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The Best Foldable Smartphones: Which 2024 Foldable Comes Up Top?

Best Foldables October 2023
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Searching for the perfect foldable phone? We listed the top foldable phones to consider in 2024. With new flagship releases from brands like OnePlus, Google, Motorola, and not to forget, Samsung, find out which ones made it to our "best of" recommendations.

The best foldables phones to buy in 2024 compared

Here's what to look out for when buying a foldable

Different types exist:

Basically, we can distinguish two types when it comes to foldable devices:

  • Clamshell models like the Z Flip, which offer a normal smartphone-sized display when fully opened
  • Foldables in a book or booklet form factor, where the usual smartphone screen's surface area is almost enlarged to a tablet form factor

Clamshell devices are much more compact, folding horizontally like how the first foldable phones once did. Meanwhile, they also come with external displays like the Galaxy Z Flip 5, on which you can control music or read notifications.

Foldables like the OnePlus Open, on the other hand, are folded vertically and offer significantly more multitasking possibilities due to the larger display area. Moreover, they are fully usable even when folded due to a generous outer display.

Who are foldables suitable for?

Foldable smartphones are still expensive for many models, giving companies a chance to try new things. So, the people buying these phones are usually those who can easily spend a lot of money. They also need to be patient since some of the new features and parts might not be perfect yet.

The big booklet design is great for people who work while traveling. It has a big screen that's good for office apps, and some even support a stylus. A cool thing about the clamshell style is that you can prop it half-open. This is handy for content creators who want to record videos without holding their phone.

OnePlus Open: The best foldable to buy in 2024

OnePlus Open camera and cover screen highlighted
The Emerald Dusk color is very elegant, with its matte green derived from glass. / © nextpit

Foldable phones are all the rage now, aren't they? We've come a long way from when they were just a cool, futuristic idea. But, let's be real, not all foldables hit the mark. They either tug at your wallet a bit too hard or have those niggling issues. This is where the OnePlus Open shines bright.

OnePlus got things right. The phone looks good, works even better, and the best part? It's "cheaper" than the other competitors. While its initial price tag reads $1,699, there's a neat little trade-in offer that could bring it down to $1,499—OnePlus Store only.

Now, let's talk about features. The OnePlus Open feels like a close cousin to the Galaxy Z Fold 5 in terms of design, but it brings its own flair to the table. Charging speeds? It's like the sprinter who always finishes first. The multitasking tools it offers, especially the nifty 'Recent fold' and OnePlus Canvas, are like a magic trick for productivity.

And for all the shutterbugs out there, its Hasselblad 48 MP camera is like the cherry on top. Some might say it's marketing magic that makes us rave about it, but our team has been using it for a while now, we're smitten. Simply put, if you're in the market for a foldable this year, the OnePlus Open should be at the top of your list. It's friendly on your pocket, packs a punch in features, and, honestly, it's just a joy to use.

Samsung Galaxy Z Flip 5: The best compact model

Samsung Galaxy Z Flip 5 review
Larger and more functional: The cover display offers a lot more possibilities in 2023. / © nextpit

Samsung delivered some important updates in 2023 for the Galaxy Z Flip 5. First and foremost is the 3.4-inch cover display, which is almost fully functional. South Korea has also been able to improve the hinge design and reduce the gap between the two display halves that lie on top of each other to almost zero.

In our detailed review of the Samsung Galaxy Z Flip 5, we appreciated the fact that not only was the storage space doubled, but the base prices also remained consistent with those of previous generations. That is also worth mentioning in times when everyone is tightening their budgets.

Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 5: The best foldable alternative

Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 5
More déjà vu than innovation? / © nextpit

The Galaxy Z Fold 5 looks much like the previous model and offers fewer new features than the Z Fold 4 did in 2022. If a smartphone is perfect, that would not be a criticism at all, but the Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 5 also lacks an integrated garage for the productive accessory, the S Pen, in 2024.

Last year, Samsung could still rest on their monopoly position—but this year, there is much more serious competition. Of course, there is the new OnePlus Open and the Google Pixel Fold. Nevertheless, we cannot deny the South Koreans their experience and competence with five generations of foldables, which is why it was still enough for four out of five stars in our rating.

Google Pixel Fold: The best passport foldable

Google Pixel Fold
With its unique design, the Pixel Fold offers one of the most intriguing form factors in the foldable smartphone category. / © nextpit

The Pixel Fold is the first foldable smartphone from Google. That alone brings with it certain first-generation risks and its typical flaws. In addition, Google wants to set a milestone with the unusual form factor—similar to the Oppo Find N.

To make matters worse, the price is a whopping $1,800, which probably restricts the potential customer base even more. Nevertheless, Google is the Android benchmark in terms of software, AI support, and photography, so the rating is still equal to Samsung's Galaxy Z Fold 5 in the end. For more details, read our detailed review of the Google Pixel Fold.

Motorola Razr+ (2023): The best flip alternative

Motorola Razr Plus 2023
The large cover display of the Motorola Razr Plus 2023 currently beats every other cover screen in the clamshell foldable class. / © nextpit

After a couple of missteps in the foldable category—like leaning too heavily on nostalgia—Motorola started 2023 on fire with two foldables launched not much after a strong showing with the Razr (2022) we reviewed last year. And the Razr+ (aka Razr 40 Ultra) came ready to dethrone the competition with the biggest external display ever used on a flip phone: A crisp 3.6'' OLED.

