TOP 5 smartphones with folding screen in 2024

It is very difficult to impress users with something new in the smartphone market. However, «flexible» smartphones were a real breakthrough at one time – in February 2019, Samsung presented a prototype of its folding device at a developer conference, which later became the Galaxy Fold The first folding models were reminiscent of «frogs» from the noughties, where you could end a call by closing the lid of the gadget. Both nostalgia and innovation are intertwined in this class of devices, and therefore today the market offers even more options for those seeking new technological experiences. Let’s take a look at the most popular models that set the trends this year.

Popular models of folding smartphones

Samsung Galaxy Fold 6

Samsung is one of the companies that updates two models of folding smartphones every year, and the Galaxy Fold 6 is the newest model released in 2024. This device has two displays, and therefore allows you to use the smartphone both in the unfolded and folded state without losing functionality. It offers a 7.6-inch Dynamic AMOLED 2X panel with a resolution of 2160 x 1856 pixels and a 120 Hz refresh rate. The external 6.3-inch AMOLED display allows you to comfortably answer calls, quickly search for information, and view notifications.

Due to the size of the gadget in the unfolded state, Galaxy Fold 6 can be called a 2-in-1 device, and this is what makes it stand out from other solutions. It is equipped with the S Pen stylus, an accessory that is currently available in the flagship Samsung Galaxy S Ultra line.

However, this is not the only thing the two lines have in common, as the most innovative model, the Galaxy Fold 6 is powered by the top-of-the-line Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 processor, has decent memory (12 GB of RAM, up to 1 TB of internal storage), and is powered by artificial intelligence. In addition to Google Gemini in partner apps (Google and Samsung are working on AI integration), the smartphone maker also has its own Galaxy AI, which improves photos, simplifies work with notes or text and voice translations.

The foldable model also has a triple main camera with a 50MP main sensor, 12MP ultra-wide and 10MP telephoto lenses, with support for optical stabilization and 8K video. Samsung is not called a Galaxy Fold 6 a pocket computer because it really gives a new user experience — even the largest smartphone will not offer such a large and wide screen for games, content, or social networks.

However, in addition to entertainment, the Galaxy Fold 6’s internal screen is also about work and creativity – texters will appreciate the stylus for storytelling, and the split screen will help you multitask right from your smartphone. It is interesting that Galaxy Fold 6 weighs only 253 g and therefore remains a regular smartphone with more features.

Unlike the first Folds, which did not fully «close», the subsequent models have already received a new hinge mechanism that ensures both reliable operation of the device and reduces the risk of damage during frequent folding. At the same time, this design is more aesthetically pleasing and will not irritate perfectionists.

The market price for such a device ranges from UAH 59,633 to 89,999.

Samsung Galaxy Flip 6

In contrast to the «book» construction of the older Fold, Samsung Galaxy Flip 6 – «clamshell», which closely resembles smartphones of previous generations. This smartphone also has two screens, but instead of being surprisingly large, it demonstrates supercompactness. For those who want a regular smartphone, but not a big shovel, the Galaxy Flip 6 is an ideal option. Thanks to its foldable form factor, it fits easily into a pocket or small bag, while maintaining the power and performance of flagship models.

The main display in the Galaxy Flip 6 offers a 6.7-inch Dynamic AMOLED 2X panel with a resolution of 2640×1080 pixels and a refresh rate of 120 HzThe external display is a 3.4-inch Super AMOLED screen that is designed for a limited range of tasks. It allows you to quickly view notifications, control music, take selfies, and even interact with apps without opening your smartphone.

Xiaomi Mix Fold 4

In July of this year, Xiaomi presented a new product — MIX Fold 4. This is a smartphone-book, which is also equipped with Snapdragon 8 Gen 3, has a camera unit with Leica inscription and is very surprising in its thickness. The manufacturer claims that in addition to the aluminum frame, it also used innovative materials such as carbon fiber to make the gadget durable.

After all, with an unfolded thickness of 4.59 mm and a folded thickness of 9.47 mm, such a smartphone is impossible without reinforcementIn addition to the design, Xiaomi MIX Fold 4 impresses with two displays — the internal one is a 7.98-inch panel with a resolution of 2488×2244, a refresh rate of 120 Hz and support for HDR10+.

