If you're thinking about getting a foldable this year, this guide will help you compare the best options across price, design, performance, durability, and everyday usability. We’ll break down the best foldable phones, explore foldable vs. normal phones, and highlight which model fits different lifestyles in 2026.
*Product pricing and availability are subject to change. Visit our website for the latest offers on phones, devices, and accessories.
*This comparison guide was created by T-Mobile to help you explore smartphones in our store. The opinions expressed here reflect our editorial perspective based on publicly available features, specifications, and articles.
Our picks for 5 best foldable phones of 2026: Spec information
| Model | Form Factor | Best For | Display Size | Durability | Starting Price |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Samsung Galaxy Z Fold7 | Book-style | Power users, multitasking | 8" inner / 6.5" outer | IP48, Armor Flex Hinge | Premium |
| motorola razr ultra | Flip | Design, cover screen utility | 7" inner / 4" outer | IP48, titanium hinge | Mid |
| Samsung Galaxy Z Flip7 | Flip | Compact size, Samsung ecosystem | 6.9" inner / 4.1" outer | IP48, Armor Flex Hinge | Mid |
| Google Pixel 10 Pro Fold | Book-style | Durability, clean software | 8" inner / 6.4" outer | IP68, gearless hinge | Premium |
| motorola razr | Flip | Best value | 6.9" inner / 3.6" outer | IP48, titanium hinge | Affordable |
Best overall foldable phone: Samsung Galaxy Z Fold7
The Samsung Galaxy Z Fold7 continues to lead the pack as the most capable all-around foldable phone in 2026. Its book-style design unfolds into a nearly tablet-sized display, making it ideal for productivity, entertainment, and multitasking.
Samsung Galaxy Z Fold7 top features
Samsung has refined the Fold line year after year, and the Fold 7 delivers noticeable improvements in speed, durability, and software polish. Its 8-inch inner display is smooth for gaming and seamless for multitasking, while the 6.5-inch outer display makes it feel like a regular phone when closed.
What truly sets the Fold7 apart this year is how remarkably slim it is - both when folded and unfolded. Samsung’s latest engineering advances have significantly reduced thickness without compromising durability or performance, making the Fold7 easier to carry, more comfortable to hold, and closer than ever to the feel of a traditional smartphone in everyday use.
The hinge is stronger and slimmer, with improved resistance to dust and moisture. Samsung's multitasking tools – like side-by-side app pairing, pop-up windows, and taskbar-like navigation – make the Fold7 an excellent choice for people who want to combine phone and tablet functionality.
Who is the Samsung Galaxy Z Fold7 best for?
- Heavy multitaskers who want to run multiple apps at once
- Productivity-focused users who treat their phone like a mini tablet
- People who want the most powerful, fully featured foldable you can buy
- Anyone who blends work, creativity, and entertainment on the go
Best flip foldable phone: motorola razr ultra
Flip phones have surged in popularity thanks to their compact size and stylish designs, and the motorola razr ultra - 2025 stands out as the most versatile flip foldable of the year..
motorola razr ultra top features
The motorola razr ultra offers a 4-inch external display that lets you access your apps, reply to messages, check navigation, control music, and even type comfortably without ever having to open the phone. But once you do, there’s a stunning 7-inch inner display that brings all your content to life.
The titanium-reinforced hinge has been redesigned for improved durability and wrapped in exquisitely crafted luxurious finishes. Motorola’s software enhancements make the external display more useful than ever, including access to Google Gemini.
Who is the motorola razr ultra best for?
- Power users looking for flagship features
- People looking for a battery that lasts over a day*
- Fans of stylish, premium phones with modern features
- Anyone who wants a functional big external display on a flip phone
*Battery life descriptions in this article are based on manufacturer specifications and publicly available information, not independent testing by T-Mobile. Actual battery performance may vary depending on usage, network conditions, device settings, and other factors.
Runner up for best flip foldable phone: Samsung Galaxy Z Flip7
If you prefer Samsung’s interface or already use Galaxy devices, the Z Flip7 is an excellent alternative. It keeps the compact shape flip phones are known for while offering a larger and more functional outer display than previous generations.
Samsung Galaxy Z Flip7 top features
The Galaxy Z Flip7 builds on what Samsung does best, combining a sleek, pocket-friendly design with refined hardware and polished software. Its larger outer display makes quick tasks easier without opening the phone, while Samsung’s multitasking tools and ecosystem features help it feel seamless if you’re already using Galaxy devices.
Who is the Samsung Galaxy Z Flip7 best for?
- Those who want top-tier performance in a flip phone
- People who value long battery life compared to most foldables
- Style-focused buyers who want premium materials and standout design
- Anyone who wants the most capable and flexible cover screen on a flip phone
Best durable foldable phone: Google Pixel 10 Pro Fold
Durability continues to be one of the biggest hurdles for foldable phones, and Google addresses this head-on with the Pixel 10 Pro Fold, the first foldable with a complete IP68 water- and dust-resistance rating.
