When Samsung teased the Samsung Galaxy Flip 5 ahead of its high decibel ‘Galaxy Unpacked’ launch event in Seoul in July, it was clear that the flip smartphone was going to be the showstopper. Samsung has pushed ahead with foldable smartphones, but it’s not the only brand that’s bullish on foldables. We’ve seen a slew of global launches from OPPO, Motorola, Google, and more in the pipeline from brands like OnePlus.
Foldables have bucked the overall smartphone industry trends. According to Allied Market Research, the global foldables market is set to soar from $17.6 billion in 2021 to $174 billion by 2031, growing at an impressive CAGR of 26%. There are two clear foldable formats – the book type foldable (like the Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 5 and the Google Pixel Fold) and the more compact flip-type smartphone. It’s the flip phone that’s dominating the foldable segment. Last year, a blog post by Samsung revealed that their Z Flip series made up 70% of their global foldable sales. This year, we’ve seen Motorola and OPPO unveil new flip smartphones in India that are generating huge buzz.
It's not just the price, flip phones also offer a more compact form that almost fits in your palm when they are folded. The other big purchase driver is the camera (read selfie) experience. The unique form factor allows your main camera to morph into your selfie cam and opens a slew of new possibilities for selfie fiends and social media content. That’s one reason Motorola launched two versions of its Moto Razr 40 that expands the appeal of the flip phone with a compelling price proposition. This year might well see the flip smartphone reach its tipping point. If you’re ready to ‘flip’, these are the best flip smartphones you can buy right now…
Samsung Galaxy Z Flip 5
Samsung Galaxy Z Flip 5
Arguably the best flip smartphone you can buy right now. The Z Flip 5 comes with a couple of key enhancements over it’s 2022 predecessor (the Z Flip 4). You get a much larger 3.4-inch Flex Window (Samsung speak for cover display) with an intuitive user interface. The overall construction feels even more rugged, even though Samsung keeps the heft under 190gm. It scores on the durability front with an IPX8 water resistance certification. An improved flex hinge ensures this device closes to a full-flat position without any gaps whatsoever.
Price: Rs 99,999 onwards
Moto Razr 40
Moto Razr 40
One of the most aggressively priced flip smartphones, the Razr 40 offers the same compact form factor and camera possibilities as its formidable sibling (the Razr 40 Ultra). The big difference is the cover display. At 1.5-inches, it’s just 40% of the size of the Razr 40 Ultra, and yet it offers the convenience of scanning your notifications. We also approve of the vegan leather finish that lends it a premium vibe.
Price: Rs 59,999
Moto Razr 40 Ultra
Moto Razr 40 Ultra
It’s been almost two decades since the Moto Razr became the best-selling clamshell phone of all time. Motorola resurrected this cult phone in 2019 in a reimagined foldable form. The all-new Razr 40 Ultra is the best foldable we’ve seen from Motorola and also offers the largest cover display on any flip smartphone – a 3.6-inch display with a 144Hz refresh that allows you to get most stuff done without flipping the phone open. If you do, the gorgeous 6.9-inch (FHD+ pOLED) primary display (165Hz refresh rate / 1400 nits) won’t let you down.
Price: Rs 89,999
OPPO Find N2 Flip
OPPO Find N2 Flip
OPPO’s first foldable for the India ticks quite a few key boxes and is powered by a MediaTek Dimensity 9000+ processor. We dig the 3.26-inch cover display and the invisible crease where the device folds; it adds to the overall user experience. OPPO has worked with Swedish photography brand Hasselblad to co-design it’s camera system. The other key win is battery life. The Find N2 Flip features a solid 4300mAh battery under the hood. OPPO claims the hinge and screen are geared for 400,000 folds.
Price: Rs 89,999
Samsung Galaxy Z Flip 4
Samsung Galaxy Z Flip 4
Look for special offers and discounts on last year’s Z Flip 4 on both online platforms and retail stores. The 2022 flip phone comes with a similar camera system and primary display as this year’s Z Flip 5 and offers the same user interface that sets Samsung’s flip smartphones apart.
Price: Rs 89,999 onwards
