While phones with bendable displays may have appeared to be a gimmick in their early days, the technology has stuck around, with almost every major phone-maker now offering some kind of foldable phone. Apple was among the last to get in on the game, taking the wraps off the iPhone Duo in September. Despite it being the company’s first foldable it impressed us enough to earn it a coveted CNET Editors’ Choice award, along with a place on this list.
Our Picks
Bottom Line
Pros & Cons
- iOS 27 integration offers a seamless experience across both displays
- Versatile passport-size design works well across apps
- 48-megapixel wide and ultrawide cameras take crisp photos
- Matte inner display reduces glare and crease appearance, and offers a satisfying feel
- IP68 rating proves sleekness can coexist with top-of-the-line water and dust resistance
- Under-display FaceTime camera makes inner screen more immersive
- Lack of FaceID detracts from the premium experience
- Without a telephoto camera, ProRAW or ProRes, photo capabilities are more limited than on the iPhone 18 Pro
- FaceTime camera isn't ideal for photos or video; footage isn't as sharp as what's captured on the cover selfie camera
- Multitasking is limited to landscape mode on the inner screen without resizing, while portrait mode only supports multitasking through picture-in-picture video playback
- Right-side controls could be a struggle for left-handed people using the Duo one-handed
Bottom Line
Pros & Cons
- Unique, versatile design
- Minimized crease on main display
- Longer battery life than Z Fold 7
- Solid camera quality
- No telephoto lens
- No built-in magnets for Qi2 charging
- High $1,900 starting price
- AI capabilities can be spotty
Bottom Line
Pros & Cons
- Refined hinge is easier to open
- Inner display is almost crease free
- Cameras aren't on par with Samsung's (cheaper) flagship S26 Ultra
- Battery life has barely improved, despite new tech
Bottom Line
Pros & Cons
- Thin and light design
- Improved cover screen software
- Most powerful flip phone so far
- Higher price
- Weaker battery life
- Galaxy AI feels pushy
Bottom Line
Pros & Cons
- Solid, reliable design with fun colors
- Good cover screen for selfies
- Fast-charging battery
- Price hike of $100 over last year's model
- Specs struggle with multitasking
- Limited 3-year Android support
Bottom Line
Pros & Cons
- Durable build
- Thinner design over last year
- Slimmer bezels and slightly larger cover screen
- Plenty of handy AI and software updates
- Cameras and battery are a step down from other Pixel 11 Pro models
- $100 pricier than last year's foldable
- No anti-reflective display makes crease more prominent
Samsung has led the way for foldables for years, with its Z Flip and Z Fold lines now in their seventh and eighth generations, respectively. And sure, it’s experimented with slightly more outlandish designs over the years — the enormous TriFold, for example — but its latest Galaxy Z Fold 8, with its more squat passport-style dimensions, may have more staying power. After all, it’s the same style that Apple is betting on and we’ve also seen echoed with Xiaomi’s China-only foldable.
All foldables are more expensive than their regular smartphone equivalents, making them a luxury option. But if you’re looking to turn heads when you whip out your foldable display and bend your phone in half, they’re worth looking into. Here are our picks for the best foldable phones available now.
What’s the best foldable phone?
Samsung’s Galaxy Z line has the lead with the most iterations of folding phones with its two main foldable designs — the book-style Galaxy Z Fold series and the clamshell-like Z Flip series. The Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 8 Ultra is the most high-performance foldable the company has launched, with great camera and processor performance. But Samsung’s more squat Z Fold 8 has really won our hearts, thanks to its wider proportions when unfolded, which make it better suited for watching videos.
But Apple’s iPhone Duo employs a similar passport-style design, which CNET’s Abrar Al-Heeti applauded for its durable yet sleek construction and optimized software integration. As Abrar puts it “the iPhone Duo’s finer details make the experience feel fluid and cohesive.” Previously, iPhone owners wanting to experience the foldable revolution had to jump ship to Android — or simply swallow that envy and stick with a regular candybar phone.
Which one is better for you really comes down to personal preference, and whether you’re a existing iOS or Android user. Those of you already in Apple’s world will be best suited with the iPhone Duo. If you’re a dedicated Android user, Samsung’s Galaxy Z Fold 8 or Z Fold 8 Ultra are the way to go.
