The Ultimate Portable Powerhouse: Foldable Smartphones That Transform How You Work and Play
Created January 12, 2026 • Updated February 14, 2026
Experience the cutting edge of mobile innovation with devices engineered to deliver tablet-sized screens in pocket-friendly form factors, backed by reinforced durability and refined multitasking capabilities.
Rank#01
Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 7
Forget the "prototype" feel. The Galaxy Z Fold 7 is Samsung’s attempt to silence the critics with a thinner chassis and a long-awaited integrated S-Pen silo. Is this finally the year the foldable becomes the default choice for power users?
Shrook Score
85
Generally Favorable
Shrook Score
85
Generally Favorable
Published December 31, 2025 • Updated January 28, 2026
The Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 7 represents a pivotal shift for Samsung's foldable line. Moving away from incremental updates, the Fold 7 focuses on ergonomics, targeting a significantly thinner profile that rivals traditional slabs. With the integration of the Snapdragon 8 Gen 5 (based on early-year cycles) and a refined "IronFlex" display, Samsung is doubling down on durability while introducing Galaxy AI 2.0 features specifically designed for the expanded canvas. While the camera hardware remains a step behind the S26 Ultra, the software optimization and ecosystem synergy make it the most polished foldable experience on the market.
Pros
Integrated S-Pen Silo: Finally eliminating the need for bulky "S-Pen cases" by housing the stylus directly in the frame. /n Ultra-Thin Hinge Design: A new "FluidHinge" mechanism that reduces the folded thickness to under 11mm, making it feel like a standard smartphone in the pocket. /n Enhanced Peak Brightness: A massive 3,000-nit peak brightness on both displays, ensuring perfect visibility under the harsh Australian sun. /n Advanced Multitasking: New "Contextual App Pairs" that use AI to suggest window layouts based on your current project or time of day. /n Improved Dust Resistance: Moving to an IP68 rating, providing peace of mind for users in dusty or sandy environments.
Cons
Charging Speeds: Still capped at 25W/45W, lagging significantly behind Chinese competitors who offer 100W+ charging. /n Camera Parity: The Fold 7 still lacks the periscope zoom lens found in the Ultra series, frustrating photography enthusiasts. /n Inner Screen Protector: Early reports suggest the pre-installed protector still tends to bubble at the crease after 6-8 months of heavy use. /n Cover Screen Aspect Ratio: While wider than previous generations, it remains slightly narrower than a standard phone, causing occasional keyboard "fat-fingering." /n Thermal Throttling: Under heavy 8K video editing or high-end gaming, the slimmed-down chassis can get noticeably warm.
Moto has cracked the foldable code. With a massive 4-inch cover display that actually lets you do real work, the Motorola Razr Ultra isn't just a folding phone—it’s the first device that understands why you bought a flip phone in the first place.
Shrook Score
85
Generally Favorable
Shrook Score
85
Generally Favorable
Published December 31, 2025 • Updated January 28, 2026
The Motorola Razr Ultra (Razr 50 Ultra) represents the pinnacle of clamshell foldable evolution. By prioritizing the external display utility and refining the hinge mechanics, Motorola has transitioned the Razr from a nostalgic fashion statement into a high-performance productivity tool. Featuring the Snapdragon 8s Gen 3 chipset and a stunning 165Hz pOLED display, it challenges the status quo by allowing users to operate almost any app without unfolding the device.
