The foldable phone market is expanding rapidly, making it challenging to choose the right device. Currently, there are two main types of foldable phones: book-style phones that unfold into small tablets and clamshell phones that fold down to a compact size, smaller than a deck of cards. Although this category is still fairly new, FindNChoose has been following its development closely. Samsung leads the way with the Galaxy Z Fold 6, which earned the Editors’ Choice award for its large inner display that’s great for productivity. Meanwhile, Motorola’s Razr+ is pushing boundaries with innovative software for smaller outer screens. But Samsung and Motorola aren’t the only brands in the foldable phone game, so be sure to check out our top picks below. Don’t forget to scroll down to our buying guide for everything you need to know before making a decision.
Our Must Have Foldable Phones
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Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 6
Best for Multitasking
If you’re in the market for a device that can replace your phone, tablet, and possibly even your laptop, the Z Fold 6 is made for you.
The Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 6 is hands down the most feature-rich foldable phone on the market. With its robust multitasking capabilities, productivity tools, and system-wide shortcuts, it’s designed for power users, making it the ideal choice for business professionals.
One downside for me is the slimmer cover display—Samsung claims it makes one-handed use easier, but it’s not my favorite. However, the performance and sheer power of the Galaxy Z Fold 6 can’t be denied. It’s the fastest foldable available, and the competition isn’t even close.
When it comes to cameras, the Galaxy Z Fold 6 outshines every other foldable I’ve tested. Samsung’s camera modes excel in taking detailed food shots and nature close-ups, delivering consistently impressive results—something earlier foldable models struggled with.
What sets this device apart is its support for Samsung’s S Pen (with the Fold version designed for the softer inner display). If you’re looking for a foldable that doubles as a drawing tablet, this is your best option. While it’s one of the pricier foldables, the Galaxy Z Fold 6 offers an unmatched feature set that justifies the cost.
Pros
- Improved, more durable design
- Wider cover screen
- Excellent cameras
- Blazing performance
- Bright displays
- Long software support window
Cons
- Cameras are only average
- Limited AI features at launch
Motorola Razr+
Best for App Continuity
If you’re looking for complete control over your foldable phone experience—and maybe even a way to cut down on screen time—the Moto Razr+ makes it easy with its intuitive dual-screen setup.
The Motorola Razr Plus 2024 had one goal: to be a cooler version of its 2023 predecessor. And for the most part, it delivered, thanks to a larger cover display, bold new color options, and handy features that make it a joy to use.
While the Razr Plus 2024 should be my top pick for flip phones this year, Samsung takes the lead in terms of durability and performance, especially when it comes to the camera department. That said, the Razr Plus 2024 is undeniably fun to use and makes a statement wherever you go. You’ll love flipping it shut to end a call or even disconnecting from social media with a snap.
The moment you close the Razr Plus 2024, it’ll win you over, and every time you open up its massive, vibrant display, the charm continues.
My only real gripe is with Motorola’s AI features, especially the AI wallpaper generator, which lacks some much-needed guardrails. With more AI on the way, it’ll be interesting to see if Motorola can fine-tune these features for a more polished experience.
Pros
- Top-notch display
- Helpful outer screen
- Waterproof
- Stylish and easy to use
Cons
- Very expensive
- Lagging charging speeds
Top Battery life
Google Pixel Fold 5G
$1,609.99 at Best Buy
The Google Pixel Fold 5G is a solid first foldable from Google, featuring a user-friendly front display, smart multitasking, versatile modes, and strong cameras. Although pricey with large bezels, it’s a strong Samsung Galaxy Z Fold competitor.
Pros
- Wide front display
- Intuitive multitasking
- Strong cameras
- Good battery life
- Lots of optimized apps
Cons
- Very expensive
- Large bezels
- Some apps don't fill the screen
Best Midrange Android
Samsung Galaxy Z Flip 5
$999.99 at Best Buy
The Galaxy Z Flip 5’s new, larger front screen—dubbed the Flex Window by Samsung—stands out at 3.4 inches, significantly bigger than the tiny 1.9-inch display on the Galaxy Z Flip 4, though still smaller than the Razr Plus’s 3.6-inch cover display.
Pros
- Bright internal screen
- Improved IP rating
- High-precision build quality
- Great cameras
- Long-term software support
Cons
- Limited cover screen functionality
- 25W wired charging
Best Budget Flip phone
Motorola razr+
$1799.99 at Best Buy
The 2024 Motorola Razr+ ($999.99) offers substantial upgrades over its predecessor, including a faster processor, larger outer display, waterproof design, four color options, extended software support, and several AI features.
Pros
- Top-notch display
- Helpful outer screen
- Waterproof
- Stylish and easy to use
Cons
- Cameras are only average
- Limited AI features at launch
OnePlus Open
Best for Multitasking
If you’re looking for complete control over your foldable phone experience—and maybe even a way to cut down on screen time—the Moto Razr+ makes it easy with its intuitive dual-screen setup.
The OnePlus Open delivers everything we’ve been wanting in a foldable phone that was missing from others. Its cameras, especially for portraits and selfies, are top-notch. Plus, it boasts the best design among large foldable phones, particularly if you’re willing to go for the OnePlus Open Apex edition, which features a striking Crimson Shadow color and packs 1TB of internal storage.
In true OnePlus fashion, the OnePlus Open is a flagship killer. It offers impressive specs, particularly in terms of performance and its stunning displays, both inside and out. And the best part? You get all of this in a sleek design, at a price that’s more affordable than most competitors. Don’t let the initial price scare you—OnePlus makes it easy to score an even bigger discount with any phone trade-in.
