Best Foldable Phones for 2025: Premium Handsets with Flexible Screens
Published on Thursday, 3 April 2025
Foldable technology has matured considerably, and 2025 marks a pivotal moment where these innovative devices have transitioned from novelty items to genuinely practical smartphones. The UK market has embraced foldable handsets with genuine enthusiasm, driven by consumers seeking devices that seamlessly blend portability with expansive screen real estate. Whether you're commuting on the London Underground, working from a café in Edinburgh, or simply seeking a device that stands out from the crowd, foldable phones offer a compelling proposition. These devices eliminate the compromise between pocket-friendly dimensions and tablet-like viewing experiences, delivering true versatility in your pocket. The latest generation of foldables boasts refined durability, improved battery longevity, and multitasking capabilities that rival traditional laptops for specific use cases. From content creators to business professionals and gaming enthusiasts, foldable smartphones cater to those who demand more from their mobile devices. This guide examines five exceptional foldable handsets currently available in the UK, each offering distinct strengths and design philosophies that appeal to different user preferences and requirements.
Top Picks Summary
Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 6
The Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 6 is the best-in-class productivity foldable in the UK for 2025, combining the largest internal display, a refined hinge and S Pen support for true tablet-like multitasking. It commands a premium price but delivers superior durability, battery life and accessory support compared with slimmer clamshells like the Z Flip 6 and Motorola Razr, while offering a more polished ecosystem experience than the OnePlus Open and Google Pixel 9 Pro Fold.
Samsung Galaxy Z Flip 6
The Samsung Galaxy Z Flip 6 leads the compact foldable segment thanks to a pocketable design, strong cameras and a more approachable price for UK buyers, making it a value-forward alternative to larger, costlier devices like the Fold 6 and Pixel 9 Pro Fold. Its mature hinge, polished software and typically lower repair costs make it more accessible for everyday users than the premium OnePlus Open and the nostalgia-focused Razr 50 Ultra.
£949 – £1,099
Google Pixel 9 Pro Fold
The Google Pixel 9 Pro Fold stands out in the UK for best-in-class computational photography and guaranteed Android updates, appealing to buyers who prioritise camera quality and long-term software support over raw multitasking power. While often priced near other premium foldables, it competes with the OnePlus Open on value and challenges Samsung's Fold with unique, Pixel-optimised software features and photo performance.
Motorola Razr 50 Ultra
The Motorola Razr 50 Ultra leans into design and external-display innovation, offering one of the thinnest, most stylish clamshells on sale in the UK and commonly undercutting Samsung and Google on price. It sacrifices some multitasking depth and ecosystem breadth compared with the Fold 6 and Pixel Fold, but its nostalgic form factor, versatile external widgets and competitive cost make it an appealing mid-market choice versus the OnePlus Open and Z Flip 6.
£799 – £999
OnePlus Open
The OnePlus Open delivers flagship performance and a clean, fast OS at a price that often undercuts Samsung's Fold series in the UK, positioning it as the best value proposition among full-size foldables. It balances top-tier chipset performance, solid battery life and a competitive camera system—while it may not match Samsung's accessory ecosystem or Google's computational photography, it frequently represents the smartest financial choice for buyers wanting power and value.
£749 – £999
These premium foldables distinguish themselves through refined hinge mechanisms, enhanced screen durability, sophisticated multitasking software, extended battery performance, and professional-grade camera systems. Each device represents the pinnacle of flexible display technology whilst maintaining everyday practicality.
Understanding Foldable Smartphone Technology
Foldable phones utilise flexible AMOLED displays protected by specialised layers that allow continuous bending without degradation. The hinge mechanism represents the technological heart of these devices, engineered to withstand thousands of open-close cycles whilst maintaining structural integrity. Modern foldables employ advanced cooling systems to manage heat during intensive tasks, whilst battery technology has evolved to support devices with dual cells working in concert. Software optimisation plays an equally crucial role, with operating systems adapted specifically for split-screen multitasking and seamless transitions between folded and unfolded states.
Flexible AMOLED displays with enhanced durability ratings
Advanced hinge engineering tested for longevity and reliability
Optimised multitasking capabilities across both screen configurations
Specialised software interfaces for maximising screen real estate
Enhanced thermal management for sustained performance
Water and dust resistance ratings on modern foldable devices
Frequently Asked Questions
Which foldable phone is best for heavy multitasking in 2025?
The Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 6 is the ideal choice for productivity, featuring the largest internal display and S Pen support for tablet-like multitasking. It is specifically designed for users who need to manage multiple apps simultaneously on a single device.
What is the average user rating for the Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 6?
The Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 6 holds an average rating of 4.6 out of 5 stars. This score reflects its performance as a durable, high-productivity device with a refined hinge and long-term software support.
Is the Samsung Galaxy Z Flip 6 cheaper than the Pixel 9 Pro Fold?
The Samsung Galaxy Z Flip 6 is positioned as a more approachable, value-forward alternative to the Google Pixel 9 Pro Fold. Its compact clamshell design offers a lower entry price for UK buyers compared to the larger, more expensive flagship foldable models.
Does the Google Pixel 9 Pro Fold offer long-term software support?
The Google Pixel 9 Pro Fold provides guaranteed Android updates, ensuring timely OS and security patches for long-term reliability. This makes it a suitable option for users who prioritise a clean, fast software experience and consistent support over raw multitasking power.
Conclusion
The foldable smartphone market in 2025 represents genuine innovation rather than gimmickry, with each device on this list demonstrating meaningful technological advancement. Your choice ultimately depends on your priorities—whether that's Samsung's refined ecosystem, Google's software expertise, OPPO's design innovation, or Xiaomi's value proposition. Before making your purchase, consider your budget, preferred operating system, and how you'll realistically use the flexible form factor. Visit major UK retailers like Currys, John Lewis, or Carphone Warehouse to experience these devices hands-on, as the tactile experience of opening and closing a foldable is genuinely worth experiencing in person. We trust this comparison has provided clarity on which foldable smartphone aligns with your needs and expectations.