Best Folding Smartphone: Top Models Compared for 2024

Think foldable phones are just flashy toys with fragile hinges?
They’re not.
In 2024, the best folding smartphone options finally match real needs—durable hinges, long batteries, bright outer displays, and cameras that can compete with flagships.
This guide cuts through specs and real tests to show what matters in daily use.
We compare top models and pick the best for power users, camera fans, battery seekers, compact lovers, and budget buyers.
If you want a foldable you can actually rely on, start here.

Top‑Ranked Foldable Smartphones for 2026

The best foldable smartphones combine solid hinge engineering, flagship processors, all-day battery capacity, and displays where the crease doesn’t constantly remind you it’s there. Testing here focuses on durability ratings (IP48 or higher), real-world battery tests at 150 nits brightness, display measurements in nits and DCI-P3 color gamut coverage, and performance scores across Geekbench, 3DMark, and Adobe Premiere Rush transcoding.

Modern foldables now offer fold-count guarantees hitting 200,000 to 400,000 cycles. That’s roughly five to ten years if you’re folding 100 times a day. Hinge quality separates the category leaders from models that feel loose or develop wobble. Camera systems still trail traditional flagship phones, but 2026 models close the gap with 50MP and 200MP main sensors, better low-light processing, and computational photography borrowed from non-folding siblings.

1. Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 7 at $1,999.99, best overall and most advanced productivity foldable
2. Motorola Razr Ultra 2025 at $1,300, longest battery life and best flip-style outer display
3. Google Pixel 10 Pro Fold at $1,749.99, best cameras and IP68-rated durability
4. Samsung Galaxy Z Flip 7 at $1,099.99, best compact flip for creative selfies and portability
5. OnePlus Open at $1,699, best multitasking software and thinnest book-style design
6. Motorola Razr 2025 at $599, most affordable foldable with solid all-day battery
7. Samsung Galaxy Z TriFold for early adopters wanting the most ambitious tri-fold design

The Galaxy Z Fold 7 leads for users who treat their phone as a laptop replacement, offering desktop-mode DeX support and three-app multitasking. The Razr Ultra stands out for anyone who wants battery longevity and a large outer screen that runs full apps without opening the device. The Pixel 10 Pro Fold suits photographers who want Google’s computational photography and the only IP68-rated foldable. Flip-style models appeal to buyers seeking maximum portability, creative content angles, and one-handed use when folded. Budget buyers new to foldables should start with the Motorola Razr at $599. Power users willing to spend for experimental hardware will find the Galaxy Z TriFold’s 10-inch unfolded display unmatched.

Foldable Smartphone Comparison Chart

Detailed Reviews of the Top Foldable Phones

Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 7

The Galaxy Z Fold 7 delivers the most polished book-style foldable experience you can buy right now. It combines a 200MP main camera (matching the Galaxy S25 Ultra), Snapdragon 8 Elite horsepower, and Samsung’s DeX desktop mode for attaching to external monitors. The 8.0-inch inner display runs at 2459 nits peak brightness with 105.2 percent DCI-P3 color gamut coverage, while the 6.5-inch outer screen eliminates the need to unfold for quick tasks. Geekbench scores of 3052 single-core and 9735 multi-core confirm flagship performance. The hinge now folds without a gap for a cleaner look.

Pros:

• 200MP main camera with 12MP ultrawide and 10MP telephoto produces sharp detail and 8K video recording
• Samsung DeX transforms the device into a desktop PC when connected to a monitor
• Qualcomm Snapdragon 8 Elite with 12GB RAM handles three-app multitasking and intensive app loads without stutter
• Seven years of software and security updates through 2032
• 200,000-fold durability rating supports over five years at 100 folds per day

Cons:

• $1,999.99 starting price positions it as the most expensive mainstream foldable
• 4,400 mAh battery lasted about 13 hours in testing, below rivals like Pixel 10 Pro Fold
• Thickness when folded (0.35 inches) still exceeds traditional flagship phones
• Inner flexible display remains more vulnerable to scratches than hardened outer glass
• Weight of 7.58 ounces feels substantial during extended one-handed use

The Galaxy Z Fold 7 suits power users who demand tablet-scale productivity on the go. If you’re regularly juggling emails, spreadsheets, and video calls while traveling, the large inner screen and DeX support justify the premium. Battery life trails competitors, so keep a charger handy during heavy workdays.

