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.
8
Verge Score
More cover screen is indisputably better.
8
Verge Score
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?
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.
The Magic V5 will launch in China on July 2nd, and we know almost nothing about it except that Honor says it will be the slimmest around, allowing the company to reclaim the super-thin title it held with last year’s Magic V3.
That means it must be thinner than the Oppo Find N5’s 8.93mm when shut, but will it beat Samsung’s Galaxy Z Fold 7, also launching in July and tipped to be slim?
Rumors have long had it that this year’s Galaxy Z Fold phone will be substantially thinner, as Samsung tries to keep up with Oppo and Honor, and now the company itself has hinted at the same.
It says this year’s Fold is “our thinnest, lightest and most advanced foldable yet,” with a picture that certainly looks thin, as it promises to bring the Ultra experience to foldables.
And no, they’re not exactly surprising. But even so, a Galaxy Store listing for “Samsung Internet Browser for Fold7 and Flip7,” spotted by GalaxyClub, does give the game away a little, especially since we’re not expecting the new phones to launch for at least a month.
Of course, that doesn’t preclude extra versions, like the Fold Ultra Samsung teased just this week, or its rumored cheaper Flip FE.
Earlier this year we oohed and ahhed over the thinnest foldable phone so far, and now it’s time for the lightest. Vivo product manager Han Boxiao released this clip that dramatically shows off how lightweight the upcoming X Fold 5 is, which leakers say will launch this month.
I was impressed by the X Fold 3, the first foldable I used that felt like its camera came without compromises, so I’m excited to see its successor.
6
Verge Score
This feels like a form factor that’s here to stay.
7
Verge Score
It’s gorgeous and fun to use, but is calling it Ultra a little much?
