Best Foldable Phone of 2025: A Tech Advisor-Inspired Guide to the Top Contenders
The world of smartphones has evolved dramatically over the past decade, and foldable phones have emerged as one of the most exciting innovations. In 2025, these devices aren’t just a futuristic gimmick—they’re practical, powerful, and increasingly accessible. Tech Advisor, a trusted voice in tech journalism since the iPhone’s debut in 2007, has been keeping a close eye on this category. Their recent article, "Best Flip Phones 2025: Top 10 Foldable Smartphones Today", offers a snapshot of the foldable landscape, covering both flip-style and book-style devices. But which one deserves the crown as the best foldable phone of 2025? Let’s explore the top contenders, weigh their strengths and weaknesses, and see what Tech Advisor—and the broader tech community—has to say.
As of February 26, 2025, foldable phones have matured into reliable daily drivers, blending cutting-edge design with flagship-level performance. Whether you’re drawn to the compact charm of a flip phone or the productivity powerhouse of a book-style foldable, there’s something for everyone. In this article, we’ll break down the leading options, highlight what makes them stand out, and speculate on what might claim the title of the best foldable phone of 2025, according to insights inspired by Tech Advisor and beyond.
Why Foldable Phones Matter in 2025
Before we dive into the contenders, let’s talk about why foldable phones are such a big deal this year. Unlike traditional slab phones, foldables offer versatility: they can shrink to fit your pocket or expand for a tablet-like experience. Tech Advisor notes that modern foldables have overcome early hurdles—like fragile screens and clunky software—making them “impressively accomplished devices” with fewer compromises. Prices are dropping, durability is improving, and brands like Samsung, Google, Motorola, and OnePlus are pushing the boundaries of what a smartphone can be.
In 2025, the foldable market is buzzing with competition. Samsung’s dominance is being challenged by newcomers and innovative designs, while rumors of a tri-fold Samsung phone (more on that later) hint at even bigger things to come. For now, let’s focus on the phones you can buy—or soon will—based on Tech Advisor’s insights and the latest industry trends.
The Contenders for Best Foldable Phone of 2025
Tech Advisor’s list spans both clamshell (flip) and book-style foldables, so we’ll cover the top performers in each category. These are the phones making waves in 2025, with specs, features, and real-world performance that could earn them the top spot.
1. Google Pixel 9 Pro Fold: The Book-Style Champion
- Price: Starting at $1,799
- Key Specs: Google Tensor G4 chip, 6.3-inch exterior display, 8-inch interior display, 48MP triple camera, 4,650mAh battery
- Why It’s a Contender: Exceptional cameras, polished design, and AI smarts
The Google Pixel 9 Pro Fold is a standout in the book-style category, and it’s easy to see why Tech Advisor and others—like ZDNet—rave about it. Launched late in 2024, this second-generation foldable from Google refines everything its predecessor got wrong. The 6.3-inch outer screen feels like a regular Pixel 9 Pro, making it comfortable for one-handed use, while the 8-inch inner display—one of the largest in its class—shines for multitasking and media.
What sets the Pixel 9 Pro Fold apart? Its camera system is unrivaled among foldables, delivering stunning photos with Google’s computational photography magic. The Tensor G4 chip powers slick performance and AI features like “Reimagine,” which lets you creatively tweak photos. Tech Advisor praises its “premium design and build quality,” noting the sturdy hinge and bright displays (up to 2,700 nits). At $1,799, it’s pricey, but it’s a complete package for those who want a foldable that doubles as a productivity tool and photography powerhouse.
