Samsung just released a new generation of foldable Galaxy phones. Next up is the Google Pixel 10 Pro Fold. After that, all eyes are on Apple.
Are foldable phones worth it? As Mashable’s Tech Editor, I get this question fairly often, especially if I’m packing a foldable IRL. And while you could buy impressive foldable smartphones in years past, I think 2025 is the year they’ve finally achieved true pocketworthy status. So, even if you’re not typically an early adopter, I’d still consider making the leap.
So, what sets the current generation of foldables apart? For starters, phone makers have solved their hinge problems. (Even if you fold it 200,000 times in a row.) These phones are also getting much thinner and more attractive, with smaller bezels and better displays. Personally, I prefer the flip phone-style foldables like the Motorola Razr or Samsung Galaxy Z Flip 7. Not only are they more affordable than their tablet-sized siblings, but they also easily fit into your pocket. I hate how difficult it is to extract my iPhone 15 Pro from my pocket, but my Motorola Razr Ultra slips in and out without issue.
We’ve seen three big foldable phone releases so far in 2025, and based on our testing, they’re all worth the investment. Let me break down your options:
The crowdpleaser: Samsung Z Flip 7
These phones don’t just look cool.
Credit: Joe Maldonado / Mashable
The new “AI flip phone” from Samsung has already proven popular among trendsetters on TikTok — Android-inclined trendsetters, at least. Everyone seems to be buying the “Blue Shadow” colorway, though we do miss the mint green coloring of the Z Flip 6. (Samsung, if you’re listening, bring back Mint!) The Z Flip 7 has a cover display that goes right up to the edge of the phone, and both the internal and external AMOLED displays look gorgeous. In our Galaxy Z Flip 7 review, we praised this smartphone for being almost too much fun.
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You can buy this Samsung flip phone on Amazon and get a bonus $200 gift card with your purchase. It’s also available at Samsung and other retailers starting at $1,099.99. If that seems too pricey, the Galaxy Z Flip 7 FE starts at $899.99.
The unsung hero: Motorola Razr Ultra
That wood veneer, though.
Credit: Motorola
The Motorola Razr Ultra, the brand’s flagship foldable phone, really surprised me during testing. I had heard about the problems with previous generations of this flip phone, but Motorola has worked out the kinks and made a damn fine foldable. This flagship actually beats the Z Flip 7 in a few key categories: It has absolutely insane battery life (over 24 hours in my testing), starts with 512GB of storage, and it comes with a Snapdragon processor, whereas the Z Flip 7 has Samsung’s Exynos processor. The displays are also phenomenal, and I personally prefer the color options to Samsung’s this year. If you want the handsome faux wood version (the “Mountain Trail” color), shop at Motorola.
Yes, it’s expensive (especially considering the camera array), but this phone will be a conversation starter everywhere you go.
The elite: Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 7
The new Galaxy Z Fold is incredibly thin.
Credit: Joe Maldonado / Mashable
The Z Fold 7 isn’t for the casual phone owner. If you love to geek out about specs and want the true top-of-the-line foldable, nothing else comes close to matching the newly released Galaxy Z Fold 7. As our reviewer Alex Perry said, “Samsung’s latest Z Fold phone is my favorite yet thanks to its gorgeous form factor, great displays, and solid camera array.” Samsung somehow made the newest version of the Z Fold significantly thinner, and it feels fantastic in the hand. Its AMOLED displays also impressed us, as did its camera array and Snapdragon 8 Elite for Galaxy chipset.
Yes, you’ll have to fork over $2,000, but if you want elite performance, you have to pay for it. Unfolded, this has the largest phone display ever made, opening up entirely new ways to use your smartphone. For reading, streaming, and gaming, there’s nothing else like it in the smartphone space.
