Best Foldable Android Phones – Flexible OLED Displays

The concept of foldable phones has not been new. Samsung, for instance, has been showcasing prototypes for some time. Nothing specific has emerged now, but with the innovative ideas being floated by Samsung and LG’s likes, the foldable phones are likely to re-emerge in 2021. We would foresee 2020 as the year of foldable screens, with the launch of foldable displays launched by the manufacturers such as Samsung, LG, and Sharp.

Also Read: List of Phones with UFS 3.1

With laptops turning to foldable display scenarios, it would be quite practical to expect foldable Android devices. It may not be anytime soon that Apple will likely jump on the bandwagon, but we hope for foldable phones by Android device makers.

Best Foldable Android Phones in 2020

With that much background information, we will now move ahead to check out a few promising top-end foldable Android phones that we would be able to witness in 2020. Of course, the market for foldable phones may be quite nascent as things stand as of now. However, still – the curiosity created by the new technology should ideally drive the market rather efficiently and effectively.

Sr. No.	Image	Product Name	Manufacturer	Buy Now
1		Samsung Galaxy Z Flip 5G	Samsung	Check on Amazon.com
2		LG G8X	LG	Check on Amazon.com
3		HUAWEI Mate X2	Huawei	Check on consumer.huawei.com
4		Royole FlexPai 2	Royole	Check on global.royal.com
5		ZTE Axon M Z999	ZTE	Check on amazon.com

5. ZTE Axon M Z999:

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The ZTE Axon M Z999 comes with two foldable Full HD screens. These screens combine o present a spectacular 6.75-inch display that resembles a tablet. The foldable dual screens allow multitasking. With the screen sharing functionality, you can sit around this phone with other people to watch content on a single device.

For ease of viewing from 2 distinct sides, fold the phone in Mirror Mode. When used in Traditional Mode, you will admire the ease of use and comfort in one hand. This mode is suitable for watching sports, favorite shows, surfing the web, and more. The fingerprint sensor is integrated with a Power button.

Features:

• Both the foldable screens are 5.2 inches long. They come with Gorilla Glass Gen 5 Display.
• The 3 modes it supports are Dual, Mirror, and Extended.
• The Dual Mode offers limitless potential for app combinations. It simplifies multitasking.
• This Extended Mode allows gaming or watching favorite shows or movies on a bigger screen.
• The RAM is 4GB, and storage space is 64GB (expandable up to 256GB with MicroSD card).
• The CPU contains 2.15 GHz Quad-Core Qualcomm Snapdragon Qualcomm ARMv8.
• For both rear and front-facing, there is a 20 MP camera. It comes with features like auto-focus and 4K video capture.
• The phone runs on the Android 7.1.2 (Nougat) operating system.
• The capacity of a non-removable Li-ion battery is 3180 mAh.
• The frequencies it supports are GSM 850/1900, LTE 2/4/5/12/29/30/66, and UMTS 850/1900/AW.
• This ZTE phone can work with all GSM carriers such as T-Mobile, AT&T, etc.

4. Royole FlexPai 2:

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Royole is a lesser-known Chinese company. Although being less famous, its FlexPai 2 phone comes with all the necessary features you can expect from a foldable phone. Its touch display provides an interactive experience. Use the fingerprint sensor to unlock the phone rapidly.

On a larger screen with high resolution, you will enjoy reading, watching videos, and surfing the Internet. All the images, videos, and text appear clear and sharp. With supreme comfort, you can record videos of stunning moments and sceneries around.

