Folding smartphones, although not enjoying great commercial success due to their still high price, are unanimously accepted.
Their original design appeals to technophiles and the general public alike.
Open, these smartphones display a large screen to enjoy multimedia content.
Closed, thanks to their folding internal screen, they offer a very practical compactness in your pocket.
Two types of models coexist on the market.
The first has a folding screen the size of a small tablet as well as an external screen similar to that of a classic smartphone in closed mode.
The second has a fairly traditional format in open mode, but when the internal screen is folded, the case is no larger than a compact.
A bit like our old flip phones!
The other advantage of the
folding smartphone
is the new uses that result from it.
Placed on a table, screen semi-open, the large format model transforms into a mini PC compatible with multi-windowing.
The small format model facilitates video calls in semi-open mode and you can use its small external screen to check your notifications or, as a return, to take selfies with the main camera.
Do you want to try the folding smartphone adventure, but don't know which one to choose?
Here are the four best foldable smartphones on the market scrutinized!
Summary: The 4 best folding smartphones
Samsung Galaxy Z Flip5
Motorola Razr 40 Ultra
Samsung Galaxy Z Fold5
Motorola Razr 40
Our recommendations by test criteria
Our tests of the top folding smartphones on the market
Samsung Galaxy Z Flip5 review: charm incarnate
The Samsung Galaxy Z Flip5 and its small front screen.
Le Parisien Buying Guide
The Samsung Galaxy Z Flip5 is for you if:
A compact and sophisticated design is your main criterion
You don't care about the quality of night photos
You refuse any concession in terms of power
Where to buy it at the best price?
Rakuten
€852
See the offer
Baker
€1199
See the offer
Amazon
€1299
See the offer
Cdiscount
€1329
See the offer
Samsung
€1339
See the offer
The Samsung Flip is not the first small format folding phone on the market.
There was the Motorola Razr before it in 2019, inspired by the flip phones of the same name.
It is, on the other hand, one of the most emblematic models in the sector.
The one who knew how to charm all consumers, including those less sensitive to Tech.
Samsung has made its Flip a real gem and it is seen as a stylish accessory.
Even a little disrupted by more innovative competition,
the
Galaxy Z Flip5
remains a folding device that is desirable, especially with its larger external screen.
A sure value.
Design and ergonomics
What we appreciate first about the Galaxy Z Flip 5 is its
crazy elegant design
, its high-end design, all in glass and metal.
Thanks to its new hinge, the device folds completely on itself, leaving no visible space.
The result is a device that is thinner than before, in compact format, which can easily be slipped into a pocket.
When you open this case, the internal folding screen is revealed.
Its comfortable size for surfing, watching videos, playing or even sharing on social networks, however, has not changed since the first model, which is a shame!
On the other hand, the external screen, also called the cover screen, has gone from a simple display to a real 3.4-inch screen, which makes notifications much easier to consult.
If Samsung brings with this screen some new uses, such as the possibility of launching Maps directly or watching YouTube videos without having to go through the big screen, we are left a little unsatisfied.
As the device works with the One UI environment (on top of Android 13), we can hope that Samsung will bring new uses during updates.
In the meantime, the
Flex mode
designed by Samsung which takes advantage of the large folding screen, when the smartphone rests semi-open on a table, is still appreciable.
With apps like YouTube, Instagram or Meet, the image is displayed in the upper part of the screen and the controls in the lower part.
The external screen can also be used to take a selfie with the main sensors, which are much more efficient.
Smart!
The folding format and Flex mode facilitate certain uses.
Le Parisien Buying Guide
Display
The 6.7-inch
Full HD+ folding screen
of the Galaxy Z Flip5 is a little marvel of readability thanks to its P-Oled technology (Plastic Oled, more flexible, used for folding screens), its high resolution of 425 points per inch and its excellent brightness.
It has also exceeded 1400 cd/m² in peak and even 1500 cd/m² with HDR content.
A dazzling progression that makes us forget about the color fidelity that could be improved, which can quickly be corrected by selecting natural mode in the display settings.
