As more brands announce foldable smartphones, they are no longer a niche product meant only for early adopters. Samsung laid a solid foundation for early foldables, and now others are building on it, offering unique solutions for diverse users.
While most book-style foldables remain expensive, flip-style foldables are priced similarly to regular flagships. Additionally, you can find foldables from a few years ago at significantly lower prices.
If you’re considering buying your first foldable smartphone in 2024, here are a few things to keep in mind before making your decision.
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Foldable comes in two shapes — Flip and Fold
Galaxy Z Flip5 Maison Margiela special edition (Image credit: Samsung)
Foldable smartphones can be broadly classified into two types: Flip-style foldables, which are smaller, easier to carry, and less expensive; and Fold-style foldables, which transform into a tablet-like form factor when unfolded and are generally more expensive.
A foldable typically has two screens: a primary foldable screen, usually on the inside, and a secondary cover display. The cover display provides quick access to information such as notifications, calls, and texts.
Flip-style foldables have a smaller cover display, while Fold-style foldables feature a larger cover display. For instance, devices like the OnePlus Open and Vivo X Fold 3 Pro have cover displays comparable to regular smartphones. On the other hand, more affordable options like the Motorola Razr 40 have smaller cover screens, catering to users who prefer a less distracting device when folded.
Software plays an important role
The Flip5 ushers in a larger 3.4-inch front screen which gives access to a lot more content and apps than before which will now let users do a lot without actually opening the phone. (Nandagopal Rajan / Express Photo)
As crucial as hardware is for a foldable, software plays an equally important role and can make or break the device. Samsung is known for offering the best software experience on foldables, with devices like the OnePlus Open not far behind. Key factors include the overall user experience, app behavior on primary and cover displays, app scalability, multi-tasking ability, and more.
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Based on these aspects, here are some of the best foldables worth considering in 2024:
Samsung Galaxy Z Fold5
Rs 1,54,999
Galaxy Z Fold5 is one of the mainstream foldable smartphone (Image credit: Nandagopal Rajan/The Indian Express)
If you are a business user seeking a foldable for enhanced productivity, the Galaxy Z Fold5 (review) is the best option on the market, though it is slightly more expensive than its competitors. Powered by the Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 SoC, the device is as powerful as the Galaxy S23 Ultra and runs on Android 14-based OneUI 6.1 with an extensive range of Galaxy AI features backed by generative AI technology. Additionally, keep in mind that the Galaxy Z Fold6 is just around the corner.
Samsung Galaxy Z Flip5
Rs 99,999
Samsung has worked on is improving its Flex Hinge technology. (Nandagopal Rajan / Express photo)
If you’re looking for a chic style, the Galaxy Z Flip5 (review) is a great pick. It is as powerful as the Galaxy Z Fold5, as both are based on the Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 SoC. Compared to its predecessor, the Galaxy Z Flip5 boasts significant upgrades, including a larger cover display and a design that leaves no gap between the two halves when folded. Additionally, the Galaxy Z Flip5 is IPX8 rated, making it water-resistant.
OnePlus Open
Rs 1,39,999
OnePlus Open is currently the fastest-charging foldable phone in the market. (Express Photo)
If you’re seeking a premium-looking foldable, the OnePlus Open (review) is an excellent choice. Despite being the company’s first foldable, it is slightly lighter than the competition and features flagship hardware. Additionally, it is OnePlus’s first smartphone to include a periscope zoom lens, with the camera tuned by Hasselblad.
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Vivo X Fold 3 Pro
Rs 1,59,999
The foldable display has almost no crease (Image credit: Nandagopal Rajan/The Indian Express)
This is India’s latest camera-first foldable. Much like the Vivo X100 series, Vivo has prioritised camera capabilities, and the Vivo X Fold 3 Pro (review) comes with Zeiss optics. Powered by the Snapdragon 8 Gen 3, it surpasses the capabilities of the Galaxy Z Fold5 and the OnePlus Open. Compared to other foldables, it boasts an almost invisible crease and packs a massive 5,700 mAh battery, the largest ever featured on a foldable device.
Motorola Razr 40
Rs 44,999
This is currently one of the most affordable foldable smartphones on the market, offering a good set of features. Despite being based on the dated Snapdragon 7 Gen 1 SoC, it should handle normal day-to-day tasks without any issues. Additionally, the device boasts a large 4,200 mAh battery that can last all day, along with support for fast wired and wireless charging. Overall, it’s a great choice for those looking to join the foldable bandwagon.
We have included five distinct foldables, each catering to different users. The Galaxy Z Fold5 is ideal for business users, offering productivity-focused features. The Vivo X Fold 3 Pro appeals to those prioritising camera quality. On the other hand, the Razr 40 is a budget-friendly option for those seeking affordability. We hope this helps you finalise your first or next foldable purchase.