Features:

• The 7.8-inch display has a resolution of 1440 x 1920 pixels. It comes with 308 PPI.
• Its CPU has a 2.84 GHz octa-core processor. It supports the processing of multiple tasks in parallel. The faster CPU offers a smooth user experience.
• The high-resolution rear camera system lets you capture clear and sharp photos. This system has 64 MP (Wide Angle) + 16 MP (Ultra Wide) + 8 MP (Telephoto) cameras. Also, there is support for autofocus.
• This triple camera system is useful for enhancing effects like zoom, blur, and wide-angle photos.
• With dual LED camera flash, you can capture photos in low light conditions.
• The 32 MP front camera allows you to capture selfies. It is suitable for video calling.
• The 8 GB of RAM means it allows multiple applications to run simultaneously.
• With 128 GB built-in storage capacity, you can store plenty of photos, videos, songs, and applications.
• The operating system installed is Android v10.

3. HUAWEI Mate X2:

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The tad wedged shape provides a stylish look to the HUAWEI Mate X2. With thickness just being 4.4 mm, the phone feels comfortable and lightweight in its hands. The center of gravity is nearer to where you hold the phone. So, you benefit from a comfortable grip. For this phone model, there are 4 colors available. You can choose between crystal blue, crystal pink, classic black, and classic white.

In whichever way you hold this phone, it automatically detects signal changes. When you hold it in various positions, the smart antenna system sets up fewer concealed antennas with improved reception. Hence, you will attain the best possible connection speeds.

Features:

• When you unfold it, an 8-inch screen reveals it. The display resolution is 2480 x 2200 pixels, and the refresh rate is 90 Hz.
• Considering the cover display, you obtain a 6.45-inch primary display at the front with a resolution of 1160 x 2700 pixels.
• The built-in Kirin 9000 chip comes with a Mali-G78 GPU.
• The memory and storage space are respectively 8 GB and 128 GB. With the Nano MMC, you can expand the storage space to 256 GB.
• The 4500 mAh battery comes with 55W fast charge support.
• The rear camera system has Leica quad-camera setup. This system has 50 MP (wide-angle) + 12 (Telephoto) MP + 8 MP (Periscope Telephoto) + 16 MP (Ultra-wide snapper) cameras.
• This phone can shoot scenes from a far distance with the rear camera system’s 3x and 10x telephoto lenses.
• The 100x digital zoom lets you capture far scenes with clarity. So, you can see the smallest detail perfectly.
• For capturing selfies, it comes with a 16MP shooter.

2. LG G8X:

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With the two wide screens of LG GRX, you can work, play, multi-task and more. Both the screens have OLED displays with support for ultra-wide viewing. You can use the two screens to text someone, watch videos, play games, surf the web, toggle between the apps, and more. The extra display lets you accomplish multiple tasks at once. To condense the size of the phone, detach the second screen. When you do this, you will enjoy the comfort of using a lightweight, slim phone.

It is possible to use a keyboard interface on one screen and read a document on the other. Though it comes in tablet size, it feels comfortable to fold and carry in a pocket—no worries about scratches or the development of cracks on the screen.

Features:

• Each display has a size of 6.4 inches.
• It comes with a 32 MP front camera.
• The primary camera system has 136˚ ultra-wide and 78˚ standard rear cameras.
• With 4x zoom, you can view fine details of any scene.
• The battery capacity is 4000 mAh.
• Hi-Fi Quad DAC (32-bit) offers stereo sound output.

1. Samsung Galaxy Z Flip 5G:

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Fold and carry this high-performance phone in your pocket. Its sleek design and ease of folding offer you portability. The compact-fold design smoothly flips so that you can accommodate the phone in a pocket. The displays are clear and smooth, made up of innovative ultra-thin glass. Though the glass is ultra-thin, it is durable. You will be amazed to see the cinematic viewing experience that unfolds in your palms. You can snap pictures and shoot videos from any angle with a concealed hinge in a hands-free way. The ultra-wide shots with great clarity expand your vision.

Choose either Mystic Bronze or Mystic Gray to stand out from the crowd. When folded, it appears the smallest. But when unfolded, it appears roomy. Owing to its lightweight design, it is so much convenient to carry anywhere.

