Just a few years ago, the possibility of carrying a smartphone with a folding screen in your pocket seemed like a futuristic dream. In the middle of 2023, it is a reality and this technology, although quite recent, is already found in many mobile phones.
They are more expensive than glass-screen smartphones, but you may still want to take advantage of this very modern technology. That is why we have tested various models and ranked them for you.
All the phones on this list use one of two basic form factors: book or clamshell. The former open on a vertical hinge, like a book, while the latter open on a horizontal hinge and are reminiscent of the flip phones so popular in the 1990s and 2000s.
The folding book type has, in addition to an internal screen the size of a small tablet, external screens that can be used when closed. On the other hand, clamshell mobiles, which may also have an external screen with more limited functions, have an internal screen similar in size to that of a “normal” smartphone.
Now yes, check our classification of the best folding mobiles of today. For more information, you can read the entire review by clicking on the link that accompanies each section.
Best foldable phones of 2023
1. Motorola Razr 40 Ultra – Best foldable clamshell phone
The Motorola Razr 40 Ultra is now currently the best foldable mobile on the market. This is so, in large part, to the expansive external display, by far the largest of any foldable, which extends down and around the two exterior cameras. You can use it for notifications, widgets, and selfies, but also for playing games and even running full Android apps.
Battery life is fine considering it’s a clamshell foldable. The same goes for the main camera, although the other lenses disappoint. In either case, it sets the benchmark for future foldable.
Pros
- Larger external screen
- Dust and water resistant
- Good battery (because it is a folding clamshell)
Cons
- The cameras are okay, but not great
- External display software should be improved
2. Samsung Galaxy Z Flip 4 – A minimalist clamshell foldable
The Samsung Galaxy Z Flip 4 was our favorite foldable for almost a year, but now it’s been dethroned by the Razr. Nonetheless, it’s still a very good option, especially since it’s cheaper than Motorola’s.
It stands out thanks to its high manufacturing quality, its total resistance to water, and its five years of software support. The Z Flip 4’s interior screen is the best we’ve seen, with a glass-composite material that won’t scratch or dent easily.
It uses the Snapdragon 8+ Gen 1 chipset for excellent performance, and 8 GB of RAM is enough to keep it running smoothly. Battery life is also much improved over previous models, though its 25W charging speed is slow. It is also compatible with wireless charging.
If we add to this some very powerful cameras and an intelligent exterior screen to see notifications, we find ourselves before the best folding mobile of the moment.
3. Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 4 – Best folding book type mobile
The Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 4 is the best foldable flip phone on the market, and it achieves that achievement thanks in part to its robust build, stellar software features, and broad software compatibility.
The One UI stands out for offering S-Pen support (although the stylus isn’t included) on the Fold 4, as well as multi-window functionality and a larger inner screen that you might find useful for productivity and work apps.
Both screens are very good quality, with sharp resolution and 120Hz refresh rates, but keep in mind that neither is the usual smartphone size, so typing can be a bit tricky.
Beyond that, it is ideal for consuming multimedia content and is ideal for those who do not want a tablet, but a slightly larger phone. It’s an expensive device, but it has wireless charging and is fully waterproof.
4. Oppo Find N2 Flip – An affordable clamshell foldable
Samsung is a better-known brand, but Oppo is close behind in terms of quality: the Find N2 Flip is impressive and has a better outer screen than the Z Flip 4. It’s bigger, allowing you to reply to messages, take photos, and more.
Also, the phone is completely flat, unlike the Z Flip 4. Available in matte black or glossy purple, the Find N2 Flip has a premium design.
Its dual cameras have a particularly excellent main sensor that will satisfy everyone. Battery life, on the other hand, is solid, and performance is excellent too thanks to the MediaTek Dimensity 9000+ it uses.
Its main cons are the lack of water resistance and wireless charging. Also, in our tests, Bluetooth was somewhat lacking. But other than that, it’s the best non-Samsung foldable phone you can buy.
5. Google Pixel Fold – The foldable with the best software
It’s no surprise that Google’s first foldable stands out more on the software side than on the hardware side.
The company has worked to optimize many of its own apps for the foldable format, and combined with the Pixel OS experience, the user experience is arguably the best around right now.
Unsurprisingly, the cameras are also excellent, with a triple rear camera including a 5x telephoto lens. The good quality of the display and the gapless hinge help round out the package.
However, there are negative aspects. Battery life seemed a bit shaky, and it’s hard to deny that it’s thick and bulky compared to other foldable. It also lacks the stylus support of its main Samsung rivals. And, of course, it is not officially available in Spain or Latin America, so you will have to import it from another country.
3:)
𒄬𝐏𝐀𝐓𝐇𝐀𝐍 ː͢» 𒄬
