affordable foldable phones UK review

Affordable Foldable Phones UK: Budget Picks & Review Guide (2025)

Foldable phones used to be ultra-premium and out of reach for most. But in 2025, “affordable” foldables are becoming a real thing — especially in the UK, with more budget-friendly flip and fold devices launching or dropping in price. Here’s a breakdown of the top value foldables, their compromises, and whether they’re worth it now.

Why Foldables Are Finally More Accessible

• Component costs are dropping, and manufacturers are optimising for volume. :contentReference[oaicite:0]{index=0}
• Competition beyond Samsung: brands like Motorola and others are pushing budget foldables. :contentReference[oaicite:1]{index=1}
• Deals and discount events (e.g. Black Friday) are bringing real value. :contentReference[oaicite:2]{index=2}

What “Affordable Foldable” Means in 2025

For this article, I'm calling “affordable” any foldable (flip-style or book-style) that:

• Can be bought outright in the UK for **under or around £800–£900**.
• Is not the ultra-luxury Galaxy Z Fold flagship (i.e., not £1,500+).
• Offers 5G or modern performance — not an old prototype.

Top Affordable Foldable Phones to Consider (UK)**

These are some of the best budget foldables currently available in (or importable to) the UK, along with pros and trade-offs:

• Motorola Razr 40 (256GB)
  - UK street price from ~£445–£488. :contentReference[oaicite:3]{index=3}
  - Flip-style clamshell with a 6.9″ internal pOLED, 144 Hz, 4200 mAh battery. :contentReference[oaicite:4]{index=4}
  - Runs Snapdragon 7 Gen 1, fairly modern, but not “flagship-fast.” :contentReference[oaicite:5]{index=5}
  - Useful external display, compact when closed, wireless charging supported. :contentReference[oaicite:6]{index=6}
  - Downsides: the hinge & soft inner screen raise long-term durability concerns according to user communities. > > “I’ve had mine for 2 months … the screen protector is soft and will easily scratch” :contentReference[oaicite:7]{index=7}
• Motorola Razr 50 (256GB)
  - Sim-free on John Lewis for **£549**. :contentReference[oaicite:8]{index=8}
  - Bigger cover screen than older Razrs (3.63″) — more practical for quick tasks. :contentReference[oaicite:9]{index=9}
  - 6.9″ internal foldable display, 5G capable, with Moto AI features. :contentReference[oaicite:10]{index=10}
  - According to Tech Advisor, it frequently drops to ~£500, making it one of the best value foldables. :contentReference[oaicite:11]{index=11}
  - Trade-offs: not super powerful chipset, and build quality may not match more premium foldables.

Performance & Experience: What You Actually Get

- **Design & usability:** These foldables are primarily “flip” style, so they fold compactly. For many, that’s the sweet spot: bigger than a standard phone when open, but still pocketable.

- **Battery life:** The Razr 40’s 4,200 mAh battery is decent for a flip, thanks to the split use of displays. But you might need to top up if you use it heavily.

- **Build & durability:** Some Reddit users warn about screen protector issues and even hinge problems: > “They screen eventually fail … any moving parts only serve to make a product less durable.” :contentReference[oaicite:12]{index=12}

- **Software:** These aren’t ultra-premium foldables, so you shouldn’t expect 8-year support. But for many, the trade-off is perfectly acceptable for the price.

When (and When Not) to Choose a Budget Foldable

When It Makes Sense:

• You want the *foldable experience* — just for style, nostalgia, or occasional use.
• You don’t need the absolute top-tier camera or performance of a £1,500-plus foldable.
• You’re okay with some trade-offs on durability or long-term repairs.

When to Be Cautious or Avoid:

• If you’re very hard on phones (drops, heavy daily use) — foldables are still more fragile than slab phones.
• If you need super long-term software support — these models may not be your best bet.
• If you want the biggest, tablet-sized foldable screen (these are mostly compact flips).

Where to Buy & Find the Best Deals

- **Amazon UK** often runs deals on the Razr 40; recently it dropped by £200 in one promotion. :contentReference[oaicite:13]{index=13}

- **Motorola UK Online Store** — especially during clearance or special trade-in events.

- **Refurb / second-hand market:** Used foldables (Razr, older models) often appear at meaningful discounts, though you should check hinge condition or screen protector wear.

Final Assessment

Affordable foldable phones in the UK are no longer science fiction. With devices like the **Motorola Razr 40** and **Razr 50**, you can get real folding tech for much less than flagship foldables.

If you’re curious about foldables but don’t want to blow £1,000+, these are the ones to watch. Just bear in mind the compromises — build, longevity, and performance — and consider your use case carefully. For me, the sweet spot is someone who values the novelty and compactness more than raw power.