Year-ender 2025: 4 best foldable smartphones launched this year

Galaxy Z Fold7

The foldable smartphone segment saw measurable shifts in 2025, with brands focusing on higher battery density, slimmer chassis designs, and camera systems aimed at replacing flagship slab phones. From book-style foldables to compact clamshells, these five devices defined the category this year based on hardware choices, software direction, and long-term usability.

Samsung’s Galaxy Z Fold 7 refined its hardware formula in July 2025. The use of a titanium backplate helped reduce weight to 215g while maintaining an 8.0-inch inner display and a 6.5-inch cover screen.

A 200MP main camera brings Ultra-series imaging to the foldable lineup. Powered by the Snapdragon 8 Elite for Galaxy and running One UI 8 on Android 16, the Fold 7 emphasizes AI features, though it omits a built-in S Pen slot. Battery capacity remains at 4,400mAh.

Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 7 review

Vivo entered the premium foldable space aggressively with the X Fold 5, launched in July 2025. Its standout feature is a 6,000mAh silicon-carbon battery, currently the largest capacity in a book-style foldable. Charging speeds reach 80W wired and 40W wireless.

Durability also improved, with IPX8 and IPX9 water resistance ratings. The Zeiss-co-engineered camera system uses three 50MP sensors, covering wide, ultra-wide, and periscope telephoto photography. A flagship Snapdragon chipset and ultrasonic fingerprint sensors on both displays round out the core experience.

Vivo X Fold5 review

Google’s Pixel 10 Pro Fold arrived in October 2025 with an emphasis on AI longevity. It runs on the Tensor G5 chip and supports on-device Gemini Nano features. The device offers an 8-inch inner OLED panel and a 6.3-inch outer display.

Google promises seven years of software and security updates. With an IP68 rating, it stands out for dust resistance, a rarity among foldables.

The Galaxy Z Flip 7 expands the clamshell category with desktop-style productivity. Samsung DeX support allows the phone to connect to external displays. The 4.1-inch FlexWindow runs full apps, while the 6.9-inch inner screen handles daily use.

It uses the Exynos 2500 chipset in most markets and includes a 4,300mAh battery. An IP48 rating adds basic protection, keeping the Flip 7 focused on compact usability rather than extreme durability.

Samsung Galaxy Z Flip7 review