The adaptive refresh from 1 to 120 Hz allows you to enjoy beautiful image fluidity in the most demanding content (games, video content).
The Flip's folding screen is a delight for the eyes.
Le Parisien Buying Guide
The small screen also provides a solid performance, at 3.4 inches.
Very bright and with a very satisfactory resolution, this panel is far from occupying the entire rear half-façade.
The progress is undeniable compared to the Flip4 and its 1.9-inch external screen.
For example, you can easily find your way on Maps, or even watch YouTube videos.
And gives the Z Flip5 an even more cute design.
However, we would have liked to take advantage of a lot more new features.
Unlike Motorola, Samsung has remained quite cautious from this point of view.
Photo
Like the vast majority of folding smartphones, especially small clamshell formats, the Galaxy Z Flip5 is constrained by a lack of space.
The main camera therefore only consists of two modules, a wide-angle lens and an ultra-wide-angle lens, both associated with 12 megapixel sensors.
You should not count on an optical zoom or great low light skills.
However, this Flip benefits from
Samsung's expertise in photography
.
Photo taken with the Galaxy Z Flip5: portrait mode offers a bokeh effect that can be modified afterwards.
Le Parisien Buying Guide
In correct lighting conditions, the photos benefit from a beautiful richness of details and flattering colors.
Shooting at dusk should not be completely avoided, despite the rapid loss of sharpness.
The Z Flip5 is quite good at portraits, including with the 10 megapixel front sensor.
This is good, Flex mode is particularly suitable for this type of photo.
Selfie fans will be delighted.
Performance
By design, folding smartphones are not expected in the gaming or photo field, but that did not prevent Samsung from opting for the most powerful processor on the Android market, the Snapdragon 8 Gen 2, for its Flip.
In addition, with 8 GB of RAM and 256 GB of storage, the device will not shy away from a 3D game, while remaining fluid thanks also to the 120 Hz screen. With such a
thin format
, however, beware of the
inevitable heat during long sessions
which will melt the battery life.
Despite its compactness, the Galaxy Z Flip5 is ultra-powerful.
Le Parisien Buying Guide
With its battery of only 3700 mAh, the Flip does not perform miracles in this area.
However, it offers
around ten hours of endurance in Wi-Fi video streaming,
which can be extended to 12:30 hours by limiting the screen refresh rate to 60 Hz.
As usual, Samsung limits its fast charging to 25 W… with a charger sold as an option.
Fortunately, it is effective, with 53% recovered in 30 minutes and a full charge in around 1 hour 15 minutes.
Samsung Galaxy Z Flip5
The trendy folding smartphone
Design and ergonomics
Display
Photo
Performance
Where to buy it at the best price?
Samsung
See the offer
Motorola Razr 40 Ultra review: the challenger that understood everything
The Motorola Razr 40 Ultra smartphone and its folded screen
The Motorola Razr 40 Ultra is for you if:
You want generous screens in a compact format
The waterproofing criterion doesn't matter to you
You are looking for a smartphone that charges quickly
Where to buy it at the best price?
Baker
999€
See the offer
Darty
999€
See the offer
Amazon
1137.59€
See the offer
Rakuten
€1189.99
See the offer
Fnac
€1199
See the offer
With its
Razr 40 Ultra
and its exclusive colors, Motorola strikes a big blow
by offering a folding smartphone that has little to envy of its rival the Flip in terms of design and uses.
The manufacturer even had the luxury of being the first to launch a model with a large external screen full of features… It remains to this day the largest among compact folding screens.
Would Samsung have anything to worry about?
Especially since Motorola is not stingy with accessories, and delivers a charger and protective case with the device.
Design and ergonomics
With more rounded edges than those of its rival the Flip, the Razr 40 ultra appears thinner, but this is only an optical illusion.
He has more or less the same measurements.
On the other hand, Motorola's achievement is to have integrated two screens (internal and external), larger than those of Samsung, i.e. 0.2 inches more for the folding screen and for the cover screen.
Not bad for a challenger!
The design is not as elaborate as Samsung.
