If you're looking to explore something different with your next phone upgrade, consider diving into the world of foldables. These smartphones come with innovative folding screens, offering a unique user experience. However, not all foldables are created equal, and there are important technical aspects to consider when choosing the right one for you. In this guide, we'll walk you through the best folding phones of 2023 and help you make an informed decision.
The Best Folding Phones Of 2023
Here are some of the best folding phones of 2023 that you can choose from.
MRP: ₹1,54,999
Technical Specs:
Weight: 253g
Dimensions: Open: 154.9 x 129.9 x 6.1mm / Folded: 154.9 x 67.1 x 13.4mm
OS: One UI 5.1.1 with Android 13
Screen size: 6.2-inch / 7.6-inch
Resolution: 904 x 2316 / 1812 x 2176
CPU: Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 for Galaxy
RAM: 12GB
Storage: 256GB / 512GB / 1TB
Battery: 4,400mAh
Rear camera: 50MP + 12MP + 10MP
Front camera: 10MP / 4MP
Samsung continues to dominate the foldable market in 2023 with the Galaxy Z Fold 5, being one of the best folding phones in India and the finest iteration yet. It shares many similarities with its predecessor, the Z Fold 4, including design, camera quality, battery life, and charge speeds. However, notable improvements include a redesigned hinge that allows for a completely gapless closure, providing a more polished feel.
The Z Fold 5 is powered by the top-of-the-line Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 for Galaxy chipset, making it one of the most powerful foldables on the market. It effortlessly handles high-end gaming and multitasking. This device features two OLED displays: a 6.1-inch outer screen and a larger 7.6-inch internal display. Samsung has made strides in convincing developers to adapt to the unique aspect ratio, resulting in a more immersive experience compared to some competitors.
While the 4400mAh battery offers decent all-day usage, the 25W charging speed could be faster.
2. Samsung Galaxy Z Flip 5
MRP: ₹99,999
Technical Specs:
Weight: 187g
Dimensions: Open: 165.1 x 71.9 x 6.9mm / Folded: 85.1 x 71.9 x 15.1mm
OS: One UI 5.1.1 with Android 13
Screen size: 3.4-inch / 6.7-inch
Resolution: 720 x 748 / 1080 x 2640
CPU: Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 for Galaxy
RAM: 8GB
Storage: 256GB / 512GB
Battery: 3,700mAh
Rear camera: 12MP + 12MP
Front camera: 10MP
If you're interested in a foldable with decent water resistance, your options are limited to the Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 5 and its clamshell counterpart, the Galaxy Z Flip 5, both offering IPX8 water resistance.
The Z Flip 5, being one of the best flip phones for 2023, has improved its cover display experience with a larger 3.4-inch external screen that supports widgets and limited apps. However, the app support is more limited compared to competitors like the Razr 40 Ultra. The device now closes completely flat, enhancing its pocketability. It shares the same powerful Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 for Galaxy chipset as the Z Fold 5, ensuring smooth performance.
Despite these improvements, the Z Flip 5 retains its dual 12MP cameras from the previous model and could benefit from an upgrade. Battery life is decent, but it may leave you with minimal charge by the end of the day.
3. Motorola Razr 40 Ultra
MRP: ₹1,19,999
Technical Specs:
Weight: 191g
Dimensions: Exterior Display: 3.6-inch pOLED with 144Hz refresh rate / Interior Display: 6.9-inch pOLED with 165Hz refresh rate
Camera: 12MP main camera with OIS, PDAF, and f/1.5 aperture
CPU: Snapdragon 8 Plus Gen 1
Battery: 3,800mAh with 30W fast charging
If you prefer a clamshell-style foldable, the Motorola Razr 40 Ultra should be on your radar. It boasts a large 3.6-inch pOLED exterior display with a super-smooth 144Hz refresh rate. This exterior display allows you to run widgets and Android apps comfortably without unfolding the device.
Inside, you'll find a tall, narrow 6.9-inch pOLED display with a smooth 165Hz refresh rate and intelligent refresh rate adaptation thanks to LTPO tech. The hinge offers a near-gapless fold, reducing dust ingress and minimizing the crease's visibility and feel.
The 12MP main camera, equipped with OIS, PDAF, and a wide f/1.5 aperture, delivers impressive results in various lighting conditions. While it may not match flagship camera setups, it outperforms the Z Flip 5's dual 12MP cameras. The Snapdragon 8 Plus Gen 1 chipset powers the phone, offering solid everyday performance, although it can heat up during graphics-intensive gaming.
With a 3,800mAh battery and 30W fast charging, the Razr 40 Ultra ensures a day's use and quick recharging.
4. Google Pixel Fold
MRP: ₹147,490 (speculated)
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Technical Specs:
Weight: 283g
Dimensions: Unfolded: 139.7 x 79.5 x 12.1mm / Folded: 139.7 x 158.7 x 5.8mm
OS: Android 13
Screen size: 7.6-inch / 5.8-inch
Resolution: 2208 x 1840 / 2092 x 1080
CPU: Google Tensor G2
RAM: 12GB (LPDDR 5)
Storage: 256GB / 512GB
Battery: 4,727mAh
Rear camera: 48MP (main) + 10.8MP (ultrawide) + 10.8MP (5X telephoto)
Front camera: 8MP
Google enters the foldable phone arena with the Google Pixel Fold, a device that offers a combination of displays suitable for various scenarios. It features a 5.8-inch outer screen for regular phone use and unfolds to reveal a spacious 7.8-inch display. Despite its folding design, the Pixel Fold maintains a slim profile, making it easy to carry.
The device offers a top-notch Google Pixel experience, including a versatile 48MP main camera and an impressive 10.8MP 5x telephoto lens for close-ups and bokeh effects. Its thinness, at just 5.3mm unfolded, and 12.2mm folded, enhances portability, although it doesn't fold completely flat.
5. Oppo Find N2 Flip
MRP: ₹99,999
Technical Specs:
Weight: 191g
Dimensions: Exterior Display: 3.45-inch cover display / Interior Display: 6.8-inch OLED
Camera: 50MP main camera + 8MP ultrawide
CPU: MediaTek Dimensity 9000 Plus
RAM: 8GB
Storage: 256GB
Battery: 4,300mAh with 30W fast charging
The Oppo Find N2 Flip offers a compelling foldable option at an attractive price point, being ine of the best folding phones in 2023. It features a hinge that allows for a completely flat closure, protecting the inner display from debris. The device boasts a 3.45-inch cover display with full camera previews and dedicated widgets, reducing the need for frequent unfolding.
The Find N2 Flip's hinge includes a new Flexion mechanism, reducing the crease by up to 60% compared to its predecessor. The phone is equipped with a capable camera setup, a Dimensity 9000+ chipset for high performance, a 4300mAh battery for all-day usage, and 30W fast charging for quick refueling.
Factors To Consider When Buying A Foldable Phone
When it comes to buying the latest folding phone, there are a few things you need to consider. It is important to consider your budget, your needs, and your preferences when choosing a foldable phone.
The following tips will help you choose the right foldable phone:
- Set your budget: The cost of the best new folding phones can be quite high, so setting a budget is important before shopping.
- Consider your needs: What do you need a foldable phone for? Depending on whether you need it for work or for entertainment, your criteria may vary.
- Which style of foldable phone appeals to you most: A clamshell phone or a book-style phone? Would you prefer a phone with a large display or one that's easy to carry?
Which is the best folding phone for you depends on your unique needs and preferences. With the choices we've outlined in this guide, you have the tools to make an informed decision in the ever-changing realm of folding smartphones.
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