top foldable phone in 2026 reviewed and rated
Smartphones that transform into sizeable tablets used to be pure sci-fi… but now bendable screens are our tech reality. Besides the obvious wow factor, these book-style foldables offer innovative flexibility that could change the way you use your mobile – while also packing in hardware to rival the best phones with more traditional form factors.
Think folding phones are just a hinged gimmick? Think again. The best foldable phones are about as versatile as handsets get, even if they almost exclusively come at prices that make regular flagships look cheap. We’ve tested them all to work out which is best, and highlighted the upcoming foldable models to look out for.
Maybe you’d prefer a more compact clamshell foldable? Read all about the best flip 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.
Quick list: what is the best foldable phone?
Best foldable phone overall
The Samsung Galaxy Z Fold8 (buy now) brought the wide-style foldable form factor to Western audiences in spectacular fashion. What it lacks in flagship-level specs it makes up for with fantastic usability and multimedia-friendly aspect ratios.
Best traditional foldable phone
The Samsung Galaxy Z Fold8 Ultra (buy now) is a relatively minor year-on-year update for what was already the best book-style foldable for most people. Rivals have it beat for battery and cameras, and the price hike is disappointing, but slick software and unbeatable worldwide availability make up for it.
Best foldable phone for battery
The Honor Magic V6 (buy now) is super-thin, yet thanks to silicon-carbon battery tech, still finds room inside for a massive 6660mAh cell. It delivers epic endurance, and it’s not like Honor had to skimp on performance to achieve it.
Best foldable phone for photography
The Google Pixel 10 Pro Fold (buy now) isn’t a generational turnaround like its predecessor, but brings some world-firsts like Qi2 magnetic wireless charging and IP68 resistance. A 5x telephoto and fantastic picture processing help retain Google’s camera crown.
Best foldable for productivity
The Motorola Razr Fold (buy now) is an impressive first book-style foldable with straightforward software and a smart stylus that’s great for sketching, scribbling and noting down ideas.
The best foldable phones you can buy today:
Best foldable phone overall
1. Samsung Galaxy Z Fold8
Stuff Verdict
The first of a new breed of book-style foldable excels at entertainment. You’ll pay an awful lot for it, though, and not every app plays nicely with the compact outer screen
Pros
- Pocket-friendly while closed, ideal for content consumption when open
- Flagship-tier performance and day-long battery life
- Decent (though far from class-leading) photography
Cons
- More expensive than taller foldable rivals with superior specs
- Small outer screen takes some getting used to after years of larger phones
- Few third-party apps are ready for the unusual aspect ratios
| Specifications | Samsung Galaxy Z Fold8 |
|---|---|
| Screen | 5.5in, 1972×1248, 120Hz AMOLED (outer) / 7.6in, 2448×1828, 120Hz AMOLED (inner) |
| Chipset | Qualcomm Snapdragon 8 Elite Gen 5 for Galaxy |
| Memory | 12GB RAM |
| Cameras | 50MP + 50MP ultrawide rear. 10MP front. 10MP inner |
| Storage | 256GB/512GB/1TB on-board |
| Operating system | Android 17 w/ OneUI 9 |
| Battery | 4800mAh w/ 45W wired, 20W wireless charging |
| Dimensions | 82x124x9.7mm (folded) / 161x124x4.5mm (unfolded), 201g |
A new wider form factor was exactly the shakeup book-style foldables needed. The Galaxy Z Fold8 brought a palm- and pocket-friendly shape that gives apps room to breathe on the outer display and an internal screen that’s unbeatable for content consumption.
Why we chose it
Samsung didn’t pull out all the stops for the Z Fold8, meaning there are better options out there if you value battery life, charging speed, photography or stylus-based inputs. But in all other respects, this is the new standard for book-style foldables. The new form factor is wonderfully compact yet apps still feel spacious on the outer screen, with just a little more vertical scrolling required. Open it up and the inner display has a tablet-like 4:3 aspect ratio that’s great for video playback in landscape and near perfect for web browsing or reading in portrait.
