Best foldable phones to buy in 2024

No longer a novelty, foldable smartphones offer a compelling blend of portability and expansive screen real estate, redefining how we interact with our mobile companions. Foldable phones come in two primary types: horizontally foldable and vertically foldable. Horizontally foldable phones are ideal for those who prioritize a larger screen for media consumption and multitasking, while vertically foldable phones appeal to users seeking compactness and easy one-handed use. 

With a growing number of contenders vying for your attention, choosing the right foldable can be a daunting task. Fear not, for we’ve curated a list of the top folding phones of 2024, divided into two parts: the first featuring the top 3 horizontally foldable phones and the second highlighting the top 3 vertically foldable phones, showcasing their key features, specifications, and pricing to help you make an informed decision.

Top 3 horizontally foldable phones

Here are the three best horizontally foldable phones available:

1. Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 6

2. Vivo X Fold 3 Pro

3. Google Pixel 9 Pro Fold

1. Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 6

At present, the Galaxy Z Fold 6 is one of the best folding phones available in the market. This iteration builds upon its predecessors’ successes, boasting a more durable hinge, a brighter main display, and an improved under-display camera for a more immersive viewing experience.

Priced at Rs. 1,64,999, the Galaxy Z Fold 6 features a stunning 7.6-inch dynamic AMOLED 2X foldable display with a 120Hz adaptive refresh rate. On the front, it has a 6.2-inch Dynamic AMOLED 2X cover display, which also supports a 120Hz adaptive refresh rate.

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Powered by the Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 for Galaxy processor and with 12GB of RAM, the Z Fold 6 effortlessly handles demanding applications and multitasking. It offers ample storage options, with variants available in 256GB, 512GB, and 1TB.

Capture stunning photos with its versatile triple rear camera setup, comprising a 50MP main sensor, a 12MP ultrawide lens, and a 10MP telephoto lens. A 10MP cover camera allows for high-quality selfies when the phone is closed, while a 4MP under-display camera discreetly resides beneath the main display for video calls and selfies in tablet mode.

It packs a 4,400mAh battery that supports 45W wired and 25W wireless charging capabilities. For security, it has a side-facing fingerprint scanner. While it runs on Android 14, it is confirmed to receive seven years of OS upgrades and security updates.

2. Vivo X Fold 3 Pro

This year, Vivo made a splash in the foldable arena in India by launching its first foldable phone, the X Fold 3 Pro. It is a device that prioritises camera capabilities without compromising on other key features.

Available for Rs 1,59,999, the Vivo X Fold 3 Pro houses a spacious 8.03-inch LTPO AMOLED foldable display with a 120Hz adaptive refresh rate. Its 6.53-inch AMOLED LTPO cover display has a 120Hz refresh rate. Both screens are integrated with ultrasonic in-screen fingerprint sensors. Both Under the hood, the Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 processor, 16GB of RAM, and 512GB of storage.

Its standout feature is the Zeiss-branded triple camera system, which includes a 50MP main sensor, a 50MP ultra-wide lens, and a 64MP periscope telephoto lens. A 32MP cover camera enables high-quality selfies, while a 32MP inner camera facilitates video calls and self-portraits in tablet mode.

A massive 5,700mAh battery ensures long-lasting usage, complemented by 100W wired and 50W wireless charging for rapid power replenishment.

3. Google Pixel 9 Pro Fold

Google’s entry into the foldable market, the Pixel 9 Pro Fold, distinguishes itself with its seamless software experience and exceptional camera prowess.

The Pixel 9 Pro Fold features an 8-inch OLED foldable display with a 120Hz adaptive refresh rate, providing a fluid and responsive user experience. The front of the Pixel 9 Pro Fold features a 6.3-inch FHD+ OLED cover display that supports a 120Hz refresh rate.

Powered by Google’s own Tensor G3 processor and 12GB of RAM, the Pixel 9 Pro Fold delivers impressive performance and efficient power management.