Motorola Razr Ultra 2025

Motorola’s flagship flip-style foldable features the largest and brightest outer display in the category. A 4.0-inch panel reaching 3000 nits that runs full third-party apps without special workarounds. The 4,700 mAh battery outperforms every other foldable tested, delivering around 14 hours of screen-on time. Dual 50MP rear sensors (wide and ultrawide) plus a 50MP selfie camera provide versatile shooting. The titanium-reinforced hinge claims to handle 400,000 folds.

Pros:

• 4,700 mAh battery provides longest single-charge runtime among foldables, lasting a full day with heavy use
• 4.0-inch outer display supports native third-party apps, eliminating the need to unfold for most tasks
• Snapdragon 8 Elite processor and 16GB RAM match book-style flagship specs
• IP48 rating protects against water submersion up to 1.5 meters for 30 minutes
• 165Hz refresh rate on both displays delivers smooth scrolling and responsive touch input

Cons:

• Camera quality trails dedicated camera phones in low-light and telephoto scenarios
• Motorola’s AI features feel basic compared with Google Gemini or Samsung Galaxy AI
• Only three years of software support and four years of security updates through 2029
• $1,300 price point sits higher than Samsung’s Galaxy Z Flip 7
• Thick profile when folded (0.62 inches) limits pocket-friendliness compared with thinner rivals

The Razr Ultra excels for anyone who wants a true all-day foldable without carrying a power bank. The enormous outer screen means you rarely need to open the device for notifications, quick replies, or music control. If you want convenience and battery longevity over cutting-edge camera hardware, this flip-style model delivers.

Google Pixel 10 Pro Fold

Google’s second-generation foldable introduces IP68 dust and water resistance, the highest rating in the category, and doubles the battery life of Samsung’s Galaxy Z Fold 7. The 5,015 mAh cell lasted around 24 hours in testing. The 48MP main sensor, 10.5MP ultrawide, and 10.8MP 5x telephoto lens benefit from Google’s computational photography expertise. Tensor G5 processing powers advanced AI tools including Ask Photos, Auto Best Take, and offline transcription.

Pros:

• IP68 rating withstands dust ingress and water submersion up to 1.5 meters, surpassing competitors’ IP48 ratings
• 5,015 mAh battery provides about 24 hours of use, double the Galaxy Z Fold 7’s runtime
• Google Tensor G5 enables exclusive AI features like Gemini Live multimodal conversations and offline translation
• Seven years of software and security updates through 2032 match Samsung’s commitment
• Dual 10MP front cameras (one on outer screen, one on inner screen) support high-quality video calls on both displays

Cons:

• Heavier and thicker than Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 7 when folded (0.43 inches vs 0.35 inches)
• Fewer productivity UI tweaks compared with Samsung’s three-app tiling and DeX mode
• Tensor G5 performance lags behind Qualcomm Snapdragon 8 Elite in raw benchmark scores
• $1,749.99 starting price still exceeds most traditional flagship phones
• New gearless hinge lacks long-term durability data compared with Samsung’s proven mechanism

The Pixel 10 Pro Fold targets photographers who want the best cameras on a foldable, Google software purists, and anyone concerned about long-term durability. The IP68 rating and 24-hour battery life address the two biggest historical weaknesses of book-style foldables. If you prefer Google’s clean Android experience and AI integration over Samsung’s feature density, this model leads.

