Best flip phones in 2025 for any budget | Stuff

With enough force, almost every phone can fold in half – not even the best phones on sale are immune from brute strength. But only a few can do it without suffering terminal damage. From retro revivals to cutting-edge clamshells, these best flip phones are perfectly pocketable, yet don’t skimp on top-tier hardware.

By hiding a larger screen on the inside, flip phones are half the size of a traditional smartphone. Their outer screens are getting smarter and smarter, too, saving you from constantly flipping the thing open to reply to messages or check incoming emails. Add in increasingly capable cameras and they’re some of the most versatile phones around. We’ve tested the best, and highlighted upcoming models that might be worth waiting for.

Perhaps you prefer a larger book-style foldable with a little more substance? Read about the best foldable phones here.

Why you can trust Stuff: Our team of experts rigorously test each product and provide honest, unbiased reviews to help you make informed decisions. For more details, read how we test and rate products.

Quick list: What’s the best flip phone?

The best flip phones you can buy today:

1. Samsung Galaxy Flip7

Samsung’s Galaxy Z Flip 7 is easily the most refined flip phone we’ve tested yet. The thinner design and bigger cover screen make it feel like a proper upgrade, not just another yearly refresh. In hand, it looks and feels fantastic – slimmer than the Z Flip 6, with a hinge that finally hides the crease well. We especially liked how the 4.1in outer display now plays a real role, even if you still need Good Lock tinkering to unlock its full potential. The 6.9in inner AMOLED is classic Samsung: sharp, bright and buttery smooth.

Using it day-to-day, the cameras proved consistent rather than groundbreaking. The 50MP main shooter delivered detailed, colourful shots and handled motion better than previous Flips. The ultrawide lagged slightly, and selfies were nothing special, but the outer display makes using the main cameras far more practical.

Performance, powered by Samsung’s Exynos 2500, didn’t always match the $1100/£1049 asking price. Benchmarks were closer to mid-range, and we noticed it getting hot under heavy loads. Battery life was just enough for a full day, but charging remains sluggish compared to Motorola’s Razr 60 Ultra.

Still, with seven years of updates, slick software additions like DeX, and eye-catching design, the Z Flip 7 is Samsung’s most balanced flip phone yet – though not the most powerful.

2. Xiaomi Mix Flip

The Xiaomi Mix Flip is an impressive first attempt at a clamshell foldable that had us raising our eyebrows—in a good way. With its sleek design, massive battery, and Leica-enhanced cameras, this phone feels like a solid competitor to big names like Samsung’s Galaxy Z Flip6 and Motorola’s Razr 50 Ultra. Its high price tag means it’s stepping into a competitive ring, but we think it’s more than ready to hold its own.

We were genuinely impressed with the two high-quality screens, and the Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 chipset delivers smooth performance all around. The 50MP cameras, with some help from Leica’s magic, serve up crisp, vibrant shots that’ll make any photography enthusiast happy—though, we’ll admit, night mode still has room for improvement.

Media lovers, rejoice! The flexible AMOLED display and punchy stereo speakers made watching videos a treat. But, we did notice that app support on the outer screen is still in its early days. We’d also have liked to see some water resistance, and yes, it can get a bit toasty under heavy use.

If fast charging and solid photography are high on your list, the Mix Flip will definitely catch your eye. It’s a promising debut that adds some serious flavour to the clamshell market.

3. Motorola Razr 50 Ultra

This cream-of-the-crop clamshell marks twenty years since the first iconic Razr. Motorola has added the biggest cover screen you’ll find on any foldable, and lets you run any app you like on it, meaning you can go hours without actually opening the thing up. Fresh new colours, a more weatherproof build and built-in Gemini AI smarts only add to the appeal.

Importantly the Razr 50 Ultra also gets two new outer camera sensors. Twin 50MP snappers promise much sharper, more defined shots than the previous generation, which was merely OK on the photography front. Add in the fact that it undercuts Samsung’s current flip phone (something that surely won’t change once the successor lands), and you’re looking at the best all-rounder on sale in the West today.

4. Motorola Razr 50

Motorola’s two-tier approach to flip phones worked well for the previous generation, bringing the cost of entry down significantly. That’s still the case for the Razr 50, except here you’re getting a significantly improved external display. At 3.6in and with access to any app you want, it’s far more useful than the outgoing model’s compact OLED.

Inside MediaTek silicon provides the power, while an even larger battery than the Razr 50 Ultra should easily deliver all-day longevity. It keeps the ultrawide lens from the Razr 40, but upgrades the main snapper to a 50MP unit that should be very competitive among flip phones. A full review will follow soon.

5. Oppo Find N2 Flip

Oppo’s first Western-bound flip phone looked set to shake up the market, thanks to some very competitive hardware. It didn’t see nearly the same success as the Galaxy Z Flip series, but can now be picked up for peanuts. That makes it well worth a look for anyone on a budget, despite its internals now being a generation behind.

The design is still gorgeous, the rear cameras are still decent (if not class-leading) and the battery remains one of the largest of any flip phone I’ve tested. That external display doesn’t feel quite so giant any more, though, and the lack of wireless charging is a bit of a downer. Oppo’s version of Android can also be a little too aggressive when it comes to power management.

8. Nubia Flip 5G

It’s not a big name in Europe and the US, but Nubia (formerly a ZTE sub-brand) has been quietly pumping out value champions for a while now. These have largely been RedMagic gaming phones, but the Nubia Flip shows the firm knows a thing or two about foldables as well. A distinctive circular outer screen sets it apart from rivals, and the 4300mAh battery is especially generous given the midrange chipset running the show.

Only one of the two rear cameras is worth talking about, and you don’t get luxuries such as wireless charging or an IP rating. But short of buying second-hand or opting for a previous year’s model, there’s little else out there in flip phone land that’s as light on your wallet.

How to choose the best flip phone

Choosing the best flip phone requires a little consideration. These compact devices are designed to offer the full functionality of a smartphone while folding down to a pocketable size, making them appealing to those who value convenience and cutting-edge tech.

One of the most important factors to consider is the quality of the foldable display. Look for a high-resolution AMOLED screen with a smooth refresh rate, as these ensure a vibrant and responsive experience. The durability of the screen is equally critical, as folding phones often use delicate materials like ultra-thin glass. Research models with proven durability to ensure they can handle daily use without damage.

The hinge mechanism is another crucial component. A well-designed hinge ensures smooth folding and prevents dust or debris from interfering with functionality. Check for certifications or user feedback that confirm the reliability of the hinge over time, as this will heavily influence the phone’s longevity.

External displays also play a key role in the convenience of foldable phones. A larger outer screen allows you to perform quick tasks like checking notifications or controlling music without unfolding the device. Consider how much you rely on these features and choose a phone with an external display that meets your needs.

Battery life and software optimisation should also factor into your decision. Folding phones often have smaller batteries due to their compact design, so look for models with efficient power management and fast charging. Additionally, ensure the software is optimised for the folding format to maximise productivity and multitasking.

Ultimately, choosing the right horizontal foldable phone comes down to balancing innovation with practicality. Take time to assess features like display quality, durability, and ease of use to find a device that fits seamlessly into your daily life.