Features:

• The vibrant 6.7-inch AMOLED screen offers an immersive viewing experience. The display is free from bezels.
• Both the displays are implemented with advanced folding glass technology.
• The camera helps you capture, record, stream, and connect –all in a hands-free manner. The camera lets you capture night shots and record 4K video capture.
• The CPU contains Snapdragon 865+ processor.
• The 8 GB RAM offers adequate speed and performance.
• Store plenty of content with the built-in 256 GB storage.
• The 3300 mAh battery powers up the phone all through the day.
• Other features include Flex Mode, Multi-Active Window, and App Continuity.

Samsung Galaxy Z Flip

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Remember the flip phones in the initial days of the mobile phone revolution? LG was at the forefront with its innovative form factors and designs back then. Samsung now has been one of the leaders that have been promoting foldable Android smartphones. The Galaxy Z Flip is a case in point.

It can be considered to be a refreshed version of Galaxy S10+. You would get everything you have come to expect on a Samsung device – high-end spec sheet, capable hardware, best build quality, and a great set of cameras. You will find it quite promising when you compare Samsung Galaxy Z Flip to the other foldable devices. What makes it a great option is its daily usability.

It is undoubtedly the best foldable device currently available concerning the durability factor. Ultra-Thin Glass technology would make it one of the prime choices. The 3300 mAh battery may be a downside, but still manageable. The larger bezels can be an eyesore, and the 1080p resolution appears a little outdated.

Pros

• Highly durable construction
• Stronger spec sheet
• Excellent build quality and aesthetics.

Cons

• Battery weaker
• Cameras not in tune with the times

Motorola Razr

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Motorola Razr is a reincarnation of the utterly successful Razr from Motorola during the good old days. It features a 6.2-inch vertical flip display and a 21.:9 aspect ratio. It looks quite close to its iconic clamshell design and brings out the foldable screen this time.

It would be worth pointing out that Motorola and Lenovo (the current Motorola owners) experimented with over 26 different protocols. The hinge appears to be quite strong and sturdy enough. While the device does appear more robust enough in terms of the build quality, the same cannot be said about the specs. It packs in a Snapdragon 710 chipset and a 16 MP camera. It does feature a combination of glass and steel construction. Other specifications read 6GB of RAM, 128GB of storage, and a 2,510mAh battery.

The 16 MP camera works both as a selfie camera and the main one, and you have an additional 5 MP camera for face unlock and attentive display functionalities.

Pros

• A classic case of Motorola durability.
• Innovative design lets you go nostalgic.

Cons

• Low on specs

Huawei Mate X

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The Huawei Mate X was unveiled at the MWC 2019, and it took the brand a long time to launch the device. The foldability is the other way round when compared to what a Samsung Fold does. The screen will wrap around on the outside as opposed to being hidden when shut.

When you open it, you will get access to a complete 8-inch tablet. It does appear quite thin for a foldable device and packs in a few exciting features inside. What’s more – the phone provides you access to 5G connectivity; that in itself should be what should prompt you to go for the device. The phone is currently available in China alone, and we would expect it to be made available in other regions. However, the lack of Google core services may turn out to be a bummer in most of the international markets.

It would be a 6.6-inch device when folded and will transform into an 8-inch tablet when unfolded. The 4500 mAh battery and three rear cameras would be another great feat that the brand has achieved. Kirin 980 processor powers it, and Huawei has claimed that it has shipped the first batch of its foldable phones already.

Pros

• A great spec sheet
• Good build quality

Cons

• No Google Core apps

Huawei Mate Xs

That is yet another foldable smartphone from Huawei. The brand teased it close on the heels of the planned European launch of its Huawei Mate X. The new model and a successor to Mate X are believed to be sturdier and filled with better specs.

Huawei has gone on record, stating that the new Mate Xs will be a smaller and improved version of Mate X. It will feature a more durable hinge than on the big brother and offer a better foldable screen. The brand has also claimed that it would be a cheaper version of Mate X.

No date has been communicated as yet for the launch of the new device, though.