Samsung Galaxy Z Flip 7

Samsung’s compact flip-style device features a 4.1-inch Flex Window outer display for widgets and notifications, a 6.9-inch inner screen that folds without a gap, and Samsung DeX support for connecting to external monitors. The 50MP main camera and 12MP ultrawide lens handle everyday photography. The flip form factor enables creative selfie angles using the rear cameras with outer-screen viewfinder support.

Pros:

• Compact folded footprint (3.37 × 2.96 × 0.54 inches) fits easily in small pockets and purses
• 4.1-inch Flex Window outer screen displays widgets, notifications, and limited app functionality without unfolding
• Samsung DeX transforms the flip phone into a desktop interface when connected to a monitor via USB-C
• Seven years of software and security updates through 2032
• 200,000-fold durability rating and IP48 water resistance match the Galaxy Z Fold 7

Cons:

• 4,300 mAh battery lasted around 12 hours in testing, significantly below Samsung’s 31-hour claim
• Exynos 2500 chipset performance trails Qualcomm Snapdragon 8 Elite in intensive tasks
• Samsung limits outer-screen app functionality compared with Motorola’s more permissive approach
• 50MP camera quality falls short of book-style foldables with larger sensors and telephoto lenses
• $1,099.99 starting price exceeds the Motorola Razr 2025 by $500 for similar core features

The Galaxy Z Flip 7 appeals to content creators who need a built-in tripod for stable video recording and hands-free selfies. The compact size suits anyone with limited pocket space, and Samsung’s software polish delivers a refined experience. Battery life disappoints for heavy users, so consider the Motorola Razr Ultra if longevity matters more than Samsung’s ecosystem integration.

OnePlus Open

The OnePlus Open focuses on multitasking prowess with its Open Canvas feature, which supports up to three apps simultaneously and allows seamless app arrangement across the 7.8-inch inner display. The device remains the thinnest and lightest book-style foldable, measuring 0.32 inches folded and weighing less than rivals. Fast 67W wired charging reaches 50 percent in under 30 minutes, though wireless charging is absent.

Pros:

• Open Canvas multitasking supports three apps on-screen simultaneously with intuitive drag-and-drop interface
• Thinnest and lightest book-style foldable design improves one-handed usability when folded
• 67W fast charging reaches 50 percent battery in about 25 minutes
• 6.3-inch outer display and 7.8-inch inner display both run at 120Hz for smooth scrolling
• Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 processor handles multitasking and app switching without lag

Cons:

• Camera system struggles in low-light conditions compared with Pixel 10 Pro Fold and Galaxy Z Fold 7
• No wireless charging support limits convenience for users with existing Qi chargers
• OnePlus software update commitment remains unclear compared with Samsung and Google’s seven-year guarantees
• Fold count and IP rating not disclosed, raising durability concerns
• $1,699 price sits close to Galaxy Z Fold 7 without matching camera or software support

The OnePlus Open suits users who care about multitasking flexibility and a slim profile over camera excellence. If you frequently reference documents while writing emails or watch video while browsing, Open Canvas delivers the best software implementation. The lack of wireless charging and uncertain durability make this a harder recommendation for buyers seeking long-term peace of mind.

Motorola Razr 2025

Motorola’s budget flip-style foldable brings the category under $700 with a MediaTek Dimensity 7400X chipset, 4,500 mAh battery lasting over 21 hours in testing, and IP48 water resistance. The 3.6-inch outer display runs at 90Hz, while the 6.9-inch inner screen offers 120Hz refresh. Motorola’s Moto AI features include offline transcription and quick-action shortcuts, though camera performance and processor power trail flagship rivals.

