Foldable Phone Showdown: Galaxy Z Fold 6 vs OnePlus Open 2 vs Xiaomi Mix Fold 4

• Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 6: Refines Samsung’s foldable formula with a slightly wider 6.3-inch cover screen and sturdier FlexHinge, plus the best water resistance (IPX8) and some dust protection (IP4X) among foldables droid-life.com. Packs a Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 chip, 12 GB RAM, and triple cameras, but sticks with a 4,400 mAh battery and 25 W charging – premium priced at $1,899 crackberry.com crackberry.com. Samsung promises 7 years of Android & security updates for unmatched longevity androidcentral.com androidcentral.com.
• OnePlus Open 2: Expected second-gen OnePlus foldable building on 2023’s acclaimed OnePlus Open. Aims for a record-thin ~9 mm chassis (folded) and wider displays with minimal crease phonearena.com phonearena.com. Likely powered by a cutting-edge Snapdragon 8 (3 nm “Elite”) chipset with 16 GB RAM phonearena.com, plus a large ~5,500 mAh battery and 67 W fast charging (original had no wireless charging) phonearena.com androidauthority.com. Launch plans have been uncertain (OnePlus may be pivoting strategy) phonearena.com, but if released, it would aim to undercut rivals on value (the first Open debuted at $1,699) androidauthority.com.
• Xiaomi Mix Fold 4: Ultrathin, ultra-light foldable – just 9.5 mm folded and 226 g, making Samsung’s Fold 6 feel bulky in comparison notebookcheck.net. Boasts a huge 7.98-inch inner OLED and 6.56-inch outer display (both 1–120 Hz) tomsguide.com, the largest screens here. Equipped with Snapdragon 8 Gen 3, up to 16 GB RAM and a Leica-tuned quad camera (50 MP main, 12 MP ultra-wide, 50 MP 2× portrait, 10 MP 5× telephoto) tomsguide.com. Its 5,100 mAh battery delivers excellent battery life tomsguide.com with 67 W wired + 50 W wireless charging tomsguide.com. China-only release (from CNY 8,999, ~$1,280) tomsguide.com – import is possible notebookcheck.net, but Google services aren’t preloaded and long-term software support is limited notebookcheck.net.

Introduction

Foldable smartphones have matured from futuristic gadgets into a competitive mobile category. Samsung, OnePlus, and Xiaomi are among the leading brands pushing the envelope of what foldables can do. Here we compare three top book-style foldables of the current generation – Samsung’s Galaxy Z Fold 6, the anticipated OnePlus Open 2, and Xiaomi’s Mix Fold 4 – across hardware, software, design, user experience, and value. We’ll also glance at other upcoming foldables like Google’s Pixel Fold successor and Huawei’s latest Mate X. Whether you’re eyeing productivity, photography, or just the wow-factor of a big screen in your pocket, read on for an in-depth look at how these foldables stack up.

Hardware Comparison

Display & Design

All three phones adopt the book-style folding design (opening like a mini tablet), but differ in dimensions and build philosophy:

• Galaxy Z Fold 6: Samsung refined the Fold 6’s ergonomics with subtle but impactful tweaks. It’s a tad wider and shorter than its predecessor, yielding a 6.3-inch cover display (now 22:9 aspect) that’s more usable than before crackberry.com. The inner AMOLED measures 7.6 inches diagonally, with QXGA+ resolution and 120 Hz refresh droid-life.com. Yes, there’s still a visible crease down the middle, but as one reviewer put it: “Yes, there’s still a crease. No, the crease on a foldable phone doesn’t matter. You get over it very quickly” crackberry.com. The Fold 6 feels solid and premium – Samsung’s Armor Aluminum (and possibly titanium alloy) frame and Gorilla Glass Victus 2 panels inspire confidence. It even closes fully flat now (no hinge gap) thanks to the improved FlexHinge design, rated for 200,000 folds droid-life.com. At 239 g, it’s hefty but actually feels lighter than an iPhone 15 Pro Max in use because the weight spreads out when unfolded crackberry.com. Samsung offers elegant color options (Silver, Pink, Navy, plus online-exclusive White and a carbon-fiber textured “Crafted Black”) crackberry.com. Overall, the Fold 6 looks and feels every bit a cutting-edge flagship, if not a radical redesign.
• OnePlus Open 2: While not officially released at the time of writing, leaks and OnePlus’s first-gen Open give a clear picture of what to expect. The original OnePlus Open (2023) wowed reviewers with its beautifully balanced design – a wider aspect ratio that made the 6.3-inch cover screen as practical as a regular phone, and a nearly crease-free 7.8-inch inner display androidauthority.com phonearena.com. OnePlus achieved this with a sophisticated multi-component hinge that resulted in one of the shallowest creases ever seen, beating Samsung’s more pronounced “canyon” androidauthority.com. The Open 2 will likely maintain this approach: rumor has it folding flat with an even thinner body (~9.2 mm folded) versus ~11.9 mm on the first Open phonearena.com – impressively close to a standard slab phone’s thickness. The weight should hover around 240 g or less, keeping it comfortable. OnePlus is expected to retain the alert slider switch (a fan-favorite tactile toggle for sound modes) phonearena.com and improve durability and water protection (the original was IPX4 splash-proof; Open 2 may add better sealing) phonearena.com. In terms of visuals, the Open series shares design DNA with Oppo’s Find N foldables (OnePlus’s sister brand), so expect a polished build with perhaps faux-leather or matte glass finishes. If the first Open was “incredibly comfortable to use when closed” and “polished from top to bottom” androidauthority.com androidauthority.com, the Open 2 aims to refine that formula even further.
• Xiaomi Mix Fold 4: Xiaomi’s fourth-gen foldable is all about sleek engineering. It is one of the slimmest and lightest foldables ever – only 9.5 mm thick when folded and a mere 4.6 mm when open, weighing 226 g tomsguide.com. For context, the Fold 6 is about 12.1 mm folded and 5.6 mm open, at 239 g samsung.com samsung.com. The Mix Fold 4’s outer 6.56-inch OLED is fairly wide (21:9 ratio, 2520×1080), so it feels like a normal phone screen tomsguide.com; the inner display is a massive 7.98-inch nearly-square OLED (2488×2224). Both screens are bright (Xiaomi claims ~2600 nits peak) and smooth with LTPO 1–120 Hz adaptive refresh news.samsung.com tomsguide.com. The large inner panel and ultra-thin chassis do come with a typical trade-off: the crease is quite noticeable on the Mix Fold 4 tomsguide.com, more so than on Samsung or OnePlus. However, Xiaomi’s hinge still allows a zero-gap close and feels sturdy. Build quality is first-class, with a rounded metal frame that’s comfortable to hold notebookcheck.net. Xiaomi even managed to achieve an IPX8 water-resistance rating on the Fold 4 tomsguide.com – matching Samsung for water protection, though there’s no official dust resistance. The phone exudes style, offered in Black, White, Blue, and a special composite fiber back tomsguide.com. One Tom’s Guide editor summed up the Mix Fold 4 as “a solid foldable phone with a large, bright display, long-lasting battery and a lightweight design that makes it a pleasure to use” tomsguide.com – albeit one you’ll likely have to import if you want it.

