So, you're interested in getting a folding phone. You love the possibilities of form factor, but you're not sure what the best choice is for your budget. In this article, I'll tell you about the best foldable phones of 2021.
What Are Foldable Phones?
Foldable phones, or folding phones, aren't exactly new. Phone manufactures have used the ‘flip phone' form factor for decades! More recently, smartphone companies have been experimenting with the concept of a folding screen, or a device that can unfold itself into a larger version.
There are two primary folding phone designs, both of which utilize a type of hinge. The first is the folding display smartphone and the second is the dual screen phone.
Folding Display Smartphones
These kinds of foldable phones have a screen that folds in on itself. Manufacturers accomplish this by using flexible plastic, which allows the screen to bend. These generally fold like a book, but can also adopt a clam shell form factor similar to old school flip phones.
Folding display smartphones have a big problem: they're glass cannons. The flexible plastic material is incredibly fragile when compared to glass — you can scratch it with just your fingernail! With their high price tags, it's hard to justify buying one if you could ruin it with normal use.
Dual Screen Phones
The alternative design to folding display phones is the dual screen phone. Dual screen phones combine two separate screens that unfold into ‘one' large display when side by side. However, since they are two separate screens, there is a noticeable crease down the center, which splits the view.
Despite this crease, dual screen phones have a number of advantages. They are cheaper, have more durable glass displays, and can fold up to 360 degrees for more flexibility.
Dual screen phones are a cheaper alternative for those focused on multitasking and using their device in multiple orientations. They are also less likely to break because the screens don't have to bend and flex, so they can be made out of sturdier glass.
Using Foldable Phones
There are a lot of unique ways that you can use a foldable phone. For example, the larger display makes it easier to use multiple apps at once. For dual screen phones, you can even have a different app open on each screen!
Since these devices fold into a narrower form, they offer the portability of regular smartphones with the display size of a small tablet!
Should I Buy A Folding Smartphone In 2024?
If you want to, go ahead! Keep in mind that the technology is pretty new, so there are some growing pains. Plus, the latest folding display smartphones on the market can be very expensive for the average consumer.
Dual screen phones seem like they will be the affordable option, for those looking for a foldable phone in 2021. They are more durable, cost less to produce, and offer the same flexible form factor. They may even be the superior device for business professionals, who might benefit from their multitasking capabilities. However, I was proven dead wrong by Microsoft when they unveiled the price of the Surface Duo.
You can use UpPhone's phone comparison tool to compare the price and specs of every available foldable phone. Use the filters at the top of the page to sort by brand, price, and specs to find the phone you want. Then, click Compare to add them to your comparison list, which you can access by clicking the plus sign at the bottom right-hand corner of your screen.
Save Big With Device Trade In
Foldable phones can seem very expensive compared to other smartphones. However, most carriers and manufacturers have trade in programs which allow you to trade in your old phone for discounts on new devices. By trading in your old phone, you could potentially save hundreds of dollars!
Microsoft Surface Duo
My feelings about the Microsoft Surface Duo are mixed. Even though this ultra-thin, dual screen foldable device can make and receive phone calls and text messages on your cell phone plan, I wouldn't even call it a phone.
It lacks a lot of the useful features standard on smartphones like wireless charging, Google Pay, and a strong battery. These missing features make it hard to justify the $1049 starting price.
Unlike the old Windows phones from several years ago, the Surface Duo runs on Android, which means it's compatible with all your favorite apps! It also supports any pen that works with the Windows protocol — such as the Surface Pen — so you can mark up your documents anywhere!
Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 2
The original Galaxy Fold has an interesting history. However, its successor has demonstrated what a premium foldable device can look like. It has an outer display you can use like a normal phone, which unfolds into a tablet-sized form factor.
The first Galaxy Fold saw a lot of problems when shipped to reviewers because it was so fragile. Samsung recalled the device and improved it, but the plastic screen remains very easy to scratch. Although the Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 2 has improved upon the durability of its predecessor, the screen is still made out of soft plastic. If you're going to get a phone like this, use it with care!
The Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 2 is the best foldable phone available to U.S. consumers right now. While it comes with a powerful battery, processor, and camera setup, it's very expensive. However, if you're willing to spend for cutting edge technology, this phone is the foldable phone for you.
Samsung Galaxy Z Flip 5G
The clamshell flip phone is back! The Samsung Galaxy Z Flip 5G is the successor to the original Z Flip, with a slightly upgraded processor and 5G connectivity. It isn't a huge step up from the original Samsung Galaxy Z Flip, but having the 5G and better hardware is nice. While there isn't a whole lot of productive utility to the clamshell form-factor, it does help protect the display and make the device's profile smaller in your pocket.
You should still be careful with this device because the screen is made out of the same soft plastic as Samsung's other foldable phones. The hinge is also tough, allowing you to prop up the device on a table or desk.
There's also something very satisfying about closing the device when you're done with a phone call. Maybe that's just my flip-phone nostalgia coming back to me!
LG Velvet 5G
Don't want to spend a ton on a foldable phone? The LG Velvet 5G is a great alternative. It's a single screen device, but you can get a dual-screen case that attaches a second display to the phone.
LG has used this same strategy for the LG V50 and LG V60 ThinQ in the past with great success. Although it's not quite as elegant as the Surface Duo's dual screen setup, the LG Velvet gets the job done with all the features that the Duo lacks.15
Motorola Razr 5G
The Motorola Razr has a clamshell form factor very similar to the Samsung Galaxy Z Flip. It has a decent camera but an older processor than the Z Flip 5G. If you want a great foldable phone but don't need a ton of power, the Razr is a great option for you!
What About A Foldable iPhone?
You probably noticed that all the phones on this list are Androids. Apple hasn't announced any kind of foldable phone yet, but it looks like they are developing patents for the necessary components like hinges.
Apple traditionally waits to release products until they meet their own quality standard. This way, when they release the device, it meets everyone's expectations of quality and outdoes the competition by a wide margin. So, not seeing a foldable iPhone might be a good thing!
Unfolded!
Now you know about each of the best foldable phones of 2021. I hope that this made it easier to decide which folding smartphone is right for you. Please be sure to share this article with someone interested in foldable phones and leave a comment if you have any questions!