Best foldable phones
Celso Bulgatti/CNET
Best foldable phone for hardware-software integration
Apple iPhone Duo
Pros & Cons
- iOS 27 integration offers a seamless experience across both displays
- Versatile passport-size design works well across apps
- 48-megapixel wide and ultrawide cameras take crisp photos
- Matte inner display reduces glare and crease appearance, and offers a satisfying feel
- IP68 rating proves sleekness can coexist with top-of-the-line water and dust resistance
- Under-display FaceTime camera makes inner screen more immersive
- Lack of FaceID detracts from the premium experience
- Without a telephoto camera, ProRAW or ProRes, photo capabilities are more limited than on the iPhone 18 Pro
- FaceTime camera isn't ideal for photos or video; footage isn't as sharp as what's captured on the cover selfie camera
- Multitasking is limited to landscape mode on the inner screen without resizing, while portrait mode only supports multitasking through picture-in-picture video playback
- Right-side controls could be a struggle for left-handed people using the Duo one-handed
Get it now
Expert Take
The iPhone Duo is by no means the first of its kind, but that doesn’t stop Apple’s passport-size foldable from standing out amongst its peers. Seamless software integration and unique hardware touches lend to the premium experience. If you’ve been waiting to buy a foldable phone but didn’t want to leave iOS, there’s finally a great option for you.
Why we like it
The iPhone Duo shows how intuitive foldable phones can be when hardware and software work in harmony. iOS is seamless across both screens, and apps that have been optimized for the Duo smoothly transition as the phone is opened or closed, thanks to the uniform 1.4:1 aspect ratio.
The Duo’s passport-size design makes it easy to slip into a pocket, and it has a nice, compact in-hand feel. Plus, the matte inner display reduces glare and the appearance of a crease, leading to a more immersive experience when watching videos or reading.
Who it’s best for
The iPhone Duo is great for people who work on their phone; the larger inner display is handy for jotting down notes, editing videos or writing in a document, for instance. If you’ve wanted a phone-tablet hybrid that’s small enough to fit in a pocket but that can unfold into a larger display for watching videos and multitasking, then the Duo is a solid choice – especially if you want to stick with iOS.
Who shouldn’t get it
The Duo – and foldable phones in general – isn’t for everyone. If you don’t have a need to multitask, work or watch videos on your phone, there’s not much of a draw here. Pro-level photographers will likely be deterred by the lack of a telephoto camera, ProRAW capture and ProRes video. You also have to be OK with adapting to elements like a shorter screen when the Duo is closed, plus the lack of FaceID.
Specs & Configurations
- Screen size
- Cover: 5.4 inches; Main: 7.6 inches
- Processor
- A20 Pro
- Cameras
- 48-megapixel (wide), 48-megapixel (ultrawide), 12-megapixel selfie (outer screen)
- Colors
- Star white, night sky
Andrew Lanxon/CNET
Best Samsung foldable for movie lovers
Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 8
Pros & Cons
- Unique, versatile design
- Minimized crease on main display
- Longer battery life than Z Fold 7
- Solid camera quality
- No telephoto lens
- No built-in magnets for Qi2 charging
- High $1,900 starting price
- AI capabilities can be spotty
Get it now
Expert Take
The Galaxy Z Fold 8 is a refreshing spin on Samsung’s existing book-style foldable design, with a squat, passport-sized build and a 4:3 aspect ratio when open, making it feel more like a tablet.
With a spacious 7.6-inch inside display, it’s ideal for watching horizontal videos and multitasking in landscape orientation, and is well-suited for vertical content on platforms like Instagram and TikTok when turned to portrait. The 5.5-inch cover screen is just big enough to handle everyday tasks like sending a text, responding to an email or snapping a photo. Overall, it’s an incredibly versatile yet compact handset that’s made for those of us who can’t stop scrolling or binge-watching.
Why we like it
The Galaxy Z Fold 8 is not only adorable and satisfying to hold, but it’s also quite practical if you spend a lot of time consuming content on social media or streaming platforms. It also doubles as a great platform for reading documents and ebooks when held in a portrait orientation. Because of its adaptability, it’s well-suited for practically any type of media you want to consume.
