Best flip phones in 2026: top clamshell foldables for every budget
With enough force, almost every phone can fold in half – not even the best phones are immune to brute strength. But only a few can do it without suffering terminal damage. From retro revivals to cutting-edge clamshells, the best flip phones combine a flexible internal display with a secondary outer screen for the perfect blend of pocketability and top-tier hardware.
By hiding a larger screen on the inside, flip phones are half the size of a traditional smartphone. Their outer screens are getting smarter and smarter, too, saving you from constantly flipping the thing open to read notifications, reply to messages or check incoming emails. Add in increasingly capable cameras and they’re some of the most versatile phones around. We’ve highlighted which one is worth your cash, and also pointed out the upcoming models that might be worth waiting for.
Perhaps you prefer a larger book-style foldable with a little more substance? Read about the best foldable phones here.
Why you can trust Stuff: Our team of experts rigorously test each product and provide honest, unbiased reviews to help you make informed decisions. For more details, read how we test and rate products.
Our top best flip phone picks for 2026 at a glance
Best flip phone overall
The Motorola Razr 70 Ultra (buy now) isn’t full-on clamshell perfection, but no other rival gets as close. A high launch price is a blow, as is the general lack of headline upgrades from the previous generation, but a capable camera and big battery give it the edge.
Best Samsung flip phone
The Samsung Galaxy Z Flip8 (buy now) improves on its predecessor by the thinnest of margins on the hardware front, which makes the high asking price harder to swallow. A much-improved software offering makes the outer screen almost as usable as Motorola’s flip phone though, while Samsung’s ecosystem is unrivalled within the flip phone space.
Best affordable flip phone
Going purely by new models launched in 2026, the Motorola Razr 70 (buy now) is the obvious pick. It’s very capable and costs mainstream money – but isn’t all that removed from the last-gen model, which is still doing the rounds for even less cash.
The best flip phones you can buy today:
Best flip phone overall
1. Motorola Razr 70 Ultra
Initial Stuff Verdict
It’s not the ground-up overhaul some may have wanted, but by sticking closely to the outgoing model Motorola has ensure the Razr 70 Ultra maintains its lead – especially on battery life
Pros
- Superb screen pair make the most of the phone when closed
- Outstanding battery life for a flip phone, and with rapid charging
- Very capable camera system
Cons
- Flagship chipset a little restricted by thermals
- Expensive at launch and not a huge year-on-year upgrade
| Specifications | Motorola Razr 70 Ultra |
|---|---|
| Cover display | 4in, 1272×1080 165Hz AMOLED |
| Main display | 7in 2992×1224 165Hz AMOLED |
| Cameras | 50MP, f/1.8 w/ PDAF, OIS + 50MP, f/2.0 ultrawide w/ PDAF rear, 50MP, f/2.0 front |
| Chipset | Qualcomm Snapdragon 8 Elite |
| Memory | 12/16GB RAM |
| Storage | 512GB |
| Battery | 5000mAh w/ 68W wired, 30W wireless charging |
| Dimensions | 172x74x7.2mm (unfolded), 88x74x15.7mm (folded), 199g |
It’s not just about the looks – though the mix of Pantone colours and Alcantara, leather or wood finishes make it feel more premium than any rival. The Motorola Razr 70 Ultra’s real magic lies in how usable it is while shut. The 4in outer display isn’t just for widgets – you can reply to emails, type messages and even run full apps comfortably without needing to flip it open. That alone gave it a huge edge over Samsung’s Z Flip line, although the latest iteration has closed that gap.
Open it up and you’re greeted by a gorgeous 7in OLED that’s brighter and sharper than any rival. The crease barely registers, colours are vivid, and the 165Hz maximum refresh rate makes scrolling silky. The cameras finally feel like more than an afterthought too. The 50MP main sensor uses LOFIC technology that massively increases dynamic range and helps keep performance consistent in low light. Shooting with the cover screen as a viewfinder is as brilliant as ever – especially for selfies.
Performance is flagship-strong thanks to the Snapdragon 8 Elite chipset and 16GB RAM, even if it does run hot during long gaming sessions and there’s basically no change from the outgoing Razr 60 Ultra. Battery life will blow you away. The 5000mAh cell is as big as it gets in the class right now, and 68W charging got us back up in just over an hour.
Why we chose it
It’s expensive, but with no real weak links, the Razr 70 Ultra is the closest any clamshell has come to perfection.
