Best flip phones in 2025 for any budget
Clamshell-style folding screens have made flip phones cool again – these are the best flip phones on sale, and the ones to look out for
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.
Perhaps you prefer a larger book-style foldable with a little more substance? Read about the best foldable phones here.
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.
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 Motorola Razr 60 Ultra (buy now) is not quite clamshell perfection, but it is as close as it gets. Motorola’s latest is a fantastic flip phone, with no real weak links – other than a high launch price.
The Samsung Galaxy Flip7 (buy now) is comfortably Samsung’s best-looking clamshell phone yet, and the extra productivity features mean the Galaxy Z Flip 7 isn’t solely focused on fun.
The Xiaomi Mix Flip (buy now) is an accomplished clamshell with plenty of power, a big battery, and appealing image processing. It is a fine first effort that turns the category into a three-horse race.
The Motorola Razr 50 (buy now) is a superbly capable flip phone for mainstream money.
The best flip phones you can buy today:
Best flip phone overall
1. Motorola Razr 60 Ultra
Stuff Verdict
Not quite clamshell perfection, but the Razr 60 Ultra is as close as it gets. Motorola’s latest is a fantastic flip phone, with no real weak links – other than a high launch price.
Pros
- Superb screen pair make the most of the phone when closed
- Outstanding battery life for a flip phone, and with rapid charging
- Very capable camera system
Cons
- Flagship chipset a little restricted by thermals
- Pricier at launch than closest rivals
| Motorola Razr 60 Ultra specs | |
|---|---|
| Cover display | 4in, 1272×1080 165Hz AMOLED |
| Main display | 7in 2912×1224 165Hz AMOLED |
| Cameras | 50MP, f/1.8 w/ PDAF, OIS + 50MP, f/2.0 ultrawide w/ PDAF rear, 50MP, f/2.0 front |
| Processor | Qualcomm Snapdragon 8 Elite |
| Storage | 512GB/1TB |
| RAM | 16GB |
| Battery | 4700mAh w/ 68W wired, 30W wireless charging |
| Dimensions | 172x74x7.2mm (unfolded), 88x74x15.7mm (folded), 199g |
After two weeks living with the Motorola Razr 60 Ultra, we’re convinced it’s the best flip phone you can buy right now. It’s not just about the looks – though the mix of Pantone colours, Alcantara, leather or wood finishes make it feel more premium than any rival. The real magic lies in how usable it is shut. The full-size 4in+ outer display isn’t just for widgets – we could reply to emails, type messages and even run full apps comfortably without needing to flip it open. That alone gives it a huge edge over Samsung’s Z Flip line.
Open it up and you’re greeted by a gorgeous 7in OLED that’s brighter and sharper than any folding screen we’ve tested. The crease barely registers, colours are vivid, and 165Hz refresh rates make scrolling silky. Cameras finally feel like more than an afterthought. The 50MP main sensor produced sharp, vibrant shots, and the ultrawide matched it well for colour and tone. Shooting with the cover screen as a viewfinder is brilliant – especially for selfies.
Performance was flagship-strong thanks to the Snapdragon 8 Elite and 16GB RAM, though we noticed it running hot during long gaming sessions. Battery life, however, blew us away. The 4700mAh cell comfortably lasted into day two, and 68W charging got us back up in just over an hour.
It’s expensive, but with no real weak links, the Razr 60 Ultra is the closest any clamshell has come to perfection.
- Read more: Motorola Razr 60 Ultra review
Best Samsung flip phone
2. Samsung Galaxy Flip7
Stuff Verdict
The Flip7 is comfortably Samsung’s best looking clamshell phone yet, and the extra productivity features mean the Galaxy Z Flip 7 isn’t solely focused on fun.
Pros
- Small and light shell meets huge cover screen
- Productivity feature additions are welcome
- Takes a very decent photo
Cons
- Outer screen still (a little) app unfriendly
- Exynos internals a little underwhelming for the price
| Samsung Galaxy Flip7 specs | |
|---|---|
| Cover display | 4.1in AMOLED |
| Main display | 6.9in AMOLED |
| Cameras | 50MP + 12MP ultrawide rear 10MP front |
| Processor | Samsung Exynos 2500 |
| Storage | 256/512GB |
| RAM | 12GB |
| Battery | 4300mAh |
| Dimensions | 75x86x13.7mm (folded), 75x167x6.5mm (unfolded), 188g |
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.
- Read more: Samsung Galaxy Flip7 review
Best flip phone for battery
3. Xiaomi Mix Flip
Stuff Verdict
An accomplished clamshell with plenty of power, a big battery, and appealing image processing. The Xiaomi Mix Flip is a fine first effort that turns the category into a three horse race.
Pros
- Equally usable whether open or folded, with two stellar screens
- Clean, detailed photo with striking Leica colours
- Long-lasting battery with rapid charging
Cons
- Outer screen support still in the early stages
- No water resistance rating
- Heavy use sees it get toasty
| Xiaomi Mix Flip specs | |
|---|---|
| Cover display | 4in, 1392×1208 AMOLED w/ 120Hz, 3000nits |
| Main display | 6.86in, 2912×1224 AMOLED w/ 120Hz, 3000nits (inner) |
| Cameras | 50MP + 50MP (rear), 32MP (front) |
| Processor | Qualcomm Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 |
| Storage | 256GB/512GB/1TB on-board |
| RAM | 12/16GB |
| Battery | 4780mAh w/ 67W wired charging |
| Dimensions | 74x74x16mm (folded) / 168x74x7.6mm (unfolded) 190g |
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.
Best affordable flip phone
4. Motorola Razr 50
Stuff Verdict
We’ve yet to test it thoroughly, but first impressions are that this is a superbly capable flip phone for mainstream money.
Pros
- Many of the same features as the more expensive 50 Ultra
- Run any app on the external display
Cons
- Less powerful chip than the Razr 50 Ultra
- Wired charging tops out at 30W
| Motorola Razr 50 specs | |
|---|---|
| Cover display | 3.6in, 1056×1066 AMOLED |
| Main display | 6.9in 2640×1080 AMOLED 120Hz |
| Cameras | 50+13MP (rear), 32MP (front) |
| Processor | MediaTek Dimensity 7300X |
| Storage | 256/512GB |
| RAM | 8/12GB |
| Battery | 3700mAh |
| Dimensions | 171x74x7.3mm (unfolded), 188g |
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.
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.
How we test flip phones
We test flip phones by putting them through their paces in real-world scenarios to see how they perform in everyday use. The goal is to experience the phone as a regular user would, uncovering strengths and weaknesses that only emerge with hands-on time.
We start by examining the build quality, paying close attention to the hinge. Each flip is scrutinised for smoothness, sturdiness, and resistance to wear over repeated use.
The foldable display is another focal point, tested for responsiveness, brightness, and clarity under various lighting conditions, as well as how it handles fingerprints and smudges.
Battery life is assessed by using the phone throughout a typical day—streaming videos, taking photos, messaging, and browsing. This reveals how the device holds up to modern demands, especially with the added power needs of foldable screens. Multitasking is a key part of testing, especially for phones with external displays, as we explore how seamlessly the software integrates both screens.
Tom Morgan-Freelander
Deputy Editor