Who it’s best for
This phone is for anyone who spends a lot of time scrolling through social media, watching videos or reading digital documents or ebooks.
Who shouldn’t get it
If you want pro-level photography or a better canvas for multitasking, the more traditionally designed Galaxy Z Fold 8 Ultra might be a better fit for you.
Specs & Configurations
- Screen size
- 8-inch (inner); 6.5-inch (cover)
- Processor
- Qualcomm Snapdragon 8 Elite Gen 5 for Galaxy
- Cameras
- 200-megapixel (wide), 50-megapixel (ultrawide), 10-megapixel (telephoto), 10-megapixel (cover screen selfie)
- Colors
- Violet Shadow, Graphite, Cream
Score Breakdown
Andrew Lanxon/CNET
Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 8 Ultra
Pros & Cons
- Refined hinge is easier to open
- Inner display is almost crease free
- Cameras aren't on par with Samsung's (cheaper) flagship S26 Ultra
- Battery life has barely improved, despite new tech
Get it now
Expert Take
The Galaxy Z Fold 8 Ultra doesn’t have a wealth of upgrades over its predecessor, but the few tweaks it does have have a big impact. Most notably in the design and the hinge, it’s far easier to open, which is a significant quality-of-life improvement, and the crease on the inner display is much less obvious.
It’s a powerhouse, with more than enough grunt to make gaming on that massive display a real joy, while the cameras are good enough for all but the most discerning of shutterbugs. While the new silicon-carbon battery technology didn’t really improve battery life, it’s still perfectly capable of getting through a full day on a single charge.
Why we like it
It’s one of the slimmest, highest performing foldable phones around. There’s nothing you can throw at it that it can’t handle, whether you want to use that big inner display for gaming, editing photos or watching movies.
Who it’s best for
Anyone who wants to be on the cutting edge of technology with a fancy folding phone that’s packed with power. And those who have deep pockets.
Who shouldn’t get it
Anyone who has a relatively recent Samsung foldable. The phone is superb, but it’s not much of an upgrade over the last model.
Specs & Configurations
- Screen size
- 8 inches, 6.5 inches (cover)
- Processor
- Qualcomm Snapdragon 8 Elite Gen 5 for Galaxy
- Cameras
- 200-megapixel (wide), 50-megapixel (ultrawide), 10-megapixel (telephoto), 10-megapixel (cover screen selfie), 10-megapixel (internal screen selfie)
- Colors
- Green shadow, violet shadow, cream, graphite
Score Breakdown
Joseph Maldonado/CNET
Best compact Samsung foldable
Samsung Galaxy Z Flip 8
Pros & Cons
- Thin and light design
- Improved cover screen software
- Most powerful flip phone so far
- Higher price
- Weaker battery life
- Galaxy AI feels pushy
Get it now
Expert Take
The Galaxy Z Flip 8 is among the best-looking flip phones we’ve tested. It’s thin, light and folds up neatly to slide into your pocket. The outer cover screen has been refined, making it far easier to navigate, so you can do a lot without even unfolding it.
Like the Z Fold 8 Ultra, it hasn’t had a huge amount of upgrades over the previous generation, but a plethora of smaller tweaks to the design and battery — not to mention a new, faster processor — makes the Z Fold 8 Flip feel like a fresh enough product this time round. Still, if you can pick up the Z Flip 7 with a healthy discount, that’s a smart move.
Why we like it
Folding flip phones already have size on their side, but the Z Flip 8’s refined dimensions make it feel even more compact, great for slotting away out of sight.
Who it’s best for
Any of you who hate having big, chunky devices bulging out of your pockets in an embarrassing way.
Who shouldn’t get it
Those of you shopping on a budget. Like most phones, this generation has seen a price increase, making it a pricey option that won’t be worth the upgrade if you’re already using a relatively recent Samsung foldable.