The back, for example, is not made of glass, but of imitation leather, which is very successful indeed.
Above all, the device is only resistant to water drops (IP52).
A bit boring at this price level.
For the rest, the external screen is just as resistant, thanks to the presence of Gorilla Glass victus 2 glass. The hinge, thin and robust, closes well flat.
The Razr 40 Ultra has a giant 3.6-inch external screen.
Le Parisien Buying Guide
On the software side, Motorola's overlay, in support of Android 13, remains one of the most discreet on the market.
Which does not prevent it from offering numerous
display customizations
, practical gesture controls and above all the same tips as Samsung to take advantage of the folding format.
However, to Flex View mode (the equivalent of Samsung's Flex mode), Motorola adds a major advantage: the possibility of installing the applications of your choice (optimized or not) on the external screen.
Enough to boost usage without having to open your Razr and therefore consuming less battery.
Display
The Razr 40 Ultra hits hard in terms of display, not only featuring a giant 6.9-inch screen with a discreet fold, but also the largest external screen on the market, 3.6 inches.
Their characteristics are impeccable.
Using Oled technology, the two panels are Full HD+ definition, for a high resolution of 413 dots per inch.
They are respectively refreshed at 165 Hz and 144 Hz – never before seen on a folding device – resulting in extremely fluid images.
A little less bright according to our probe than what Motorola announces - 1200 cd/m² instead of 1400 -
the main screen is nonetheless one of the best on the market
!
The Razr 40 Ultra's folding screen is huge and powerful.
Le Parisien Buying Guide
Colors that are a little too saturated by default can be restored to perfect fidelity by opting for natural color mode.
The observation is the same with the external screen, even if its brightness peaks at only 520 cd/m² (that's already very good!) and reading is sometimes hampered by reflections that are much more present than on the main panel. .
One thing is certain, you will enjoy watching your videos on streaming sites from the folding screen or playing games!
Photo
On paper, the dual photo module of the Razr 40 Ultra is quite close to that of the Z Flip5, with a wide-angle and an ultra-wide-angle in 12 and 13 megapixels.
The photos taken with this folding smartphone are quite pleasing to the eye, delivering fairly natural colors.
On the other hand, the level of detail does not compare with its competitor, whether we use one or the other of these two objectives.
During the day, the photos are satisfactory, but lack a little sharpness.
Le Parisien Buying Guide
And in low light, the gap widens.
The result is
generally decent shots
if you just share them on social networks, but with a glaring lack of sharpness when you zoom in on the image.
In portrait mode, it's better, with an adjustable bokeh effect.
The Razr 40 Ultra excels in macro photography, an area in which we did not necessarily expect it.
Performance
For its Razr 40 Ultra, Motorola has chosen a powerful processor... but from the previous generation, the Snapdragon 8+ Gen 1. With the ultra-smooth 165 Hz panel and, as on the Flip, 8 GB of RAM and 256 GB of storage, this in no way penalizes this Razr which provides in all uses, gaming included.
Despite a slightly larger battery (3800 mAh) and a processor that heats up less,
the autonomy remains quite reasonable, around 11h30 in Wi-Fi video streaming on the large screen
.
Fast charging is included with the included 33W adapter.
Le Parisien Buying Guide
Above all, it remains significantly higher than that of the Flip!
Thanks to the new uses offered by the small external screen, which consumes much less energy, it will be possible to extend the endurance of the smartphone.
The Razr 40 Ultra benefits from 33W fast charging with the supplied charger.
It only takes an hour to “fill up”, which is very appreciable.
The Motorola Razr 40 Ultra
The challenger on the big screen
Design and ergonomics
Display
Photo
Performance
Where to buy it at the best price?
Amazon
See the offer
Samsung Galaxy Z Fold5 review: the most versatile folding device
Samsung's Galaxy Z Fold5 opens like a book.
Le Parisien Buying Guide
The Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 4 is for you if:
You're looking for the ultimate in versatility
A heavy and thick smartphone does not scare you
You want a camera that holds up
Where to buy it at the best price?
