Flip telephones have come a great distance within the final decade. After their resurgence with the 2019 Motorola Razr refresh, they’ve solely improved through the years. The very best flip telephones not solely have a giant cowl show and a powerful hinge but in addition an intuitive software program to make the most of their distinctive designs.
The 2025 Motorola Razr Ultra, as an illustration, packs an AMOLED foldable show, a feature-rich consumer interface and a cushty in-hand really feel, alongside a bunch of AI options. Nonetheless, the $1,300 won’t go well with many. Even the brand new $1,100 Samsung Galaxy Z Flip 7 is likely to be out of attain for a lot of. Fortunately, there are many clamshell foldable telephones underneath $1,000 that marry type issue and affordable pricing.
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What’s the finest flip telephone proper now?
Samsung and Motorola are the highest two manufacturers making flip telephones proper now. Of all of the flip telephones we have tested and reviewed thus far, the Samsung Galaxy Z Flip 7 is our choose for the most effective flip telephone of 2025. The South Korean tech large introduced its A-game at Unpacked in July 2025 and added much-awaited options to its foldables.
The Motorola Razr Ultra is a worthy runner up because it homes the newest AI options alongside a strong flagship chipset. The largest replace comes within the type of a brand new titanium-reinforced hinge plate. It’s mentioned to be 4 instances stronger than surgical-grade stainless-steel and may stand up to as much as 35% extra folds than final yr’s fashions.
It is a tight race between the 2 flip telephones. Whereas the Galaxy Z Flip 7 provides a sturdier construct and premium really feel, the Razr Extremely edges out with a extra usable outer show software program — which is without doubt one of the essential appeals of a modern-day flip telephone — in addition to sooner charging.
Additionally: The best Android phones in 2025
Finest flip telephones in 2025
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Why we prefer it: The Samsung Galaxy Z Flip 7 ought to enchantment to a large viewers because of its model energy and software program longevity. I’ve been utilizing the telephone for the previous two weeks, and I like the brand new design. It feels extra premium than Motorola’s providing and provides an identical all-screen outer show.
The Galaxy Z Flip 7 is similar to the usual Samsung Galaxy S-series flagship with a big 6.9-inch AMOLED panel that is shiny and beautiful to take a look at, and as much as 512GB of storage for these high-resolution footage and movies. It is all powered by a wholesome 4,300mAh battery — an improve from final yr’s Z Flip 6. It additionally features a thinner design with a lesser crease and a stronger hinge. We additionally prefer it for its easy and snappy One UI.
Evaluation: Samsung Galaxy Z Flip 7
Who it is for: The Samsung Galaxy Z Flip 7 runs One UI 8 and is rated to be supported for a minimum of seven years with software program updates. That is greater than Motorola’s promise. It may well ship superb digital camera outcomes because of an improved 50MP essential sensor and 12MP ultra-wide.
t’s additionally geared in the direction of content material creators with options like AI-powered Auto Zoom characteristic. This mechanically detects how many individuals are in a body and potential background objects the consumer might need to hold within the shot and repositions the seize digitally. Plus, it provides probably the most full suite of AI options because of Galaxy AI.
Who ought to look elsewhere: The Samsung Galaxy Z Flip 7 is not for many who use the quilt display lots, until they’ll set up an app and force-run apps on the outer show.
Samsung Galaxy Z Flip 7 tech specs: Processor: Qualcomm Snapdragon 8 Elite for Galaxy | Show sizes: 4.1 inches and 6.9 inches | RAM/Storage: 12GB of RAM with 256GB/512GB of storage | Battery: 4,300mAh | Cameras: 50MP essential, 12MP ultra-wide, 10MP entrance | Value: Beginning at $1,099
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Why we prefer it: Motorola’s Razr Extremely will get near the Galaxy Z Flip 7 in some ways. I went hands-on with the newest Razr Extremely mannequin, and was completely impressed by the improved hinge system, which makes the telephone really feel sturdier to flip open and shut. Furthermore, it options the Qualcomm Snapdragon 8 Elite chipset and 12GB of RAM for a slew of AI options and highly effective efficiency.
