Foldable phones have evolved from being expensive novelties with questionable usability to increasingly refined devices that offer compelling value. While the price point remains a barrier for many, significant improvements in design, functionality, and durability have made the latest generation of foldables a more justifiable purchase, especially for tech enthusiasts. The growing competition in the foldable market has also benefited consumers, leading to more diverse options and competitive pricing.
As we approach the launch of new models like the Pixel Pro 10 Fold, it’s a good time to examine the current landscape of foldable phones and assess their strengths and weaknesses. While the market isn’t saturated, there’s a greater selection of foldables available now than ever before.
Are Foldable Phones Worth It?
Early foldable phones were plagued with issues like creaky hinges and exorbitant prices. They were more of a status symbol than a practical everyday device. However, recent models have garnered positive reviews, indicating a significant leap in quality and usability.
These newer foldables, while still catering to a niche market, are finally starting to justify their premium price tags. The smaller, flip phone-style foldables offer pocketability and unique features, while the larger, tablet-style foldables provide a larger screen real estate for enhanced productivity and entertainment. These phones remain conversation pieces, but they now offer more than just novelty.
Top Foldable Phones Currently Available
Here’s a look at some of the leading foldable phones on the market:
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Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 7: This flagship foldable boasts impressive specs and hardware advancements. It’s the lightest Fold model to date, with a thin profile and an expansive 8-inch screen. The redesigned hinge contributes to a more seamless folding experience. The Galaxy Z Fold 7 stands out for its elegant design, vibrant displays, and capable camera system.
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Samsung Galaxy Z Flip 7: The Galaxy Z Flip 7 offers a more compact and familiar form factor. Its external AMOLED display has been expanded to 4.1 inches, covering nearly the entire front half of the phone when folded. This provides enhanced usability for notifications, widgets, and quick actions. The Z Flip 7 also features a larger battery and an improved camera system compared to its predecessor. Its more affordable price point makes it a compelling alternative to traditional smartphones. While some users might prefer a Snapdragon processor, the overall performance is solid.
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Motorola Razr Family: Motorola has made significant strides in the foldable market with its 2025 Razr lineup. The Razr Ultra, the flagship model, boasts top-tier specs and a premium design. Tech reviewers have praised the Razr Ultra for its impressive displays and long battery life. The Razr Plus and the base Razr offer more affordable options with varying levels of performance. All three models are considered a significant improvement over previous Motorola foldables and offer a compelling alternative to the Galaxy Z Flip 7.
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Google Pixel 9 Pro Fold: The Pixel 9 Pro Fold offers a unique take on the foldable form factor, combining Google’s clean Android software with its renowned camera processing. While its processor might not be the most powerful on the market, it delivers smooth performance for most tasks. The Pixel 9 Pro Fold offers a solid foldable experience at a slightly lower price point than some of its competitors. Some users find the color options to be somewhat bland, and the emphasis on AI features may not appeal to everyone.
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OnePlus Open: The OnePlus Open is another strong contender in the foldable market, offering a vertically opening hinge and a tablet-sized inner display. It stands out for its excellent displays and overall design. While its hardware is slightly older compared to newer foldables, the Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 chip remains capable, and the rest of the specs hold up well. The future of the Open lineup remains uncertain, but the original Open is still available for purchase and offers a compelling value proposition, especially when on sale.
Foldable Phones Beyond the US Market
While the US market is dominated by Samsung, Google, and Motorola, international markets offer a wider array of foldable options. These phones often boast innovative features and competitive pricing.
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Honor Magic V3: The Honor Magic V3 was once the thinnest foldable on the market. It features a 120Hz display, IPX8 water resistance, and a large 5,150 mAh battery. Powered by a Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 chip, the Magic V3 delivers flagship-level performance. While not officially available in North America, it can be found through specialty shops and online marketplaces.
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Oppo N5: The Oppo N5 made headlines for its ultra-thin design. It features a 6.62-inch outer screen and an 8.12-inch inner screen, similar to the Galaxy Z Fold 7. It also boasts a massive 5,600 mAh battery. Like the Honor Magic V3, the Oppo N5 is primarily available in Asian markets and can be purchased through specialty shops and online marketplaces.
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Huawei Mate X6: The Huawei Mate X6 offers a premium design with a leather back. It’s a book-style foldable with competitive screen sizes and specs. However, it lacks Google Play Store access and is not widely available in the US.
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Vivo X Fold 5: The Vivo X Fold 5 stands out for its impressive 6,000mAh battery and lightweight design. It also boasts the highest IP dust rating of any foldable. Primarily available in China, it can be purchased through specialty shops and online marketplaces. Its relatively low price point makes it an attractive option for those seeking a budget-friendly foldable.
The Future of Foldable Phones
The foldable market is rapidly evolving, with more manufacturers entering the fray and pushing the boundaries of innovation. Features like dust and water resistance, once considered impossible, are now becoming increasingly common. Screen durability has also improved significantly.
As technology advances, we can expect to see even more affordable and feature-rich foldable phones in the years to come. One notable absence from the foldable market is Apple. Rumors suggest that the company is actively developing a foldable iPhone, which could potentially disrupt the market upon its release.
