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The best foldable phones you can buy
If Samsung's advertising budget hasn't been suggested to you already, many tech companies now believe that the future of mobile computing lies within shape-shifting form factors. Notably, devices that can fold, bend, and flex in varying angles to both extend themselves for wider usage and shrink for greater pocketability.
Foldable phones, for one, have blossomed over the past three years, with Samsung's Z Fold and Z Flip series leading the pack to mainstream acceptance. But while many consumers remain skeptical of the ambitious design of these foldables, reasonably worried about their durability, learning curve, and price of entry, there are now more market-ready offerings than ever before. For instance, Tecno recently announcer their first flip horiztonal phone, the Phantom V Fold.
ZDNET's team of mobile experts has rounded up the very best foldable phones on the market today, including our best entry-level pick and the best overall.
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- First foldable with Android 12L software
- Reliable flagship cameras
- Brilliantly bright display with up to 1,000 nits
- Pricey at $1,465
- Form factor takes some getting used to
Tech specs: Processor: Qualcomm Snapdragon 8 Plus Gen 1 | Main Display: 7.6 inches, 2176x1812 pixels | Cover Display: 6.2 inches, 2316x904 pixels | RAM/Storage: 12GB RAM with 256GB/512GB/1TB internal options | Cameras: 12MP ultra-wide, 50MP wide-angle, 10MP 3x telephoto, 10MP cover screen, 4MP under main display | Battery: 4,400mAh
We've tested a lot of foldables phones at ZDNET, but none come close to Samsung's Galaxy Z Fold 4, which offers a unique tablet experience while being able to fit snuggly in your jean and pants pockets. The Z Fold 4 represents the fourth generation of Samsung's industry-leading foldable, meaning you can expect incremental updates that add up to a well-rounded and polished foldable experience.
On the technical side, the Z Fold 4 finally comes with what we consider to be a flagship-level camera system, with its 50MP wide lens at the helm -- the same one that delivers sharp and vibrant imagery on the Galaxy S22 Plus -- putting it toe to toe with the industry best. Samsung has also trimmed down the framework from the inside out to make the newer Z Fold lighter and easier to handle.
Read the review: Samsung's Galaxy Z Fold 4
- Less expensive than the Galaxy Z Fold 4
- IPX8 water resistance
- S Pen support
- Improved software that's optimized for foldables
- S Pen is sold separately
- Still a chunky handset
- Insurance should be a priority
Tech specs: Processor: Qualcomm Snapdragon 888 | Main Display: 7.6 inches, 2208x1768 pixels | Cover Display: 6.2 inches, 2268x832 pixels | RAM/Storage: 12GB RAM with 256GB/512GB internal options | Cameras: 12MP ultra-wide, 12MP wide-angle, 12MP 2x telephoto, 10MP cover screen, 4MP under main display | Battery: 4,400mAh
The new Galaxy Z Fold 4 may be the foldable champion, but last year's Galaxy Z Fold 3 is no less worthy of your consideration. Like the Fold 4, the predecessor can expand from a narrow 6.2-inch outer screen into a wider 7.6-inch main screen. It's quite a magical experience if you've never used a phone-to-tablet foldable.
In addition to the innovative form factor, Samsung packs a series of features like a triple-camera array for you to flex across different shooting modes, OneUI software to enhance your productivity and split-screen interactions, and a decent-sized 4,400mAh battery to keep the lights on. The Z Fold 3 is also the first foldable to support Samsung's infamous S Pen stylus for precision input.
Read the review: Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 3
- Compact, portable form factor
- 3,700mAh battery is greatly appreciated
- Bespoke Edition color options
- Fairly priced at $899
- Lack of dust resistance
- Cameras are still a step below flagships
Tech specs: Processor: Qualcomm Snapdragon 8 Plus Gen 1 | Main Display: 6.7 inches, 2640x1080 pixels | Cover Display: 1.9 inches, 512x260 pixels | RAM/Storage: 8GB RAM with 128GB/256GB/512GB internal options | Cameras: Two rear 12MP, 10MP selfie | Battery: 3,700mAh
Samsung's Galaxy Z Fold 4 may represent the pinnacle of folding phones but it's the Z Flip 4 that will appeal to a wider range of users. Not only does it hold remnants of the old-school, clamshell, flip phone, but Samsung offers the latest foldable with a variety of colors -- including a Bespoke Edition that lets you customize the finish of the top and bottom plates and the hinge.