Pros: Best-in-class cameras, large inner screen, seamless software
Cons: High price, no major hardware leap from 2024
Best For: Photography buffs and multitaskers
2. Samsung Galaxy Z Flip 6: The Clamshell King
- Price: Starting at $999
- Key Specs: Snapdragon 8 Gen 3, 3.4-inch Flex Window, 6.7-inch inner display, 50MP main camera, 4,000mAh battery
- Why It’s a Contender: Affordable price, solid build, and mainstream appeal
Samsung has been the foldable pioneer since 2019, and the Galaxy Z Flip 6 continues to dominate the clamshell category. Tech Advisor lists it among the top flip phones of 2025, calling it “the most mainstream foldable yet” thanks to its approachable $999 price tag and polished design. The upgraded 50MP camera delivers sharper photos and 2x optical-quality zoom, while the 3.4-inch Flex Window lets you handle notifications and quick tasks without unfolding.
The Z Flip 6 isn’t a radical departure from its predecessor, but small tweaks—like a more durable hinge and a brighter inner display (2,600 nits)—keep it competitive. CNET highlights its “sturdy build quality” and four years of Android updates, making it a safe bet for longevity. It’s not the thinnest or most feature-packed flip phone, but it strikes a balance that appeals to the masses.
Pros: Affordable for a foldable, great camera upgrade, reliable software support
Cons: Cover screen utility is limited, battery life is average
Best For: First-time foldable buyers and style-conscious users
3. OnePlus Open: The Value Powerhouse
- Price: Starting at $1,699
- Key Specs: Snapdragon 8 Gen 2, 6.3-inch exterior display, 7.8-inch interior display, 48MP Hasselblad triple camera, 4,805mAh battery
- Why It’s a Contender: Big screens, low price, and innovative software
The OnePlus Open, released in late 2023, remains a top pick in 2025 thanks to its unbeatable value. Tech Advisor includes it in their foldable roundup, and Tom’s Guide crowns it the “foldable phone crown” for offering “the biggest screens at the lowest price” in the book-style category. Its 7.8-inch inner display is nearly as large as the Pixel’s, and the 6.3-inch outer screen feels like a flagship slab phone.
The Open shines with its Open Canvas software, which makes multitasking a breeze—think three full-screen apps at once. The Hasselblad-tuned cameras hold their own, and the 4,805mAh battery outlasts most rivals. While it’s a generation behind in chipset (Snapdragon 8 Gen 2), it’s still plenty fast for 2025. Rumors of an Open 2 launching soon (possibly Q1 2025) could shake things up, but for now, this is a steal at $1,699.
Pros: Excellent value, huge displays, long battery life
Cons: Older processor, crease is slightly noticeable
Best For: Budget-conscious power users
4. Motorola Razr Plus (2024): The Flip Phone Innovator
- Price: Starting at $999
- Key Specs: Snapdragon 8s Gen 3, 4-inch cover display, 6.9-inch inner display, 50MP camera with 2x telephoto, 4,000mAh battery
- Why It’s a Contender: Massive cover screen, sleek design, and zoom lens
Motorola’s Razr Plus (2024) is a clamshell that pushes the envelope, earning a spot on Tech Advisor’s top 10 list. Its 4-inch outer display—the largest among flip phones—lets you run full apps without unfolding, from Google Maps to YouTube. The 6.9-inch inner screen boasts a 165Hz refresh rate for buttery-smooth scrolling, and a new 2x telephoto lens adds zoom capabilities rare in this category.
Engadget calls it a phone with “personality,” praising its vegan leather finish and slim profile (thinner than the Z Flip 6). Priced at $999, it matches Samsung’s offering but feels more forward-thinking. The trade-off? It’s less durable than Samsung’s IP68-rated Z Flip 6, with only IP52 splash resistance.
Pros: Huge cover screen, thin and stylish, unique telephoto lens
Cons: Less water resistance, slightly fragile feel
Best For: Tech enthusiasts who love customization
5. Honor Magic V3: The Slim Sensation
- Price: Around $1,800 (varies by region)
- Key Specs: Snapdragon 8 Gen 3, 6.34-inch exterior display, 7.92-inch interior display, 50MP triple camera, 5,050mAh battery
- Why It’s a Contender: Ultra-thin design, massive battery, flagship specs
The Honor Magic V3 is a sleeper hit in 2025, especially for book-style fans. Tech Advisor doesn’t list it in their top 10 (likely due to limited U.S. availability), but Trusted Reviews calls it “almost unbelievably thin” at 9.2mm folded—lighter than many slab phones at 225g. Its 7.92-inch inner screen has a barely-there crease, and the 5,050mAh battery is a game-changer for foldables.
