Buying a foldable phone? What you need to know before you decide

Foldable phones have been around for about five years now, but they haven’t always been easy to recommend. High prices, limited software functionality, and fragile builds have hampered their appeal. That started to change in 2023, as foldable phones made leaps forward in design, versatility, and even price.

Not only are there more foldable phone options than ever before, thanks to new bendable devices from companies like Google and OnePlus, but cheaper devices like Motorola’s $700 Razr (2023) also debuted last year. While there’s still plenty of room for improvement in the software experience, companies like Samsung, Google, and Motorola have certainly made strides in 2023.

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The larger outer displays on phones like Samsung’s Galaxy Z Flip 6 and Motorola’s Razr Plus, for example, make it possible to use apps without opening your phone, rather than just checking notifications. Google’s Pixel Fold and Samsung’s Galaxy Z Fold 6 each have a language translation feature that takes advantage of both the outer and inner screens.

Sales of foldable phones are only expected to increase, International Data Corporation According to the figures, global shipments could reach 54.3 million units in 2027, compared to an estimated 20.4 million in 2023.

If you’re considering a foldable phone, consider your budget and how you plan to use your phone, among other factors. Check out CNET’s list of the best flip phones and best foldable phones to learn more about our top picks.

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What is your budget?

The key question to ask is how much you’re willing to spend on a new phone. While foldable phones aren’t as expensive as they were in 2019, they’re still significantly more expensive than most standard phones. The Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 6 starts at $1,900, while the Google Pixel Fold is $1,800 without trade-in. The Galaxy Z Flip 6 starts at $1,100, and the Motorola Razr Plus costs $1,000. Motorola’s 2024 Razr is one of the most affordable options out there at $700.

Book-style foldable phones like the Galaxy Z Fold 6, OnePlus Open ($1,700) and Pixel Fold are among the most expensive phones you can buy. Flip phones are about the same price as premium non-folding devices like the iPhone 15 Pro and Pixel 8 Pro, both of which start at around $1,000. If you’re used to budgeting for a device in that price range, it won’t feel much different to splash out on a flip phone.

But there are some signs that the price could drop even further in the near future. Chinese electronics maker ZTE just announced a $600 flip phone, the Nubia Flip 5G, which is cheaper than the iPhone 15, Galaxy S24, and Pixel 8.

If you’re interested in buying a foldable phone now, don’t forget to keep an eye out for discounts and trade-in deals to make current prices more attractive. Keep in mind that many of these deals usually require you to meet some sort of requirement, such as opening a new line with a carrier or trading in a relatively new phone.

Are you an Android fan?

Loyal iPhone users hoping to buy a foldable phone soon may be out of luck. While rumors of a foldable iPhone have been circulating for years, we still don’t know if and when Apple will ever release a phone that folds in half. However, a report According to The Information, Apple is working on at least two prototypes of flip phones.

This isn’t the first time Apple has been rumored to be working on a foldable phone. TF International Securities’ Ming-Chi Kuo, an analyst known for his predictions about future Apple products, previously reported that the company is working on a foldable device about the same size as the iPad Mini, as reported by MacRumors reported in 2021. That same year, Bloomberg reported that Apple had developed foldable displays for internal testing.

However, these reports suggest that a foldable iPhone is still a long way off. People who really want a phone that folds in half will have to make do with Android for now.

Are you careful with your phone?

While today’s foldable phones are sturdier than previous models, the simple fact that they have hinges and bendable screens still makes them more fragile than regular phones. Shortly after Google launched the Pixel Fold in June 2023, for example, some Reddit users reported cracked screens . Most foldable phones aren’t dust resistant, and have lower water-resistance ratings than standard devices like the Pixel 8 and Galaxy S24 series. But Samsung’s Galaxy Z Fold 6 and Z Flip 6 do offer some level of dust protection — IP48 to be exact, meaning they can withstand solid objects larger than a millimeter.

If you work outside, are prone to dropping or rough handling your phone, or prefer not to use a case, you should be cautious when making the switch to a foldable phone. It’s also a good idea to familiarize yourself with repair options from your device manufacturer and third-party services.

Is This the Right Time to Buy a Foldable Phone?

Like many electronics, foldable phones are often released seasonally. You’ll want to keep this in mind to avoid spending $1,000 or more on a device that could soon feel outdated. While you can sometimes find attractive discounts on older models, it’s usually a good idea to opt for the newest version if you can.

Companies typically only support their phones with new versions of Android for a few years. The Galaxy Z Flip 6 and Z Fold 6, for example, get seven generations of OS upgrades, while the Pixel Fold gets three years of Android platform updates.

Samsung typically releases its new foldable phones in the summer, and this year it kept up that pattern, announcing the Galaxy Z Flip 6 and Z Fold 6 in July. Motorola, meanwhile, introduced its 2024 Razr phones in June.

Google will announce its next foldable device, the Pixel 9 Pro Fold, during its upcoming launch of Pixel product on Aug. 13 The OnePlus Open, the brand’s first foldable phone, was launched last October. If OnePlus releases a new foldable phone this year, it’s possible it will do so in the fall, like last year, although some rumors instead point to a 2025 launch.

The Black Friday shopping weekend is also a good time to look for deals on foldable phones, especially since new models have already launched for the year. Motorola’s Razr Plus, for example, saw a $300 discount on Amazon over Black Friday weekend.

What do you expect from a new phone?

This is probably the most important consideration besides your budget. Foldable phones are expensive and have some shortcomings compared to regular devices.

For example, they can sometimes feel bulky and unwieldy when closed, thanks to their unconventional designs. The cameras on foldable phones often aren’t as advanced as those on premium non-foldable phones like the iPhone 15 Pro, Galaxy S20 Ultra, and Pixel 8 Pro. There’s also a slight learning curve when using a foldable phone for the first time, especially for larger, book-style foldables. Most importantly, many current foldable phones still have a visible crease that runs across the display.

Those trade-offs can be worth it for the right buyer. If you often watch video and play games on your phone, a phone-tablet hybrid like the Galaxy Z Fold or Pixel Fold could be worth it. When I switched to the Galaxy Z Fold 4 for a few weeks in 2023, I loved having a bigger canvas for writing and reading emails. I even left my tablet at home on one flight and only used my phone to watch Netflix on the plane. Think carefully about whether you need a phone that can also serve as a tablet, and whether you’re willing to pay a higher price for that benefit.

Flip phones are for people who want a full-sized phone that can fit more easily in pockets and handbags. Since phones like the Motorola Razr and Galaxy Z Flip essentially have a built-in kickstand, they’re also ideal for people who like to take selfies and group shots without having to find someone else to take the shot.

Newer flip phones like the Galaxy Z Flip 5 and later and the 2023 and later Motorola Razr Plus also have cover screens that let you run full apps when the device is closed. Not only does this make it easier to quickly check Google Maps or Spotify in the palm of your hand, but I also like that it can transform my phone into a mini smart display. When I tested the 2023 Razr Plus, for example, I enjoyed being able to prop it open like a tent to play music, view album art, and skip to the next song on my playlist while doing chores.

That’s why flip phones are best suited for people who value convenience and portability over almost anything else in a smartphone.

Overall, the decision to buy a foldable phone comes down to your budget and what you’re looking for in a new phone. Factors like durability and timing are also important to consider, but it all comes down to how much you’re willing to spend and what you hope to get out of your device.