Foldable Phone Comparison Review: Which One Is Worth It?
Foldable phones have evolved from futuristic concepts to practical devices, offering unique designs and versatile functionality. With major brands like Samsung, Google, and OnePlus competing in this space, choosing the right foldable phone can be daunting. This review compares three leading foldable phones in 2025—the Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 7, Google Pixel Fold 2, and OnePlus Open 2—based on design, performance, display, software, and value for money. Let’s dive in to see which one is worth your investment.
Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 7
Design and Build
The Galaxy Z Fold 7 refines Samsung’s book-style foldable design. At 155.1 x 77.3 x 6.3 mm (unfolded) and weighing 239g, it’s slimmer and lighter than its predecessor. The IPX8 water resistance and Gorilla Glass Victus 2 ensure durability, while the hinge feels smoother and more robust. The 7.6-inch inner display and 6.3-inch cover screen make it ideal for multitasking and media consumption.
Performance
Powered by the Snapdragon 8 Gen 4, paired with 12GB RAM and up to 1TB storage, the Z Fold 7 delivers blazing-fast performance. Whether gaming, streaming, or running multiple apps in split-screen mode, it handles everything effortlessly. The 4400mAh battery lasts a full day with moderate use, and 25W fast charging gets you back up quickly, though wireless charging remains at 15W.
Display
The 7.6-inch Dynamic AMOLED 2X inner display (2160 x 1856, 120Hz) offers vibrant colors and deep blacks, perfect for movies and productivity. The 6.3-inch cover display (968 x 2376, 120Hz) is crisp and responsive. Both screens support HDR10+ and hit a peak brightness of 2600 nits, making them excellent for outdoor use.
Software
Running One UI 7 on Android 15, the Z Fold 7 is optimized for multitasking. Features like Flex Mode and enhanced window management make it a productivity powerhouse. Samsung promises seven years of software updates, ensuring longevity.
Price
Starting at $1,899, the Z Fold 7 is premium-priced but includes the S Pen (sold separately) for added functionality.
Pros
- Premium build quality
- Stellar multitasking features
- Long software support
Cons
- Expensive
- S Pen not included
- Battery life could be better for heavy users
Google Pixel Fold 2
Design and Build
The Pixel Fold 2 adopts a sleek, minimalist design at 155.2 x 77.1 x 5.8 mm (unfolded) and 258g. It’s slightly heavier than the Z Fold 7 but feels premium with its aluminum frame and Gorilla Glass Victus 2. The IPX8 rating ensures water resistance, and the hinge allows for smooth folding and partial angles for Flex Mode-like functionality.
Performance
Equipped with the Google Tensor G4 chip and 12GB RAM, the Pixel Fold 2 offers solid performance for everyday tasks and light gaming. Storage options go up to 512GB. The 4825mAh battery provides better endurance than the Z Fold 7, lasting over a day with mixed usage. Fast charging is capped at 23W, with no wireless charging.
Display
The 7.9-inch OLED inner display (2208 x 1840, 120Hz) is slightly larger than the Z Fold 7’s, with excellent color accuracy and 2200 nits peak brightness. The 6.1-inch cover display (1080 x 2092, 120Hz) is smooth but narrower, which may feel cramped for typing. Both screens support HDR10+.
Software
Running stock Android 15, the Pixel Fold 2 offers a clean, bloat-free experience with Google’s AI-driven features, like real-time translation and enhanced photo editing. Multitasking is intuitive, though not as robust as Samsung’s One UI. Google promises seven years of updates.
Price
Priced at $1,799, it’s slightly cheaper than the Z Fold 7 but lacks some premium features like wireless charging.
Pros
- Clean software experience
- Excellent battery life
- Competitive price
Cons
- No wireless charging
- Narrow cover display
- Tensor G4 lags behind Snapdragon in gaming
OnePlus Open 2
Design and Build
The OnePlus Open 2 is the lightest of the trio at 235g and measures 153.3 x 73.2 x 6.1 mm (unfolded). Its vegan leather back and sturdy hinge give it a premium yet distinctive look. With IPX8 water resistance and Gorilla Glass Victus 2, it’s built to last. The design prioritizes ergonomics, making it comfortable for extended use.
Performance
Powered by the Snapdragon 8 Gen 4, with 16GB RAM and up to 1TB storage, the Open 2 matches the Z Fold 7 in raw power. It excels in gaming and multitasking, with efficient thermal management. The 4800mAh battery lasts a day and supports 80W fast charging, fully charging in under 40 minutes. Wireless charging is included at 50W.
Display
The 7.8-inch AMOLED inner display (2440 x 2268, 120Hz) delivers stunning visuals with 2800 nits peak brightness, outshining competitors in outdoor visibility. The 6.4-inch cover display (1200 x 2480, 120Hz) feels more usable than the Pixel’s narrower screen. Both support HDR10+ and Dolby Vision.
Software
OxygenOS 15 (based on Android 15) offers a near-stock experience with thoughtful customizations. Multitasking features like Open Canvas allow seamless app switching and window resizing. OnePlus commits to six years of software updates, slightly less than competitors.
Price
At $1,699, the Open 2 is the most affordable, offering premium features at a lower cost.
Pros
- Best value for money
- Fastest charging
- Brightest display
Cons
- Slightly shorter software support
- Vegan leather may not appeal to all
- Less brand recognition in foldables
Comparison and Verdict
Design
The OnePlus Open 2 stands out for its lightweight build and ergonomic design, while the Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 7 offers the most refined hinge and durability. The Pixel Fold 2 feels premium but is slightly heavier and less practical due to its narrow cover display.
Performance
The Z Fold 7 and Open 2, with Snapdragon 8 Gen 4, outperform the Pixel Fold 2’s Tensor G4, especially in gaming and heavy multitasking. All three handle daily tasks with ease.
Display
The OnePlus Open 2’s brighter screens and Dolby Vision support give it an edge for media consumption. The Z Fold 7’s displays are versatile for productivity, while the Pixel Fold 2’s larger inner screen is great for immersive viewing but limited by the cover display.
Software
Samsung’s One UI excels in multitasking, Google’s stock Android offers a clean and AI-driven experience, and OnePlus’ OxygenOS balances customization and simplicity. All three provide long-term software support, with Samsung and Google leading at seven years.
Battery and Charging
The OnePlus Open 2 wins with its fast 80W charging and solid battery life. The Pixel Fold 2 has the largest battery but lacks wireless charging. The Z Fold 7’s battery is adequate but not exceptional for its price.
Value for Money
The OnePlus Open 2 offers the best balance of price and features, with top-tier performance, charging speed, and display quality at $1,699. The Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 7 justifies its $1,899 price with unmatched multitasking and S Pen support, ideal for power users. The Google Pixel Fold 2, at $1,799, appeals to those who prioritize Google’s software ecosystem and battery life but falls short in charging and cover display usability.
Which One Is Worth It?
- Choose the Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 7 if you need the ultimate multitasking machine, value long software support, and don’t mind the premium price.
- Choose the Google Pixel Fold 2 if you prefer a clean Android experience, prioritize battery life, and want Google’s AI features at a slightly lower cost.
- Choose the OnePlus Open 2 if you want the best value, with top-notch performance, the brightest displays, and the fastest charging.
For most users, the OnePlus Open 2 is the best pick in 2025 for its blend of affordability, performance, and premium features. However, your choice depends on whether you prioritize productivity (Samsung), software simplicity (Google), or overall value (OnePlus).