Samsung’s Galaxy Z Flip isn’t just the latest foldable phone to hit store shelves -- it’s also the least expensive, and the one we enjoy using the most. The main draw here is the design: The Z Flip feels like a perfectly normal smartphone while open and folds down to half size when closed.

Flip phone form factor is practical and fun; Great all-around performance; Solid camera quality; It feels like a standard smartphone when open; It’s the least expensive foldable out there

Inherently more fragile than other phones; External screen is too small to be helpful; The main glass screen is still prone to scratching; Flex Mode is pretty limited; Less future-proof than more traditional rivals

The real question with the Z Flip is how much are you willing to compromise in exchange for novelty? For many people, the Samsung Galaxy Z Flip will meet their requirements in battery, camera and power, providing something unique that looks great; but for the gamers, enthusiasts and power users, the...

It's cool; Great retro flip action; Plenty of power; Solid build; Good camera performance

Display longevity concerns; No waterproofing; Price

Samsung Galaxy Z Flip is a phone to flaunt. So, yes, that is one reason to buy this phone: to show that you can afford a phone that cos...

Flippin' great

Spectacular design; Cool folded size; Impressive display

The Z Flip is certainly the most appealing foldable around, but until the price drops it will remain a niche product

Not the Galaxy Fold; Dual form factor; Performs like a Samsung flagship

Screen durability remains to be seen; 5G upgrade costs more

The easiest foldable to recommend thanks to excellent design, despite its sky-high price and 2019 internals.

Great design; Nippy performance; Novelty factor

Front screen too small; Main screen is fragile; Mono speaker

When it comes to real-world recommendations, the Galaxy Z Flip is our top foldable pick. Unlike the Huawei Mate Xs or Motorola RAZR, its screen isn’t exposed or sliding, so is less prone to damage. Meanwhile, the durable Gorilla Glass clamshell protection on the outside is as hardy as we need it to be. While the Flip doesn’t pack the utility of a phone that turns into a tablet, like the Galaxy Fold, when it comes to wow-factor, the Z Flip still has it in spades. Is it worth the hefty asking price? Definitely not if you want maximum bang for buck; but if you can afford it and crave a compact clamshell that unfurls into a full-screen smartphone, it’s the only phone worth considering right now.

Great design; Nippy performance; Novelty factor;

Front screen too small; Main screen is fragile; Mono speaker;

Great design; Nippy performance; Novelty factor;

Front screen too small; Main screen is fragile; Mono speaker;

Samsung wowed everyone last year when it introduced the Galaxy Fold. Sure, it took a few months to figure out the kinks after the first batch of units saw some fatal manufacturing defects.

Well-executed folding display with articulating hinge and improved protection from dust; Wireless charging and powershare; Gorgeous finish and design has us feeling the nostalgia; Galaxy Concierge Premier customer care; Flagship level camera experience

Samsung Galaxy Z Flip is the first really successful folding smartphone. And it is especially perfect for you who love to film or take pictures of yourself!

For the first time, the foldable form factor works and gives the user new, creative possibilities. The build quality is good, and the performance is top notch.

Is not dust and water repellent. The front screen could have been bigger, and the camera lacks optical zoom.