In recent years, the smartphone market has evolved rapidly, and one of the most exciting innovations that is gaining momentum is foldables – foldable smartphones that offer both flexibility and power. These devices combine the best of both worlds: the compact form factor of a normal smartphone and the larger display of a tablet that unfolds when needed. But which foldables actually offer the best user experience? We present the best folding and clamshell smartphones currently available in detail.
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Best foldables 2025: our recommendations
Foldables are smartphones that can be folded out in width in “book format”. This has the advantage that you have a very slim device when folded up, whose inner screen then has the format of a (small) tablet when unfolded. When folded, these models are of course thicker than a normal smartphone.
Honor Magic V3
The Honor Magic V3 is one of the most innovative foldables of the year with impressive technology. It scores with an exceptionally thin design of just 4.4 mm when unfolded and 9.2 mm when folded and a high-quality finish that provides additional stability thanks to the use of special materials such as Honor Aerospace Fiber.
The outer 6.43-inch display shines with a peak brightness of 5000 nits, 120 Hz LTPO technology and Dolby Vision support, making it ideal for everyday use. Even more impressive is the inner 7.92-inch OLED folding display, which is equipped with a 2.3K resolution and the same advanced display technologies. It’s perfect for multitasking and even replaces e-readers thanks to a black and white reading mode.
The Magic V3’s camera technology includes a triple camera setup with main, ultra-wide angle and telephoto lens. The 50 MP periscope sensor delivers impressive zoom shots, while two front-facing cameras on the screens offer versatile options for selfies. The combination of optical performance and the compact, user-friendly design makes the device a compelling choice for tech enthusiasts.
Samsung Galaxy Z Fold6
The Samsung Galaxy Z Fold6 impresses with its revised design and advanced functions. The 7.6-inch main display with a resolution of 1,856 x 2,160 pixels and an adaptive 120 Hz refresh rate ensures a razor-sharp, smooth experience – ideal for movies, games or multitasking. The cover display has also been optimized: At 6.3 inches and also 120 Hz, it now offers more space and comfort for quick tasks without having to open the device. The improved robustness thanks to Gorilla Glass Victus 2 and IP48 certification underline the foldable smartphone’s suitability for everyday use.
The Galaxy Z Fold6 is powerful with the Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 processor, supported by 12 GB of RAM. The performance is ideal for graphics-intensive games and multitasking, while the internal memory with options of up to 1 TB offers plenty of space for data. In addition to impressive computing power, the device also shines when it comes to photography: a 50 MP main camera, complemented by a telephoto and an ultra-wide-angle lens, as well as 8K video recording make the Fold6 a versatile companion for creative content.
Other highlights include the integration of Samsung DeX, which turns the smartphone into a PC replacement, and support for the S Pen, which enables precise input. The long-lasting 4,400 mAh battery with fast charging function and wireless charging ensures that the device lasts the day effortlessly.
Google Pixel 9 Pro Fold
The Google Pixel 9 Pro Fold sets new standards for foldable smartphones with its ultra-thin design (5.1 mm when unfolded) and the largest internal display ever integrated into a mobile device (8.0 inches). The Super Actua Flex screen offers impressive brightness of 2,700 nits and color accuracy, ideal for multitasking and media consumption.
The innovative fluid friction hinge technology enables flat opening for seamless use. Powered by the new Tensor G4 processor, the device offers improved performance and energy efficiency.
The triple camera with features such as Macro Focus ensures exceptional photo quality, especially for family photos. With facial recognition and an improved user interface, the Pixel 9 Pro Fold continues to stand out. Available in Porcelain and Obsidian colors, the device offers seamless integration with Google’s software ecosystem.
OnePlus Open
As the company’s first foldable smartphone, the OnePlus Open brings impressive features and sets new standards in the category. It combines dual displays with cutting-edge technology: the outer 6.31-inch screen offers high brightness and razor-sharp 2K resolution, while the 7.82-inch inner display provides an impressive tablet experience. Both AMOLED displays operate at a dynamic refresh rate of 120 Hz and support Dolby Vision for brilliant colors and fluidity, complemented by a triple speaker system with Dolby Atmos for immersive entertainment experiences.
The camera equipment of the OnePlus Open is also very well equipped. A 48 MP main camera with innovative Sony LYTIA T808 sensor technology, a 64 MP periscope telephoto camera with up to 6x lossless zoom and a 48 MP ultra-wide-angle camera guarantee excellent images. The Hasselblad partnership brings additional improvements such as optimized portrait modes and professional image depth, even in low light conditions. Two front cameras round off the system and offer flexibility for every usage context.
The device also scores with its compactness and durability. With a weight of just 239 g and a thickness of 5.8 mm when open, it combines mobility and robustness. Thanks to the patented Flexion Hinge technology, the device is durable and minimizes folding marks. With powerful specifications such as the Snapdragon 8 Gen 2, 16 GB RAM and 512 GB storage, the OnePlus Open guarantees smooth performance, while the battery enables fast charging – from 0 to 100 % in under 40 minutes.