Performance is punchy thanks to a bespoke-tuned Snapdragon 8 Elite Gen 5 for Galaxy chipset and OneUI remains a thorough yet user-friendly take on Android, with a bulging selection of AI-assisted apps. You only get two cameras here, meaning zoom is limited – something photography fans coming from a slab-style handset might miss – but Samsung’s image processing ensures the main and ultrawide delivery clean, detailed snaps.
This wasn’t the first wide-style foldable – Huawei’s China-only Pura X Max got there most recently – and it won’t be the last. Apple will almost certainly reveal a similarly shaped rival in September. But in the Android world, Samsung’s worldwide presence is hard to beat. While alternatives I tested earlier in 2026 got higher star ratings, I still think this is now the best choice for both anyone new to foldables and those that have already grown to love them.
- Read more: Samsung Galaxy Z Fold8 review
Best traditional foldable phone
1. Samsung Galaxy Z Fold8 Ultra
Stuff Verdict
A modest upgrade that doesn’t quite do enough to earn the ‘Ultra’ title. The Galaxy Z Fold8 Ultra is a capable book-style foldable, but one that lacks the excitement of its wider sibling
Pros
- Top tier performance and welcome boost to battery life
- Capable rear camera trio
- Tougher build hides the inner screen’s crease very well
Cons
- Doesn’t dramatically move things on from last year
- Undeniably high price
- Cheaper, wider Galaxy Z Fold8 is more user-friendly
| Specifications | Samsung Galaxy Z Fold8 Ultra |
|---|---|
| Screens | 6.5in, 2520×1080, 120Hz AMOLED (outer) / 8.0in, 2504×2256, 120Hz AMOLED (inner) |
| CPU | Qualcomm Snapdragon 8 Elite Gen 5 for Galaxy |
| Memory | 12GB/16GB |
| Cameras | 200MP + 10MP telephoto (3x) + 50MP ultrawide rear. 10MP inner. 10MP outer |
| Storage | 256GB/512GB/1TB on-board |
| Operating system | Android 17 w/ OneUI |
| Battery | 5000mAh w/ 45W wired, 20W wireless charging |
| Dimensions | 158x73x8.9mm (folded) / 158x143x4.1mm (unfolded), 215g |
The sequel to what was comfortably 2025’s best all-round foldable phone gets a new name and some small but welcome hardware improvements. A higher price sours things a little, but a trio of capable cameras and a bigger battery help the Galaxy Z Fold8 Ultra maintain Samsung’s position at the top of the class.
Why we chose it
A sleek design, gorgeous AMOLED screens and a palm-friendly shape make the Z Fold8 Ultra quite the looker. It’s powerful underneath, too, with the latest Snapdragon 8 Elite Gen 5 for Galaxy chipset. Battery capacity has grown to 5000mAh, all but guaranteeing you’ll get through the day on a single charge, and the uprated ultrawide camera can really cram in landscapes and city scenes with little effort.
Not everyone will gel with the narrow outer display, and it lacks the wow factor of the wider Z Fold8, but anyone already familiar with Samsung’s foldables will feel right at home. The 200MP camera is very capable indeed, and charging speeds have usefully improved too. It’s ultimately Samsung’s strong app ecosystem and greater worldwide availability that earn it a higher recommendation than rivals, even if they have better hardware in a few areas.
- Read more: Samsung Galaxy Z Fold8 Ultra review
Best foldable phone for battery
2. Honor Magic V6
Stuff Verdict
Builds on an already fab foldable with even better battery life and a welcome durability boost. The Honor Magic V6 has its software quirks but sets the bar in several key areas
Pros
- Slim yet tough design with class-leading resistance ratings
- Outstanding battery life and rapid charging speeds
- Slim yet tough design with class-leading resistance ratings
Cons
- Inner screen crease not as seamless as Oppo’s
- MagicOS has some rough edges, particularly with multitasking
| Specifications | Honor Magic V6 |
|---|---|
| Screen | 7.95in, 2352×2172, 120Hz OLED (inner) / 6.52in, 2420×1080, 120Hz OLED (outer) |
| CPU | Qualcomm Snapdragon 8 Elite Gen 5 |
| Memory | 12/16GB |
| Cameras | 50MP + 64MP telephoto (3x) + 50MP ultrawide rear, 20MP front, 20MP inner |
| Storage | 256GB/512GB/1TB |
| Operating system | Android 16 w/ MagicOS 10 |
| Battery | 6660mAh w/ 80W wired, 66W wireless charging |
| Dimensions | 157x146x4.0mm (unolded) / 157x75x8.8mm (folded), 219g (white) |
Honor continues to raise the bar for slimness with each new foldable generation. The Magic V6 is a mere 4mm thick while opened, yet somehow finds room inside for a colossal 6660mAh battery that gives it incredible staying power. Capable cameras, solid performance and a pair of ultra-bright screens also impress.
