.
We assess phones’ performance and battery life, speed and handling, and particularly their photographic skills. We ensure that phones live up to the promises made by the manufacturer. We grab the stopwatch if the phone indicates that it will charge in thirty minutes.
We have a solid understanding of how each model compares to the others because we have seen every phone available. Regardless of the price you pay, we know what you’re receiving. We ensure that the phones live up to our expectations for the cost.