The Best Foldable Smartphones: Which 2023 Foldable Comes up Top?

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nextpit Best Foldables 2023
© Quardia Inc. / Adobe Stock / nextpit

Looking for a foldable? Then we'll tell you which foldable phones are worth buying in 2023. After a couple of new flagship models from Motorola, Google, and of course, Samsung, see which phones managed to find a place in our nextpit "Best Of" list.

The best Foldables in 2023 compared

  Best large foldable Best clamshell flip Best foldable alternative Best flip alternative Price pick
Product
Picture
Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 5
Samsung Galaxy Z Flip 5
Google Pixel Fold
Motorola Razr+ (2023)
Motorola Razr (2023)
Internal display 7.6'' OLED
2176 x 1812 pixels
1~120 Hz
6.67'' OLED
2640 x 1080 pixels
120 Hz refresh rate
7.6" OLED
2298 x 1840 pixels
120 Hz refresh rate
6.9'' OLED
2640 x 1080 pixels (413 PPI)
165 Hz refresh rate
6.9'' OLED
2640 x 1080 pixels (413 PPI)
144 Hz refresh rate
External display 6.2'' OLED
2316 x 904 pixels
48~120 Hz
3.4'' OLED
720 x 748 px
 
5.8" OLED
2092 x 1080 pixels
120 Hz refresh rate
3.6'' OLED
1066 x 1056 pixels (413 PPI)
144 Hz refresh rate
1.5'' OLED
194 x 368 pixels (282 PPI)
60 Hz refresh rate
Processor Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 for Galaxy Google Tensor G2 Snapdragon 8+ Gen 1     Snapdragon 7 Gen 1
RAM 12 GB LPDDR5X 8 GB LPDDR5X 12 GB LPDDR5 8 / 12 GB LPDDR5 8 GB LPDDR4X
Storage 256 / 512 / 1024 GB UFS 4 256 / 512 GB UFS 4 256 / 512 GB UFS 3.1 256 / 512 GB UFS 3.1 128 / 256 GB (US/Global) UFS 2.2
microSD
Software One UI 5.1 | Android 13
Four Android upgrades
Five years of security updates
Android 13
Three Android upgrades
Five years of security updates
Moto My UX based on Android 13
Three Android upgrades
Four years of security updates
Camera Main: 50 MP, f/1.8, OIS
Ultra-wide angle: 12 MP, f/2.2
Telephoto: 10 MP, f/2.4. OIS
Main: 12 MP, f/1.8, OIS
Ultra-wide-angle: 12 MP, f/2.2
 
Main: 48 MP, f/1.7, OIS
Ultra-wide angle: 10.8 MP, f/2.2
Telephoto: 10.8 MP, f/3.05, OIS 
Main: 12 MP, 1/2.55'', f/1.5, OIS
Wide: 13 MP, 1/3'', f/2.2, 108° FOV
 
Main: 64 MP, 1/2.55'', f/1.7, OIS
Wide: 13 MP, 1/3'', f/2.2, 120° FOV
 
Selfie 4 MP, f/1.8 10 MP, f/2.2 8 MP, f/2.0 32 MP, f/2.4
Battery 4,400 mAh
25 W wired charging
10 W wireless charging
3,700 mAh
25 W wired charging
10 W wireless charging
4,621 mAh
21 W wired charging
7.5 W wireless charging
3,800 mAh
30 W wired charging
5 W wireless charging
4,200 mAh
30 W wired charging
5 W wireless charging
Connectivity 5G | Wi-Fi 6e | Wi-Fi Direct | Bluetooth 5.3 | NFC 5G | Wi-Fi 6e | Wi-Fi Direct | Bluetooth 5.2 | NFC 5G | Wi-Fi 6e | Wi-Fi Direct | Bluetooth 5.3 | NFC
eSIM
UWB
IP certification IPx8 IP52  
Dimensions Closed: 154.9 x 67.1 x 13.4 mm
Opened: 154.9 x 129.9 x 6.1 mm
Closed: 71.9 x 85.1 x 15.1 mm
Opened: 71.9 x 165.1 x 6.9 mm
Closed: 139.7 x 79.5 x 12.1 mm
Opened: 139.7 x 158.7 x 5.8 mm
Closed: 73.95 x 88.42 x 15.1 mm
Opened: 73.95 x 170.83 x 6.99 mm
Closed: 73.95 x 88.24 x 15.8 mm
Opened: 73.95 x 170.82 x 7.35 mm
Weight 253 g 187 g 283 g     188.5 g 188.6 g
Good
  • Good build quality
  • Great battery life
  • High-quality camera performance
  • Consistent performance
  • Best Android update policy
  • Truly useful cover display
  • Improved hinge mechanics
  • Balanced display image quality
  • Fluid software experience
  • Above-average camera quality
  • Bright internal and external screens
  • Great camera performance
  • Default apps adapt well to the display
  • Good photos under good lighting conditions
  • Fully functional cover screen
  • All-day battery life
  • Adequate processing power
  • Pleasant form factor
  • Fits well in the hand
  • Wireless charging support
  • Sufficient performance
  • Pleasant form factor
  • Wireless charging
  • Optimal grip
  • Moto My UX
  • Good price
Bad
  • Under-display selfie camera is still noticeable
  • Design feels stuck in time
  • 25 W charging is not fast
  • Still missing a stylus garage
  • Gets hot under demanding tasks
  • Still expensive
  • Slightly larger crease in the display
  • Only average battery life
  • Charging time exceeds one hour
  • No charger included in the box
  • Battery life anxiety
  • Performance lags behind the competition
  • Many third-party apps still not "fold-aware"
  • Very visible crease
  • Cover display is a fingerprint magnet
  • Camera performance is poor at night
  • Battery capacity is too small
  • No headphone socket
  • No storage options
  • No microSD card support
Rating Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 5 - Go to review Samsung Galaxy Z Flip 5 - Go to review Google Pixel Fold - Go to review Motorola Razr+ (2023) - Go to review Motorola Razr (2023) - Go to review
Offers*