Specs & Configurations
- Screen size
- 7.6-inch (inner), 5.5-inch (cover)
- Processor
- Qualcomm Snapdragon 8 Elite Gen 5 for Galaxy
- Cameras
- 50-megapixel (wide), 50-megapixel (ultrawide), 10-megapixel (cover screen selfie)
- Colors
- Lavender, Graphite, Cream
Score Breakdown
David Lumb/CNET
Best cheaper foldable phone
Motorola Razr (2026)
Pros & Cons
- Solid, reliable design with fun colors
- Good cover screen for selfies
- Fast-charging battery
- Price hike of $100 over last year's model
- Specs struggle with multitasking
- Limited 3-year Android support
Get it now
Expert Take
Starting at $800, Motorola’s 2026 Razr is significantly less expensive than Samsung’s rival flip phone. And that’s despite a $100 price hike due to the ongoing component shortage. Foldable phones have always commanded a significant premium over their non-folding counterparts, but this is one of the few that doesn’t demand you empty your entire bank balance to get it.
That lower price means its processor doesn’t offer the same high performance as more expensive rivals, and it only gets three years of Android support. But its neat design and fun colors make it a great option if you’re not willing to spend big on higher-end devices.
Why we like it
The low price. Obviously.
Who it’s best for
Those of you who really want a cute foldable flip phone but don’t want to spend the vast amounts needed to put Samsung’s Z Flip 8 in your pocket.
Who shouldn’t get it
Anyone who wants bleeding-edge performance from the processor and cameras. This thing is capable of everyday basics, but it starts to struggle when you demand much more.
Specs & Configurations
- Screen size
- 6.9-inch (inner), 3.6-inch (cover)
- Processor
- MediaTek Dimensity 7450X
- Cameras
- 50-megapixel (wide), 50-megapixel (ultrawide)
- Colors
- Bright White, Violet Ice, Sporting Green, Hematite
Score Breakdown
Andrew Lanxon/CNET
Best non-Samsung book-style foldable
Google Pixel 11 Pro Fold
Pros & Cons
- Durable build
- Thinner design over last year
- Slimmer bezels and slightly larger cover screen
- Plenty of handy AI and software updates
- Cameras and battery are a step down from other Pixel 11 Pro models
- $100 pricier than last year's foldable
- No anti-reflective display makes crease more prominent
Get it now
Expert Take
The Pixel 11 Pro Fold is Google’s sleekest foldable phone yet. Measuring 5mm thick when open and 10.1mm thick when closed, it feels remarkably like a slab phone, especially with the expansive 6.5-inch cover screen. The 8-inch inside screen is ideal for watching videos and multitasking.
Impressively, the Pixel 11 Pro Fold keeps durability at the forefront. A sturdy aluminum frame allows the phone to be relatively lightweight, and an IP68 rating protects it against both dust and water — a rarity in the world of foldables.
Why we like it
Foldables are pricey, with the Pixel 11 Pro Fold starting at $1,899. Having a durable device offers some peace of mind. That’s the Pixel 11 Pro Fold’s strong suit — quite literally. Along with an IP68 rating and scratch- and crack-resistant glass, Google’s latest foldable still maintains a sleek profile, allowing it to feel relatively slim and lightweight in hand.
Who it’s best for
If you’re someone who tends to work or watch movies on their phone, a foldable with an expansive inner screen like the Pixel 11 Pro Fold can be a good fit. It also has the advantage of being durable, with a dust-resistant and waterproof design that means you can hopefully take the Pixel 11 Pro Fold to the beach without worrying about sand destroying it.
Who shouldn’t get it
The Pixel 11 Pro Fold’s expansive 6.5-inch cover screen is somewhat of a double-edged sword. It’s spacious enough to comfortably type, scroll and watch movies, but that also means I tend to forget there’s a larger 8-inch screen inside, and so I typically stick to the cover screen.
That can defeat the purpose of a foldable phone, but I like cracking open the Pixel Fold for multitasking and a more immersive viewing experience. If you’re someone who doesn’t have much use for a larger phone screen, you can save yourself hundreds of dollars by sticking with a premium slab phone like the Pixel 11 Pro or 11 Pro XL.
