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Note: Information is based on leaks, rumors, and trends as of May 24, 2025. Final specs and features may vary upon official release. Always verify details from manufacturers before purchasing.
The Top Five Upcoming Flip and Fold Cellphones to Watch in 2025
Foldable smartphones have transformed from niche novelties to mainstream marvels, blending nostalgia with cutting-edge technology. In 2025, flip and fold phones are set to dominate with innovative designs, enhanced durability, and powerful performance. These devices offer compact portability while unfolding into expansive screens for immersive experiences. This article explores the five best upcoming flip and fold cellphones expected to launch in 2025, based on recent trends, leaks, and expert insights. Each model promises unique features, from advanced hinges to AI-driven capabilities, making them must-watch devices for tech enthusiasts.
1. Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 7
The Samsung Galaxy Z Fold series has been a pioneer in the foldable market, and the Galaxy Z Fold 7 is poised to push boundaries further in 2025. Expected to launch around July, this book-style foldable combines smartphone portability with tablet-like functionality. Samsung’s relentless focus on refining hinge mechanisms, display quality, and AI integration makes the Z Fold 7 a flagship to anticipate.
Why It Stands Out
- Enhanced Durability: Rumors suggest an improved hinge with a higher fold rating (potentially exceeding 200,000 folds) and an IP48 dust and water resistance rating, addressing longevity concerns.
- Powerful Performance: Powered by the Snapdragon 8 Elite for Galaxy or possibly an Exynos 2500, it’s expected to deliver seamless multitasking and gaming with enhanced cooling.
- Upgraded Displays: Anticipated to feature a wider 6.3-inch cover display and a 7.6-inch inner AMOLED screen with a less noticeable crease, improving usability.
- AI Innovations: Samsung’s Galaxy AI will likely expand with features like real-time translation, advanced photo editing, and smarter multitasking.
- S Pen Support: The Z Fold 7 may continue supporting the S Pen, making it ideal for productivity and creative tasks.
The Galaxy Z Fold 7 is expected to start at around $1,899, maintaining its premium positioning. While its price and slight bulkiness (around 239g) may deter some, its versatility as a phone and tablet hybrid is unmatched. If Samsung addresses the crease issue and widens the cover screen, this could be the ultimate foldable for power users.
2. Samsung Galaxy Z Flip 7
The Galaxy Z Flip 7 is Samsung’s clamshell offering, blending retro flip-phone aesthetics with modern functionality. Slated for a summer 2025 release, this device aims to refine the Z Flip 6’s formula with better cameras, battery life, and cover screen utility. It’s perfect for those seeking a compact yet stylish smartphone.
Key Features to Expect
- Improved Camera System: A 50MP main camera with enhanced low-light performance and AI-driven Auto Zoom for selfies, building on the Z Flip 6’s upgrades.
- Larger Battery: Rumors point to a 4,100mAh battery, up from 4,000mAh, with 25W wired charging to ensure all-day usage.
- Sturdier Design: An upgraded hinge and IP48 rating for dust and water resistance, ensuring durability over thousands of folds.
- Enhanced Cover Display: The 3.4-inch outer screen may gain more app functionality, catching up to Motorola’s larger cover displays.
- Snapdragon 8 Elite: Expected to power the device for smoother performance and AI capabilities like Circle to Search.
Priced around $1,099, the Z Flip 7 aims to balance premium features with accessibility. Its compact folded size makes it pocket-friendly, while the unfolded 6.7-inch AMOLED display offers a vibrant experience. If Samsung expands cover screen functionality, this could outshine competitors like Motorola’s Razr lineup.
3. Samsung Galaxy Z Flip 7 FE
Samsung is reportedly introducing a budget-friendly foldable, the Galaxy Z Flip 7 FE, to make flip phones more accessible. Expected to launch alongside the Z Flip 7 at around $799, this Fan Edition model could democratize foldables without sacrificing core features, drawing inspiration from the affordable Motorola Razr (2023).
What Makes It Exciting
- Affordable Price Point: At approximately $799, it’s one of the cheapest flip phones, rivaling the Nubia Flip 5G.
- Solid Performance: Likely powered by an Exynos 2500e or mid-range Snapdragon chip, offering smooth daily use for social media and light gaming.
- Compact Design: Similar to the Z Flip 7, it will feature a 6.7-inch inner AMOLED and a smaller cover screen, possibly 3.4 inches.
- Decent Cameras: Expected to include a 50MP main camera, though it may lack the premium lenses of the Z Flip 7.
- Durability: Anticipated to retain Samsung’s robust hinge and IP48 rating, ensuring reliability.
The Z Flip 7 FE could be a game-changer for budget-conscious buyers wanting to experience foldables. While it may compromise on processing power and cover screen versatility, its price and Samsung’s seven-year software support make it a compelling choice.
4. Google Pixel 10 Pro Fold
Google’s second-generation foldable, the Pixel 10 Pro Fold, is expected to build on the Pixel 9 Pro Fold’s success. Likely debuting at Google I/O in May 2025, this book-style foldable will leverage Google’s AI prowess and camera expertise, making it a top contender for photography and software enthusiasts.
Highlights to Anticipate
- Superior Cameras: Google’s computational photography will shine with a triple rear camera setup, including a 50MP main, 12MP ultrawide, and 10MP telephoto, excelling in low-light and selfies.
- AI-Driven Features: Enhanced Gemini AI for tasks like real-time transcription, photo editing, and app optimization for the foldable format.