At a starting price of $900, the Z Flip 4 is an easier pill to swallow than the Z Fold 4 and there's no shortage of useful and practical features, too. For example, ZDNET's Jason Hiner put the flip phone to the test and found its compact shape beneficial for staying put in bags and pockets, as well as for being a portable hotspot hub.
Read the review: Samsung Galaxy Z Flip 4
- Foldable design makes this the most compact phone
- Least expensive foldable that's not discontinued
- Powerful Qualcomm Snapdragon 888 processor
- Lack of telephoto camera lens
- Middling battery life
- A year less of software support than the Z Flip 4
Tech specs: Processor: Qualcomm Snapdragon 888 | Main Display: 6.7 inches, 2640x1080 pixels | Cover Display: 1.9 inches, 512x260 pixels | RAM/Storage: 8GB RAM with 128GB/256GB internal options | Cameras: Two rear 12MP, 10MP selfie | Battery: 3,300mAh
While this year's Samsung Galaxy Z Flip 4 has stolen all the thunder from the Z Flip 3, the latter is still a formidable pick-up if you're in search of a less-expensive foldable. In fact, the Z Flip 4 only sees minor improvements to its predecessor, which explains Samsung's strategy of pricing it the same as last year.
In turn, this Samsung foldable can now be had for as low as $500, while still offering its durably-built, water-resistant design, Qualcomm Snapdragon 888 prowess, and whimsically addictive, clamshell form factor. It also has the same 1.9-inch Cover Screen on the outside of the device for quick access to toggles, widgets, and camera tools.
Read the review: Samsung Galaxy Z Flip 3
- Unique, outward-folding design
- 4,880mAh battery
- Ultra-light at 255 grams
- Nearly invisible crease at the center
- Not sold in the US
- Lack of Google services
- Expensive at $2,499 (US estimate)
- Highly susceptible to scratches
Tech specs: Processor: Qualcomm Snapdragon 888 | Main Display: 7.8 inches, 2200x2480 pixels | RAM/Storage: 8GB/12GB RAM with 256GB/512GB internal options | Cameras: 13MP ultra-wide, 50MP wide-angle, 8MP 3x telephoto, 10.7MP front | Battery: 4,880mAh
Huawei's first big foldables, the Mate X and XS, were interesting in that they incorporated a foldable form factor with displays opposite of what Samsung tried with the Z Fold. Instead of folding inward, the displays expanded outward (like a 2-in-1 laptop) and were always exposed, but looked amazing. Fast forward to today, the latest Huawei Mate Xs 2 builds on that premise with a new Falcon Wing design.
The Mate Xs 2 is clearly a direct competitor to the Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 4 and it certainly edges out the Galaxy in a few areas. For one, the main, large screen spans 7.8-inches diagonally, with a PPI of 424. It's a high-resolution panel that, get this, has no noticeable crease, a problem that has plagued Galaxy foldables since the very beginning. The Mate Xs 2 also sees a larger 4,880mAh battery for better endurance.
Read also: Huawei Mate X2 hands-on
What is the best folding phone?
The best foldable phone is Samsung's Galaxy Z Fold 4. Samsung's latest Z Fold is an engineering marvel, with a new and powerful processor, brighter display, and suite of Android 12L features for productivity. Below is a look at how the best foldable phones compare on price, display, and camera capabilities:
Foldable phone | Price | Display | Camera |
Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 4 | $1,465 | 6.1-inch and 7.6-inch | 50MP wide, 12MP ultra wide, 10MP telephoto, 10MP front |
Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 3 | $965 | 6.1-inch and 7.6-inch | 12MP wide, 12MP ultra wide, 12MP telephoto, 10MP front |
Samsung Galaxy Z Flip 4 | $900 | 1.1-inch and 6.7-inch | 12MP wide, 12MP ultra wide, 10MP front |
Samsung Galaxy Z Flip 3 | $500 | 1.1-inch and 6.7-inch | 12MP wide, 12MP ultra wide, 10MP front |
Huawei Mate XS 2 | $2,499 | 8 inches | 50MP wide, 13MP ultra wide, 8MP telephoto, 10.7MP front |
As you can see, there are many fantastic options. Whether you're looking to spend $500 or splurge for a top tier device, these best foldable phones represent the best choices out there.