However, the OnePlus Open does come with a few compromises compared to the Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 6. It’s not water-resistant like Samsung’s device, and it lacks S Pen support or the robust productivity features that the Galaxy line is known for.
But those drawbacks pale in comparison when you experience the OnePlus Open. It’s built just right, whereas the Samsung Fold can feel a bit awkward, especially when closed, due to its narrow design. If you’re in the market for a foldable tablet-style phone that offers great value, the OnePlus Open is the clear choice.
Pros
- Gorgeous displays
- Attractive design
- High-quality hardware
- Advanced multitasking
Cons
- Expensive
- Average cameras
- No wireless charging
Google Pixel 9 Pro Fold
Best Camera
If you prefer Google’s take on Android or want the best cameras available on a modern foldable, the Google Pixel 9 Pro Fold is your top choice.
The best foldable phone offers the versatility of two devices in one. Whether you opt for a larger foldable like the Google Pixel 9 Pro Fold, which combines the functionality of a phone and a mini tablet that fits in your pocket, or a flip-style option like the Motorola Razr Plus 2024 with its unique cover display, foldables go beyond being just smartphones with a crease.
Given their higher price tags—sometimes more than buying both a phone and a tablet separately—foldable phones need to deliver more. The best foldable not only offers a premium experience but also needs to be durable enough to withstand years of frequent folding and unfolding.
I’ve tested and reviewed all of the top foldable phones available in the US, from larger models to compact flips, and these are my top picks. I’ve also included budget-friendly options and assessed the cameras to find the foldable that breaks the myth that foldable phones can’t capture great photos.
Pros
- High-quality hardware
- Excellent displays
- Solid wireless performance
- Good cameras
- Lots of AI
Cons
- Lacks advanced productivity features
- Battery life is only average
- Expensive
Buying Guide: The Best Folding Phones for 2024: Google, OnePlus, Samsung, and More
When Is the Best Time to Buy a New Folding Phone?
While foldable phones aren’t released as frequently as traditional smartphones, they still follow a fairly regular release schedule. There’s really no “bad” time to buy as long as the device offers the features you’re looking for. In 2024, both Samsung and Google shifted their release dates earlier, with new foldables launching in July and August. So, we’re still seeing the annual pattern take shape. OnePlus, on the other hand, last released a foldable in October 2023, and we may not see a refresh until early 2025. Keep these timelines in mind if you’re aiming for the latest model.
What Are the Types of Foldables?
Foldable phones come in two main designs: book-style and clamshell-style. Book-style foldables, like the Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 6 and Google Pixel 9 Pro Fold, feature an outer display the size of a regular smartphone but open up to reveal a larger, tablet-sized screen. On the other hand, clamshell-style foldables, such as the Samsung Galaxy Z Flip 6 and Motorola Razr+, have a small outer screen and flip open to resemble a standard smartphone, offering a more compact form factor when closed.
How Durable Are Foldables?
Foldable phones, by nature, have a design weakness due to their hinges. The inclusion of moving parts introduces potential points of failure, even though the hinges are meticulously engineered. Over time, they will wear down. For example, Samsung claims its Galaxy Z Fold 6 and Z Flip 6 can each endure up to 200,000 folds throughout their lifespan, while Motorola asserts that the Razr+ can handle up to 400,000 folds. In practical terms, 200,000 folds equate to about 100 folds per day for over 5 years. However, Google hasn’t disclosed the durability of the Pixel 9 Pro Fold’s hinge.
As for the screens, the outer displays of some foldables are protected by Gorilla Glass, which shields them from scratches and minor drops. The inner, flexible screens, however, can’t be coated with the same hardened materials as standard phone screens. Manufacturers often use a secondary layer of protective folding glass to provide some degree of protection.
Due to the complexities of hinge design, no foldable has yet earned a full dustproof and waterproof IP68 rating. The Motorola Razr+ has an IPX8 rating, which means it’s water-resistant but not rated for dust protection. Meanwhile, the Galaxy Z Flip 6 has an IP48 rating, which means it’s resistant to particles larger than 1mm and can withstand water submersion.
What’s It Like to Use a Foldable Phone?
Using a foldable phone offers a unique experience compared to a typical smartphone because you can use it either closed or open. One key difference is taking selfies. On a regular phone, you usually rely on the front-facing camera so you can see yourself in the viewfinder. But with a foldable, you have multiple displays, so the best camera to use can vary depending on the type of photo you want and how you’re using the phone.
Since there aren’t any folding iPhones yet, Android is the only operating system available for foldables. The good news is that Android is well-optimized and should feel familiar to anyone who has used an Android phone in recent years. However, Android can run into usability challenges on foldables with very small or very large screens, as many apps aren’t designed for these screen sizes.
Different manufacturers approach these challenges in their own ways. For example, Motorola’s Razr+ allows you to run almost any app on its compact front screen, but it does warn you about potential compatibility issues. In contrast, Samsung restricts the Galaxy Z Flip 6’s external screen to only a select few apps, keeping things streamlined for better performance.
For the large, inner screens of book-style foldable phones, you encounter similar issues to those seen on Android tablets—such as stretched-out apps and limited multitasking options. Different manufacturers handle this challenge in various ways. For instance, the Google Pixel Fold allows you to run two apps side by side on the inner screen, along with a floating video window for extra functionality. Samsung’s One UI, on the other hand, lets you tile up to three apps, add a video player on top, and even open additional apps in pop-up view. This approach from Samsung provides a more versatile and efficient multitasking experience.
