The flip phone was the dominant form factor when mobile phones first appeared in the hands of consumers. The flip phone was a convenient way to shut off incoming calls and protect your screen from being dropped in your bag or pocket. Technology has advanced so much that the same devices you used to see in science-fiction movies can now be used every day by everyone.
Foldable displays are a technological marvel. While Royole was the first to market with the FlexPai late 2018, Samsung has been the dominant player when it comes to foldable phones. We can only imagine the possibilities with LG’s foldable display technology. However, with its recent exit from the smartphone sector, it is hard to imagine what could have been. TCL has shown its foldable and rolling device which appears to be the productivity machine of the future.
The future is flexible, and new use cases for folding phones are being created. Let’s take a look at the top-rated folding phones available right now.
Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 3
Best foldable phone overall
Tech specs
- Processor: Qualcomm Snapdragon 888
- Main Display: 7.6inches 2208×1768 pixels
- Cover Display 6.2inches 832×2268 Pixels
- RAM/Storage: 12GB/ 256GB
- Cameras: Three rear 12MP, 10MP cover screen, 4MP under main display
- Battery: 4400mAh
- Price: $1799.99
The 2020 Galaxy Z Fold 2 was a landmark in foldable devices that can also double as mini-tablets. The Z Fold 3 may look like a minor upgrade to the Z Fold 2. However, at $200 less, Samsung offers S Pen support and IPX8 waterproof resistance. These are two features that many people have requested, and Samsung has delivered again.
The cover display resolution was updated and the refresh rate was also improved. You get a high resolution display made of Corning Gorilla Glass Victus with a 120Hz refresh rate. The main display features panels that are dynamic AMOLED and a screen protector that increases its durability by 80%. Although the three main cameras are identical, the new under-display cam is a significant advancement in mobile technology.
Samsung Galaxy Z Flip 3
The best budget-friendly folding phone
Tech specs
- Processor: Qualcomm Snapdragon 888
- Main Display 6.7inches 1080×2640 pixels
- Cover Display 1.9inches 260×512 pixels
- RAM/Storage: 8GB/ 128GB
- Cameras: Two rear 12MP, 10MP selfie
- Battery: 3300mAh
- Price: $999.99
The Z Flip 3 is the third generation Flip phone from Samsung, just like the Z Fold 3. The cover screen display has been increased in size from 1.1 inches to 1.9 inches. This is a significant improvement. Another important change is the IPX8 waterproof resistance which gives you security when the cover screen is open or closed in adverse weather conditions.
You can now join the foldable market for $1000 with the $200 price drop on Z Flip 3. This is comparable to other flagship smartphones. It also gives the Z Flip 3 the potential of challenging other manufacturers and expanding the use of foldable devices.
The battery life of the previous generation model was a concern. We’ll be watching to see how the processor, Android 11 and Samsung software enhancements affect the Z Flip’s battery life.
Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 2
Alternative to Z Fold 3
Tech specs
- Processor: Qualcomm Snapdragon 865 Plus
- Main Display: 7.6inches 2208×1768 pixels
- Cover Display 6.2inches 720×1680 pixels
- RAM/Storage: 12GB/ 256GB
- Cameras Three rear 12MP cameras, 10MP front, and 10MP selfie
- Battery: 4500mAh
- Price: $1799.99
After the Galaxy Fold’s original release, Samsung did market research and conducted surveys. The survey found that 34% of Fold users used two apps simultaneously, compared to 4% who did so with typical smartphones. Fold users had 71% more video consumption than their predecessor phones. The Fold users were doing multitasking and video consumption in a similar way to tablet users.
Z Fold 2 was the most popular foldable in 2020. Since its launch, we have seen software updates to improve usability for split-screen views and foldable views. Although it is a little heavier and thicker than the new model, this device still provides amazing mobility to get work done.