Which foldable phone is best for you?
As shown in the list above, a couple of foldable phones offer a phone and mini-tablet experience while the others offer a big phone-small phone experience. The first decision you must make is what else you want and a standard phone form factor.
After figuring out your intention for the foldable, we can look at your use case. If you want water resistance, then you're in luck because all four Samsung foldables are IPX8-rated. If you love using a stylus with your device, then the Z Fold 4 and Z Fold 3 are the clear choices.
Price is also a key factor, but with how many new entries we see from manufacturers each year, there will surely be a foldable -- new or old -- that fits in your budget.
Choose this foldable phone… | If you want… |
Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 4 | The best overall option for work and play with a generous battery life, a 7.6-inch display, and a 50-MP wide-angle camera |
Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 3 | A cheaper alternative to the Z Fold 4 with S Pen support, improved software, and it offers IPX8 water resistance |
Samsung Galaxy Z Flip 4 | A foldable that's easy to use and ideal for content creation with a generous battery life |
Samsung Galaxy Z Flip 3 | The least expensive entry into foldables and it features a powerful Qualcomm Snapdragon 888 processor |
Huawei Mate XS 2 | The direct competitor to the Galaxy Z Fold 4 outside of the US with a ultra-light design, exceptional battery life, and an outward-folding design |
How did we choose these foldable phones?
ZDNET's team of mobile experts continues to test and review all the latest foldable phones on the market, better understanding where each one sits in the hierarchy of foldables along the way. By year-end, we're able to make the best recommendations for which devices you should buy, as well as which ones you should generally avoid.
Also: The best phones of 2023
Furthermore, we considered several different factors when choosing the best foldable phones. Chief among them are price, camera capabilities, battery life, wireless charging capabilities, processing speeds, and portability. From these considerations, we wanted to offer a range of the best options to meet different budgets and purposes.
How does insurance and warranty work for foldable phones?
Believe it or not, insurance and warranty policies for foldables are very much the same as that for traditional smartphones. That means manufacturer-owned services like Samsung Care, for example, can still be applied to a Galaxy Z Flip 4 or Z Fold 4. The only catch really is that should you want to fix a foldable out-of-pocket, the cost for parts and components will be significantly more expensive than usual. And with many insurance plans, you're still paying a deductible, though, some policies like Samsung Care don't charge one for mechanical breakdowns.
If you can, keep your foldable protected with a reliable case.
How much does a foldable phone cost?
Due to the advanced technology required to develop a foldable phone, they are generally more expensive than traditional smartphones. However, as more and more options hit the open market, we're seeing foldables span from the $500 mark up to $2,500.
If you're looking to save money, cell phone providers offer discounts for qualifying trade-ins. Or, if you're a new customer, you're often able to secure a deal on certain models. Make sure to shop around to see which provide offers you the best deal on your chosen foldable device and plan.
Does Apple make a foldable phone?
Apple has yet to reveal any plans for a foldable handset, despite any rumors. However, there could be plans for Apple diving into the foldable smartphone world in the future, which will only bring greater competition to the market and, arguably, greater accessibility.
And with more competition could bring better pricing. Although, you can receive a great foldable smartphone for around $500. It is half the price of what some manufacturers charge for flagship models.
Why would I want a foldable phone?
Foldable phones are a blast from the past when we all carried around flip phones in the 90s and early 2000s. You may want one for nostalgia, or you may want something different than the average touchscreen smartphone that every device has looked like since 2013.
Along with the nostalgia and novelty of owning one, they do offer some practical benefits. Having the ability to have your screen closed could prevent scratches and cracks from the occasional oopsies that happen. Moreover, the larger screen can enhance usability by allowing you to access multiple programs.
Are there alternative foldables worth considering?
The foldable phones in this article are centered on folding display technology. With that in mind, there are a few alternatives that are also worth your consideration.