As for the outer show, it helps just about any app you throw at it. You may browse the online, play video games, scroll TikTok, and do different cellular duties with out ever needing to flip open the machine. As compared, Samsung’s platform is extra restricted on this regard. The Motorola Razr Extremely additionally has a textured backing, together with new Alcantara and Wooden finishes, which I’ve discovered to be simpler to carry and grip than competing flip telephones.
Evaluation: Motorola Razr Ultra (2025)
Who it is for: At $1,299, the Razr Extremely just isn’t an inexpensive flip telephone. It is dearer than the Samsung counterpart. That mentioned, it packs a much bigger and sooner charging battery, bigger screens, two 50MP cameras, and AI options which are truly helpful. In order for you probably the most full, sturdy, and visually-stimulating flip telephone in the marketplace proper now, you may must pay to play with the Razr Extremely. It’s for many who desire a fashion-forward flip telephone with none compromises.
Who ought to look elsewhere: The Razr Extremely consists of top-notch specs, however if you need a telephone that’d final a minimum of 5 years, Motorola won’t be your favourite model. It provides a comparatively quick software program replace cadence, which ranges from two to a few years, versus Google and Samsung’s seven years. The Galaxy Z Flip 7 is likely to be higher on this regard.
Motorola Razr Extremely (2025) tech specs: Processor: Qualcomm Snapdragon 8 Elite | Show sizes: 4-inch exterior and 7-inch inside | Storage choices: 512GB, 1TB | Rear cameras: 50MP extensive, 50MP ultrawide | Entrance digital camera: 32MP extensive | Battery: 4,700mAh | Value: $1,299
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Why we prefer it: The Moto Razr Plus 2024 was top-of-the-line compact Motorola telephones final yr, and its newest model continues the legacy. The Motorola Razr 2025 is eerily just like its predecessor. The one distinction being an up to date working system and added mud resistance with an IP48 score. Consequently, you’ll be able to anticipate easy efficiency, higher software program longevity, and an identical battery backup.
The Motorola Razr Plus 2025 is a stable flip telephone at a midrange worth. You get a giant 4-inch pOLED show with a 165Hz refresh price, so it does not really feel much less useful than its dearer sibling, the Motorola Razr Extremely. It additionally provides quick wi-fi charging, a great major digital camera, and an intuitive consumer interface.
Who it is for: The Motorola Razr 2025 Plus is the telephone to purchase if you need a clamshell foldable however do not need to spend $1,000. It provides simply the appropriate compromises to land at a great price-to-performance ratio. You will not be disillusioned by the general usability, because of the curved sides, which really feel higher than its Samsung rival.
Who ought to look elsewhere: There’s not a lot to fault with the Razr at $750. However if you need flagship efficiency and ultrawide digital camera on a flip telephone, this is not for you. You may want to extend your funds or purchase a slab telephone for that requirement.
Motorola Razr Plus 2025 specs: Show: 4 inches (cowl display), 6.9 inches foldable show | Processor: Qualcomm Snapdragon 8s Gen 3 | Cameras: 50MP major, 50MP telephoto with 2x optical zoom | RAM: 12GB | Storage: 256GB | Battery: 4,000mAh
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Why we prefer it: The Motorola Razr 2025 is the most effective mid-range flip telephone proper now, because of its significant upgrades over the predecessor and fewer competitors. It’s largely the identical as Razr 2024 however consists of an upgraded processor and a much bigger battery. So, you’ll be able to anticipate smoother efficiency, higher software program longevity and an extended battery backup.
In his assessment, ZDNET’s Cesar Cadenas mentioned, “A display like this permits the foldable to ship glorious visible output. For testing, I watched Ozarks on Netflix to see how properly the internal panel shows content material. The very first thing I observed is that the display is de facto good at capturing delicate lighting and the intricate particulars in scenes. It provides lots to the immersion. Furthermore, I can not overlook the Dolby Atmos audio system, which output spectacular audio.”
Evaluation: Motorola Razr 2025
Who it is for: The Motorola Razr 2025 needs to be your choose if you need a flip telephone however do not need to spend $1,000. It provides simply the appropriate compromises to land at a great price-to-performance ratio. You will not be disillusioned by the general usability.
Who ought to look elsewhere: There’s not a lot to fault with the Razr at $700. However if you need flagship efficiency on a flip telephone, this is not for you. You may have to settle with a slab telephone or improve your funds if that is your major requirement.