- Refined Design: A slimmer profile (potentially under 10mm when folded) and a gapless hinge, with a 6.3-inch cover screen and 7.8-inch inner display.
- Tensor G4 Chip: Expected to power the device, offering improved performance and efficiency over the Tensor G3.
- Seven-Year Updates: Google’s commitment to long-term software support ensures the device stays relevant until 2032.
Starting at around $1,799, the Pixel 10 Pro Fold will compete directly with the Z Fold 7. Its strength lies in its camera system and clean Android experience, though battery life may remain a weak point based on the Pixel 9 Pro Fold’s mixed performance.
5. Motorola Razr+ (2025)
Motorola’s Razr lineup has redefined affordable flip phones, and the Razr+ (2025) is set to elevate the clamshell experience. Expected to launch in mid-2025, this device builds on the Razr+ (2024)’s success with a larger cover display and improved internals, making it a stylish and functional choice.
What to Look Forward To
- Massive Cover Display: A 4-inch LTPO OLED cover screen with 165Hz refresh rate, supporting full app functionality for tasks like gaming and browsing.
- Upgraded Performance: Likely equipped with a Snapdragon 8s Gen 3 or newer chip, paired with 12GB RAM for smooth multitasking.
- Improved Cameras: A 50MP main camera with better low-light performance and a 12MP ultrawide lens, though image processing may lag behind Samsung.
- Robust Battery Life: A 4,000mAh battery with 45W fast charging, offering all-day usage and quick top-ups.
- Stylish Design: Available in vibrant colors with a vegan leather back and IP48 rating for durability.
Priced around $999, the Razr+ (2025) offers premium features at a lower cost than Samsung’s Z Flip 7. Its expansive cover display and nostalgic design make it a standout, though Motorola’s shorter software support (typically four years) is a drawback compared to Samsung and Google.
Why Flip and Fold Phones Are the Future
Flip and fold phones are no longer experimental; they’re reliable, versatile devices that cater to diverse needs. Clamshell models like the Z Flip 7 and Razr+ (2025) appeal to those wanting compact, stylish phones, while book-style foldables like the Z Fold 7 and Pixel 10 Pro Fold target productivity and multitasking enthusiasts. Advances in hinge technology, dust resistance (IP48 ratings), and AI integration have addressed early durability and functionality concerns, making 2025 a pivotal year for foldables.
Trends Shaping 2025 Foldables
- Affordability: Models like the Z Flip 7 FE and Nubia Flip 2 are bringing foldables to wider audiences.
- Durability Improvements: Hinges rated for 200,000–400,000 folds and better IP ratings ensure longevity.
- AI Enhancements: From Samsung’s Galaxy AI to Google’s Gemini, foldables are leveraging AI for smarter interactions.
- Larger Cover Screens: Motorola’s 4-inch displays and Samsung’s improved Flex Windows enhance usability when folded.
- Camera Upgrades: Higher-resolution sensors and AI-driven features are closing the gap with traditional flagships.
These trends signal a maturing market where foldables rival conventional smartphones in performance and practicality, with 2025 poised to see increased adoption.
Choosing the Right Foldable for You
Selecting a foldable depends on your priorities. If you need a productivity powerhouse, the Galaxy Z Fold 7 or Pixel 10 Pro Fold offers tablet-like screens for multitasking. For style and portability, the Z Flip 7, Z Flip 7 FE, or Razr+ (2025) are ideal. Budget-conscious buyers should consider the Z Flip 7 FE, while photography enthusiasts may prefer the Pixel 10 Pro Fold for its superior cameras. Always check for software support duration—Samsung and Google offer seven years, while Motorola lags slightly.
Considerations Before Buying
- Budget: Prices range from $799 (Z Flip 7 FE) to $1,899 (Z Fold 7). Look for trade-in deals or discounts during sales like Black Friday.
- Use Case: Clamshell foldables suit casual users; book-style models are better for work and gaming.
- Durability: Ensure the device has a robust hinge and IP rating for daily use.
- Software Updates: Longer support ensures future-proofing, especially for premium models.
The Competitive Landscape
The foldable market in 2025 will see fierce competition. Samsung dominates with its Z Fold and Z Flip series, but Google’s Pixel 10 Pro Fold challenges with superior software and cameras. Motorola’s Razr+ (2025) offers value and style, while the Z Flip 7 FE could disrupt the budget segment. Rumors of an Apple foldable in 2026 may shake up pricing, but for now, Android manufacturers lead the charge.
Other Noteworthy Mentions
- Nubia Flip 2: An affordable clamshell with a circular cover screen, expected at $499, though with mid-range specs.
- Oppo Find N5: A slim book-style foldable with premium hardware, but limited to markets like Australia.
- OnePlus Open 2: A potential follow-up to the OnePlus Open, expected late 2025 with faster charging and better multitasking.
These models may not make the top five but are worth watching for specific markets or budget-conscious buyers.
Conclusion
The foldable phone market in 2025 is set to deliver exciting innovations, with the Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 7, Z Flip 7, Z Flip 7 FE, Google Pixel 10 Pro Fold, and Motorola Razr+ (2025) leading the pack. These devices combine style, functionality, and durability, catering to diverse needs—from productivity to portability. As hinges improve, prices drop, and AI features expand, foldables are becoming viable alternatives to traditional smartphones. Whether you’re a tech enthusiast or a casual user, 2025’s flip and fold phones offer something for everyone. Keep an eye on these releases for a glimpse into the future of mobile technology.
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