Why we chose it
Feeling like a non-folding flagship when in your pocket, the Magic V6 unfurls to show off a gorgeous 7.95in inner screen that’s ideal for both multimedia and productivity. This year’s model stands out with distinct colour and material choices, and although the camera hardware hasn’t changed all that much Honor continues to refine its image processing algorithms.
The firm still has some work to do on making its software as slick as the competition, but the V6 has a commanding lead on battery life thanks to silicon-carbon chemistry dramatically boosting capacity. Prices have climbed compared to the outgoing model, though, so it’s worth keeping an eye out for Honor’s regular, generous discounts if you want to go as long as possible between trips to the plug socket.
- Read more: Honor Magic V6 review
Best foldable phone for photography
3. Google Pixel 10 Pro Fold
Stuff Verdict
Doesn’t set pulses racing in the way other new foldables have, but the Pixel 10 Pro Fold still brings some world-first features. Streamlined software and capable cameras are the other big highlights.
Pros
- Excellent point-and-shoot camera trio with useful software assists
- First foldable with IP68 protection and Qi2 magnetic wireless charging
- Google’s usual refined take on Android
Cons
- Thicker and heavier than the class best
- Camera gains are marginal from last year
- Not the last word on performance or battery life
| Specifications | Google Pixel 10 Pro Fold |
|---|---|
| Screen | 6.4in, 2364×1080 OLED w/ 120Hz (outer), 8.0in, 2152×2076 OLED w/ 120Hz (inner) |
| CPU | Google Tensor G5 |
| Memory | 16GB |
| Cameras | 48MP + 10.8MP telephoto + 10.8MP ultrawide rear. 10MP front. 10MP inner |
| Storage | 256GB/512GB/1TB |
| Operating system | Android 16 |
| Battery | 5015mAh |
| Dimensions | 155x150x5.2mm (unfolded) / 155x76x10.8mm (folded) |
| Weight | 258g |
It doesn’t look all that different from the previous generation, which was surprising when rivals had suddenly embraced slimness, but the Pixel 10 Pro Fold adds features you won’t find on any other foldable and has the might of Google’s image processing algorithms to make it a fantastic choice for photography.
Why we chose it
While bigger and heavier than Honor, Samsung and Motorola’s efforts, the Pixel 10 Pro makes up for it with a robust IP68 resistance rating and the addition of Qi2 magnetic wireless charging – something no rival is offering right now. A new generation of Tensor silicon, with boosts to Gemini AI processing and better power efficiency, is the hardware highlight, while battery capacity has grown enough to keep it competitive.
The rear camera arrangement hasn’t really changed, so the gap to the competition is narrower than ever, but improved picture processing (and some clever AI-based composition tips) keep it at the top of the foldable pile. The majority of phone buyers will love the pleasing pics it produces.
- Read more: Google Pixel 10 Pro Fold review
Best foldable phone for productivity
3. Motorola Razr Fold Fold
Stuff Verdict
An impressively well-rounded first try foldable phone. The Motorola Razr Fold lasts ages and has two punchy displays, but it’s not a performance champ and its cameras can’t quite match the class best
Pros
- Sharp, vibrant screens with stylus support
- Long-lasting battery and fast charging
- Clean, multitasking-friendly OS with long software support
Cons
- Expensive, even among book-style foldables
- Step-down chipset and camera trio that can’t match class leaders
- Screen crease more noticeable than rivals’
| Specifications | Motorola Razr Fold |
|---|---|
| Screen | 6.6in, 2520×1080, 165Hz OLED (outer) + 8.1in, 2484×2232, 120Hz OLED (inner) |
| CPU | Qualcomm Snapdragon 8 Gen 5 |
| Memory | 12/16GB RAM |
| Cameras | 50MP + 50MP telephoto (3x) + 50MP ultrawide rear, 20MP cover, 32MP inner |
| Storage | 256GB/512GB/1TB |
| Operating system | Android 16 w/ Hello UI |
| Battery | 6000mAh w/ 80W wired, 50W wireless charging |
| Dimensions | 160x145x4.7mm (unfolded) / 160x74x10.1mm (folded), 243g |
After multiple generations of flip-style foldables, Motorola has finally taken a stab at a book-style device. The Razr Fold does a lot right, including a big battery, stylus support and superb software. The fact it’s one of only three foldables on sale in the US also helps it make a great first impression.