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Why we prefer it: The Nokia is without doubt one of the higher dumb telephones I’ve examined, with a comparatively giant 2.7-inch internal show and 1.7-inch outer show for data at a look. The keys and navigation buttons are additionally very spacious, making for a extra snug typing expertise than most telephones of this dimension and worth. Naturally, the software program expertise is minimal, so the 512MB of RAM and nerfed Qualcomm Snapdragon 215 chip are affordable specs.
Additionally: Gen Z embraces dumb flip phones, a smarter life hack than you’d think
Who it is for: In case your definition of a flip telephone entails fewer screens and extra digital wellness, then it’s possible you’ll be searching for a “dumb phone,” made fashionable lately by Gen Z, who inspired taking digital detoxes. In fact, such gadgets are additionally important for customers who simply desire a bare-bones telephone that may nonetheless make calls, ship textual content messages, and dial into the web, however with much less probability of leaving digital fingerprints.
Who ought to look elsewhere: The Nokia 2780 is not for many who desire a smartphone. That is for less than these of us who desire a dumb telephone with none distractions.
Nokia 2780 tech specs: Processor: Qualcomm Snapdragon 215 | Show sizes: 1.77 inches and a couple of.7 inches | RAM/Storage: 512MB of RAM with 4GB of storage | Battery: 1,450mAh | Digital camera: 5MP extensive | Value: Beginning at $88
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The very best flip telephone is the Samsung Galaxy Z Flip 7 which provides probably the most well-rounded cellular expertise with 12GB of RAM, as much as 512GB of storage, a Qualcomm Snapdragon 8 Elite, a 4,300mAh battery with quick charging, and extra. Nonetheless, it nonetheless prices over $1,000, which could not be appreciated by many.
| Telephone | Value | Shows | Digital camera |
| Samsung Galaxy Z Flip 7 | $1,100 | 4.1-inch and 6.9-inch | 50MP essential, 12MP ultrawide, 10MP entrance |
| Motorola Razr Extremely | $1,100 | 4-inch and 7-inch | 50MP essential, 50MP ultrawide, 50MP entrance |
| Motorola Razr Plus 2025 | $756 | 4-inch and 6.9-inch | 50MP extensive, 50MP telephoto, 32MP entrance |
| Motorola Razr 2025 | $600 | 3.6-inch and 6.9-inch | 50MP extensive, 13MP ultrawide, 32MP entrance |
| Nokia 2780 Flip | $90 | 1.77-inch and a couple of.7-inch | 5MP essential |
That can assist you determine, see beneath for the important thing causes to purchase every of ZDNET’s prime flip telephone picks.
| Select this flip telephone… | In order for you… |
| Samsung Galaxy Z FLip 7 | The very best flipping foldable in the marketplace, with a 4.1-inch outer show and an all-day battery life with a 4,300mAh cell. |
| Motorola Razr Extremely 2025 | A Samsung various that may final you a minimum of a couple of years and doesnt compromise on construct of software program high quality |
| Motorola Razr Plus 2025 | A foldable for much less. When you can reside with its compromises, the $750 Motorola Razr Plus is, with out query, probably the most accessible machine of its type. |
| Motorola Razr 2025 | Probably the most inexpensive modern-day flip telephone, with a $600 price ticket that is onerous to beat. The Razr additionally has the identical display dimension as its Plus sibling. |
| Nokia 2780 Flip | A dumb telephone that promotes digital wellbeing and detoxing, with bare-bones options and specs for telephone calls, texting, and lightweight web shopping. |
The method of creating our telephone alternatives consists of real-world testing and researching in regards to the telephones for weeks, consulting with colleagues, business consultants, and analysts who even have hands-on expertise with the smartphones, after which choosing the right from all the obtainable decisions.
Finally, we weigh within the following features when curating this record:
- Design: The very best-designed flip telephones are sensible to make use of, require a low to reasonable studying curve, and will have a burdenless hand really feel.
- Software program optimization: A flip telephone depends on extra than simply the usual software program options of a conventional handset; it wants specialised instruments and companies constructed for the outer shows.
- Sturdiness: The very best flip telephone can stand up to a beating, whether or not that is within the type of waist-high drops or pouring rain. It helps when a tool is licensed IPX8 or IP52 or has been examined to fulfill above-average sturdiness requirements.
