Folding smartphones have progressed significantly since the launch of the original Samsung Galaxy Fold in 2019. These devices are now smaller, more durable, and more affordable, despite still not being the most budget-friendly options. While five years ago, foldable phones might not have been considered practical for daily use, today they are far more viable with many models to choose from. If you’ve been contemplating switching to a foldable phone or upgrading your current foldable, we at Engadget can assist in your decision-making. We’ve invested countless hours testing and reviewing the best foldable phones on the market — here’s what you should know before making a purchase.
Note: This guide focuses on devices widely available in North America and Europe. While more options exist in Asia (especially China), these models are often hard to purchase internationally and may not support local carriers.
How we test foldable smartphones
In evaluating foldables, we apply the same general criteria as we do for the best smartphones. Phones must have good battery life (at least a full day’s use), bright displays (minimum 1,000 nits peak), sharp cameras, and responsive performance. However, foldable phones come in varied shapes and sizes, with designs attracting different user preferences.
Those who favor compact, stylish devices might prefer flip-style foldables reminiscent of old-school models but with flexible interior displays (usually six to seven inches diagonally) and smaller exterior screens. Power users seeking maximum productivity may opt for larger book-style foldables (with seven to eight-inch main displays), which transform from candy bar-style phones to small tablets when opened.
Are foldable phones worth it? A note on durability
The main difference between foldable phones and traditional handsets is durability. While models like the Pixel Fold and Samsung’s Galaxy Z line feature IPX8 water resistance (submersion up to five feet for 30 minutes), their flexible screens, made mostly from plastic, present unique challenges.
Most foldables come with factory-installed screen protectors, which shouldn’t be removed without professional help. Samsung, for instance, provides one free screen protector replacement for its foldables, whereas Google charges between $29 and $129, depending on the device’s warranty status. Our long-term testing of the Galaxy Z Fold 3 and Galaxy Z Fold 4 over a year found that Samsung’s pre-installed screen protectors start bubbling nine to 12 months after purchase. Thus, you may need to service your foldable approximately after a year unless you remove the screen protector entirely (against most manufacturers’ recommendations).
Furthermore, foldable owners need to avoid sharp objects near their flexible displays, as rocks, keys, or even pressing hard with a fingernail can leave permanent marks. Repairing a flexible screen is typically more expensive than a regular phone, reaching up to $500 or more depending on damage severity. While the durability of foldable phones has greatly improved, they remain more delicate than traditional handsets, an important consideration for buyers.
Photo by Sam Rutherford/Engadget
Read our full Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 6 review
Full screen size: 7.6 inches | Folded screen size: 6.3 inches | Storage capacity: Up to 1TB | Weight: 239g | Max battery life: Up to 23 hours
While we would have liked to see more drastic design changes, Samsung’s Galaxy Z Fold 6 remains one of the most versatile and well-rounded examples of a large, premium foldable phone. Its new Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 chip offers strong performance and improved energy efficiency, while its Enhanced Armor Aluminum chassis is lighter and a bit more durable. It also features a new ultra-wide angle camera sensor and various AI-powered features. Additionally, it supports a stylus, though you’ll need to purchase one separately. A downside is the increase in price by $100 compared to its predecessor. — Sam Rutherford, Senior Reporter
- Super bright and colorful display
- Lighter chassis
- Great battery life
- Native stylus support
- More expensive than before
- Same main camera as previous models
- S Pen not included
- Charging speeds could be faster