The external display is slightly smaller — a 6.56-inch panel with a resolution of 2520×1080, which also supports a high refresh rate of 120 Hz and a P3 color gamut display. Both unfolded and folded, the MIX Fold 4 offers a pleasant visual experience, and technologies such as Dolby Vision make it a mini-cinema in your pocketIn terms of cameras, Xiaomi MIX Fold 4 offers four modules covering all focal lengths.

The main camera is 50 megapixels, the 12 megapixel ultra-wide-angle lens provides a 120° viewing angle, and the 50 megapixel Leica floating telephoto lens will provide excellent portrait effects and macro capabilities. A 115mm Leica Ultra Telephoto lens with a periscope structure also supports close-up photography.

The price for this model will start at UAH 71,999.

Google Pixel 9 Pro Fold

The first foldable smartphone from Google was called Pixel Fold and was introduced by the search giant in 2023. This year’s novelty has a longer name — Google Pixel 9 Pro Fold. The manufacturer also claims that the updated smartphone has a brighter screen, slimmer design, durable Corning Gorilla Glass Victus 2, and an IPX8 waterproof rating.

And those who were once fans of the smoothness of Google products and cool algorithmically processed photos will get an interesting experience of a flexible smartphone and the full power of Google AI from Pixel 9 Pro Fold Thanks to the new Tensor G4 chip, Pixel 9 Pro Fold will save you time by learning your schedule, working without delays, and delivering flagship performance.

But it’s not just artificial intelligence that improves productivity, as the large internal screen is divided into two workspaces. This, for example, allows you to share the screen with other call participants in Google Meet and show them a presentation just like on a laptop. Or you can simultaneously view some content, such as a smartphone review, and check its specifications in an online store. The screens are quite large — 8-inch internal and 6.3-inch external.

Of course, the Pixel 9 Pro Fold doesn’t compromise on photo quality, as it features a three-lens system on the back and selfie cameras on each display. The ultra-wide-angle one supports macro focus, and both front cameras support Face Unlock regardless of whether they are folded or unfolded. Thanks to the design of the gadget, Google has made a cool feature for parents: Made You Look.

On the external screen, you can show animations for the child to attract the attention of the kid for a photo. These are the features that make up folding smartphones and form a new user experience — they seem to have the same cameras as conventional models, but additional features make them different in every day tasks.

The price of the new product abroad starts at 1,749 pounds, which is about 100 thousand UAH for the Ukrainian market.

Motorola Razr 50

For those who are concerned about the price of folding smartphones, but want to try a new form factor, you should take a closer look at such models as Motorola Razr 50. The gadget can be found at a price of 32 thousand hryvnias, but it has all the features of a folding model, just like its more expensive counterparts.

The model also has a compact design, and when unfolded, it offers a 6.9-inch pOLED display with a resolution of 2640×1080 pixels and a refresh rate of 120 Hz. When folded, all the necessary information for the user is displayed on the external 4-inch screen.

Thanks to the placement of the display and cameras (two modules of 50 megapixels and 13 megapixels), the smartphone allows you to take pictures of yourself or conduct video meetings with the main camera. You can also place the smartphone at a right angle to get a convenient tool for creating content.

The gadget supports several shooting functions, such as burst shooting, finding the best angle, etc. The Motorola Razr 50 does not lose in thickness, weighs 188 g and has a hinge mechanism that allows both parts of the smartphone to fit perfectly together when folded. For those looking for a new experience of interacting with a smartphone, Motorola Razr 50 is the best option in terms of price and features.

Who should choose such smartphones?

Smartphones with a folding screen are not a popular choice because not every user wants to be a pioneer for a new product on the market. However, for those who are constantly interested in new technologies, such models will give a lost sense of innovation — when buying a new phone was a real event.

And in addition to the differences in design, the foldable smartphone offers a little more volume for creatives, content makers, and entrepreneurial users who need to master the tools for their daily work tasks.

Before buying, decide which design is best for you — if you need more screen space for entertainment or work, choose a «book» design. And for maximum compactness and content creation, «frogs» are better suited, as they have large screens in a small form factor.