We rate the top flip-folding smartphones including Samsung's newest Galaxy Z Flip 5
Everyone has a smartphone, but how many people do you know with a phone that folds in half?
No, I'm not talking about your old Nokia flip phone. For several years now Samsung has been releasing "Flip" and "Fold" phones that match the needs of the smartphone generation.
The screens on these phones literally fold in half. It's quite remarkable to see.
Why choose a "Flip" smartphone?
A flip-folding smartphone does everything any other smartphone does, but when you're not using it, you fold it shut from top to bottom, meaning that in your pocket, bag or purse, it's half the size of a normal smartphone.
This year, Samsung is introducing its fifth generation of foldable phones, but there are several others in the market worthy of your consideration.
NOTE: Prices are accurate at time of publishing.
Samsung Galaxy Z Flip 5
Available from August 9, the latest Samsung Flip Phone features a fully flat closure, meaning there's no gap between the top and bottom halves when shut.
That might not sound like a lot, but it makes a difference to the aesthetics and the feel of the phone, and it helps prevent dust from getting on your screen.
When closed, the phone is just 15.1mm thick and importantly has an impressive screen on the outside which will show you who's calling, what the time is, what your alarm is and even who's sending you messages.
Better still, you can respond with a full keyboard to type your message.
There are several widgets available on that cover "flex" screen, as well as apps like YouTube and Netflix!
Priced at $1,649 the Flip comes in several colour options and is set to be the best-selling foldable phone of the year ahead.
Amazon is currently offering a Bonus Storage Upgrade for Amazon Prime members who pre-order the phone online with the New Galaxy Flip 5 Starter Bundle. This includes the phone, a trio charger, a transparent flipsuit case designed for the phone, and a front protection film. The storage upgrade will be automatically applied at checkout, as well as a $270 discount on the bundle. You can shop the bundle here.
Secure your Amazon Prime Free Trial to lock in special Prime member deals and free (and faster!) shipping.
Samsung Galaxy Z Flip 4
Now of course, it's likely Samsung's last generation Flip will stay on sale – the Flip 4 introduced a more durable hinge and made great use of the cover screen, but with a new generation out, we're likely to see great deals on the model that is short of a year old and still an outstanding smartphone.
If it stays in stock, you can expect the deals here could make this close to one of the most affordable smartphones with a folding screen.
The style and finish are the same as the latest Flip 5, but it just doesn't have the larger cover screen, or a generation-old camera and the hinge is slightly different and doesn't close flat.
Still an awesome device.
It's currently 38 per cent off on Amazon, with the price coming down to $1,028.25.
Motorola Razr 40 Ultra
Now before you buy the Samsung, you absolutely have to check out the Motorola Razr 40 Ultra. It has similar dimensions, a really nice design and in some ways many will prefer it to the Samsung.
Remarkably, this device reminds me of the original Samsung Galaxy Z Flip – its rounded edges, several design cues and the camera lens placement.
However, it has the most impressive cover screen when closed, more so than the new Galaxy Z Flip 5 as it covers the whole front of the device, with the camera lenses within it.
On the inside the crease is minimal and impressive, as is the performance.
Bottom line, I'd probably call the Motorola Razr 40 Ultra the pick of the bunch.
Motorola Razr 40
If you want to go flipping out, but don't have the budget, then this is where we start to see value. Motorola has a second edition of the Razr without that enormous cover screen. So, if you don't need the extra features that offers (there's still a screen, just smaller and with simplistic information) then this is ideal.
I love that after such a short time in the market, we're already seeing brand-new foldables at under $1000 and this should set the market up for growth.
Motorola is famous for its original classic Razr from before smartphone days, it's possible this new Razr is their road back to market share.
Oppo Find N2 Flip
Released in just March this year, the Find N2 Flip was the first device to put Samsung on notice.
Its flat folding form was a design marvel, and the larger and more usable cover screen was a real winner.
Now while it has been outdone on the screen, there's nothing not to love about the design, performance and form factor of this flip phone.
Different colours might be the thing that gets you over the line, but for certain there's no reason to look past Oppo other than for the features of the larger cover screens.
Nokia 2660
Okay, so you want a flip phone? Really.
This is like the OG. Flips. Simple. Dumb. No smarts here.
Switch off from the rat race and those never-ending emails and social media alerts.
For just over $100 you've got a flip phone that will keep you focussed on the day, your friends, family and work – but only when you're at work.
Those emails can wait until Monday!
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