Matthew Miller
for Smartphones and Cell Phones
| August 11, 2021 — 18:38 GMT (19:38 BST)
| Topic: Mobility
Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 3
Third time’s the charm
$1,799 at Samsung
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Samsung Galaxy Z Flip 3
A compact foldable priced to compete
$999 at Samsung
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Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 2
Still great with major price cuts
$1,800 at Samsung
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Samsung Galaxy Z Flip 5G
Fold to make it more pocketable
$1,200 at Samsung
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Huawei Mate X2
Limited availability, cool Galaxy alternative
View now at Huawei
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Show More (2 items)
Motorola Razr (2020)
Second generation of an iconic design
$1,395 at Amazon
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Royole FlexPai 2
World’s first foldable brand launches a successor
$1,710 at Royole (China only)
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Decades ago when mobile phones started appearing in the hands of average consumers, a dominant form factor was the flip phone. It was handy to close your phone to end a call and also shut the display to protect the screen when you threw your phone in your pocket or bag. We’ve seen technology advance so far that devices we used to see in science fiction movies are now available for everyday use by all consumers.
Foldable displays are an engineering marvel and while Royole was first out of the gate with the FlexPai in late 2018, Samsung has been the dominant player in foldable phones. LG demonstrated its foldable display technology, but with its recent exit from the smartphone sector, we can only imagine what might have been. TCL recently showed its foldable and rollable device, which looks to be a productivity workhorse of the future.
While the future looks flexible and use cases for foldable phones are still being developed, let’s look at the best foldable phones that are available now.
Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 3
Third time’s the charm
Processor: Qualcomm Snapdragon 888 Main Display: 7.6-inches, 2208×1768 pixels Cover Display: 6.2-inches, 832×2268 pixels RAM/Storage: 12GB/256GB Cameras: Three rear 12MP, 10MP cover screen, 4MP under main display Battery: 4,400mAh Price: $1,799.99
The 2020 Galaxy Z Fold 2 set the bar for foldable devices that also serve as mini tablets. At first glance, the Z Fold 3 may appear to be just a minor update to the Z Fold 2, but at a starting price $200 less Samsung provides S Pen support and IPX8 water resistance. These were two features many have asked for and Samsung delivered once again.
In addition to a couple of new features, the cover display resolution and refresh rate were updated so you get a high-resolution display with 120 Hz support constructed of Corning Gorilla Glass Victus. The main display has improved panels and a screen protector that provide an 80% increase in its durability. The three main cameras are basically the same, but the new under display camera is a step forward in mobile technology.
Pros:
An innovative engineering marvelArmor Aluminum material for a lighter and sleeker phoneHigh IPX8 water resistanceS Pen supportImproved software optimized for foldables
Cons:
Still expensive, but $200 less than last yearS Pen purchase separately
$1,799 at Samsung
Samsung Galaxy Z Flip 3
A compact foldable priced to compete
Processor: Qualcomm Snapdragon 888 Main Display: 6.7-inches, 1080×2640 pixels Cover Display: 1.9-inches, 260×512 pixels RAM/Storage: 8GB/128GB Cameras: Two rear 12MP, 10MP selfie Battery: 3,300mAh Price: $999.99
Like the Z Fold 3, the Z Flip 3 is the third generation Flip device from Samsung. One significant improvement is the increased size of the cover screen display from 1.1 to 1.9 inches. The other major change is the IPX8 water resistance that gives you peace of mind when you are flipping open and closed out in the weather.
The $200 price drop on the Z Flip 3 means you can now join the foldable sector for $1000, which is competitive to other flagship smartphones and gives the Z Flip 3 the potential to seriously challenge other manufacturers while expanding the adoption of foldable devices.
Battery life was a concern with the last generation model so we’ll have to see how the processor, Android 11, and Samsung software enhancements impact the battery life on the Z Flip 3.
Pros:
High-quality materials, fit, and finishIPX8 water resistanceHigh refresh rate main displayAffordable price for a foldableFolds into a pocketable form factor
Cons:
No telephoto camera
$999 at Samsung
Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 2
Still great with major price cuts
Processor: Qualcomm Snapdragon 865 Plus Main Display: 7.6-inches, 2208×1768 pixels Cover Display: 6.2-inches, 720×1680 pixels RAM/Storage: 12GB/256GB Cameras: Three rear 12MP, 10MP front, 10MP selfie Battery: 4,500mAh Price: 1,799.99
Samsung conducted market research and performed surveys after the original Galaxy Fold release. It found that 34% of Fold users were using two apps at once compared to just 4% doing so with other typical smartphones. Fold users increased their video consumption by 71% compared to usage on their previous phones. This level of multitasking and video consumption shows that people were using the Fold in a manner similar to tablet users.
The Z Fold 2 was the best foldable in 2020 and we have seen software updates since its release that have improved usability for split-screen and foldable views. It’s a bit thicker and heavier than the new model, but still an amazing device to help you get work done on the go.
Pros:
Stunning achievement in engineeringHigh-quality materials, fit, and finish5G and excellent RF performanceOptimized cover and inside displaysImproved software for multitasking
Cons:
No dust/water resistanceExpensive
$1,800 at Samsung
$1,800 at Amazon
$1,800 at Best Buy
Samsung Galaxy Z Flip 5G
Fold to make it more pocketable
Processor: Qualcomm Snapdragon 865 Plus Main Display: 6.7-inches, 1080×2636 pixels Cover Display: 1.1-inches, 112×300 pixels RAM/Storage: 8GB/256GB Cameras: Two rear 12MP, 10MP selfie Battery: 3,300mAh Price: $1,199.99
If you don’t care about the water-resistant feature and rarely use the outside display then you may be able to save some money with last year’s Z Flip 5G. This phone is designed to be your pocketable companion that then opens up into a large display smartphone. The focus is clearly on providing a small phone that can be big when you need to use it, but its effectiveness for productivity is a bit questionable.
