Best foldable phones in 2023: Samsung Galaxy Z Fold, Z Flip, Moto Razr
Best foldable phones in 2023: Samsung Galaxy Z Fold, Z Flip, Moto Razr
Foldable phones have been with us for a few years now. Although they have not been adopted by the general public, these foldable smartphones are considered to be exciting futuristic devices that stand out from ordinary phones. The foldable phone market is dominated by Samsung, with its Galaxy Z Fold 4 and Turnaround Z 4 offering different folding shapes to entice you to part with your money. But Samsung isn’t the only company in the game, with Motorola having launched an updated version of its folding Razr flip phone.
There are additional phones, from Huawei, Oppo and other companies, but these are mainly for the Chinese market. And while Apple and Google have filed patents over the years for their own foldable displays, we’ve yet to see a foldable iPhone or Pixel device.
The foldable phones we offer come in two main varieties; candybar phones that open up to become foldable, tablet-sized devices (like the Galaxy Z Fold 4) or candybar phones that fold in half to become smaller and more compact (like the Galaxy Z Flip 4 and the 2022 Moto Razr). Due to still-new technology, all foldables are more expensive than their regular smartphone counterparts, but if you want to turn heads when you pop out your foldable display and fold your phone in half, they’re worth looking into. .
So here are our picks for the best foldable phone you can buy right now:
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Usually priced at $1,800 (yikes!), the Galaxy Z Fold 4 still costs significantly more than your average phone. But the latest iteration of Samsung’s book-style foldable is packed with small improvements that contribute to a much better overall experience. The hinge is thinner, the device is lighter, and the cover screen is wider, which makes it more natural to use as a phone when closed. This is in addition to other routine upgrades like a better camera similar to the Galaxy S22 and a new processor. Our reviewer Patrick Holland called it “a favorite Android tablet”.
If you already have a Z Fold 3, it’s not worth upgrading. But if you’re willing to spend big (or can find a good trade-in deal) and are interested in a phone that can double as a tablet, the Z Fold 4 is the way to go.
Read our Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 4 review.
Patrick Holland/CNET
With a candy bar shape that folds in on itself to become a smaller square, the Samsung Galaxy Z Flip 4 offers a much more compact footprint than the Z Fold 4. It makes it easier to slip into a narrow pocket when not in use. It’s not in use, but it still folds out to provide a large 6.7-inch screen when you need it.
Like the Z Fold 4, the Flip line has seen revisions over the years with improvements to its hinge system and a reduction in crease marks on its screen. It also has a new camera system, as well as a larger exterior screen that shows incoming notifications.
It’s expensive, sure, and its battery life could be better, but it’s a fun phone and one we’ve enjoyed using.
Read our Samsung Galaxy Z Flip 4 review.
Patrick Holland/CNET
Samsung’s Galaxy Z Flip 3 isn’t the newest version, but the arrival of the Z Flip 4 meant a discount on the existing Z Flip 3. This 2021 model packs features like 5G connectivity, a powerful processor, and an aluminum chassis that feels sturdy.
It’s not much cheaper than the current Z Flip 4, but if you’re looking for a foldable phone with a bit of spare change, it’s worth considering.
Read our Samsung Galaxy Z Flip 3 review.
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Motorola Razr (2022)
New update to a solid foldable
We reviewed the previous Motorola Razr phone in 2020 and liked its sleek design and folding mechanism. The phone received a new update in 2022 with updated internals, a new camera system and a bigger screen.
And while that phone was announced for the Chinese market, the Razr 2022 is also listed on the UK website, with a price tag of £950 ($1,160), so it’s likely the phone will get a larger version.
We haven’t gotten our hands on this phone yet, so we can’t say if the updates have made it worth your money yet, but it’s worth keeping in mind, especially if you consider buying the older model. We’ll update this list as firmer details are announced.
While the 2020 Moto Razr 5G could have been replaced by a new 2022 model (see above), the existing model has seen its price reduced to historic lows. You can pick it up direct from Motorola for just $600, which is a huge savings from its original price of $1,400 and makes it the cheapest foldable phone you can buy right now.
And it’s still worth considering, despite its age, if you’re determined to get a foldable phone on a budget. We loved its design when we first got our hands on it and its 5G connectivity means it’s ready to take advantage of those super-fast data speeds.
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