As you can see, our foldables list is clearly dominated by Samsung smartphones. Of course, this is also due to the fact that the new Galaxy Z Fold 5 and Galaxy Z Flip 5 models are even better than their predecessors. Yes, we were able to test both the Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 5 and the Samsung Galaxy Z Flip 5, together with the 2023 Motorola Razr new models and the first foldable from Google, the Pixel Fold.

Note: Models like the Xiaomi Mi Mix Fold and the Huawei Mate X are not listed for obvious reasons: Availability Stateside.

Here's what to look out for when buying a foldable

Different types exist:

Basically, we can distinguish two types when it comes to foldable devices:

  • Clamshell models like the Z Flip, which offer a normal smartphone-sized display when fully opened
  • Foldables in a book or booklet form factor, where the usual smartphone screen's surface area is almost enlarged to a tablet form factor

Clamshell devices are much more compact in size, folding horizontally like how the first foldable phones once did. Meanwhile, they also come with external displays like the Galaxy Z Flip 5, on which you can control music or read notifications. Foldables like the Galaxy Z Fold 5, on the other hand, are folded vertically and offer significantly more multitasking possibilities due to the larger display area. Moreover, they are fully usable even when folded due to a generous outer display.

Who are foldables suitable for?

Foldable smartphones are unfortunately very expensive for most of the available models and offer manufacturers a lot of room for experimentation. Thus, the target group must also be equally well off and would not think twice about dropping four figures at a moment's notice. In addition, they will also have to be patient and live with the fact that the new features and hardware components are sometimes not yet completely mature.

The large booklet format is a good choice for users who also need to be productive on the go. You benefit from the large display which allows you to use office applications in a more productive manner with the option of stylus support for selected models. A practical feature of the clamshell models is how you can place it half open and thus, for instance, making it useful for content creators to record a video hands-free in front of the smartphone camera.

So foldables are perfect for early adopters who like to be the first to check out "state-of-the-art" technologies and have deep pockets.

Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 5: The returning foldable king

Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 5
More déjà vu than innovation? / © nextpit

The Galaxy Z Fold 5 looks almost exactly like its predecessor—and additionally has even fewer new things to offer than the Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 4 we reviewed in 2022 had to offer compared to its predecessor. If a smartphone is perfect, that would not be a criticism at all, but the Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 5 also lacks an integrated garage for the productive accessory, the S Pen, in 2023.

Last year, the South Koreans could still rest on their monopoly position—but this year, there is much more serious competition. Of course, there is the Google Pixel Fold (review), which can also be expensive. Nevertheless, we cannot deny the South Koreans their experience and competence with five generations of foldables, which is why it was still enough for four out of five stars in our nextpit rating.

Samsung Galaxy Z Flip 5: Best compact model

Samsung Galaxy Z Flip 5 review
Larger and more functional: The cover display offers a lot more possibilities in 2023. / © nextpit

Unlike the Galaxy Z Fold 5, Samsung delivered some important updates in 2023 for the Z Flip 5. First and foremost is the 3.4-inch cover display, which is almost fully functional. South Korea has also been able to improve the hinge design and reduce the gap between the two display halves that lie on top of each other to almost zero.

In her detailed review of the Samsung Galaxy Z Flip 5, Camila Rinaldi also liked the fact that not only the storage space was doubled, but also the base prices were kept at the same levels as for the Fold 4. That is also worth mentioning in times when everyone is tightening their budgets.

