This category covers foldable smartphones: book-style models that open into a tablet-sized screen, and flip phones that fold down small enough for a pocket. They suit people who want a big screen for work and video, or a very small phone for everyday use. Our range includes models from Samsung, Motorola, Honor and Google.
How to choose a foldable phone
Form factor. Book-style models open into an inner screen of roughly 7.6 to 8 inches, which makes it easy to run several apps side by side and read documents. Flip phones take up very little space when closed and, once opened, behave like a normal phone with a screen of about 6.7 or 6.9 inches. Our range includes both types.
Screens. Look at the outer screen as well as the inner one: on a flip phone it decides how much you can do without opening it, such as reading a message or taking a photo. Tall, narrow screens typically have around 2520 x 1080 pixels, while the almost square inner screens of book-style models include resolutions such as 1848 x 2448 pixels.
Memory. Most models in our range have 12 GB of RAM, with 16 GB and 8 GB versions also available. Storage is usually 256 or 512 GB, and some models reach 1 TB. If you film a lot, choose at least 512 GB, because foldable phones generally have no memory card slot.
Processor and battery. Most models use a Snapdragon processor, some use Samsung Exynos and a few use MediaTek Dimensity. Battery capacity runs from roughly 4000 to 6660 mAh. A thinner body leaves room for a smaller battery, and a large inner screen uses more power, so a book-style phone may need charging more often than its capacity suggests.
Durability. Many foldable phones are water resistant, but not all are protected against dust, so check the IP rating of the specific model. Leave the factory film on the folding screen and keep the phone away from keys and sand.
Brands we carry
- Samsung: the Galaxy Z Fold and Galaxy Z Flip series make up most of our range, and the company was one of the first to bring foldable phones to the mass market.
- Samsung Renewed: refurbished Samsung devices, so read the description of the specific model before buying.
- Motorola: razr flip phones that revive the classic clamshell shape.
- Honor: Magic V book-style phones, known for their thin bodies.
- Google: Pixel foldables running Google's own version of Android, with a camera that relies heavily on software image processing.
- Bea-fon: clamshell phones with large buttons, made for older users.
Also in our range: Xiaomi, Nubia and Lenovo.
Foldable phones: frequently asked questions
What is the difference between a flip and a fold phone?
A flip phone folds in half into a small square and looks like a normal phone when opened. A fold phone opens like a book into a tablet-sized screen. The first suits everyday use and pockets, the second suits work and video.
Are foldable phones durable?
Modern foldable phones are built for many thousands of folds, but the folding screen is more sensitive than the glass on a standard phone. Keep it away from sharp objects and sand, and do not peel off the factory film. Check the IP rating of the specific model for water and dust protection.
How much storage should I choose for a foldable phone?
256 GB is enough for most users, while 512 GB makes sense if you film a lot or keep many videos. Our range also includes 1 TB models. Because there is usually no memory card slot, it is best to choose the capacity in advance.
Can a book-style foldable replace a tablet?
Partly. A 7.6 or 8 inch screen works well for documents, video and running several apps at once. A tablet is still more comfortable for long sessions thanks to its larger display, but a book-style foldable gives you both devices in one.