Best Samsung flip phone
2. Samsung Galaxy Flip8
Stuff Verdict
The smallest of annual updates barely moves the game on hardware-wise, but the Galaxy Flip8’s refined software makes its outer display a whole lot more usable
Pros
- Small and light shell meets huge cover screen
- Productivity feature additions are welcome
- Takes a very decent photo
Cons
- Exynos internals a little underwhelming for the price
- Hardly any upgrades of note over the older, cheaper model
| Specifications | Samsung Galaxy Z Flip8 |
|---|---|
| Cover display | 4.1in, 1048×948, 120Hz AMOLED |
| Main display | 6.9in, 2520×1080, 120Hz AMOLED |
| Cameras | 50MP + 12MP ultrawide rear, 10MP front |
| Chipset | Samsung Exynos 2600 |
| Memory | 12GB RAM |
| Storage | 256GB/512GB |
| Battery | 4300mAh |
| Dimensions | 75x86x13.7mm (folded), 75x167x6.1mm (unfolded), 180g |
If the Galaxy Z Flip 7 was easily the most refined Samsung flip phone I’d tested in 2025, it stands to reason its successor raises the bar even further – but you’d almost need a microscope to see by how much. It’s a near-total retread of what was, admittedly, a big overhaul for last year’s iteration.
A new Exynos 2600 chipset brings a slight speed boost, but battery capacity remains unchanged at a meagre 4300mAh. The dual rear cameras are essentially unchanged, so users can expect snaps more on par with non-folding midrangers than top-tier flagships.
That said, software improvements mean the 4.1in outer screen finally plays a real role, with the ability to use apps on it without having to jump through a bunch of hoops first. The 6.9in inner AMOLED remains classic Samsung: sharp, bright and buttery smooth.
Why we chose it
With a design that’s still eye-catching, respectable performance in every area and software that has more mainstream appeal, the Z Flip8 is Samsung’s most balanced flip phone yet – even if it’s not all that different from last year.
Best affordable flip phone
3. Motorola Razr 70
Stuff Verdict
Initial hands-on impressions show that this is a superbly capable flip phone for mainstream money.
Pros
- Many of the same features as the more expensive 60 Ultra
- Run any app on the external display
Cons
- Less powerful chip than the Razr 60 Ultra
- Wired charging tops out at 30W
| Specifications | Motorola Razr 70 |
|---|---|
| Cover display | 3.6in, 1056×1066 AMOLED |
| Main display | 6.9in 2640×1080 AMOLED 120Hz |
| Cameras | 50+50MP (rear), 32MP (front) |
| Chipset | MediaTek Dimensity 7450X |
| Memory | 8GB RAM |
| Storage | 128/256/512GB |
| Battery | 4800mAh |
| Dimensions | 88x74x15.9mm (folded) 171x74x7.3mm (unfolded), 188g |
Motorola’s two-tier approach to flip phones has been working well for a few generations now, bringing the cost of entry down significantly. That’s still the case for the Razr 70, which has seen just the right amount of upgrades to keep it competitive while also keeping the price at a sensible level.
Battery life has grown for the second time in as many years, so you’re now getting 4800mAh – easily good enough for a day of heavy use. Inside, a more potent MediaTek chipsets gives the 70 a small but welcome performance leg up over the outgoing Razr 60. The 50MP main snapper has now been joined by a matching 50MP ultrawide, a big gain over the old phone’s 13MP unit.
While Samsung’s latest Flip isn’t as restrictive on what can be done on its outer display, the Razr 70’s 3.6in panel still has the edge for everyday usability. The 6.9in inner screen remains a stunner too.
Why we chose it
It’s most of what makes the Razr 70 Ultra our top flip phone choice, dialled back just enough to reach a more appealing price.
