Samsung Galaxy Z Flip5 for $600: Final yr’s fifth-generation Galaxy Z Flip5 (7/10, WIRED Recommends) is a refined flip-style handset with an IPX8 water-resistance ranking and a silent hinge. It closes utterly flat with out leaving a niche within the center, and this iteration has a bigger cowl display on the entrance, which helps you to have a look at massive widgets just like the calendar, climate, step depend, and timer—plus notifications with the flexibility to answer them by way of a full-size keyboard—with out opening the gadget up. The newer Flip6 does not add a ton of latest options—most of the upgrades are within the software program, and the Flip5 will doubtless obtain a lot of them. Simply be sure you do not spend greater than $600 on the Flip5.
Samsung Galaxy Z Fold5 for $1,399: The Galaxy Z Fold5 (7/10, WIRED Recommends) from 2023 nonetheless shares plenty of similarities with the newer Galaxy Z Fold6, although the entrance display just isn’t as huge and is usually a little annoying to make use of (apps can really feel a bit squished). It is nonetheless a superb, well-built cellphone, however it is best to keep away from paying something close to MSRP. Look forward to a sale.
Google Pixel Fold for $1,779: We have seen the Pixel Fold drop for as little as $1,200 at retailers like Amazon and Finest Purchase, and that is worth for it, particularly because it has now been succeeded by the Pixel 9 Professional Fold. Learn our Pixel Fold assessment (8/10, WIRED Recommends) for extra particulars on this huge and chunky gadget.
Motorola Razr+ (2023) for $600: The Razr+ (7/10, WIRED Recommends) is among the nicer-looking flip telephones due to the leatherlike materials on the again. Plus it is available in ruby! The exterior display is not as massive as the most recent Razr+ (2024), however you possibly can nonetheless open any app on it with no restrictions. The cameras aren’t as good, and the battery life is mediocre. Nonetheless, it is a sensible purchase at this worth.
Motorola Razr (2023) for $398: It is a outstanding worth for a folding cellphone, even when it is only a yr previous. It sacrifices a big cowl display, which means the little show on the entrance is barely helpful for checking the time, climate, and a few notifications. The hinge mechanism does not really feel anyplace close to as good because the newer fashions (it is a bit of noisy), however you get a 6.9-inch OLED display on the within, a 144-Hz display refresh fee, and completely good efficiency due to the Snapdragon 7 Gen 1 chipset.
Oppo Discover N3 Flip for $899: I used the Discover N3 Flip for a number of weeks—together with after I was transferring—and it was a superb companion. I do not discover its elongated entrance display all that helpful (I desire one thing just like the Razr+ or Z Flip6), and it does not assist that flipping it open makes a not-so-pleasant sound. It loses factors on the IPX4 ranking too. However it’s a lot highly effective, the display will get decently brilliant, and the battery reliably lasts a full day with heavy use. The triple digicam system is the spotlight—it is a rarity on a flip cellphone and features a 2X optical zoom. The outcomes aren’t going to blow you away however are greater than passable.
Nubia Flip 5G for $499 (£500): This supercute flip foldable has a classy round display on the entrance. The Nubia Flip 5G (6/10 WIRED Assessment) is probably the most reasonably priced foldable we’ve got seen, outdoors of reductions for different fashions. Sadly, the entrance display just isn’t very sensible, and it is a distinctly common performer with restricted processing energy and battery life. The software program can be dated, and we’ve got issues about Nubia’s replace coverage. However for folk eager to strive a foldable on a restricted price range, the Flip 5G is a technique to do it.
Xiaomi Combine Fold 3 for $1,199: It is solely obtainable in China, however this Xiaomi cellphone (7/10, WIRED Recommends) is just like the OnePlus in that you simply get a really regular entrance display and a big inside display, all in a svelte bundle. The cameras are nice, battery life is long-lasting, and there is wi-fi charging help. Too dangerous the software program is clunky, and there is no IP ranking in any respect for water or mud resistance.