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Leveraging Google’s AI expertise, the Pixel 9 Pro Fold’s camera system excels in capturing stunning images with its 48MP main sensor, 10.5MP ultrawide lens, and 10.8MP telephoto lens. A 10.5MP cover camera enables high-quality selfies when the device is folded, while an 10MP inner camera facilitates video calls and self-portraits in tablet mode.

It houses a 4,650mAh battery with 21W wired charging and 7.5W wireless charging capabilities. It is fitted with a side-mounted fingerprint sensor. The sole 256GB variant of the device available in India carries a hefty price tag of Rs 1,72,999.

Top 3 vertically foldable phones in 2024

Here are the three best horizontally foldable phones available:

1. Samsung Galaxy Z Flip 6

2. Motorola Razr 50 Ultra

3. Motorola Razr 50

1. Samsung Galaxy Z Flip 6

For those seeking a more compact and pocketable foldable experience, the Samsung Galaxy Z Flip 6 is a compelling choice.

The Galaxy Z Flip 6 unfolds to reveal a vibrant 6.7-inch Dynamic AMOLED 2X foldable display with a 120Hz adaptive refresh rate. Its standout feature is the enlarged 3.4-inch Super AMOLED cover display, which allows for greater functionality without needing to unfold the device.

The Z Flip 6, equipped with the powerful Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 for Galaxy chip and 12GB of RAM, effortlessly handles both everyday tasks and demanding applications. It comes in 256GB and 512GB storage options.

The dual rear camera setup comprises a 50MP main sensor and a 12MP ultrawide lens, while a 10MP cover camera enables high-quality selfies when the phone is closed.

A 4,000mAh battery provides ample power for daily use, supported by 25W wired and 15W wireless charging. It is available with a price tag of Rs 1,09,999 in India.

2. Motorola Razr 50 Ultra

Motorola’s Razr 50 Ultra makes a bold statement with its expansive cover display, the largest among flip phones.

Priced at Rs 99,999, the Razr 50 Ultra features a 6.9-inch pOLED foldable display with a 165Hz adaptive refresh rate, delivering a fluid and responsive visual experience. Its most striking feature is the expansive 4-inch pOLED cover display, allowing for a greater degree of interaction without unfolding the device. Under the hood, the Razr 50 Ultra has the Snapdragon 8s Gen 3 chip, 12GB of RAM, and 256GB of storage.

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The dual rear camera setup consists of a 50MP main sensor and a 50MP telephoto lens, while a 32MP cover camera enables high-quality selfies. A 4,000mAh battery keeps you connected throughout the day, supported by 44W wired charging and 15W wireless charging.

3.Motorola Razr 50

While the Razr 50 Ultra grabs headlines with its expansive cover screen, the standard Razr 50 offers a more affordable entry into the world of flip phones without compromising on key features.

The Razr 50 features a vibrant 6.9-inch FHD+ pOLED foldable screen with a 120Hz refresh rate for smooth visuals and responsive interactions. Its 3.6-inch OLED cover display provides essential information and notifications at a glance. 

Powered by the MediaTek Dimensity 7300X processor and 8GB of RAM, the Razr 50 delivers capable performance for everyday tasks. It offers 256GB of storage for your apps and media. 

ALSO READ: The Moto Razr 50 is the latest ‘affordable’ flip phone in town

The camera system includes a 50MP main sensor and a 13MP ultrawide lens, while a 32MP front-facing camera handles selfies. A 4,200mAh battery provides ample power, supported by 30W wired and 15W wireless charging. It is currently selling for Rs 64,999 in India.

Foldable phones have come a long way, evolving from fragile novelties to powerful and refined devices that are reshaping the mobile landscape. Whether you prioritise productivity, photography, software experience, or compact design, there’s a foldable phone that caters to your needs. As technology continues to advance, we can expect even more innovative and compelling foldable devices in the years to come, further blurring the lines between smartphones and tablets. So, embrace the future and unfold a world of possibilities with these cutting-edge devices.