Best Foldable Smartphones: Unfolding the 7 Epic Options!

Smartphones remain at the top of today’s technological advancements as these can be accessed conveniently at any location and cater to every user’s various needs. Smartphones evolve rapidly, including their features, specifications, and categories. Now, foldable smartphones are one of the clever categories on the rise, offering a pocketable form factor and a convenient larger screen. However, as tons are captured by it at a glance, it’s too young and needs improvements. Hence, this article will provide several selections of the best foldable smartphones with their advantages and disadvantages. 

 

7 Best Foldable Smartphones in 2024

1. OnePlus Open

Where To Buy: OnePlus Open, $1,699.99 on Amazon

Specifications

• Main screen size: 7.8 inches (2440 x 2268)
• Secondary screen size: 6.3 inches (2484 x 1116)
• CPU: Snapdragon 8 Gen 2
• RAM/Storage: 16GB/512GB
• Size, opened: 6.03 x 5.63 x 0.22 inches
• Size, closed: 6.03 x 2.88 x 0.46 inches
• Weight: 8.4 ounces

The OnePlus Open introduces a groundbreaking front display, merging the convenience of a standard smartphone with the versatility of a foldable screen, setting it apart from other foldable devices. Its sleek design, large cover screen, graphite metal finish, and vegan leather are visually appealing and functional, boasting an IPX4 splash-proof rating. The 6.3-inch cover screen features a smooth 120Hz refresh rate and minimal creasing for enhanced usability. When unfolded, the 7.82-inch AMOLED display offers exceptional visuals, ideal for multimedia.

OnePlus Open has 16GB RAM and 512GB storage; it handles tasks effortlessly, powered by the Qualcomm Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 processor. The camera system, including a 48MP primary camera and 64MP telephoto lens, delivers outstanding performance and zoom capabilities, elevating the photography experience. In summary, the OnePlus Open redefines foldable smartphones with its blend of design, performance, and functionality, offering users an unparalleled experience.

Advantages:

• Outstanding thin and light design
• Long-lasting battery with fast charging
• More affordable than comparable foldable

Disadvantages:

• Low-light photos could be improved
• Lacks wireless charging

2. Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 6

Where To Buy: SAMSUNG Galaxy Z Fold 6, $1,499.99 on Amazon

Specifications

• Main screen size: 7.6 inches (2160 x 1856)
• Secondary screen size: 6.3 inches (2376 x 968)
• CPU: Snapdragon 8 Gen 3
• RAM/Storage: 12GB/256GB, 512GB, 1TB
• Size, opened: 6 x 5.2 x 0.22 inches
• Size, closed: 6 x 2.7 x 0.48 inches
• Weight: 8.4 ounces

The latest Galaxy Z Fold 6 has much to offer, starting with its sleeker design—thinner and lighter than any of its predecessors. At just 8.4 ounces, it’s comparable in weight to many large-screen smartphones, making it more portable without compromising durability. Samsung has upped the ante with stronger glass and improved dust resistance, so you can enjoy the flexibility of a foldable without worrying about its sturdiness.

The standout feature here is the Galaxy AI, carrying over capabilities from the Galaxy S24 series while introducing new tools designed for the Fold’s unique form. Google Gemini on the cover display and the new Sketch to Image tool make the most of the foldable’s expansive screen, while Note Assist streamlines meeting notes into summaries. Though the camera improvements from the Z Fold 5 are minor, we did notice a distinct difference in our 200-photo comparison with the Z Fold 4. While the OnePlus Open may offer superior multitasking, the Galaxy Z Fold 6 excels in durability and AI features—ideal for those who’ve hesitated over foldables due to fragility concerns.