Rakuten
€1167
See the offer
Cdiscount
2024 €
See the offer
Samsung
2029€
See the offer
Baker
€2039
See the offer
Amazon
€2039
See the offer
Five years after the launch of the Fold, the first folding smartphone on the market,
Samsung offers
a perfectly accomplished device with the 2023
Galaxy Z Fold5 .
Whether it is its high-end design or its versatility in terms of functions, this large format device stands out as the “Rolls” of the sector.
Almost comparable to a mini PC in its format and its functional richness, this product nevertheless targets a limited audience, eager for new technologies... and ready to pay a high price for a smartphone.
Design and ergonomics
In a few years, Samsung has had time to refine its copy with the Fold.
The most versatile of folding
displays, in folded mode, a 6.2-inch external screen, large enough to offer all the uses of a classic smartphone.
The only downside is that the device is
quite thick and heavy in the hand
- 13.4 mm thick for 253 grams!
In open mode, we quickly forget this disadvantage by discovering a huge folding screen in tablet format, housed in a thin 6.1 mm case.
Wow effect guaranteed, especially since Samsung has used noble materials and all its know-how to seduce the consumer.
Aluminum frame, Gorilla Glass Victus 2 glass back, one of the most resistant in the world, or IPX8 certified waterproofing: the whole thing exudes robustness and quality.
The Fold is capable of displaying up to three apps simultaneously.
Le Parisien Buying Guide
Si certains reprochent au constructeur de ne pas avoir suffisamment fait évoluer son pliant cette année, la nouvelle charnière est vraiment appréciable. Elle permet à l’écran pliant de se refermer complètement, sans laisser d’interstice. L’appareil gagne en finesse et la poussière s’accumule moins. On évitera toutefois les sorties à la plage ! Ce Fold fonctionne avec la surcouche One UI de Samsung (en renfort d’Android 13). Cet environnement logiciel permet de tirer parti de l’écran pliant. En mode Flex, lorsque le Fold est posé semi-ouvert sur une table, on peut ainsi l’utiliser comme un petit PC. Il est possible d’afficher jusqu’à trois applications simultanément, avec une nouvelle barre des tâches très pratique pour accéder rapidement à ses programmes préférés. Enfin, l’écran est compatible avec le Stylet S-Pen de Samsung, vendu en option. Le nec plus ultra pour dessiner ou prendre des notes.
Affichage
Équipé de deux grands écrans conçus par Samsung, le maître en matière de technologie Amoled (l’Oled des smartphones Galaxy), le Z Fold5 se devait de livrer d’excellentes performances en matière d’affichage. Et c’est le cas, plus particulièrement en termes de luminosité puisque les deux dalles passent la barre des 1500 cd/m² en pic ! Un record qui garantit une excellente lisibilité, y compris sous un soleil ardent. En termes de fidélité des couleurs, le Fold n’est pas aussi parfait avec des couleurs un peu trop saturées, mais flatteuses dans le mode vif par défaut. Là encore, un passage par le mode naturel permet de rectifier le tir en grande partie.
L’écran externe est aussi lumineux que l’écran pliant. Le Parisien Guide d'achat
Avec un grand écran pliant de 7,6 pouces, le Z Fold 5 est l’appareil idéal pour les dévoreurs de contenus ou les adeptes du multitâche, avec sa haute définition de 2176 x 1812 points. Même si son format assez carré n’est pas forcément adapté aux contenus vidéo : vous n’échapperez pas aux grandes bandes noires lorsque vous regarderez une série ou un film. Les deux écrans offrent un rafraîchissement jusqu’à 120Hz pour une fluidité d’image parfaite, notamment dans les jeux. L’écran externe de 6,2 pouces est suffisamment grand pour être utilisé au quotidien dans tous types d’usages. On peut lui reprocher son étroitesse, qui rend la saisie au clavier moins pratique. Un défaut auquel certains de ses concurrents ont remédié avec des écrans externes plus larges et plus grands. De ce point de vue, Samsung va devoir faire évoluer son produit phare s’il veut rester l’acteur majeur du secteur.