Pros:

• $599 starting price makes this the most affordable entry into foldables, undercutting rivals by $500 to $1,400
• 4,500 mAh battery lasted over 21 hours in testing, matching or exceeding pricier flip-style models
• IP48 water resistance and titanium-reinforced hinge match the durability claims of flagships
• Compact design when folded fits easily in tight pockets and small bags
• Three years of software support and four years of security updates through 2029 acceptable for the price

Cons:

• MediaTek Dimensity 7400X processor delivers only average performance in demanding apps and games
• 50MP main camera and 13MP ultrawide lens produce mediocre low-light results with limited dynamic range
• 3.6-inch outer display smaller than Razr Ultra and Galaxy Z Flip 7, limiting quick-task convenience
• Motorola’s software update commitment lags behind Samsung and Google’s seven-year guarantees
• No telephoto lens or advanced computational photography features

The Motorola Razr 2025 serves first-time foldable buyers who want to test the form factor without flagship expense. If you want battery life and basic durability over camera quality and raw performance, this model delivers acceptable everyday use. The $599 price lets you experience foldable convenience while saving $500 to $1,400 compared with premium alternatives.

How to Choose the Right Foldable Smartphone

Selecting the right foldable requires balancing budget, intended use, and tolerance for trade-offs that still separate foldables from traditional flagship phones. The category has matured significantly. 2026 models offer IP48 to IP68 dust and water resistance, fold-count guarantees reaching 200,000 to 400,000 cycles, and batteries lasting a full day under typical use. Hinge quality now rivals traditional phone hinges, with titanium reinforcement and gearless designs minimizing wobble and maximizing lifespan.

1. Set your budget ceiling. Foldables range from $599 (Motorola Razr 2025) to over $2,000 (Galaxy Z Fold 7). Mid-range options like the Galaxy Z Flip 7 at $1,099 and Pixel 10 Pro Fold at $1,749 strike a balance between features and cost. Carrier trade-in programs often reduce upfront expense by $400 to $800, making flagship models more accessible. Insurance matters more for foldables due to higher repair costs. Manufacturer plans typically add $10 to $15 per month with deductibles around $100 for screen claims.

2. Think about durability and lifespan expectations. Look for fold-count ratings (200,000 minimum), IP ratings (IP48 or higher), and software support commitments. Samsung and Google now offer seven years of updates through 2032, while Motorola provides three years of OS updates and four years of security patches. Flexible inner screens remain more vulnerable to scratches than hardened outer glass, so apply the included screen protector and avoid sharp objects. Expect a visible crease. It becomes less noticeable during everyday use but never disappears entirely.

3. Choose form factor based on use case. Book-style foldables (Galaxy Z Fold 7, Pixel 10 Pro Fold, OnePlus Open) suit productivity tasks like email triage, document editing, and multitasking with two or three apps on-screen. Flip-style models (Galaxy Z Flip 7, Razr Ultra, Razr 2025) favor portability, one-handed use when folded, and creative content angles using the rear cameras with outer-screen viewfinder support. Book-style devices weigh more and cost more, while flip-style models sacrifice screen real estate for pocket-friendliness.

4. Be realistic about camera requirements. No foldable matches the Galaxy S25 Ultra or iPhone 16 Pro Max in telephoto reach or low-light quality, but the gap has narrowed. The Pixel 10 Pro Fold leads foldables with Google’s computational photography, followed by the Galaxy Z Fold 7’s 200MP main sensor. If photography ranks as a top concern, budget extra for the Pixel or Galaxy Z Fold. Casual shooters will find the Motorola Razr models adequate for social media and everyday snapshots.

5. Consider software ecosystem preference. Samsung offers the most mature foldable software with DeX desktop mode, three-app tiling, and tight integration with Galaxy Watch and Galaxy Buds. Google provides cleaner Android with exclusive AI features like Gemini Live and offline transcription. OnePlus focuses on multitasking flexibility with Open Canvas. Motorola allows unrestricted third-party apps on outer screens, a major convenience advantage. Test each interface in-store if possible to gauge which multitasking approach feels most intuitive.

