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Flipping Cool: The Best Folding Flip Phones of 2023, so far
Robert Cerff / 08-06-2023 / Tech
Foldable mobiles are making a comeback and they’re smaller, smarter and distinctly innovative!
The pioneer of this latest smartphone revolution is, of course, Samsung, with its renowned Galaxy Z Fold and Z Flip ranges. But there are more and more options out there and, if you’re ready to flip out and join this revolution, this is what you should be looking for:
- Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 4: The Folding King
Samsung continues to dominate the foldable smartphone market since it made its grand entrance back in 2019. Fast forward to 2022 and you have its most refined offering yet, the Samsung Z Fold 4.
With the Z Fold 4, you get a 50MP main camera, a 4400mAh battery, software upgrades, two top-tier OLED displays, the premium Snapdragon 8 Plus Gen 1 chipset, stronger glass and an improved hinge. Collectively, this means the latest Samsung foldable is a high-performing powerhouse with impressive camera capabilities, battery longevity, enhanced productivity and next-level durability.
With the imminent launch of the Galaxy Z Fold 5, we’re keeping an eye out to see just how Samsung improves on this trailblazing range.
- Oppo Find N2: The New Leading Clamshell Foldable
Samsung has major competition with the recent release of the Oppo Find N2 Flip, the first foldable smartphone from the Chinese manufacturer. It’s launch into the South African market earlier this year showed that our consumers are ready for more variety in the clamshell foldable segment. So far, it has already surpassed the Samsung Galaxy Z Flip 4 in design, durability and specs.
Most notably, it boasts a refined hinge that ensures the phone closes completely without gaps, protecting the inner display from dust and other debris while giving it a premium look. When flipped open, the improved hinge ensures that the crease is barely visible, resulting in an exceptional viewing experience and a smooth touch when scrolling over it.
Other highlights include a big 3.45-inch cover display, a long-lasting 4300mAh battery, a powerful 50MP main camera and the top-performing MediaTek Dimensity 9000+ chipset.
- Samsung Galaxy Z Flip 4: Most Iconic Clamshell Foldable
The Samsung Galaxy Z Flip 4 remains one of the best and most iconic foldable smartphones. It symbolises Samsung’s commitment to improving the form factor and eventually making it mainstream.
It features a host of upgrades from its predecessor, the Samsung Galaxy Z Flip 3, including a faster Snapdragon chipset, tougher glass, thinner bezels, a larger battery and faster charging speeds.
Another standout feature that sets both the Galaxy Z Flip 4 and Z Fold 4 apart from its competitors is the IPX8 water-resistant rating, which means your phone can continue to function even after being submerged in fresh water for up to 30 minutes!
- Motorola RAZR 2022: A Classic Gets Revamped
Motorola is reemerging as a formidable competitor in the foldable smartphone market thanks to the Razr (2022), an upgrade from the classic Razr V3 in 2019.
This phone sports a 6.7-inch foldable main display and a 2.7-inch cover screen that can do plenty without opening the phone, such as displaying notifications, accessing basic apps and snapping photos. There are so many other sought-after specs, including 8K video, a 50MP main camera, a 3500mAh battery, 30W fast charging and advanced processing capabilities with the Snapdragon 8+ Gen 1 chipset.
- Huawei P50 Pocket: Camera Power Made Possible
Inspired by the Samsung Galaxy Z Flip 3, this is one of the best foldables you can buy right now. Huawei's first clamshell smartphone, the P50 Pocket launched globally at the beginning of 2022 and was praised for its incredible camera chops for a foldable, headlined by a 40MP main shooter.
In addition to the top-tier camera, other in-demand features are the immersive 6.9-inch OLED main screen, a 4000mAh battery and up to 40W fast charging.
A Battle for Supremacy: Samsung Faces Tough Competition
Many more impressive folding smartphones could easily make this list, including the book-style foldables like the Xiaomi Mi Mix Fold, Microsoft Surface Duo 2, Huawei Mate Xs2 and Honor Magic Vs.
Things are getting even more exciting with Google's first foldable, the Pixel Fold, expected to launch soon - and not forgetting the much-anticipated Apple foldable.
Watch this space to see how it all unfolds.