Best foldables: flip smartphones
The second category of foldables is the so-called flip smartphones or clamshell models. Here, the device is not unfolded in width, but in height. When unfolded, these devices are about the size of a normal smartphone, but when folded they are much more manageable and therefore fit particularly well in a trouser pocket.
Xiaomi Mix Flip
The Xiaomi Mix Flip offers impressive features in a compact folding design. Powered by the Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 processor, the device combines high performance with outstanding efficiency. Supported by LPDDR5X RAM and UFS 4.0 storage technology, the Mix Flip offers lightning-fast data transfers and seamless usage even with resource-intensive applications.
The cameras of the Mix Flip were developed in collaboration with Leica and set new standards. The main camera with 50 MP and a large aperture of f/1.7 ensures detailed shots day and night. It is complemented by a unique 50 MP telephoto camera with a floating lens, which enables macro shots from a distance of 9 cm and detailed long-distance shots. Video recordings in up to 8K and smart image stabilization round off the camera experience.
The outer 4.01-inch AMOLED display is highly customizable, with creative widgets and wallpaper options. The 4,780 mAh battery with 67 W fast charging function ensures a long runtime and fast power supply. With innovative software such as HyperOS and AI functions, the Mix Flip offers intuitive operation and a modern user experience that enriches everyday life.
Samsung Galaxy Z Flip6
The Samsung Galaxy Z Flip6 comes with numerous exciting improvements that make it a convincing representative of foldable smartphones. The 6.7-inch main display now offers an impressive peak brightness of 2,000 nits, which greatly improves readability even in bright sunlight. It retains the adaptive refresh rate of up to 120 Hz, which means the display always remains smooth. The external display measures 3.4 inches and is ideal for quick interactions and notifications.
In the camera area, Samsung relies on a new 50-megapixel main module, which offers a significant improvement over its predecessor. This is supported by an optimized 12-megapixel ultra-wide-angle camera. The software offers innovative functions such as Auto Zoom and Portrait Studio, which should appeal to both professionals and occasional photographers. In addition, the Flex mode allows the smartphone to be used like a tripod when half-opened, making it easier to take creative shots.
Under the hood, the Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 in combination with 12 GB of RAM ensures powerful performance, ideal for multitasking and resource-intensive applications. The battery capacity has been increased to 4000 mAh and supports fast wired charging with 25 W and wireless charging with 15 W.
Motorola Razr 50 Ultra
The Motorola Razr 50 Ultra combines high-quality technology with an elegant design. Particularly noteworthy is the large, almost borderless outer display, which is ideal for notifications, widgets and even controlling apps. When folded, it serves as a practical viewfinder for selfies or enables efficient interaction with basic functions. The main screen in unfolded mode impresses with brilliant color accuracy and a smooth 165 Hz refresh rate, ideal for streaming and multitasking.
The camera equipment of the Razr 50 Ultra offers exceptional versatility. The 50 MP main sensor impresses with detailed shots, while the new telephoto portrait mode with 2x optical zoom enables studio-quality portraits. For selfies, we recommend using the main cameras as a viewfinder thanks to the external display. Compared to other flip phones, the Razr delivers more natural-looking photos with optimized color processing and good low-light performance, which is particularly impressive in HDR situations.
The Razr 50 Ultra’s software optimizes the flip experience with useful gestures and clever customization options. The optimized battery also ensures a solid battery life despite the high performance. Overall, the device offers a successful combination of innovative design and powerful technology, which is particularly aimed at style-conscious users who do not want to compromise on functionality.
Buy a normal smartphone or foldable: Which suits you better?
The smartphone market now offers a huge selection of devices, but one of the most exciting innovations are certainly the foldables – foldable smartphones that can be transformed into a compact device or a large tablet depending on your needs. But before you decide on a foldable or a classic smartphone, you should consider a few important factors.
1. price-performance ratio
Normal smartphones are generally much cheaper than foldables. So if you’re looking for good value for money and don’t necessarily want to try out the latest technologies, a traditional smartphone is often the better choice. Foldables, on the other hand, are more expensive but offer innovative features and a unique design.
2. flexibility and display size
The biggest highlight of a foldable is certainly the flexible display. If you attach great importance to a large display for multimedia content, multitasking or creative applications, a foldable offers significantly more space without losing the portability of a normal smartphone. Normal smartphones are of course limited in size, but they offer a good balance between portability and performance.
3. durability and robustness
The durability of foldables is now much better than it was at the beginning. The devices can now easily withstand hundreds of thousands of folds before the display starts to suffer from problems. This means you can open and close the devices several times a day for over 10 years without anything breaking.
Conclusion:
Whether you opt for a normal smartphone or a foldable depends on your personal preferences and needs. If you value a good price-performance ratio, compactness and proven technology, a classic smartphone is a solid choice. However, if you are looking for something new and innovative and are willing to invest in the future of smartphone technology, a foldable could be the right choice for you.
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