Royole FlexPai

This one should ideally be considered to be the first foldable Android device in the world. Even when the world was closely watching Motorola and Samsung launch their foldable screen smartphones, Royole Flexpai was already revealed globally.

Of course, it may not have the finesse of Samsung or Huawei, but the manufacturer could beat the two stalwarts in releasing the first-ever foldable phone ever. The phone comes with a 7.8-inch AMOLED screen with a 1920 x 1440 resolution, and that should indeed be the best specs in its genre. The Flexi is powered by Snapdragon 855, which is yet another feature that would make it a formidable choice by almost every standard.

You will also have access to two cameras with 16 and 20 MP resolutions. The 8 GB RAM and 128 GB onboard storage sum up the specifications making it one of the influential players. The foldability is relatively smoother, and you can use it in full screen, folded, and tent modes as per preferences.

Pros

• The highly impressive spec sheet
• Incredible cameras
• AMOLED display

Cons

• The build quality appears a little unfinished.

Xiaomi Dual Flex or MIX Flex

Yet another Chinese player dabbling in the foldable screen scenario is – expectedly enough – Xiaomi. The brand teased a foldable device that may either be labeled as Dual Flex or MIX Flex. There is more of a likelihood of finding the following terminology.

The phone was introduced on the social media platform Weibo. As seen in the teaser video, the foldable phone does fold down into thirds. That should be further innovative and a reason why it may be named Dual Flex. The brand’s founder states that it is set to provide a perfect synergy between the use of the phone as both a tablet and a smartphone. The specification and pricing details have not yet been revealed.

The new Xiaomi foldable device is likely to offer an eye-catching design. There is no information as of now as to when it will be available.

Samsung Galaxy Fold & Fold 2

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Well, that was what brought ahead of the concept of foldable Android phones and their practical usability. It had a sort of rollercoaster ride initially and had been criticized for a variety of reasons. However, the revised versions of the model have instilled confidence.

The phone features a 7.3-inch QXGA+ (1,536 x 2,152) Dynamic AMOLED display. The display labeled as Infinity Flex Display can fold into a half, and you have access to a 4.58-inch screen when folded. The Samsung Galaxy Fold is powered by Qualcomm Snapdragon 855 SoC and supplements it with the specs such as 12GB of RAM and 512GB storage.

You get two batteries with 2,190mAh, totaling a battery capacity of 4380 mAh that would work in tandem with each other. The phone features a total of six cameras – a rear 16MP (f/2.2) ultra-wide camera, a 12MP wide-angle camera, and a 12MP telephoto sensor; on the inside is a 10MP (f/2.2) camera and an 8MP (f/1.9) RGB depth camera.

Pros

• A massive screen estate, when unfolded
• The high-end spec sheet
• A vast number of cameras
• A stronger battery capacity

Cons

• Quite thick and heavy to handle.
• The internal screen can get damaged.

Any other likely foldable Android phones coming up?

As technology is getting more popular, several touted launched, and announcements are launched in the foldable smartphone arena.

Google has been in the prototyping stage if rumors are to be believed. It filed for a patent application in December 2018 for a foldable design. In May 2019, it claimed that it has been in the prototyping stage. It has also been planning software enhancements to support the foldable design.

LG is a pioneer in foldable displays along with Sharp and Samsung. They have the technology and have even expressed their willingness to launch a foldable Android phone. However, as of now, there are not many devices.

Other players who have been considering an entry into the foldable Android phones bandwagon include Vivo, Oppo, and TCL. TCL has been planning the launch of its range of foldable devices. This consists of two phones and two tablets. Though TCL is not known for its phones, its own brands have a broader presence – like BlackBerry, Alcatel, and Palm.

Well, that should make it quite clear enough. The year 2020 and perhaps early 2021 will belong to the foldable screens. We would expect a range of popular foldable Android smartphones to be launched this year. We will keep an eye on the latest developments and share the details with our readers as soon as they become available.

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