Photo
Grâce à ses mensurations, le Fold bénéficie d’un équipement polyvalent qui, allié au savoir-faire du créateur des Galaxy S23, reconnus pour leurs aptitudes en photo, offre une excellente qualité d’image. L’appareil photo principal se compose des trois objectifs incontournables pour couvrir tout type de scènes : un grand-angle, un ultra grand-angle et un téléobjectif (de respectivement 50, 12 et 10 Mégapixels).
Le Z Fold5 dispose d’un zoom optique x3 et brille en photo basses lumières. Le Parisien Guide d'achat
C’est l’un des rares smartphones pliants à se défendre en photo de nuit, en utilisant le mode idoine. C’est aussi l’un des seuls à intégrer un zoom optique x3. On peut même pousser à x5 en numérique, mais guère plus sous peine de perdre en détails. Il reste que les prises de vue à bout de bras ne sont pas de tout repos avec ce Z Fold5, au poids non négligeable !
Performances
Avec son gabarit XXL, le Z Fold5 accueille une batterie de haute capacité, soit 4400 mAh. Il fallait bien cela pour faire durer au maximum les multiples possibilités offertes par le fleuron de Samsung. En pratique, on est comblé, le Fold tenant près de 13 h en streaming vidéo Wi-fi sur la dalle pliante et même 13 h 50 avec l’écran externe. Manifestement, le processeur Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 (associé à 12 Go de mémoire) n’est pas seulement ultra puissant, il apporte aussi une excellente efficacité énergétique.
Le Galaxy Z Fold 4 est l’un des appareils les plus puissants au monde. Le Parisien Guide d'achat
Sur un long trajet, basculer les dalles en 60 Hz vous offrira de plus 2 à 3 heures d’autonomie supplémentaire ! Pour la charge rapide, la limite est toujours établie à 25W. Comptez une récupération de 44 % en 30 minutes et une charge complète en moins de 1 h 30.
Le smartphone Samsung Galaxy Z Fold5
Le modèle polyvalent
- Design et ergonomie
- Affichage
- Photo
- Performances
Où l’acheter au meilleur prix ?
Samsung
Voir l’offre
Test Motorola Razr 40 : le format pliant démocratisé
Razr 40 : une interface minimaliste à personnaliser à l’envi. Le Parisien Guide d'achat
Le Motorola Razr 40 est fait pour vous si :
- Vous souhaitez rester dans un budget « raisonnable »
- Vous n’êtes pas un gamer acharné
- Le petit écran externe ne vous rebute pas
Où l’acheter au meilleur prix ?
Amazon
699 €
Voir l’offreBoulanger
699 €
Voir l’offre
Lancé quelques semaines après son alter ego haut de gamme, l’Ultra,le Razr 40 est présenté par Motorola comme un accessoire « tendance », mais plus accessible. Pour un tarif inférieur à ceux pratiqués habituellement, ce smartphone pliant présente tous les attributs qu’on attend d’un tel appareil. Il doit se contenter, en revanche du petit écran externe qui caractérisait les générations précédentes. C’est une concession avec laquelle il faudra composer. En contrepartie, Motorola offre les mêmes accessoires qu’avec l’Ultra (coque de protection et chargeur).
Design et ergonomie
En dépit d’un prix relativement abordable, le Motorola Razr 40 profite d’un design soigné, qui s’inspire en grande partie de son aîné le Razr 40 Ultra. On retrouve le même revêtement agréable (et qui ne prend pas les traces de doigt) en simili cuir, qui s’étend cette fois sur une grande partie du dos, l’écran externe ne mesurant que 1,5 pouce. En façade, l’écran pliant reste tout aussi grand. Le consommateur ne sera donc pas foncièrement lésé au niveau du design. Le boîtier est juste un peu plus épais, mais on le verra plus loin, du fait d’une plus grosse batterie.