Pros
Industry-leading 4.0-inch external pOLED display with full app support
Robust IPX8 water resistance rating for improved durability
Near-invisible display crease compared to major competitors
Fast 45W wired and 15W wireless charging capabilities
Versatile camera software with intuitive "Camcorder" and "Tent" modes
Cons
Shift from ultrawide to telephoto lens may disappoint landscape photographers
Historically slower Android OS and security update cadence
External display is a fingerprint magnet and requires constant cleaning
Maximum brightness outdoors can struggle against direct midday sun
Forget the "niche" label. With the debut of a dedicated telephoto lens and the high-efficiency Snapdragon 8 Gen 4, the Z Flip 7 is no longer just a fashion statement—it’s a flagship powerhouse that finally fits comfortably in your pocket. 📱✨
Shrook Score
85
Generally Favorable
Shrook Score
85
Generally Favorable
Published December 31, 2025 • Updated January 28, 2026
After years of incremental updates, the Samsung Galaxy Z Flip 7 marks a pivotal shift for the series. By integrating a triple-camera system and a 4,500mAh silicon-carbon battery, Samsung has addressed the two biggest pain points: photography and longevity. The 4.0-inch 'Flex Window' cover display now supports full-app mirroring natively, reducing the need to unfold the device for routine tasks. While the crease is still visible under harsh lighting, the new 'LiquidHinge' architecture makes it nearly imperceptible to the touch, solidifying its place as the premier choice for those seeking a compact yet uncompromising smartphone experience in 2026.
Pros
First-ever dedicated 3x Telephoto lens on a Flip device | All-day battery life thanks to 4,500mAh silicon-carbon cell technology | Full IP68 dust and water resistance rating | Snapdragon 8 Gen 4 provides elite-level thermal management | 4.0-inch external cover screen with 120Hz LTPO refresh rate
Cons
25W wired charging remains significantly slower than global competitors | Plastic screen protector is still a fingerprint magnet | Extended 4K video recording leads to noticeable thermal throttling | Cover screen app support still requires 'Good Lock' for some third-party titles | No support for S-Pen input on the main display
Forget the "flip" — the 2025 Razr is a powerhouse you barely need to open. With a borderless external display and revamped AI, Motorola has finally solved the foldable friction point. Is this the year the Razr overtakes the Galaxy?
Shrook Score
79
Generally Favorable
Shrook Score
79
Generally Favorable
Published December 31, 2025 • Updated January 28, 2026
The Motorola Razr 2025 (and its "Plus" sibling) represents a peak in foldable maturity. Motorola has leaned heavily into the "External-First" philosophy, expanding the cover display to wrap entirely around the camera housings with a near-bezel-less design. Featuring the Snapdragon 8 Gen 4 chipset and a bespoke "Moto AI" assistant, the device focuses on reducing "digital fatigue" by allowing users to complete 90% of tasks without unfolding the phone. The hinge has been reinforced with a new "Fluid-Link" mechanism, and the internal screen crease is now virtually undetectable to the touch.
Pros
Borderless 4.0-inch pOLED cover display with 165Hz refresh rate. /n New 'Fluid-Link' hinge eliminates the gap and significantly reduces the internal crease. /n Advanced Moto AI integration for contextual summaries and hands-free cover screen navigation. /n Superior ergonomics with a contoured vegan leather finish that provides excellent grip. /n Industry-leading charging speeds for a foldable, getting from 0 to 50% in under 20 minutes.
Cons
Still lacks an IP68 rating, settling for IPX8 (no official dust resistance). /n Ultrawide lens has been sacrificed for a dedicated 3x Telephoto in some regions. /n Software update longevity still lags behind Google and Samsung's 7-year promises. /n Occasional thermal throttling during intense AI processing or 4K video recording. /n The external screen is a fingerprint magnet and requires frequent cleaning for gesture accuracy.
Honor shrinks the foldable gap further with the Magic V5. At sub-9mm thickness, it’s no longer a "foldable" phone—it’s just a phone that happens to open into a tablet. Is the software finally ready to match the world-class hardware?
Shrook Score
85
Generally Favorable
Shrook Score
85
Generally Favorable
Published December 31, 2025 • Updated January 28, 2026
The Honor Magic V5 represents the pinnacle of foldable structural engineering as of early 2026. By utilizing a third-generation Silicon-Carbon battery and a proprietary "Super-Steel" hinge mechanism, Honor has achieved a folded thickness of just 8.9mm. Beyond the slim profile, the device integrates the Snapdragon 8 Gen 5 chipset, a sophisticated triple-lens array with a 180MP periscope zoom, and an evolved MagicOS 9.5 that leans heavily into intent-based AI. While the hardware is arguably the best in its class, the software still carries some of the traditional MagicOS quirks, though the gap between Honor and its competitors (Samsung/Google) has narrowed significantly in terms of ecosystem cohesion.
