Foldable smartphones have come a long way in just a few years and once felt like a risky experiment is now firmly in the premium side.
Brands are bolstering durability, performance and everyday usability, hence, early concerns about fragile hinges and easily damaged displays are gradually fading.
Newer models now feature stronger builds and more flexible screens, making them solid for daily use rather than just niche devices.
Interestingly, global shipments of foldable smartphones rose by about 14% year-on-year in the third quarter of 2025, accounting for roughly 2.5% of total smartphone shipments.
Again, forecasts reveal the category could grow by as much as 30% in 2026, overtaking others in the smartphone market.
In the first quarter of 2026, two devices have grabbed attention, and these are the Motorola Razr Fold and the OPPO Find N9.
Both show how far the segment has evolved, though they take slightly different approaches.
Motorola Razr Fold
The Motorola Razr Fold is so unique in the Razr line. Known for its clamshell design, Motorola has moved to a book-style form factor with this release.
The device was first shown at CES 2026 and later detailed at MWC 2026. Powered by the Snapdragon 8 Gen 5 chipset, this phone is Motorola’s thinnest foldable yet.
It features an 8.1-inch inner display and a 6.6-inch outer screen, both designed to handle daily tasks without compromise. Motorola says pre-orders are expected to begin on April 13.
Strengths
- Stylish design and premium materials
- Large outer display for quick interactions
- Competitive pricing compared to some rivals
Main Features
- Software: Android 16 with 7 years of OS security updates
- Displays: 8.1-inch, 120Hz, 6200-nit LTPO OLED for inner display; 6.6-inch, 165Hz, 6000-nit peak outer screen.
- Camera Setup: Triple 50MP rear cameras, 32MP cover camera, 20MP inner camera.
- Performance: Qualcomm Snapdragon 8 Gen 5, 16GB RAM, 512GB or 1TB storage.
- Battery: 6,000mAh with 80W wired charging and 50W wireless charging.
- Design & Durability: 4.6mm thick when open; IP49 water and dust protection
OPPO Find N9
The OPPO Find N9 focuses heavily on solving one of the biggest complaints about foldables, the visible crease.
Unveiled at MWC 2026, the device introduces what OPPO calls a “Zero-Feel Crease” display, designed to make the fold line barely noticeable during normal use.
The phone is set to go on sale first in China from March 17, with a global rollout expected in the following weeks.
Strengths
- One of the least visible creases on a foldable display
- Premium materials and innovative hinge design comparable to the Samsung Galaxy Z Fold7
- Powerful camera setup
Main Features
- Display: 6.59-inch AMOLED, 1.5K resolution, 120Hz refresh rate, and up to 3600 nits peak brightness.
- Performance: MediaTek Dimensity 9500 chipset, often paired with 12GB of RAM and 512GB storage.
- Camera: Hasselblad powered imaging system, featuring a 50MP main sensor, 50MP ultra-wide, and a 50MP telephoto lens
- Battery and Charging: 7025mAh battery with fast charging capabilities.
- Software: ColorOS 16.0 based on Android.
- Connectivity: Wi-Fi 7, NFC, and advanced GNSS positioning.
The first wave of foldable smartphones in 2026 shows interesting progress, with manufacturers tackling long-standing issues such as screen creases, durability concerns, battery life and software support.
The next big moment for the category could come if Apple enters the foldable market. Many analysts believe an Apple launch would boost adoption and push foldables further into the mainstream.
For now, the segment is still evolving, with more releases expected later in the year from tech giants, including Apple and Google.