Running on Snapdragon 8 Gen 3, it’s a performance beast, and the 50MP camera system competes with the best. The catch? It’s not widely available in the U.S., requiring imports that ditch Google services out of the box. Still, for those willing to sideload apps, it’s a premium pick.
Pros: Thinnest foldable, huge battery, top-tier hardware
Cons: Limited availability, no native Google apps
Best For: Global travelers and design lovers
Upcoming Foldables to Watch in 2025
While the above phones are available now, 2025 promises fresh releases that could steal the crown. Here’s what’s on the horizon, based on Tech Advisor’s insights and industry leaks:
- Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 7: Expected in July 2025, this could feature a wider outer screen and faster charging. TechRadar suggests a tri-fold variant might launch alongside it, rivaling Huawei’s Mate XT.
- OnePlus Open 2: Rumored for early 2025, this could bring a Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 and refined design, per Croma Unboxed.
- Samsung Tri-Fold Phone: Tech Advisor’s Samsung Tri-Fold Phone article pegs this for late 2025, with a dual-hinge design and a premium price (possibly $2,500+).
These newcomers could redefine the foldable game, but for now, let’s crown our winner based on what’s available.
The Best Foldable Phone of 2025 (So Far): Google Pixel 9 Pro Fold
After weighing Tech Advisor’s insights, user reviews, and expert analyses, the Google Pixel 9 Pro Fold emerges as the best foldable phone of 2025—so far. Why? It nails the essentials: a versatile design, top-tier cameras, and software that maximizes the foldable form factor. Its 8-inch inner screen is perfect for work and play, while the 6.3-inch outer display feels natural for everyday use. Add Google’s AI prowess and a refined build, and it’s a foldable that feels ready for prime time.
Samsung’s Z Flip 6 wins for affordability and mainstream appeal, while the OnePlus Open offers unmatched value. The Razr Plus (2024) impresses with innovation, and the Honor Magic V3 wows with design. But the Pixel 9 Pro Fold balances performance, practicality, and polish in a way that edges out the competition—echoing Tech Advisor’s focus on “accomplished devices” with minimal compromises.
How We Chose the Winner
To pick the best, we considered:
- Performance: Chipset power and real-world speed.
- Display Quality: Size, brightness, and crease visibility.
- Camera: Photo and video capabilities.
- Durability: Hinge strength and water/dust resistance.
- Price: Value for money.
- Software: Updates and foldable-specific features.
The Pixel 9 Pro Fold excels across these metrics, though it’s not cheap. If budget’s a concern, the Z Flip 6 or OnePlus Open might suit you better.
What’s Next for Foldables in 2025?
The foldable market is heating up. Samsung’s rumored tri-fold and OnePlus’s Open 2 could shift the landscape by year-end. Tech Advisor hints at Apple joining the fray in 2026, but for now, Android brands rule. Durability concerns are fading—most foldables now withstand 200,000+ folds—and prices are creeping closer to traditional flagships.
Final Thoughts
The best foldable phone of 2025 depends on your needs. Want a premium all-rounder? Go for the Google Pixel 9 Pro Fold. Prefer a pocket-friendly flip? The Samsung Galaxy Z Flip 6 or Motorola Razr Plus (2024) won’t disappoint. On a budget? The OnePlus Open delivers flagship specs without breaking the bank. Tech Advisor’s guidance, paired with the latest trends, points to a bright future for foldables—and 2025 is just the beginning.
Which foldable are you eyeing? Let us know in the comments, and stay tuned for updates as new models drop!