Best cheap Samsung flip phone
4. Samsung Galaxy Z Flip 7 FE
Stuff Verdict
The first Fan Edition foldable doesn’t make much sense when it sticks so closely to the old Z Flip 6, which can still easily be found for less cash. The Galaxy Z Flip 7 FE might have wider appeal once
Pros
- Front camera duo are capable in most situations
- Streamlined, sturdy build
- Arrives with the latest Android version, and has great long-term support
Cons
- Not as good as the Flip 6, which is still on sale – and for less cash
- Sub-par battery life and charging speeds
- Outer screen is second-best for functionality
| Specifications | Samsung Galaxy Z Flip 7 FE |
|---|---|
| Cover display | 3.4in, 748×720 AMOLED |
| Main display | 6.7in, 2640×1080 AMOLED w/ 120Hz |
| Cameras | 50+12MP (rear), 10MP (front) |
| Chipset | Samsung Exynos 2400 |
| Memory | 8GB RAM |
| Storage | 128/256GB |
| Battery | 4000mAh |
| Dimensions | 165x72x6.9mm (unfolded) 85x72x14.9mm (folded) 187g |
The Z Flip 7 FE is the first Samsung foldable to carry the Fan Edition name. It’s essentially a cut-back version of the now-retired Galaxy Z Flip 6, with very similar hardware but a more up-to-date version of One UI and an extra year of software support. That means respectable performance from an in-house Exynos processor, a battery that should usually make it to the end of the day, and a pair of external cameras that’ll take clean enough photos for social media sharing.
While you can make better use of the external screen than Samsung usually allows with a bit of tweaking, via its Good Lock app, for the most part it handles notifications and basic widgets. Still, if you want a flip phone running Samsung’s software and don’t want to spend a fortune, finding one of these at a sensible price could be your best bet.
Why we chose it
Unless you buy a previous generation or second-hand handset, this is your most affordable route into Samsung flip phone ownership. It’s not a hardware hero but nails the basics, plus it has most of the apps and features Samsung phone owners have come to expect.
Flip phone specs compared
| Specifications | Motorola Razr 70 Ultra | Samsung Galaxy Z Flip8 | Motorola Razr 70 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Cover display | 4in AMOLED | 4.1in AMOLED | 3.6in AMOLED |
| Main display | 7in AMOLED | 6.9in AMOLED | 6.9in AMOLED |
| Cameras | 50MP + 50MP ultrawide rear, 50MP front | 50MP + 12MP ultrawide rear, 10MP front | 50 + 50MP ultrawide (rear), 32MP (front) |
| Chipset | Qualcomm Snapdragon 8 Elite | Samsung Exynos 2600 | MediaTek Dimensity 7450X |
| Memory | 16GB RAM | 12GB RAM | 8GB RAM |
| Storage | 512GB | 256/512GB | 128/256/512GB |
| Battery | 5000mAh | 4300mAh | 4800mAh |
| Dimensions | 172x74x7.2mm (unfolded), 88x74x15.7mm (folded), 199g | 75x86x13.7mm (folded), 75x167x6.5mm (unfolded), 188g | 88x74x15.9mm (folded) 171x74x7.3mm (unfolded), 188g |
Frequently asked questions
Stuff’s top flip phone pick in 2026 is the Motorola Razr 70 Ultra. Its blend of performance, battery life and camera capabilities remain unmatched, although pricing has definitely jumped compared to last year. A Razr 60 Ultra remains a compelling alternative if you can find one at the right price.
Flip phones bring something refreshing to the smartphone world. They’re novel and fun. You get a big screen that folds neatly in half, making it pocket-friendly without losing that premium smartphone feel. The folding design also doubles as a built-in stand for hands-free video calls or taking selfies. Beyond the novelty, there’s practicality: smaller size, added protection when closed, and often some genuinely fun features like cover screen widgets or camera shortcuts.
Early clamshell phones honestly weren’t great: flexible AMOLED screens were still emerging tech and didn’t like being folded. Things have improved dramatically in just a few years, so now they can cope with being opened and closed hundreds of thousands of times. New hinge mechanisms with better seals mean modern flip phones usually have an IP rating of IP48 or above, meaning they can survive a short drop into water.
Yes, over time, but not in a deal-breaking way. Today’s flip phones are far tougher than the early models. Brands like Samsung, Motorola, and Oppo have refined their hinge systems to survive hundreds of thousands of folds (roughly equivalent to years of daily use). You might notice a faint crease on the screen, but it’s usually only visible at certain angles or lighting. The key is to treat it like any high-end gadget, so avoid grit near the hinge and use a case. It’s durable, but obviously not indestructible.
It’s hard to say. What started as a niche trend evolved into a proper category with annual updates from major brands. Durability is improving and the designs are more refined each year – but new interest in wide-style foldable phones and stagnation from the firms that previous championed a flip style form factor (namely Samsung and Motorola) could mean we’re not in line for too many more generations.
