Best foldable phones 2024: Top folding and flip models

Once the stuff of science-fiction, the best foldable phones give you all the useful features of a giant screen, in a device that folds down into a handy, more pocket-friendly size.

Because they’re more complex than regular phones, and because you’re essentially getting two devices in one, foldables tend to cost considerably more than your average mobile. Samsung ’s best folding phone, the Galaxy Z fold 6 , starts at £1,799, for example. As the tech becomes cheaper to manufacture, however, we’re beginning to see some excellent foldable phones for less than £1,000, such as the Motorola razr 50 ultra .

There are different styles to choose between, too. Clamshell-style foldable phones are closer to the size of regular phones when fully unfolded, but fold down to half the size, so they can be slipped easily into a bag or pocket. Book-style folding phones are bigger, with an outer display that works like a normal phone until you want to use the big screen, at which point you can unfold it to the size of a small tablet .

All share some drawbacks, however. Because the screen physically bends around a hinge, there’s an unavoidable crease – which can be seen under bright lights, and felt beneath your fingertip when scrolling – across the display. Plus, as flexible displays use a combination of ultra-thin glass and plastic coating, they’re a lot more prone to being scratched.

Whichever style of foldable phone draws your attention, you’ve more choice than ever in 2024. Samsung’s series of fold and flip phones still lead the way, but the new Google Pixel fold is an enticing proposition for fans of the search giant’s ecosystem of apps.

If you’re looking for a phone that stands out from the crowd of boring black rectangles, keep reading to discover the best folding phones of 2024.

How we tested

We tested each foldable phone for a number of weeks. Swapping them out for our regular devices, we used them for activities such as everyday web browsing and social media as well as more productivity-focused tasks.

We paid particular attention to each phone’s moving parts, to gauge how likely they were to collect dirt and dust around the hinge and under the folding screen, but, as these phones are still so new, determining the longevity of these devices will take more long-term testing.

The best foldable phones for 2024 are:

• Best overall – Pixel 9 pro fold: £1,749, Google.com
• Best flip phone – Galaxy Z flip 6: £949, Amazon.co.uk
• Best for performance – Galaxy Z fold 6: £1,799, Amazon.co.uk
• Best Motorola flip phone – Motorola razr 50 ultra: £899, Amazon.co.uk

Pixel 9 pro fold

• Pixel 9 pro fold with unlimited data: £59.99 a month, £239 up front, Mobiles.co.uk

Samsung Galaxy Z flip 6

• Galaxy Z flip 6 with unlimited data: £40 a month, nothing up front, Fonehouse.co.uk

Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 6

• Galaxy Z fold 6 with 300GB data: £59 a month, £49 up front, Fonehouse.co.uk

Motorola razr 50 ultra

• Motorola razr 50 ultra with 500GB data: £29.99 a month, £99 up front, Carphonewarehouse.com

The verdict: Foldable phones