Specs & Configurations
- Screen size
- 8-inch (inner), 6.5-inch (cover)
- Processor
- Google Tensor G6
- Cameras
- 48-megapixel (wide), 10.5-megapixel (ultrawide), 10.8-megapixel (telephoto), 10-megapixel (cover screen selfie)
- Colors
- Olive, Obsidian
Score Breakdown
Foldable phones specs comparison
| Motorola Razr 2026 | Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 8 Ultra | Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 8 | Samsung Galaxy Z Flip 8 | Google Pixel 11 Pro Fold | iPhone Duo | |
| Cover display size, tech, resolution, refresh rate | 3.6-inch AMOLED; 1,066×1,056 pixels; up to 90Hz variable refresh rate | 6.5-inch AMOLED; 2,520×1,080 pixels; up to 120Hz variable refresh rate | 5.5-inch AMOLED; 1,972×1,248 pixels; up to 120Hz variable refresh rate | 4.1-inch AMOLED; 1,048×948 pixels; up to 120Hz variable refresh rate | 6.5-inch OLED, 2,342×1,080 pixels, 120Hz refresh rate | 5.4-inch OLED, 2,342×1,080 pixels, 120Hz refresh rate |
| Internal display size, tech, resolution, refresh rate | 6.9-inch AMOLED; 2,640×1,080 pixels; up to 120Hz variable refresh rate | 8.0-inch AMOLED; 2,256×2,504 pixels; up to 120Hz variable refresh rate | 7.6-inch AMOLED; 2,448×1,848 pixels; up to 120Hz variable refresh rate | 6.9-inch AMOLED; 2,520×1,080 pixels; up to 120Hz variable refresh rate | 8-inch OLED, 2,076×2,152 pixels, 120Hz refresh rate | 7.6-inch OLED, 2,670×1,878 pixels, 120Hz refresh rate |
| Dimensions (millimeters) | Open: 73.99 x 171.30 x 7.25mm; Closed: 73.99 x 88.08 x 15.85mm | Open: 158.4 x 143.2 x 4.1mm; Closed: 158.4 x 72.8 x 8.9mm | Open: 123.9 x 161.4 x 4.5mm; Closed: 123.9 x 81.9 x 9.7mm | Open: 166.9 x 75.4 x 6.1mm; Closed: 85.7 x 75.4 x 13.1mm | Open: 155.2 x 150.4 x 5.0mm Closed: 155.2 x 76 x 10.1mm | Open: 117.8 x 164.6 x 5.2mm Closed: 117.8 x 84.1 x 11.3mm |
| Weight (grams, ounces) | 188g (6.63 oz) | 215g (7.58 oz) | 201g (7.09 oz) | 180g (6.35 oz) | 239 g (8.4 oz) | 254 g (9 oz) |
| Cameras | 50-megapixel (wide), 50-megapixel (ultrawide) | 200-megapixel (wide), 50-megapixel (ultrawide), 10-megapixel (telephoto), 10-megapixel (cover screen selfie) | 50-megapixel (wide), 50-megapixel (ultrawide), 10-megapixel (cover screen selfie) | 50-megapixel (wide), 12-megapixel (ultrawide) | 48-megapixel (wide), 10.5-megapixel (ultrawide), 10.8-megapixel (telephoto) | 48-megapixel (wide), 48-megapixel (ultrawide) |
| Processor | MediaTek Dimensity 7450X | Qualcomm Snapdragon 8 Elite Gen 5 for Galaxy | Qualcomm Snapdragon 8 Elite Gen 5 for Galaxy | Qualcomm Snapdragon 8 Elite Gen 5 for Galaxy | Tensor G6 | A20 Pro |
| RAM/storage | 8GB + 128GB, 256GB | 12GB + 256GB; 12GB + 512GB; 16GB + 1TB | 12GB + 256GB; 12GB + 512GB; 16GB + 1TB | 12GB + 256GB; 12GB + 512GB | 16GB + 256GB, 512GB, 1TB | RAM N/A + 256GB, 512GB, 1TB, 2TB |
| Battery | 4,800 mAh | 5,000 mAh | 4,800 mAh | 4,300 mAh | 4,806 mAh | “Up to 24 hours” |
| Special features | IP48 rating, 30-watt wired charging, 15-watt wireless charging, 3,000 nit peak brightness on main display | IP48 rating, Corning Gorilla Glass Ceramic 3 (cover scnree), Corning Gorilla Glass Victus 2 (Rear), Advanced Armor Aluminum, 3,000-nit peak brightness, anti-reflective display, 45-watt wired charging, 20-watt wireless charging | IP48 rating, Corning Gorilla Glass Ceramic 3 (cover scnree), Corning Gorilla Glass Victus 2 (Rear), Advanced Armor Aluminum, 3,000-nit peak brightness, anti-reflective display, 45-watt wired charging, 20-watt wireless charging | IP48 rating, Corning Gorilla Glass Victus 2 (cover), glass fiber-reinforced polymer (rear), Advanced Armor Aluminum, 25-watt wired charging, 15-watt wireless charging | IP68 dust and water resistance, HiLight LED, 30W wired charging, 25W Qi 2.2 wireless charging, 7 years of software and security updates | IP68 dust and water resistance, Camera Control button, Dynamic Island, Apple Intelligence, 1 to 3,000 nits brightness display range, Fast charge up to 50% in 20 minutes using 60W adapter |