How to choose the best flip phone
Start with the screen – it’s the main event. Go for a sharp AMOLED display with a fast refresh rate for smooth scrolling and bold colours. Durability matters too. Foldable screens use delicate materials such as ultra-thin glass, so it’s worth checking reviews and real-world tests to see which models can handle daily folding without fuss.
The hinge is another make-or-break part. A solid hinge should fold smoothly, stay firm when open, and keep dust out. Brands that talk about tested lifespans or have strong user feedback tend to be safer bets for long-term reliability.
Don’t overlook the outer display either. A larger cover screen lets you read messages, take selfies or change tracks without opening the phone. If you like quick access on the go, this can make a big difference to how practical the phone feels day-to-day.
Battery life can be tricky with flip phones, as there’s less space for big cells. Look for phones that use power efficiently and support fast charging. Also, make sure the software makes use of the folding design — multitasking should feel natural, not like a gimmick.
Upcoming flip phones
Want to wait and see what the next generation of flip phones bring to the table? These clamshells should all arrive to take on the established class leaders… eventually.
- Motorola officially launched the Razr 70, Razr 70 Plus and Razr 70 Ultra in April 2026, though which models are available depends on where in the world you live. Only the Razr 70 and Razr 70 Ultra went to the UK, for example. The former is a somewhat safe mid-range update to the Razr 60, while the latter brings a bigger battery, new Pantone-approved colours and a LOFIC lead camera sensor that promises wider dynamic range than the previous effort. A new generation isn’t predicted until 2027.
- The Galaxy Z Flip 8 arrived in July, but almost as a footnote to the passport-style Galaxy Z Fold8, which brought modern, wide foldables to a Western audience for the first time. The Flip8 by comparison is a by-the-numbers update, with a new chipset being the biggest change. At least the software side saw more improvement, making it easier to use the outer display for third-party apps. A Z Flip 8 FE will likely follow in the coming months, with cut-down internals and a cheaper price.
How we test smartphones
We’ve tested every phone on this list ourselves, so you can trust our picks. We treat each handset like a daily driver – not a staged demo – and that makes a big difference to the recommendations we give.
Typically, we spend a week or more with each phone, using it for calls, streaming, navigation, photos, messaging and gaming. That hands-on time lets us spot real-world strengths and quirks that a quick bench test would miss. We stress-test performance by multitasking and running demanding games like Genshin Impact or Call of Duty: Mobile, check battery life across different usage patterns, and time how long each device actually takes to charge from 0 to 100%.
Displays get judged for brightness, colour accuracy and outdoor readability, but also for how they handle different media. We watch HDR shows on Netflix, scroll through Instagram’s bright feeds, stream YouTube videos in varying resolutions and browse photos to see how punchy – or natural – colours look. We also note how smooth adaptive refresh rates feel when scrolling or gaming, and whether viewing angles hold up under harsh light.
Camera testing includes daylight, low-light and video scenarios – everything from shooting portraits in busy city streets to night scenes and 4K stabilised clips – to see how lenses, autofocus and image processing behave. We also pay attention to build quality (does it scratch easily?), speaker performance when playing music or YouTube, and any software oddities, like app crashes or slow animations. We look at how clean the interface feels, whether there’s bloatware, and how strong the manufacturer’s update promise really is.
When it comes to testing flip phones specifically, each flip is scrutinised for smoothness and resistance to wear over repeated use, as well as how creased the display is.
Our reviews cover the essentials separately – battery, screen, camera, performance and everyday usability – so you get a clear picture of what owning the phone will be like, not just what its spec sheet says. The goal is simple: help you buy a phone that actually fits your life.
For more information on Stuff’s rating and review process, read our page on how we test products.
Recent updates
- 30 September 2026: Samsung Galaxy Z Flip7 FE added
- 7 September 2026: Motorola Razr 70, Samsung Galaxy Z Flip8, Motorola Razr 70 added
- 22nd May 2026: Motorola Razr 70, Razr 70 Ultra details confirmed in upcoming phones section
- 12th March 2026: added specs comparison table
- 6th February 2026: added “what other flip phones are available?” section, updated upcoming phones section
- 23rd January 2026: Fixed the numbering and updated the headline
- 12th December 2025: Removed Xiaomi Mix Flip, added Motorola Razr 60, added upcoming flip phones section
- 27th October 2025: Added frequently asked questions section
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