Thinking About Buying A Foldable Phone? Here’s What You Should Know

Foldable phones have been around for years, but high prices, limited software functionality and flimsy construction have hampered their appeal. That’s still very true, but foldable phones have advanced in design, flexibility and price over the past two years.

That seems to be happening in 2024 considering phone makers like Samsung, Google and Xiaomi have reworked their foldable phone designs, with the sleek Galaxy Z Fold 6, the sleek and thin and light Pixel 9 Pro Fold amazing Mix Fold 4. There is also. There are more foldable phone options than ever after Google and OnePlus entered the foldable phone market last year, and cheaper devices like Motorola’s $700 Razr are also coming in 2023.

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Sales of foldable phones are expected to grow, with International Data Corporation expecting shipments of 25 million devices in 2024, up from 18.1 million in 2023.

Still, with some models costing around $2,000 without a trade-in discount, foldable phones aren’t cheap — especially for book-shaped devices that aim to fill phone and tablet needs.

If you are considering buying a foldable phone, consider your budget and how you intend to use your phone, among other things. Check out CNET’s list of the best flip phones and the best foldable phones to learn more about our top picks.

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What is your budget?

The most important question to ask is how much you are willing to spend on a new phone. Even though foldable phones aren’t as cheap as they were back in 2019, they’re still more expensive than most standard phones. The Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 6 starts at $1,900 while the Google Pixel 9 Pro Fold costs $1,800 without trade-ins. The Galaxy Z Flip 6 costs $1,100 and the Motorola Razr Plus costs $1,000. Motorola’s 2024 Razr is among the cheapest options at $700.

Book-style foldable phones like the Galaxy Z Fold 6, OnePlus Open ($1,700) and Pixel 9 Pro Fold are among the most expensive phones you can buy. Flip phones are equally priced as premium non-folding phones like the iPhone 16 Pro and Pixel 9 Pro, both of which start around $1,000. If you’re used to budgeting for a device in that price range, connecting to a flip phone won’t feel too different.

But there are indications that prices may continue to decline in the near future. Chinese electronics manufacturer ZTE released a flip phone called the Nubia Flip 5G this year, which currently retails for $499, making it cheaper than the iPhone 16, Galaxy S24 and Pixel 9.

If you’re interested in buying a foldable phone, don’t forget to keep an eye out for discounts and trade-in deals to make the current prices more attractive. Keep in mind that many of those deals often ask you to meet some kind of requirement, like opening a new line with a carrier or trading in a newer phone.

Are you an Android fan?

Loyal iPhone users hoping to buy a foldable phone anytime soon may be out of luck. Although rumors about a foldable iPhone have been circulating for years, we still don’t know when Apple will release a phone that bends in half. However, a report from The Information suggests that Apple is working on at least prototypes of the phone’s style.

This isn’t the first time that Apple’s plans for a foldable phone have been talked about. Ming-Chi Kuo of TF International Securities, an analyst known for predicting Apple’s future products, has previously reported that the company is working on a foldable device the size of the iPad Mini, as MacRumors reported in 2021. At the same time. a year, Bloomberg reported that Apple has developed foldable screens for internal testing.

But these reports suggest that a foldable iPhone is still a ways off, meaning people who really want a foldable phone need to be okay with sticking with Android for now.

Are you careful with your phone?

Although today’s foldables are sturdier than previous models, the simple fact that they have hinges and bendable screens still makes them more fragile than conventional phones. Shortly after Google launched its first foldable phone, the Pixel Fold, in June 2023, some Reddit users reported broken screens, for example. Most foldable phones are less dust-resistant and have a lower water-resistance rating than mainstream devices like the Pixel 9 and Galaxy S24 lineup. But Samsung’s Galaxy Z Fold 6 and Z Flip 6 have a certain level of dust protection: IP48 to be precise, which means they can withstand solid objects of more than one millimeter.

If you work outside, have a habit of dropping your phone or carry it around or prefer not to use a case, you’ll want to be careful when switching to a foldable phone. It’s also a good idea to familiarize yourself with repair options from the device manufacturer and third-party services.

Is it the right time to buy a foldable phone?

Like most electronics, foldable phones tend to be released at certain times of the year. You’ll want to consider this to avoid spending $1,000 or more on a device that may soon feel outdated. While you can sometimes find compelling discounts on older models, it’s usually a good idea to pick up the latest version if you can.

Companies usually support their phones with new Android versions for only a few years. Samsung Galaxy Z Flip 6, Galaxy Z Fold 6 and Google Pixel 9 Pro Fold will receive seven generations of OS upgrades, for example.

Samsung usually releases its new foldable phones in the summer, and it kept that pattern this year by announcing the Galaxy Z Flip 6 and Z Fold 6 in July. Motorola, on the other hand, launched its 2024 Razrs in June, while Google launched the Pixel 9 Pro Fold in August.

The OnePlus Open, which is the first foldable phone of this type, was launched last October, although some rumors point to a 2025 launch for the next one.

The Black Friday shopping weekend is also a good time to look for deals in folders, especially since the new models of the year have already started. Motorola’s Razr Plus, for example, saw a $300 discount on Amazon over the Black Friday weekend.

What are you looking for in a new phone?

This is probably the most important consideration outside of your budget. Foldable phones are expensive and have some drawbacks compared to conventional devices.

For example, they can sometimes feel bulky and uncomfortable to use when closed due to their unusual designs, although that improves over time. The cameras on foldable phones are generally not as advanced as the ones you’ll find on premium non-foldable phones. A slight learning curve also comes with using a foldable phone for the first time, especially a large book-style foldable. Most importantly, many of today’s folders still have a visible crease running across the screen.

That compromise can be worth it to the right buyer. If you watch videos and play games on your phone regularly, a tablet combo like the Galaxy Z Fold or Pixel 9 Pro Fold might be right for you. When I switched to the Galaxy Z Fold 4 for a few weeks in 2023, I liked having a large canvas for writing and reading emails. I even left my tablet at home during the flight and used my phone to watch Netflix on the plane. Think long and hard about whether you need a phone that can double as a tablet and be willing to pay a premium for that benefit.

Flip phones are for those who want a standard sized phone that can easily fit in pockets and bags. Since phones like the Motorola Razr and Galaxy Z Flip actually have a built-in kickstand, they’re perfect for those who like to take selfies and group photos without having to find someone else to take the picture.

Newer phones like the Galaxy Z Flip 5 and later and the 2023 Motorola Razr Plus and later also have cover screens that allow you to run full apps when the device is off. Not only does this make it easy to quickly check Google Maps or Spotify in the palm of your hand, but I find it can turn my phone into a smart little display. While testing the 2023 Razr Plus, for example, I enjoyed opening it up like a tent to play music, view album art and skip to the next song on my playlist while doing chores.

With that in mind, flip phones are best for those who prioritize convenience and portability above all else in a smartphone.

Overall, deciding whether to buy a foldable phone comes down to your budget and what you want in a new phone. Things like durability and time are also important to consider, but it all depends on how much you’re willing to spend and what you hope to get out of your device.