Follow ZDNET: Add us as a preferred source on Google.Flip phones today are not exactly the same as they were a decade or two ago. Following their resurgence with the 2019 Motorola Razr refresh, they have continued to improve over the years. The best flip phones today not only have a large cover display and a sturdy hinge but also intuitive software to utilize their unique designs. Some can even stop dust and water intrusion.Also: The best Android phones to buyThe 2025 Motorola Razr Ultra, for example, features an AMOLED foldable display, a user interface with numerous enhancements, and a comfortable in-hand feel, alongside various AI capabilities. Then there's the Samsung Galaxy Z Flip 7, which was designed with content creators and small-phone enthusiasts in mind.
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Best mobile deals of the week $749 (save $250) $475 (save $175) $499 (save $300) $900 (save $400) Deals are selected by the CNET Group commerce team, and may be unrelated to this article. What is the best flip phone right now?Samsung and Motorola are the top two brands currently producing flip phones. Of all the flip phones we've tested and reviewed so far, the Samsung Galaxy Z Flip 7 is our pick for the best flip phone of 2026. The South Korean tech giant brought its A-game at Unpacked in July 2025 and added much-awaited features to its foldables. The Motorola Razr Ultra is a worthy runner-up, as it features the latest AI capabilities alongside a powerful flagship chipset. The most significant update features a new titanium-reinforced hinge plate. It is said to be four times stronger than surgical-grade stainless steel and can withstand up to 35% more folds than last year's models.It's a tight race between the two flip phones. While the Galaxy Z Flip 7 offers a sturdier build and premium feel, the Razr Ultra edges out with a more usable outer display software -- which is one of the main appeals of a modern-day flip phone -- as well as faster charging.Best flip phones in 2026 Sabrina Ortiz/ZDNET Why we like it: The Samsung Galaxy Z Flip 7 should appeal to a wide audience thanks to its brand power and software longevity. I have been using the phone for the past two weeks, and I'm impressed with the new design. It feels more premium than Motorola's offering and adds a similar all-screen outer display. The Galaxy Z Flip 7 is very similar to the standard Samsung Galaxy S-series flagship, featuring a large 6.9-inch AMOLED panel that's bright and visually appealing, as well as up to 512GB of storage for high-resolution pictures and videos. It's all powered by a healthy 4,300mAh battery -- an upgrade from last year's Z Flip 6. It also includes a thinner design with a lesser crease and a stronger hinge. We also like it for its smooth and snappy One UI.Review: Samsung Galaxy Z Flip 7Who it's for: The Samsung Galaxy Z Flip 7 runs One UI 8 and is expected to receive software updates for at least seven years. That's more than Motorola's promise, and it plays a critical role for consumers looking to keep their phones feature-relevant and secure for years to come. It can deliver fine camera results thanks to an improved 50MP main sensor and 12MP ultra-wide. It's also geared towards content creators, featuring the AI-powered Auto Zoom feature. This automatically detects how many people are in a frame and potential background objects the user may want to keep in the shot and repositions the capture digitally. Additionally, it provides the most comprehensive suite of AI features, thanks to Galaxy AI.Who should look elsewhere: The Samsung Galaxy Z Flip 7 isn't for those who use the cover screen a lot, unless they can install an app and force-run apps on the outer display.Samsung Galaxy Z Flip 7 tech specs: Processor: Qualcomm Snapdragon 8 Elite for Galaxy | Display sizes: 4.1 inches and 6.9 inches | RAM/Storage: 12GB of RAM with 256GB/512GB of storage | Battery: 4,300mAh | Cameras: 50MP main, 12MP ultra-wide, 10MP front | Price: Starting at $1,099