Le petit écran du Razr 40 est utile à la prise de selfie. Le Parisien Guide d'achat
Résistant lui aussi aux petites projections d’eau (IP52) et équipé d’une charnière qui permet de replier parfaitement l’écran, le Razr 40 profite du même environnement logiciel. La surcouche de Motorola (en renfort d’Android 13) offre les mêmes larges possibilités de personnalisation et de commandes au geste. On retrouve aussi les atouts du mode Flex View, très pratique pour utiliser l’appareil lorsqu’il est posé semi-ouvert sur une table. Le petit écran externe vous cantonne en revanche à des usages assez basiques au travers de quelques widgets (météo, dictaphone, agenda, etc.) et d’interactions limitées avec vos notifications.
Affichage
Pour son Razr 40, Motorola a fait le choix d’un grand écran pliant de 6,9 pouces dont les performances sont très proches du modèle Ultra pourtant bien plus haut de gamme. Son rafraîchissement plafonne à 144 Hz (au lieu de 165 Hz), ce qui s’avère de toute façon bien plus que sur la grande majorité des mobiles du marché ! La fluidité d’image est donc au rendez-vous. De technologie P-Oled, la dalle Full HD+ et certifiée HDR10+ livre une qualité d’affichage très satisfaisante.
Malgré son prix contenu, le Razr 40 offre un grand et bel écran. Le Parisien Guide d'achat
Selon nos mesures, sa luminosité en pic atteint presque 1000 cd/m² (et même 1200 cd/m² sur des contenus HDR). Vous n’aurez donc aucune difficulté à consulter votre smartphone, même par un temps radieux. Si dans le mode d’affichage par défaut, les couleurs sont résolument vives pour flatter les yeux de l’utilisateur, il suffit de basculer en mode couleurs naturelles pour profiter d’une meilleure fidélité. Nous avons relevé dans ce cas un DeltaE de 2.07, très satisfaisant. Motorola n’a pas lésiné sur les composants pour offrir une qualité optimale. Avec sa pliure assez peu visible et des bordures assez fines, cet écran compte parmi les atouts majeurs du Razr. Certes petit, l’écran externe de 1,5 pouce, de technologie Oled et bien lumineux s’avère tout aussi agréable.
Photo
Despite its higher resolution dual photo module (wide-angle and ultra-wide-angle) with 64 and 13 megapixel sensors, the Razr 40 Motorola does not do better than the Ultra version.
His photos suffer from the same
lack of precision in details
, with a slight improvement for the wide-angle, but only when the lighting of the scene is favorable.
Those who like to shoot up close will appreciate the macro mode.
Le Parisien Buying Guide
The fact remains that, at a lower cost, the Razr offers the same capabilities as its competitors with a Flex View mode, accompanied by gesture controls, which is very effective, even if the small external screen is less practical.
As we found with the Ultra, the Razr 40 is surprisingly
good in macro mode
.
Performance
To offer an attractive price, Motorola had to make some concessions, particularly in terms of the processor, which is not as powerful as those of the other models in this selection.
The Snapdragon 7 Gen 1 nonetheless remains powerful enough to obtain a
fluid and competent smartphone in all uses,
helped by 8 GB of memory.
You'll just have to be a little
less demanding in terms of graphics in games
.
The processor is powerful and stable enough for demanding games.
Le Parisien Buying Guide
Test applications confirm excellent stability and absence of heating.
With a comfortable 4200 mAh battery, we expected a feat in autonomy.
You have to be content with
a little over 12 hours of Wi-Fi video streaming
, which is already not so bad.
Thanks to 30W fast charging (and using the 33W charger provided), it takes around 1 hour 10 minutes to go from 0 to 100%.
The Motorola Razr 40
The most accessible
Design and ergonomics
Display
Photo
Performance
Where to buy it at the best price?
Amazon
See the offer
The best folding smartphones by test criteria
The 4 best foldable smartphones on the market
Our recommendations
Design and ergonomics
Motorola Razr 40
Display
Samsung Galaxy Z Fold5
Photo
Samsung Galaxy Z Fold5
Performance
Samsung Galaxy Z Fold5
Also read: Refurbished phone: the best sites to find your smartphone