Foldable phones

Foldable phones come in two main types: book-style models that open into a small tablet, and flip phones that fold down to a pocket-sized square. The range suits buyers who want a larger screen without carrying a tablet, or a smaller phone when closed. Brands include Samsung, Motorola, Honor and Google.

How to choose a foldable phone

Fold or flip. Book-style foldables open to a tablet-sized inner display, which is useful for reading, multitasking and working with documents. Flip and clamshell models keep a normal phone-sized screen when open and simply shrink when closed. Decide which problem you are solving: more screen or less bulk.

Inner display size. In our range the larger book-style models have inner screens of around 7.6 to 8 inches, with 8 inches the most frequent size in the specification data. Flip models have taller, narrower displays of roughly 6.5 to 6.9 inches. Check the resolution as well, since larger inner screens are not always sharper than smaller ones.

Durability and hinge. The hinge and the folding screen are the parts that wear, so look at the stated water and dust resistance rating. Many foldables resist water splashes but offer weaker dust protection than a standard slab phone. A case and a screen protector designed for foldables help, and you should never press on the inner display with sharp objects.

Memory and storage. Models in our range list 8, 12 or 16 GB of RAM, and 12 GB is the most common figure in the specification data. Storage runs from 128 GB to 1 TB, with 256 GB and 512 GB the usual choices. Foldables are often used for multitasking and video, so 256 GB is a sensible starting point unless you keep many large files.

Battery and processor. Battery capacities in the range run from about 4000 mAh to 6000 mAh. Flip phones tend to sit at the lower end because the body is smaller. Most listed models use Snapdragon processors, with some Samsung Exynos and MediaTek Dimensity options.

Foldable phone brands we carry

• Samsung: the largest group in our range, covering the Galaxy Z Fold book-style and Galaxy Z Flip clamshell lines.
• Samsung Renewed: Samsung foldables that have been previously used and refurbished, which suits buyers who want a foldable and are open to a renewed unit.
• Motorola: known for the Razr series of flip phones, which fold into a small square and add an external screen on the cover.
• Honor: makes the Magic V book-style foldables, which are known for their slim bodies when closed.
• Google: offers Pixel foldables with a book-style design and the latest Android features arriving first.
• Huawei: has produced both book-style Mate X and flip-style Pocket foldables.

Also in our range: Bea-fon.

Foldable phones: frequently asked questions

Are foldable phones worth buying?

A foldable is worth it if you value a larger screen or a smaller closed phone enough to accept a more delicate design. Book-style models replace a phone and a small tablet for many tasks. If you want the simplest and most durable option, a standard smartphone remains the safer choice.

What is the difference between a flip and a fold phone?

A fold phone opens sideways like a book to reveal a tablet-sized display, while a flip phone folds vertically like a compact mirror. Flip phones keep a normal phone screen size when open and shrink when closed. Fold phones give you much more screen area, but they are thicker and heavier.

How much storage does a foldable phone need?

Most buyers do well with 256 GB, and 512 GB makes sense if you shoot a lot of video or install many large apps. Our range includes models from 128 GB up to 1 TB. The larger inner display encourages more media and app use, so avoid the smallest capacity if you plan to keep the phone for several years.

Do foldable phones have creases on the screen?

Yes, most foldable phones show a faint crease where the display bends, though it is usually more noticeable at an angle than head-on. The depth differs between models and hinge designs. It does not affect touch response in normal use.