With a release so soon after the Razr (2022), the new model kept the same capable and efficient Snapdragon 8+ Gen 1 processor, but resorted to an unfortunate downgrade in the main camera, with a smaller sensor than its predecessor (1/2.55'' vs 1/1.55''), that particularly hurt its light capturing performance at night.

The new Razr+ (2023) is the first flip phone that can claim its external display is actually useful, and Motorola even managed to start offering a decent update policy of three Android versions and four years of security updates. And despite not quite taking down the Galaxy Z Flip 4 from this list, it indicates that Motorola is definitely back to the fight.

Motorola Razr (2023): The most affordable option

Motorola Razr 40
The Razr (2023) external display got a size reduction in line with a considerable price cut. / © nextpit

Motorola has made a return to this list—quite unexpected! Released in October 2023, the Razr (2023), globally known as the Razr 40, builds on the 2019 and 2020 Razrs. It features a decent mid-range processor and good cameras. It addresses the main issues of the original Droid Razrs by offering a practical design and, most notably, a price that's more competitive than rivals.

The "cheap" Razr impressed us in our review that it got a score better than the Razr+. The Razr (2023) goes back to a mid-range SoC but keeps a big 6.9'' OLED internal display, offers good memory options, and, surprisingly, a bigger resolution main camera and bigger battery without sacrificing wireless charging.

With an attractive bang-for-the-buck proposition, the Razr (2023) was launched at a lower price than its competitors in the US.

Short take

Foldable phones are becoming increasingly popular, and according to the Counterpoint Research team, this smartphone category has seen the most significant growth in recent years. This is welcome news for an industry that seemed to have reached its peak in the last 12 months.

The popularity of foldable phones can be attributed largely to the novelty of the butterfly variants' expansive screens and the compactness of their flip options. Moreover, the hinge mechanism has now been established as a reliable feature, and the software integration has become more user-friendly with wider update policies, adding to its appeal.

Please let us know in the comments which model is your foldable favorite and if you agree with our picks.


Our selection of the best foldable smartphones has been updated as of January 2024, previous comments were kept and may appear out of context.

The best smartphones under $1,000 

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Picture Samsung Galaxy S24 Product Image Apple iPhone 15 Product Image Google Pixel 8 Pro Product Image Nothing Phone (2) Product Image Samsung Galaxy Z Flip 5 Product Image Google Pixel 7a Product Image
Review
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Go to comment (12)
Camila Rinaldi

Camila Rinaldi
Head of Editorial

With over 10 years of reviewing smartphones and wearables, I recently became addicted to smart home gadgets. Even though I dove into the Apple ecosystem two years back, Android remains as one of my passions. Previously editor-in-chief of AndroidPIT and Canaltech in Brazil, I now write for the US market. I love my records and I believe that the best way to get to know a place is through its food.

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12 comments
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  • Roberta Graves 2
    Roberta Graves 4 months ago Link to comment

    I really like the Samsung Galaxy Z Flip 5


  • Rusty H. 33
    Rusty H. Oct 15, 2021 Link to comment

    Until the price comes down, and the screen "survivability" goes up, NOPE.

    stormZois Bekios Zannikos


    • Zois Bekios Zannikos 9
      Zois Bekios Zannikos Oct 16, 2021 Link to comment

      I personally have the same issues with the devices. I'm also curious to see how much worse the foldable part of the screen will look like after 3 years of use. Also i really can not see the benefit of the odd form factor :/

      Rusty H.


  • 49
    storm Oct 15, 2021 Link to comment

    Still too expensive, still too fragile, still too bulky, still not solving a real problem--still no killer app.

    Rusty H.Zois Bekios Zannikos


    • Zois Bekios Zannikos 9
      Zois Bekios Zannikos Oct 16, 2021 Link to comment

      Im trying to think of possible applications for the device that is not covered by either tablets or phones... its like a phablet but foldable


  • 7
    RowanRosh Jan 8, 2021 Link to comment

    It is worth and good option...!!!


  • AsiaSin 7
    AsiaSin Aug 20, 2020 Link to comment

    It seems to me that it is worth using something more ordinary, that is, the phone of not even the latest model is something just ordinary and convenient and that it is not a pity to damage

    Rusty H.GoldvinEntony


  • Goldvin 11
    Goldvin Jul 23, 2020 Link to comment

    Actually, is this a unique solution for everyday tasks? I`d better buy two complete products: top smartphone (for example galaxy note, galaxy s) and tablet for the same price

    Rusty H.EntonyAsiaSin


  • 3
    toasting Dec 16, 2019 Link to comment

    I don't think these devices are practical in the long term.

    Rusty H.AsiaSinmarco sarli


  • 2
    Jessica Dec 16, 2019 Link to comment

    hi

    AsiaSin


  • marco sarli 39
    marco sarli
    • Admin
    Dec 16, 2019 Link to comment

    it looks to me as these are useless gadgets only god to keep people waiting for something usable and for pumping money from some rich show-offs

    Rusty H.stormAsiaSinDeactivated Account


  • 46
    Deactivated Account Dec 15, 2019 Link to comment

    There is no best folding phone, they are all easily damaged pieces of junk. None of them will stand up to even normal use. Foldables today are just gimmick, only dual screen phones Like the LG-G8X or V-50 are durable enough to hold up.

    Rusty H.AsiaSinmarco sarli

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