Like an iPad in your pocket: The best big folding phones of 2026

theage.com.au Aug 23, 2026

Like an iPad in your pocket: The best big folding phones of 2026

Curated by Shubham · TechCapsules · Aug 23, 2026

AI-summarised brief · reviewed before publication

The folding smartphone market has matured significantly over the past decade, evolving from fragile prototypes into practical, albeit expensive, hybrid devices. While compact flip models exist, larger book-style phones remain dominant. A recent evaluation of four 2026 Android contenders highlights their shared features, including flexible camera layouts, seven-year software update promises, and persistent screen creases. Motorola’s new Razr Fold stands out as a notable newcomer, leveraging Lenovo’s design expertise. It features distinctive finishes, such as satin fabric or rubber-like textures, alongside stainless-steel accents. The device offers superior screen performance, boasting larger, brighter, and faster displays than competitors. This model represents a significant shift for the Razr brand, traditionally associated with flip phones, as it enters the premium book-style segment with a focus on both aesthetic appeal and enhanced visual capabilities for users seeking a pocketable tablet experience.

💡 Why It Matters

· Motorola’s entry into the book-style foldable market challenges Samsung’s long-standing dominance by prioritizing display quality and distinctive industrial design.
· This strategic pivot suggests that hardware differentiation, rather than just software longevity, is becoming the primary driver for consumer adoption in the premium segment.

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After over a decade with Android, these are the 6 apps I’ve…

Andrew Grush, an Android veteran, lists six non‑mainstream apps he has used for over a decade, including Just Watch, which he first joined for work and now uses to locate and launch streaming content. The article highlights how these enduring apps—such as Spotify, YouTube, and Google Keep—remain staples in his daily routine despite the rapid churn of mobile applications. Grush notes that many users, 79% of respondents, also keep four or more apps for ten years or more, underscoring the longevity of certain utilities in the Android ecosystem.

💡 The persistence of these apps shows that user loyalty can outlast platform shifts, offering insight into what features drive long‑term engagement.

phoneworld.com.pk · Aug 23

Samsung Exynos 2700 Shows Impressive Performance Against Snapdragon Chips

Samsung’s next-generation Exynos 2700 processor reportedly outperformed Qualcomm’s upcoming Snapdragon 8 Elite Gen 6 and Gen 6 Pro chips in internal tests. Industry sources indicate the Exynos 2700 achieved higher results in CPU, GPU, AI performance, and power efficiency. In Geekbench 6.5 multicore testing, the Exynos scored approximately 19% higher than the standard Snapdragon and 9.5% faster than the Pro version. GPU performance showed a 5% lead at peak levels, with significant advantages under power limits, outperforming the Pro chip by 22% at 2.5 watts. AI capabilities also improved, with the Exynos generating responses 18% faster using the Llama 3.1 8B model. Power consumption tests showed the Exynos using around 161 milliamperes. If these internal results translate to commercial devices, Samsung may increase its reliance on proprietary processors for the Galaxy S27 series next year, though independent verification is still required.

💡 Samsung’s potential shift toward its own silicon challenges Qualcomm’s dominance in the flagship Android market. Superior on-device AI and efficiency metrics could redefine user expectations for sustained mobile performance without cloud dependency.

latestly.com · Aug 23

Pixel 11 Pro Fold vs Galaxy Z Fold 8: Price, Specs, Camera,…

The Indian foldable smartphone market intensifies with the August 2026 launches of the Google Pixel 11 Pro Fold and Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 8. Google unveiled its device on August 12, with general availability starting August 20. Samsung released the Z Fold 8 earlier, available from August 7. The Pixel 11 Pro Fold weighs 239g, features an IP68 rating, an 8.0-inch QHD+ inner display, and 3600-nit peak brightness. Conversely, the lighter Galaxy Z Fold 8 weighs 201g, offers an IP48 rating, a 7.6-inch inner display, and 3000-nit brightness. Both devices support 120Hz refresh rates. Google’s model utilizes a gearless hinge and glass fiber composite back, while Samsung adopts a passport-style form factor with a wider 5.5-inch outer screen. This head-to-head comparison highlights distinct design philosophies, display technologies, and durability standards as consumers evaluate these premium flagships for superior AI integration, screen performance, and overall user experience in the competitive Indian technology sector.

