Since Apple launched the first iPhone in 2007, smartphones have looked pretty much the same. Yes, screen size has increased, cameras have been added, and designs have been refined, but not a lot has changed. And then, about four years ago, along came foldable phones - the biggest and most exciting thing to happen in smartphone development for a long time.

After spending the first few years as niche products that only had the attention of proper gadget geeks with money to spare, folding phones are now making it to the mainstream. While the tech is still very young, it’s improving quickly and problems seen in early models are being ironed out. And with prices are becoming more affordable, the popularity of foldables is on the rise.

It’s really thanks to Samsung that people are starting to consider foldables as a viable option rather than just a gimmick. Samsung has led and dominated the field of folding screen phones since the start. But now, here in the UK, we’re starting to see competition from the likes of OPPO and Motorola, and if the rumours are to be believed, Google’s Pixel Fold might be with us this year - and then field will really open up.

There are two types of foldable phone on the market. Smart flip phones take their inspiration from the old flip phones of the noughties, and fold horizontally. In the open position, new flip phones are about the size of a regular smartphone, and they close like a clamshell. Folding phones fold vertically, like a book. They are regular-sized in the closed position, and open to reveal a screen the size of a small tablet - also known as a phablet.

At Carphone Warehouse, we have great deals on the best flip phones and folding mobile phones. Check out our full range of phone deals to find the best foldable phone for you.

Samsung flip and folding phones

We have come to expect great things from all Samsung phones - you don’t become a mobile phone giant for nothing, after all. But Samsung is the brand in the world of foldable phones, so whenever it brings out new models, the weight of expectation is off the scale. So how do the new Samsung flip phone and folding phone stack up? The short answer is, Samsung has - as always - smashed it.

The Samsung Galaxy Z Flip5 is definitely appealing to the masses. Marketed to the young and cool set, this fun foldable has great content creation features and comes in a range of cute colours. And it folds up into a perfectly pocket-sized square. The bright 6.7" Dynamic AMOLED screen has a 120Hz refresh rate for smooth streaming and gaming, and with the latest Snapdragon processor, the Z Flip5 runs like a dream. There is convenient 25W fast wireless charging and the battery will typically last more than one day - a definite improvement on the last Galaxy flip phone.

Consistently topping best foldable phones lists is the Galaxy Z Fold5 - Samsung’s book-style fold phone. This really is the phone to beat. Perfect for multitasking, there’s a new taskbar at the bottom of the screen, you can run apps side by side, and drag and drop content between windows. The huge 7.6" Dynamic AMOLED main display is brighter than previous Galaxy fold phones and is ideal for reading and media. The new Samsung folding phone has inherited the camera setup from the Galaxy S23, so we can also see big improvements there.

Google folding phones

Google has recently broken into the foldable phone market with the Google Pixel Fold. With the powerful G2 processor and superior camera quality you've come to expect from Google Pixel phones, the new Pixel foldable model is already making a splash.

Functioning as a full 5.8" Pixel Google folded phone and a 7.6" immersive OLED display when unfolded, it's great for tasks that require a larger screen, like working on documents, watching movies or playing games. An optional Split Screen mode allows for productive multitasking whether you're at work or play.

Finished with matte glass and polished aluminium, this sleek foldable phone has a modern, stylish design that's durable and water-resistant. With hinges engineered to be the toughest on any folding phone, the Google Pixel Fold is built to last. Plus, its powerful fast-charging battery offers more than 24 hours of usage on a single charge.

The Google Pixel consistently features in the best camera phone lists, and their latest model doesn't disappoint. With a triple rear camera system featuring a 10.8MP ultrawide lens, 48MP main lens, and 5x telephoto lens, you'll be able to snap shots with excellent clarity and detail. Plus, the amazing Astrophotography mode and AI-powered photo processing will help even amateurs take stunning shots.

The wait is now over, and the Pixel Fold release date is finally here, so if you're looking for a foldable phone with the unsurpassed performance of Google, this could be the one for you. Make sure to check out Carphone Warehouse for the full range of flip phones and folding phones, including the best Google Pixel Fold price.

Doro flip phone

A different type of flip phone, the Doro 6820 is a basic feature phone. Designed with the elderly in mind, it’s simple to use and perfect for someone who has never used a mobile phone before. With large, well-spaced buttons in high contrast colours, dialling is made easier, even for those with sight or dexterity impairments. The sound is loud and clear, and the Doro flip phone is hearing aid compatible.

All Doro phones come with a built-in assistance button to alert your family and friends quickly and easily in the event of an accident - giving you and your loved ones peace of mind.