| US price starts at | $800 (128GB) | $2,100 (256GB); $2,300 (512GB); $2,700 (1TB) | $1,900 (256GB); $2,100 (512GB); $2,500 (1TB) | $1,200 (256GB); $1,400 (512GB) | $1,899 (256GB) | $1,999 (256GB); $2,199 (512GB); $2,599 (1TB); $3,199 (2TB) |
Recent updates
We added the iPhone Duo in November 2026 and the Galaxy Z Fold 8, Galaxy Z Fold 8 Ultra, Galaxy Z Flip 8 and Pixel 11 Pro Fold to the list in September 2026.
Factors to consider when buying a foldable phone
Look for sales: Look for sales and deals close to major shopping holidays like Presidents Day, Amazon’s Prime Day and Black Friday.
Consider last year’s models: When a new phone launches, stores and carriers might discount their older phones to clear existing stock. While the Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 8 Ultra is an unquestionably great phone, it’s not a significant step up from last year’s Z Fold 7 so it’s well worth shopping for previous generation handsets if you want to save yourself a bundle.
See the phone in person: It’s worth going to a store and trying out a potential phone. You may love or hate the way it looks and feels, especially as we have new sizes and shapes of foldables on offer. If you’re an iPhone user and have never used a foldable before, it’s worth heading to your nearest Apple Store to see it in person before splashing the cash.
Budget for a case: Foldable phones sold today are more durable than phones from even a few years ago, but it still might be a good idea to protect your phone with a case to keep it in tip-top shape. A screen protector for the outer screen is also well worth considering.
How we test phones
We test every phone in real-world scenarios, focusing on its features, design, performance, cameras, battery life and overall value. We document our findings in an initial review that is periodically updated when there are new software updates, or to compare it against new phones from competitors such as Apple, Samsung, Google and OnePlus.
John Kim/CNETPhotography
Photography is a major focus for most phones these days, so we take pictures and videos of various subjects in a variety of settings and lighting scenarios. We try out any new camera modes, we test in the daytime and at night and we compare the results against each phone’s rivals.
Battery life
Battery testing is conducted in various ways. We assess how long a phone lasts during a typical day of use and note how it performs during more focused sessions of video calls, media streaming and gaming. We also conduct a video playback test, as a simple, replicable measure of pure battery life, which isn’t always included in the initial review but sometimes added later in an update.
Performance measuring
We use benchmarking apps to measure each phone’s performance, alongside our own anecdotal experiences using the phone for our review. Most noteworthy is how graphics and animations look. Are they smooth? Do they lag or stutter? We also look at how quickly the phone switches between horizontal and vertical orientations, and how fast the camera app opens and is ready to take a photo.
What to look forward to in 2026 and 2027
As we’re nearing the end of 2026 we don’t expect any more major phone launches to take place before 2027. Apple, Samsung and Google have all taken the wraps off their latest models in the summer of 2026 and it’ll likely be from the same time next year that they refresh them. However, with the major tech show CES right around the corner it’s possible other brands may have new handsets to tease, especially as we also get towards Mobile World Congress in March 2027.