What makes the Google Pixel 10 Pro Fold the durability leader?
The Pixel 10 Pro Fold uses a gearless hinge, a design that removes many of the small mechanical parts that traditionally wear out over time. This makes it more resistant to stress and reduces long-term hinge failure points. Its outer materials also feel solid and secure without adding extra weight, plus it’s built with scratch-resistant Corning Gorilla Glass Victus 2.
When it comes to performance, the Pixel 10 Pro Fold delivers Google's signature clean Android experience with long-term OS updates, which keeps the device secure and supported for years.
Who is the Google Pixel 10 Pro Fold best for?
- People who need a more rugged, durable foldable for everyday use
- Anyone who works outdoors or in tougher environments
- Parents and kids-on-the-go users who want a device that can take a few bumps
- Those concerned about long-term hinge reliability and build quality
Best value foldable phone: motorola razr
Foldables aren't always associated with affordability, but the motorola razr - 2025 changes that. It offers a durable modern flip design with a premium look and feel, reliable all-day* battery life, and a 3.6” external display – all at an accessible price point under $550.
Why the motorola razr is our best budget pick
Motorola delivers the core flip-phone experiences without the flagship price, making the motorola razr an easy entry point into foldables. You still get the compact design, functional external display, and smooth everyday performance – just without paying extra for specs you may not need. It’s a smart choice for anyone curious about foldables but mindful of their budget.
Who is the motorola razr - 2025 best for?
- First-time foldable buyers looking to try the form factor
- Shoppers who prioritize affordability
- Those who want a stylish, pocket-friendly phone at a lower cost
- Anyone looking for solid everyday performance
*Battery life descriptions in this article are based on manufacturer specifications and publicly available information, not independent testing by T-Mobile. Actual battery performance may vary depending on usage, network conditions, device settings, and other factors.
Foldable vs. "normal phones": Is it worth switching?
If you’re debating whether to switch to a foldable in 2026, here’s a breakdown of their strengths and trade-offs.
4 benefits of foldable phones
- Bigger screens in smaller form factors: You get tablet-like space without carrying a tablet.
- Better multitasking: Run multiple apps side by side with ease.
- Creative use cases: Flex mode, hands-free photography, larger viewfinders, and enhanced productivity tools.
- Future-focused design: Foldables continue to get lighter, more durable, and more supported by developers.
3 downsides of foldable phones
- Higher prices: They tend to come with premium prices, with even entry-level models coming higher than their entry-level counterparts.
- Slightly thicker designs: Foldables usually have more bulk than traditional phones.
- App compatibility quirks: Most major apps are optimized, but occasional layout oddities still happen.
Should you switch to a foldable phone?
If you value multitasking, visual space, or modern design, foldables offer a compelling upgrade. If you prefer simplicity, lower prices, or ultra-thin hardware, a traditional phone might still be the right choice.
11 FAQs about foldable phones
The Samsung Galaxy Z Fold7 offers the most refined multitasking experience, with multi-window controls, app pairing, and a desktop-like interface on its large inner display.
Yes. Modern foldables feature stronger hinges, tougher ultrathin glass, and improved water resistance. The Pixel 10 Pro Fold even carries an IP68 rating.
Flip phones fold vertically and are compact and pocket-friendly.
Fold (book-style) phones open horizontally into tablet-like displays for multitasking.
They’re worth it for users who want multitasking, bigger displays, or a more versatile smartphone experience. For basic phone needs, traditional models remain cost-effective.
Premium models like the Samsung Galaxy Z Fold7 and Google Pixel 10 Pro Fold offer the strongest camera systems, especially in low light and computational photography.
Yes. Most modern foldables include wireless charging and, in some cases, reverse wireless charging.
Book-style foldables provide larger displays and improved heat dissipation, making them ideal for mobile gaming.
Many book-style foldables support styluses. For example, the Galaxy Z Fold series supports the S Pen Fold for drawing, note-taking, and productivity.
Most offer splash resistance or water resistance. Some, like the Pixel 10 Pro Fold, reach full IP68 water- and dust-resistance.
With hinge improvements and better materials, modern foldables are designed for years of daily use. Manufacturers test tens of thousands of phones to ensure reliability.
Yes. Value models like the motorola razr - 2025 offer foldable experiences at more affordable prices, around $550.
Which foldable phone is right for you in 2026?
Foldable phones in 2026 offer impressive improvements across design, battery life, durability, and everyday functionality. Whether you want a compact flip phone or a full multitasking powerhouse, there’s a foldable suited for nearly every lifestyle and budget.
From the premium versatility of the Samsung Galaxy Z Fold7 to the stylish practicality of the motorola razr ultra and the rugged reliability of the Pixel 10 Pro Fold, the foldable market is more exciting and accessible than ever.
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