Foldable phones have been widely available for years. But their high prices, limited software functionality and fragile builds initially made them hard to recommend. That began changing in 2023, when foldable phones took leaps forward in design, versatility and even price.
Not only are there more foldable phone options than ever before, thanks to new bendable phones from companies like Google and OnePlus, but cheaper devices like Motorola’s $700 Razr (2023) emerged last year. While there’s still plenty of room for the software experience to improve, companies like Samsung, Google and Motorola certainly made strides in 2023.
The larger outer screens on Samsung’s Galaxy Z Flip 5 and Motorola’s Razr Plus, for example, make it possible to actually use apps without opening your phone, rather than just checking notifications. Google’s Pixel Fold has a new language translation feature that leverages both the external and internal screens.
Sales of foldable phones are only expected to increase, with the International Data Corporation reporting that global shipments could reach 54.3 million units by 2027, compared to an estimated 20.4 million in 2023.
If you’re thinking about buying a foldable phone, consider your budget and how you intend to use your phone, among other factors. Check out CNET’s list of the best flip phones and best foldable phones to learn more about our top picks.
Watch this: Foldable Phones May Be the Future. In South Korea, They’re the Present
What’s your budget?
The most important question to ask is how much you’re willing to spend on a new phone. Even though foldable phones aren’t as expensive as they were back in 2019, they’re still significantly pricier than most standard phones. The Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 5 and Google Pixel Fold, for example, start at $1,800 without a trade-in, while the Galaxy Z Flip 5 and Motorola Razr Plus cost $1,000. Motorola’s 2023 Razr is the cheapest of the bunch at $700, but you have to sacrifice that…
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