Pros
Ultra-thin 8.9mm folded profile that fits comfortably in standard pockets/n Revolutionary 5,600mAh Silicon-Carbon battery offering true two-day endurance/n Industry-leading 4320Hz PWM dimming for exceptional eye comfort in low light/n Highly durable "Titan" aerospace-grade hinge with nearly invisible display crease/n Advanced AI-driven Magic Portal that simplifies cross-app data sharing and multitasking
Cons
MagicOS still contains more pre-installed bloatware than competitors/n The ultra-slim chassis can get noticeably warm during intensive 8K video recording/n Aspect ratio issues still persist in some third-party social media applications/n Lack of official stylus support for the external cover screen/n Slow global rollout compared to domestic Chinese market availability
Forget the "beta test" vibes of the original. Google’s second-gen foldable is impossibly thin, impressively smart, and finally nails the outer display ergonomics. Is this the moment foldables go mainstream? 📱✨
Shrook Score
85
Generally Favorable
Shrook Score
85
Generally Favorable
Published December 31, 2025 • Updated January 28, 2026
The Google Pixel 9 Pro Fold represents a massive pivot in Google’s hardware strategy. Abandoning the "passport" form factor for a taller, slimmer profile, it now mirrors the ergonomics of a standard smartphone when closed. With the Tensor G4, 16GB of RAM, and a suite of Gemini-powered AI tools, it focuses on utility and "helpful" tech over raw benchmark dominance.
Pros
Impossibly thin 10.5mm profile makes it feel like a standard slab phone in the pocket.
The 20:9 outer Actua display solves the typing and app-scaling issues of previous foldables.
Best-in-class AI integration with Pixel Screenshots and Gemini-powered productivity.
Massive 8-inch Super Actua Flex inner display is bright, vibrant, and features a significantly reduced crease.
Seven years of guaranteed OS, security, and Pixel Feature Drop updates.
Cons
Charging speeds remain sluggish compared to Chinese competitors (Max 27W wired).
Camera hardware is a slight step down from the Pixel 9 Pro and Pro XL models.
Tensor G4 still trails behind Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 in heavy sustained gaming performance.
Lack of anti-reflective coating on the inner screen compared to the Galaxy Z Fold 6.
Some third-party apps still struggle with the nearly-square inner aspect ratio.
Samsung’s Galaxy Z Flip 6 isn't just a stylish accessory anymore. With a pro-grade 50MP sensor and a first-ever vapor chamber, it’s a tiny powerhouse that finally justifies its place in the pockets of serious tech enthusiasts.
Shrook Score
85
Generally Favorable
Shrook Score
85
Generally Favorable
Published December 31, 2025 • Updated January 28, 2026
The Samsung Galaxy Z Flip 6 represents the most significant internal overhaul in the series' history. While the exterior remains familiar—save for a sleek matte finish and color-matched camera rings—the gut of the device has been reimagined. By integrating the Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 for Galaxy, a larger 4,000mAh battery, and a vapor chamber for heat dissipation, Samsung has addressed the performance throttling stigma previously attached to foldables. The camera system finally steps up to the S24's level, making it a viable primary device for creators.
Pros
50MP Main Camera: A massive jump in detail and low-light performance over the previous 12MP sensor. | Vapor Chamber Cooling: First in the series, preventing thermal throttling during gaming or intensive multitasking. | Enhanced Durability: IP48 rating adds dust resistance for the first time alongside a tougher Iron Flex hinge. | 4,000mAh Battery: Optimized power management ensures a full day of use, outlasting previous Flip generations. | 7 Years of Updates: Unmatched software longevity commitment for OS and security patches.
Cons
Limited Cover Screen Utility: Still lacks the native app flexibility found on competitors like the Motorola Razr. | Slow Charging: Capped at 25W, which feels sluggish compared to modern flagship standards. | Crease Visibility: While improved, the display crease remains visible and tactile under certain lighting conditions. | No Telephoto Lens: The lack of an optical zoom lens limits photographic versatility. | Thermal Limits: Despite the vapor chamber, the small chassis still gets warm during extended 4K video recording.