Why we chose it
Ever since Samsung ditched stylus support on ints foldables, we’ve been waiting for a rival to fill the gap. Honor and Oppo technically support pen input but it was Motorola that bundled one in with the phone. It’s great for taking written notes, sketching or acting as a remote shutter for the three rather capable rear cameras.
Moto has gone for a step-down chipset, putting it behind the class leaders for raw performance. That does help with power consumption, though, letting the 6000mAh cell get surprisingly close to the higher capacity Honor Magic V6. Fast wired and wireless charging are also nice to have.
Finally Motorola’s take on Android is among the best outside of Google’s for simplicity and straightforward navigation. Moto AI shortcuts do muddy the water a bit, but there’s no denying its multitasking skills are top tier.
- Read more: Motorola Razr Fold review
What other folding phones are available?
Western audiences don’t have a huge selection of foldable phones to choose from, but it’s a different story in Asia. These are the most recent ones worth talking about:
Huawei has the most foldable variety of any brand, Chinese or otherwise. There’s the Mate X6, an ultra-slim foldable with a trio of rear camera lenses, including a periscope telephoto – still a rarity in this category. It’s well-made and has stunning screens. The Pura X Max toes the line between flip and foldable form factors, with much larger screens than a typical clamshell. There’s also the Mate XT, a first of its kind three-fold phone that’s jaw-droppingly cool – but super expensive. And while the firm is banned from using Western hardware or software, there’s little incentive to release it outside of China.
The Vivo X Fold5 launched in China in July 2025, with a typically giant battery and three high pixel count rear cameras. There’s no Pro variant this year, and the differences between generations are pretty minor.
Xiaomi might have a big presence in Europe, but the Mix Fold 4 remains China-only for now. It’s super-slim, lasts an impressively long time per charge, and takes wonderful photos. The region-specific software could be a headache for anyone wanting to import one, though.
Finally the Tecno Phantom V Fold2 is the most affordable book-style foldable around. MediaTek power and a set of rear cameras that are merely decent show how the firm managed to keep costs in check, as does the slightly thicker build. But it does well to keep its screen crease subtle, and you can’t argue with the price.
Upcoming foldable phones
Want to wait and see what the next generation of foldable phones bring to the table? These models should all arrive to take on the established class leaders… eventually.
At the time of writing Google was mere weeks away from revealing its Pixel 11 series, which will almost certainly include the Pixel 11 Pro Fold. It’s widely expected to get the latest Tensor chipset and a few small hardware tweaks but largely stick to the shape and size established by the current Pixel 10 Pro Fold. Until Apple says otherwise, it will probably be the only foldable this generation with Qi2 magnetic wireless charging.
Apple is also widely believed to be working on its first foldable. Some considered the iPhone Air a test bed for the sort of slim dimensions needed to compete with the ultra-skinny Android offerings. It will almost certainly use a wide form factor – which could explain why Samsung wants to get in there first before Apple can pull back the curtain in September 2026.
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.
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
4th August 2026: Samsung Galaxy Z Fold8, Galaxy Z Fold8 ultra added. Google Pixel 11 Pro Fold added to upcoming phones list.
6th February 2026: Motorola Razr Fold, Honor Magic V6, Oppo Find N6 added
12th December 2025: Samsung Galaxy TriFold added to upcoming phones list
15th October 2025: Google Pixel 10 Pro Fold, Honor Magic V5 added, China-specific phones list refreshed with latest models