Advantages:

• Sleeker and lighter design
• Impressive AI capabilities
• Outstanding Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 performance

Disadvantages:

• Battery life improvements not as significant as anticipated
• Priced $100 higher than the Galaxy Z Fold 5

3. Motorola Razr 2024

Where To Buy: Motorola Razr 2024, $699.99 on Amazon

Specifications

• Main screen size: 6.9 inches (2640 x 1080)
• Secondary screen size: 3.6 inches (1066 x 1056)
• CPU: MediaTek Dimensity 7300X
• RAM/Storage: 8GB/256GB
• Size, opened: 6.74 x 2.91 x 0.28 inches
• Size, closed: 3.46 x 2.91 x 0.62 inches
• Weight: 6.63 ounces

After launching a more budget-friendly foldable phone in 2023, Motorola made a strong comeback with the Razr 2024, a game changer. The most noticeable upgrade is the new 3.4-inch outer screen, replacing the tiny one from previous models, which makes a significant difference in usability.

What sets the Razr (2024) apart from the pricier Razr Plus 2024 is its perfect blend of features and affordability. It boasts a 50MP main camera and a 13MP ultrawide lens, making it ideal for content creators who enjoy video capture. Plus, the larger outer screen allows you to use full apps, which is super convenient for checking notifications or scrolling through social media without opening the phone. At just $699, this foldable phone is accessible to many people—making it a standout choice in the flip phone market.

Advantages:

• Long-lasting battery life
• Larger, more functional outer screen
• Affordable price point

Disadvantages:

• Camera performance is lacking in low light
• Limited to 3 years of software support

 

4. Google Pixel 9 Pro Fold

Where To Buy: Google Pixel 9 Pro Fold, $1,799.00 on Amazon

Specifications

• Main screen size: 8 inches (2076 x 2152)
• Secondary screen size: 6.3 inches (1080 x 2424)
• CPU: Tensor G4
• RAM/Storage: 16GB/ 256GB, 512GB
• Size, opened: 6.1 x 5.9 x 0.2 inches
• Size, closed: 6.1 x 3.0 x 0.4 inches
• Weight: 9.1 ounces

Google has truly turned things around with the Pixel 9 Pro Fold, delivering a foldable phone that’s a significant upgrade from its predecessor. This second-generation model boasts a sleek, lightweight redesign that aligns beautifully with its competitors while introducing many innovative AI features.

One standout feature is Add Me, which cleverly uses augmented reality to include the photographer in group shots. Plus, with tools like Pixel Studio and Reimagine, you can effortlessly edit your photos by simply typing out what you want to change, resulting in incredibly realistic images that might fool even the most discerning eye into thinking they’re not AI-enhanced.

The main display shines brighter than ever, reaching an impressive 2,319 nits in our tests—making it the brightest screen we’ve encountered in a notebook-style foldable. Although the performance benchmarks for the Tensor G4 chip may not be groundbreaking, it surprisingly offers longer battery life than its predecessor, lasting an impressive 11 hours and 36 minutes in our tests. The camera performance shines; compared with the Galaxy Z Fold 6, the Pixel 9 Pro Fold easily captured stunning shots.

Advantages:

• Smart AI features
• Sleeker, lighter design
• Extended battery life

Disadvantages:

• Disappointing performance from the Tensor G4
• Minimal upgrades to the camera

5. Samsung Galaxy Z Flip 6

Where To Buy: Samsung Galaxy Z Flip 6, $899.97 on Amazon

Specifications

• Main screen size: 6.7 inches (2640 x 1080)
• Secondary screen size: 3.4 inches (720 x 748)
• CPU: Snapdragon 8 Gen 3
• RAM/Storage: 12GB/ 256GB, 512GB
• Size, opened: 6.5 x 2.8 x 0.27 inches
• Size, closed: 3.4 x 2.8 x 0.58 inches
• Weight: 6.6 ounces

After facing tough competition from Motorola’s foldable Razrs, Samsung’s Galaxy Z Flip 6 is back and better than ever, showcasing several notable improvements. One of the standout upgrades is the main camera, which now features a 50MP sensor, a significant leap from the 12MP found in previous models. This enhancement results in sharper photos and the ability to simulate a 2x zoom. In our extensive photo shootout between the Galaxy Z Flip 6 and the Motorola Razr Plus (2024), the Z Flip 6 demonstrated impressive low-light performance, earning it the edge over its rival.