Thinner, lighter, and boxier than ever, the Z Fold 6 attempts to turn the foldable phone from a novelty into a necessary professional tool. But is AI enough to justify the upgrade?
Shrook Score
84
Generally Favorable
Shrook Score
84
Generally Favorable
Published December 31, 2025 • Updated January 28, 2026
The Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 6 represents a significant design pivot, moving toward a more industrial, squared-off aesthetic that mimics the S24 Ultra. While the internal hardware remains largely unchanged, the software experience is overhauled with Galaxy AI and seven years of support.
Pros
Significant weight reduction (239g) makes it feel like a standard slab phone in the pocket. \n New 22.1:9 cover screen aspect ratio improves typing accuracy and app scaling. \n IP48 rating provides the first official (though limited) protection against solid particles. \n Peak brightness of 2,600 nits ensures excellent legibility under direct Australian sun. \n Seven years of guaranteed OS and security updates ensure long-term relevance.
Cons
Camera hardware remains identical to the Fold 5, lacking the "Ultra" optics users crave. \n 25W wired charging feels archaic compared to Chinese foldable competitors. \n The S Pen still requires a separate case and is not integrated into the device body. \n The internal screen crease, while improved, is still more visible than on the OnePlus Open. \n High-intensity tasks can lead to thermal throttling during prolonged gaming sessions.
Forget what you know about cramped foldable displays. The OnePlus Open proves that a phone can be a powerhouse tablet without sacrificing the feel of a premium slab in your pocket. Is this the foldable that finally kills the compromise?
Shrook Score
85
Generally Favorable
Shrook Score
85
Generally Favorable
Published December 31, 2025 • Updated January 28, 2026
The OnePlus Open represents a pivotal shift in the foldable market, successfully challenging the Samsung monopoly. By prioritizing a "normal" outer screen aspect ratio and revolutionary multitasking software called Open Canvas, it bridges the gap between smartphone and tablet more effectively than any predecessor. While it lacks wireless charging, its superior hinge design, elite camera system, and rapid charging make it a top-tier contender for power users.
Pros
Minimal crease visibility due to the Flexion Hinge /n Open Canvas multitasking allows for fluid triple-app workflows /n Industry-leading 6.31-inch outer display with a natural aspect ratio /n Exceptional Sony LYT-808 "Pixel Stacked" main camera sensor /n Lightweight design using titanium alloy and carbon fiber
Cons
No wireless charging support despite the premium positioning /n IPX4 water resistance is inferior to competitors' IPX8 rating /n The massive camera bump can make the device top-heavy and difficult to mount /n OxygenOS can still feel "unpolished" compared to stock Android or One UI /n Limited official repair network in certain regions compared to Samsung
Forget opening your phone for every notification. The 2024 Razr Plus turns its massive cover screen into a productivity powerhouse, blending high-fashion vegan leather with genuine technical utility. Is this the year Motorola finally dethrones the Galaxy?
Shrook Score
78
Generally Favorable
Shrook Score
78
Generally Favorable
Published December 31, 2025 • Updated January 28, 2026
The Motorola Razr Plus (2024), known globally as the Razr 50 Ultra, represents the pinnacle of foldable maturity. By expanding the external display to 4.0 inches and refining the hinge, Motorola has moved beyond the "gimmick" phase of foldables. It features a Snapdragon 8s Gen 3 processor, a unique 50MP telephoto lens in place of the traditional ultrawide, and a sophisticated AI suite. This device is designed for users who want to minimize distractions while maintaining a premium, tactile smartphone experience.
Pros
Massive 4.0-inch pOLED cover screen with 165Hz refresh rate
Elegant vegan leather finish in iconic Pantone colors
IPX8 underwater protection for enhanced durability
Fast 45W wired and 15W wireless charging capabilities
Highly functional external display that runs almost any app
Cons
Lack of an ultrawide camera lens (replaced by telephoto)
Software update cycle lags behind Samsung and Google
Occasional thermal throttling during intense gaming sessions
Internal screen crease is still visible under direct light
Limited availability of specialized heavy-duty cases
