Foldable phones are the newest and fastest-developing type of mobile computer right now. Growing out of the desire to put the largest possible amount of screen inside the user’s pocket, they represent the cutting edge of technological innovation, with Samsung and Huawei offering the most notable early examples. A good foldable is one that combines the greater usability and potential of a large-screen tablet with the effortless portability of an everyday smartphone. We can expect foldables and their hinge designs to keep evolving at a breakneck pace, as hardware companies work to figure out exactly how to fold and market this new breed of portable computer.
Samsung earned plaudits for its super-slim Z Fold 7, but it’s not done yet. Korea’s ET News reports it plans two Folds next year, with one squatter and wider, with a square screen inside. No doubt it’s pure coincidence that the foldable iPhone is rumored to be a similar shape.
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Thin is in, but the big battery is the V5’s real magic trick.
We’re still waiting for Samsung’s first trifoldable phone — last we heard it’s due “this year” — but Huawei is ready for round two. It’s announced a September 4th launch for the Mate XTs, a follow-up to the impressive Mate XT, and has already teased a major upgrade: stylus support.
[weibo.com]
Google’s Pixel 10 Pro Fold is the first foldable with an IP68 rating for dust- and water-resistance, and that might be all some people need to make the jump.
subotai01:
“For someone that has not bought a foldable yet, the IP68 certification is the tipping point. Time to get one.”
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The Pura X arrived this week, and I’m ready to test this unique flip phone form factor, which opens to the side for a wider main display. And yes, those are Android apps on the post-Android HarmonyOS Next.
What do you want to know ahead of my hands-on?
A partnership with Swarovski has produced a crystal-studded take on the Motorola Razr, sold in a bundle alongside a matching set of Swarovskied Moto Buds Loop earbuds. The flip phone features 34 crystals embedded in the faux leather finish, with a larger 35th attached to the hinge. You can register now to buy the $1,000 bundle, but let’s be honest — it’s not as good as the Paris Hilton pink.
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More cover screen is indisputably better.
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It’s thinner and lighter, but you’ll need some deep pockets for this foldable.
The Phantom Ultimate G Fold is only a concept phone, so don’t expect it to ever go on sale, but it’s the most complete trifold we’ve seen yet that folds inward on both sides — the same design we think Samsung is going to use for its upcoming trifold.
Tecno says it’ll show off the G Fold at Mobile World Congress in February 2026, but by then Samsung’s trifold should already be out.
If you thought Samsung’s more affordable flip phone felt like an afterthought during yesterday’s Unpacked, apparently so did every major US carrier. SamMobile points out that none of Verizon, T-Mobile, or AT&T lists the FE, and even Samsung’s own site only offers the phone unlocked.
In fact, the only US provider we’ve found offering the FE is Boost Mobile — maybe that’s what it meant when it announced it’s a real carrier now?
Doesn’t look like we’ll get a trifold tease as a “one more thing” thing here. Guess there’s always January...
There’s one more flip phone this year and this “Fan Edition” didn’t exactly get a big spot in the presentation. It’s $899, which sure, that’s a few hundred bucks cheaper than the Z Flip 7. But its... not that cheap? I dunno. It exists.
The bigger front screen on the Galaxy Z Flip 7 makes space for my favorite new lock screen feature: a clock the gets dynamically shorter and longer depending on your wallpaper photo. It’s on iOS 26 too, so I guess Long Clock is officially a trend.
That’s the starting price for the Z Fold 7, which goes up for pre-order starting now. Better hope those trade in deals are strong!
We are two years into the era of AI on phones and I’m just going to say it: I don’t need any more explanations about how AI can generate useful summaries of text for you. I get it! Let’s just take this for granted and not trot it out at every product launch, please? Anyway, the new foldables have lots of AI. Again.
Android and Pixel boss Rick Osterloh is here to talk about Gemini on Samsung phones. He’s plugging Circle to Search getting access to AI mode, plus Gemini Live on the Z series. Samsung and Google are good friends, Google and Samsung would like us to remember.
The newest Fold is the thinnest Samsung foldable ever, and Samsung calls it an “ultra” experience... without actually calling it an Ultra phone. Weird! But it really is super thin!