- Worth: It is troublesome to disregard how costly flip telephones might be, so price-to-performance is one thing deeply thought of when evaluating between gadgets. Service retailer promotions, trade-in offers, and different provides are additionally factored in.
ZDNET’s assessment group spends upwards of a yr testing the ins and outs of each main telephone launch, evaluating the day-to-day efficiency, digital camera high quality, battery life and endurance, and particular options. Here is a breakdown of each issue we contemplate earlier than we make suggestions:
- Design and ergonomics: How good a telephone appears to be like and feels performs a giant position in lots of customers’ shopping for journeys, so we contemplate these features closely when testing.
- Efficiency: A number of elements have an effect on a telephone’s efficiency, together with LTE/5G sign, battery life, and background duties. Subsequently, we sometimes start our evaluations with a completely charged handset, with all background duties closed, and with as steady of a cellular connection as doable.
- Digital camera high quality: ZDNET assessments telephone cameras by capturing lots of of photographs and movies of varied topics and in varied lighting circumstances. We additionally evaluate the output to that of older fashions.
- Battery life and charging: It is also necessary for us to judge how lengthy telephones final underneath gentle, reasonable, and heavy utilization, how lengthy they take to recharge, and the way they do it (wired, wi-fi, or each).
- Particular options: These options distinguish examined gadgets from a bustling smartphone market and hopefully convey added worth to customers, not the alternative.
- Pricing and availability: Past funds issues, we additionally notice if a telephone is on the market within the US or solely internationally.
For a extra in depth breakdown, take a look at our complete phone testing methodology page.
Newest information on flip telephones
Motorola lately introduced a brand new 2025 Razr bundle in collaboration with jewellery model Swarovski. This variant of the flip telephone is available in Pantone Ice Soften, a lightweight blue shade. It additionally has a pair of Moto Buds Loop earbuds in the identical shade within the field. This Motorola Razr bundle retails for $1,000.
It is the query everybody’s been asking for the reason that very first foldable was launched again in 2019: whether or not or not Apple will put out a foldable iPhone of its personal. Whereas the corporate has but to unveil any plans of creating one, and the rumor mill has been moderately sluggish in that regard, it might not be stunning if there is a group inside Cupertino already constructing one out.
Additionally: Why foldable phones are still so expensive, according to analysts
And, as is usually the case with shopper expertise, as soon as Apple does really feel snug sufficient to launch a mass-market foldable telephone, we are able to anticipate there to be a drop in general pricing available in the market, as producers scramble to compete in worth. The newest rumors level to a launch as quickly as in 2026.
Newest updates
- In our August 2025 replace, we added the Samsung Galaxy Z Flip 7 as our prime choose and the Motorola Razr Plus 2025 as our greatest mid-range flip telephone choose. We changed the Razr (2023) with Razr (2025) as the most effective low-cost foldable to purchase.
- In our Might 2025 replace, we added the Motorola Extremely Razr as our prime choose, in addition to changing the Motorola Razr (2024) with the newest Razr from 2025.
Different flip telephones we have examined
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The Galaxy Z Flip 7 FE was launched alongside the Flip 7. Whereas it retains most of the flagship features, most of its specs are borrowed from final yr’s Galaxy Z Flip 6. It may be a complicated machine, given the $960 retail worth, which is not very inexpensive. However the brand new FE flip telephone is promoting for $760 proper now, which makes it an awesome various to the Motorola Razr Plus 2025.
Additionally: I tried the Samsung Galaxy Z Flip 7 FE and it left me very confused
The Samsung Galaxy Z Flip 7 includes a Flip 6-like cowl display, an Exynos processor and passable cameras. It’s meant for many who desire a Samsung flip telephone however do not need to spend a thousand bucks on one. At $760, you might be additionally getting a telephone that’ll supply longer software program longevity than some other Motorola telephone.
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One other “dumb” telephone choice, the TCL Flip 3 includes a comparatively giant 3.2-inch show, giant keys, and an 1,850mAh battery.
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For extra on getting probably the most out of your flip telephone or an previous telephone, take a look at how to make your old phone fast and 10 settings you should change on a Samsung phone.
Smartphones Reviewed & In contrast