6. Battery longevity determines daily convenience. The Pixel 10 Pro Fold (5,015 mAh, 24 hours) and Motorola Razr Ultra (4,700 mAh, 14 hours) lead the category, while the Galaxy Z Fold 7 (4,400 mAh, 13 hours) and Galaxy Z Flip 7 (4,300 mAh, 12 hours) require midday top-ups under heavy use. Fast charging (30W to 68W) helps, but wireless charging remains inconsistent. Some models omit it entirely. Heavy multitaskers and frequent travelers should go for models with 4,700 mAh or larger batteries.

If productivity and screen real estate matter most, choose a book-style model with proven software support (Galaxy Z Fold 7 or Pixel 10 Pro Fold). If portability and battery life lead your priorities, select a flip-style device (Razr Ultra for longevity, Galaxy Z Flip 7 for ecosystem integration). Budget-conscious buyers should start with the Motorola Razr 2025 to test whether the foldable form factor fits their daily routine before committing to a flagship price.

Final Recommendation and Best Use‑Case Matches

The Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 7 earns the top overall recommendation for buyers seeking the most complete foldable experience in 2026. Its combination of a 200MP camera system, Snapdragon 8 Elite performance, DeX desktop mode, and seven years of software support through 2032 justifies the $1,999 starting price for users who treat their phone as a primary productivity tool. The 8.0-inch inner display enables genuine laptop-replacement workflows, and the 200,000-fold durability rating provides confidence for daily use over multiple years.

• Best for productivity and multitasking: Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 7 (8.0-inch display, DeX mode, three-app tiling)
• Best cameras and Google software: Google Pixel 10 Pro Fold (48MP main, 5x telephoto, Ask Photos AI, IP68 rating)
• Best battery life and flip-style convenience: Motorola Razr Ultra 2025 (4,700 mAh, 14-hour runtime, 4.0-inch outer screen)
• Best compact portability and creative selfies: Samsung Galaxy Z Flip 7 (4.1-inch Flex Window, folds without gap, DeX support)
• Best for multitasking software and thin design: OnePlus Open (Open Canvas, thinnest book-style, 67W fast charging)
• Best budget entry to foldables: Motorola Razr 2025 ($599, 21-hour battery, IP48 rating)

The Galaxy Z Fold 7 stands out because Samsung has refined the book-style foldable formula across six prior generations, addressing early durability concerns and software rough edges. Competing models excel in specific areas. Pixel’s cameras, Razr Ultra’s battery, OnePlus’s multitasking UI. But the Galaxy Z Fold 7 delivers the most balanced package for users willing to pay flagship prices. Market trends in 2026 favor longer software support commitments and improved water resistance, both areas where Samsung and Google lead. Buyers who care about those factors over raw specs will find the Galaxy Z Fold 7 or Pixel 10 Pro Fold offer the safest long-term investments.

Final Words

We put the Galaxy Z Fold series, Pixel Fold, OnePlus Open, Razr+, and Mate X series head-to-head across durability, performance, hinge, display, and camera benchmarks. The numbered top-7 list and comparison chart make trade-offs clear so you can pick by what matters most.

Detailed reviews and the buying guide show who each phone suits—productivity, photography, travel, or budget. Our final recommendation highlights the model that balances durability and multitasking.

Test a few in person, and you’ll likely find the best folding smartphone for your daily use—foldables are finally reaching mainstream practicality.

FAQ

Q: What’s the best foldable phone right now? Who makes the best foldable?

A: The best foldable phone right now depends on your needs: Samsung’s Galaxy Z Fold leads for productivity, Google Pixel Fold for cameras, and OnePlus, Motorola, and Huawei offer strong alternatives.

Q: What phone does Elon Musk use?

A: The phone Elon Musk uses isn’t fixed; he’s been seen using both iPhones and Android devices in public, and there’s no single confirmed brand he uses exclusively.

Q: Is it worth buying a fold phone?

A: Buying a foldable phone is worth it if you want a larger, multitasking screen and portability tradeoffs; it’s less wise if you need the cheapest option or maximum ruggedness.