Foldable alternative: Google Pixel Fold

Google Pixel Fold
With its unique design, the Pixel Fold offers one of the most intriguing form factors in the foldable smartphone category. / © nextpit

The Pixel Fold is the first foldable smartphone from Google. That alone brings with it certain first-generation risks and its typical flaws. In addition, Google wants to set a milestone with the unusual form factor—similar to the Oppo Find N.

To make matters worse, the price is a whopping $1,800, which probably restricts the potential customer base even more. Nevertheless, Google is the Android benchmark in terms of software, AI support, and photography, so the rating is still equal to Samsung's Galaxy Z Fold 5 in the end. For more details, read nextpit's detailed review of the Google Pixel Fold.

Clamshell alternative: Motorola Razr+ (2023)

Motorola Razr Plus 2023
The large cover display of the Motorola Razr Plus 2023 currently beats every other cover screen in the clamshell foldable class. / © nextpit

After a couple of missteps in the foldable category—like leaning too heavily on nostalgia instead of technical pizzaz—Motorola started 2023 on fire with two foldables launched not much after a strong showing with the Razr (2022) we reviewed in Nov/2022. And the Razr+ (aka Razr 40 Ultra) came ready to dethrone the competition with the biggest external display ever used on a flip phone: A crisp 3.6'' OLED.

With a release so soon after the Razr (2022), the new model kept the same capable and efficient Snapdraogn 8+ Gen 1 processor, but resorted to an unfortunate downgrade in the main camera, with a smaller sensor than its predecessor (1/2.55'' vs 1/1.55''), that particularly hurt its light capturing performance at night.

The new Razr+ (2023) is the first flip phone that can claim its external display is actually useful, and Motorola even managed to start offering a decent update policy of three Android versions and four years of security updates. And despite not quite taking down the Galaxy Z Flip 4 from this list, it shows that Motorola is definitely back to the fight.

"Value" alternative: Motorola Razr (2023) 

Motorola Razr 40
The Razr (2023) external display got a size reduction in line with a considerable price cut. / © nextpit

And Motorola is back again on this list, who would imagine? Launched alongside the Razr+, the standard Razr (2023)—globally sold as the Razr 40—refines the formula used on the 2019 and 2020 Razrs: A competent mid-range processor with capable cameras, while fixing the main flaws on the original Droid Razrs with a functional form factor and, most importantly, a competitive price that undercuts the competition.

The "cheap" Razr impressed my colleague Matt so much in his review that he gave it a score better than the Razr+. The Razr (2023) goes back to a mid-range SoC but keeps a big 6.9'' OLED internal display, offers good memory options, and, surprisingly, a bigger resolution main camera and bigger battery without sacrificing wireless charging.

With an attractive bang-for-the-buck proposition, the Razr (2023) launched at an MSRP lower than its rivals in Europe but has yet to be officially announced in the US.

Other foldables worth mentioning

The market for foldable smartphones has grown by a few devices this year, so we also want to discuss foldables that were recently introduced but have neither reached the shelves nor been tested extensively by the nextpit editorial team.

Huawei Mate X3

Huawei Mate X3
Don't expect to see this one on US shores... / © Huawei

The Huawei Mate X3, in its turn, is one of many foldable smartphones from the Chinese manufacturer. In fact, Huawei is one of the manufacturers that were the first to launch a foldable on the market, together with Samsung. However, the manufacturer has been subject to the US embargo since 2019, which makes the smartphone unattractive even in Europe due to the lack of Google Mobile Services and 5G support.

In the end, even the otherwise superior technology of a Snapdragon 8+ Gen 1, an inwardly folded 7.85-inch AMOLED main display (2,496 x 2,224 px), and a 6.4-inch outer panel does not help over that. Even with the price of 2,199 Euros, Huawei does not seem to show any understanding that, without access to the Google Play Store, it will be difficult to compete in the tough foldable market outside the Chinese Walls.

Short take

These are the models that we could agree on with the nextpit editorial team from a subjective point of view. Compared to the other devices, the Microsoft representative has fallen out of favor in our assessment. Nevertheless, we wanted to mention the Surface Duo 2 because it is the only foldable that relies on a solution with two independent displays.

Let us know in the comments which model is your foldable favorite and if you agree with our picks.

nextpit's best phones lists


Our selection of the best foldable smartphones has been updated as of August 2023, previous comments were kept and may appear out of context.

nextpit receives a commission for purchases made via the marked links. This has no influence on the editorial content and there are no costs for you. You can find out more about how we make money on our transparency page.
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Carsten Drees

Carsten Drees
Senior Editor

I started blogging in 2008 and have written for Mobilegeeks, Stadt Bremerhaven, Basic Thinking and Dr. Windows. I've been at NextPit since 2021, where I also discovered my passion for podcasts. I have been particularly interested in Android phones for many years now, and would like to get involved with the highly exciting smart home market. LEt's see, did I miss anything else? Oh yes, I love Depeche Mode and suffer with Schalke 04.

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