Beyond the camera, the Galaxy Z Flip 6 boasts a more durable design and introduces exciting Galaxy AI features. We’re particularly impressed by the interpreter function that utilizes both screens, allowing the person you’re speaking with to see real-time translations of your words. Additionally, the Portrait Assist feature gives your stunning shots a stylish makeover. While the Galaxy Z Flip 6 has a $100 price increase over its predecessor and only shows slight improvements in battery life during testing, it represents a solid advancement for Samsung’s flip phone lineup, proving it’s ready to take on the challenges posed by the Razr.

Advantages:

• Durable design
• Impressive Galaxy AI features
• Outstanding low-light camera performance

Disadvantages:

• $100 price hike from the Galaxy Z Flip 5
• Battery life could use some improvement

6. Motorola Razr Plus 2024

Where To Buy: Motorola Razr Plus 2024, $899.99 on Amazon

Specifications

• Main screen size: 6.9 inches (2640 x 1080)
• Secondary screen size: 4 inches (1272 x 1080)
• CPU: Snapdragon 8s Gen 3
• RAM/Storage: 12GB/256GB
• Size, opened: 6.74 x 2.91 x 0.27 inches
• Size, closed: 3.46 x 2.91 x 0.6 inches
• Weight: 6.66 ounces

Motorola has made significant strides with the Razr Plus 2024, introducing an even larger 4-inch outer screen—up from the previous 3.6-inch display. This upgrade enhances usability and brings more personalization options, allowing users to choose from additional widgets and even combine multiple widgets for greater convenience.

The camera system has also seen impressive improvements, featuring a 50MP telephoto lens with 2x optical zoom alongside the main 50MP camera. This makes getting closer to your subjects easier, while the revamped camcorder mode allows for video recording in horizontal and vertical formats. In our 200-photo shootout comparing the Razr Plus (2024) to its sibling, the Razr (2024), we found that the Razr Plus delivers superior camera performance.

Design-wise, the Razr Plus now feels more robust, thanks to a redesigned, smaller hinge that improves its folding mechanism. Plus, with several color options, it beautifully complements the overall stylish design.

Advantages:

• The most affordable foldable on the market
• Impressive design that stands out
• Extended battery life for all-day use

Disadvantages:

• Limited functionality due to the small cover display
• Uses the older Snapdragon 7 Gen 1 chip

7. Nubia Flip 5G

Specifications

• Main screen size: 6.9 inches (2790 x 1188)
• Secondary screen size: 1.4 inches (466 x 466)
• CPU: Snapdragon 7 Gen 1
• RAM/Storage: 8GB, 12GB/256GB, 512GB
• Size, opened: 6.69 x 2.97 x 0.28 inches
• Size, closed: 3.45 x 2.97 x 0.59 inches
• Weight: 7.3 ounces

While the Nubia Flip 5G may not stack up against the competition regarding features, particularly camera quality and software support, its starting price of $499 makes foldable technology more accessible to a wider audience—a definite plus.

The Nubia Flip 5G impresses with its sleek design, featuring a smudge-resistant matte finish that gives it a premium feel. When you unfold it, you’re greeted by a vibrant 6.9-inch display that enhances your viewing experience. Battery life is average during daily use, but the 33W fast charging is a nice touch, allowing you to quickly recharge and get back to using your phone. If you’re looking for an entry into the foldable phone market without breaking the bank, the Nubia Flip 5G is a solid choice to leave you feeling safe.

Advantages:

• Great value for a foldable
• Quick charging
• Stylish and distinctive design

Disadvantages:

• Limited photography capabilities
• Lacks performance power

 

Conclusion

There is always room for improvement, even for technologies like smartphones. These foldable smartphones have their advantages and disadvantages. Thus, when selecting this new type of phone, one should consider its features, specifications, and performance quality. And, of course, the best foldable smartphones still depend on your preferences.