The Z Flip 5G improves on the original Z Flip with 5G radio support and slight improvements to the hinge mechanism. It is a very well-constructed device, but the battery life won’t get you through a day.
Pros:
High-quality materials, fit, and finish5G and excellent RF performanceFolds into a pocketable form factor
Cons:
No dust/water resistanceExpensiveBarely acceptable battery life
$1,200 at Samsung
Huawei Mate X2
Limited availability, cool Galaxy alternative
Processor: Huawei Kirin 9000 Main Display: 8-inches, 2480×2200 pixels Cover Display: 6.45-inches, 1160×2700 pixels RAM/Storage: 8GB/256GB Cameras: Four rear 50MP, 16MP ultra-wide, 12MP telephoto (3x optical), 8MP SuperZoom (10x optical) and 16MP selfie camera Battery: 4,500mAh Price: Unknown
Huawei’s first big foldables, the Mate X and XS, were interesting in that they incorporated a foldable form factor with displays opposite of what Samsung tried with the Fold. The displays were positioned on the outside and were always exposed, but the designs looked amazing. This year we see Huawei with the Mate X2 that offers a foldable experience similar to the Z Fold 3.
Huawei is known for its amazing camera technology and partnership with Leica, which continues on the Mate X2 with four rear cameras and a selfie camera.
ZDNet’s Sandra Vogel spent some hands-on time with the Huawei Mate X2 and came away impressed. There are limitations on using the phone without Google Mobile Services and it is currently limited to availability in China.
Pros:
High quality camerasImpressive engineering designLarge main display
Cons:
No dust/water resistanceNot readily available
View now at Huawei
Motorola Razr (2020)
Second generation of an iconic design
Processor: Qualcomm Snapdragon 765G Main Display: 6.2-inches, 2142×876 pixels Cover Display: 2.7-inches, 800×600 pixels RAM/Storage: 8GB/256GB Cameras: One rear/back 48MP quad-pixel with OIS and 20MP selfie camera Battery: 2,800mAh Price: $1,399.99
Motorola’s first attempt at a foldable phone using its iconic design influence was fairly disastrous, and I thought we would not see a second generation. The original’s battery life was terrible, the hinge loosened quickly, and there were many reports of the display falling apart.
Like Samsung, Motorola incorporated design improvements, and in late 2020, released the Motorola Razr (2020) that also brought in support for 5G networks.
Pros:
Sleek, compact form factorCan be used with display closedWater repellent features
Cons:
Back glass easily scuffsExpensive
$1,395 at Amazon
$1,400 at Best Buy
Royole FlexPai 2
World’s first foldable brand launches a successor
Processor: Qualcomm Snapdragon 865 Main Display: 7.8-inches, 1920×1440 pixels Cover Display: 6.2-inches, 720×1680 pixels RAM/Storage: 8GB/256GB or 12GB/512GB Cameras: 64MP main, 16MP ultra-wide, 8MP telephoto and 32MP selfie Battery: 4,450mAh Price: $1710 (approximate)
Royole launched the world’s first available foldable display phone in late 2018 as the Royole FlexPai. In late 2020, the FlexPai 2 was revealed. Royole took the opposite approach as Samsung with the foldable display on the outside so the viewable area is always exposed. Unfortunately, it is only available in China, so we cannot test or purchase the phone.
The Royole FlexPai 2 may not be considered much of a smartphone with its large size and is really more of a foldable tablet. The four cameras are arranged along the left side in the bezel area so the viewfinder appears on the back of the device when pointing the cameras at your subject. Royole has a split-screen system, similar to Samsung’s Fold 2 approach so productivity can be optimized with the big screen.
Pros:
Big displayCapable triple camera systemSoftware for multi-app usage
Cons:
No dust/water resistanceNot available outside of China
$1,710 at Royole (China only)
How did we choose these foldable phones?
Given that foldable display technology is still fairly new, there are not many options available for foldable phones. We tested the Samsung Galaxy Fold models, two of the Galaxy Z Flip models, the first-generation Motorola Razr, and the new Mate X2. We also relied on other professional reviewers for opinions and experiences using the devices.
As foldable display technology continues to evolve over the years, we will consider the design, durability, software capabilities, and more in our process to consider phones for this best list.
Which foldable phone is best for you?
As shown in the list above, a couple of foldable phones offer a phone and mini-tablet experience while the others offer a big phone/small phone experience. The first decision you must make is what else do you want, in addition to a standard phone form factor.
After figuring out your intention for the foldable, we can look to your use case. If you want water resistance, then two Samsung foldables are available for you. If you love using a stylus with your device, then the Z Fold 3 is the clear choice.
Price is a factor, but with Samsung launching its latest generation foldables at a starting price $200 less than last year, the difference in price is not as high as we’ve seen in the past.
Are there alternative foldables worth considering?
The foldable phones in this article are centered on folding display technology. With that in mind, Microsoft’s own take on foldables is worth a look:
Microsoft Surface Duo at Best Buy
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Matthew Miller
for Smartphones and Cell Phones
| August 11, 2021 — 18:38 GMT (19:38 BST)
| Topic: Mobility