💡 The Pixel’s superior IP68 rating and brightness challenge Samsung’s long-standing dominance in foldable durability and display quality. This direct competition forces manufacturers to prioritize robust engineering over mere form factor innovation.

androidcentral.com · Aug 23

Two weeks with the Samsung Galaxy Z Flip 8 almost made me…

Derrek, Android Central’s managing editor, spent fourteen days testing Samsung’s latest foldable, the Galaxy Z Flip 8, while still keeping the Motorola Razr in his rotation. He examined the Flip 8’s upgraded hinge, 120 Hz Flex Mode display, Snapdragon 8+ Gen 2 processor, 50‑megapixel camera array, and 4,400 mAh battery, measuring real‑world performance, multitasking fluidity, and durability. In parallel, he compared these metrics to the Razr’s 2023 refresh, noting its nostalgic clamshell silhouette, slimmer profile, and 6.7‑inch OLED panel but weaker internals and higher price per spec. Derrek found the Flip 8’s smoother folding action, brighter interior screen, and more competitive pricing gave it a clear advantage, though the Razr still appeals to fans of retro design.

💡 The Flip 8 proves that modern foldables can now out‑perform niche competitors, reshaping consumer expectations for premium compact smartphones.

notebookcheck.net · Aug 23

Exynos 2700 resurfaces on Geekbench with a 4.24 GHz prime core

A new Geekbench AI listing for Samsung’s S5E9975 chipset, identified as the upcoming Exynos 2700, reveals significantly higher clock speeds than previous leaks. The engineering sample maintains a 1+4+1+4 quad-cluster CPU layout but now features a prime core running at 4.24 GHz. This marks the first data point approaching the 4.3–4.6 GHz range typical of Qualcomm’s latest Snapdragon 8-series chips. Earlier April listings capped speeds at 2.30–2.88 GHz. The unchanged CPU identifier string links this to the same test platform, utilizing Arm’s unannounced "Canyon" core, likely the C2-Ultra successor to the C1-Ultra. The device runs Android 17 with 10.67 GB of RAM. Samsung plans to use a second-generation 2 nm process for the chip, targeted for the Galaxy S27 series launching in roughly six months. These figures represent engineering samples and may not reflect final retail silicon performance. Arm has not officially confirmed the core naming or specifications.

💡 The jump to 4.24 GHz demonstrates Samsung’s aggressive push to close the performance gap with Qualcomm’s flagship processors. This benchmark suggests the Exynos 2700 will rely on raw clock speed to compete in the premium Android market.

swapupdate.in · Aug 23

Samsung Galaxy A Price Drop Alert: What Buyers Should Check Before Buying

Samsung has introduced significant price reductions and promotional offers for its Galaxy A series in India, specifically targeting the Galaxy A27, A37, and A57 models. The current deals include instant cashback on the A37 and A57, alongside bank or UPI cashback options available for every model in the lineup. Additionally, customers can access up to 24 months of no-cost EMI across the board. However, consumers are advised to look beyond the initial sticker price to determine the true value of these offers. Key considerations include whether discounts are inclusive of instant cashback, specific bank card requirements, or trade-in conditions. Notably, the Samsung Upgrade Offer cannot be combined with bank or UPI cashback in a single order. Exchange values remain estimates until a dealer inspects the device. Experts suggest calculating the per-day cost to accurately assess the financial impact of the EMI plans. This strategic window of stacked offers provides a rare opportunity for buyers seeking camera, display, and battery upgrades at reduced effective costs.

💡 Consumers must decode complex promotional structures to avoid hidden costs disguised as discounts. Understanding the exclusivity between upgrade offers and bank cashback prevents buyers from overpaying for perceived savings.