Performance & Internals

Despite different software ecosystems, under the hood these foldables pack top-tier hardware, ensuring fast performance and multitasking prowess:

• Chipset & Speed: Samsung and Xiaomi both employ Qualcomm’s latest Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 (octa-core, up to ~3.3 GHz) for blazing-fast processing droid-life.com notebookcheck.net. OnePlus, if it had launched the Open 2 in early 2025, was expected to use a similar next-gen Snapdragon – possibly a binned “Snapdragon 8 Elite” built on a 3 nm process phonearena.com. In practical terms, all three are on par with 2024–25 flagship phones in CPU/GPU power. Apps, games, and split-screen multitasking run without a hitch on the Fold 6 (Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 for Galaxy) – reviewers noted it is “quick and snappy” with no lag in daily use crackberry.com. Xiaomi’s Mix Fold 4 likewise delivers great performance, bolstered by an improved cooling system (it has a new ultra-thin vapor chamber to sustain performance on that big screen) tomsguide.com. In benchmark tests it matches other Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 flagships notebookcheck.net. The OnePlus Open (first-gen) used the Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 and was already one of 2023’s fastest foldables; the Open 2’s rumored jump to the newest chip would keep it at the bleeding edge.
• RAM & Storage: The Galaxy Z Fold 6 comes with 12 GB LPDDR5X RAM and options from 256 GB up to 1 TB UFS 4.0 storage crackberry.com. Samsung didn’t push the RAM higher this generation, noting 12 GB is “flagship specs but nothing noteworthy” in a world where some rivals now offer 16 GB crackberry.com droid-life.com. Google’s new Pixel Fold, for instance, has 16 GB by default. OnePlus seems keen to one-up here: the original Open packed 16 GB + 512 GB, and the Open 2 would likely continue with 16 GB RAM and multiple storage tiers phonearena.com. Xiaomi sells the Mix Fold 4 in 12 GB or 16 GB RAM configurations, with 256 GB/512 GB/1 TB storage options tomsguide.com – our tested model had 16 GB, making heavy multitasking effortless notebookcheck.net. In short, all three offer ample memory for juggling apps, and speedy UFS 4.0 storage for quick load times.
• Connectivity & Extras: All models support the usual flagship fare: 5G (sub6; Samsung and Xiaomi also mmWave in some regions), Wi-Fi 6E/7, NFC, etc. Biometric unlocking is via a side-mounted fingerprint sensor on Samsung and Xiaomi (embedded in the power button), and likely the same for OnePlus. Notably, Samsung alone supports stylus input (S Pen) on the Fold 6’s inner screen – great for note-taking or sketching, though there’s still no built-in silo to store the pen droid-life.com. The Fold 6’s speakers and haptics are also excellent, providing rich sound in videos/games. Xiaomi’s Mix Fold 4 and OnePlus Open both feature stereo speakers too, tuned by Harman and Dolby respectively, delivering immersive audio for media. None have a 3.5 mm jack (no surprise).

Cameras

Foldable phones historically trailed traditional flagships in camera quality, due to design constraints. This trio narrows that gap, but with differing priorities:

• Galaxy Z Fold 6: Samsung largely carried over the Fold 5’s camera system to the Fold 6, making only minor improvements crackberry.com. You get a triple rear array: a 50 MP f/1.8 main (with OIS), a 12 MP f/2.2 ultra-wide, and a 10 MP f/2.4 telephoto (3× optical zoom) crackberry.com crackberry.com. There are also two selfie cameras (10 MP on the cover screen and 4 MP under-display inside). While perfectly adequate – “very solid shooters, capable in a variety of settings” droid-life.com – these cameras won’t win any awards. Low-light performance has improved thanks to better image processing (Samsung’s Night Shot is getting closer to Google’s Night Sight) droid-life.com, and the Fold 6 produces vibrant, crowd-pleasing images typical of Galaxy phones crackberry.com crackberry.com. But the hardware is essentially the same as a Galaxy S24+ phone crackberry.com, not the Ultra. In fact, one reviewer lamented that for the nearly $2,000 price, “I wish Samsung had given us a better camera; the price of the Galaxy Z Fold 6 almost warrants a much better camera system” crackberry.com. The Fold 6’s telephoto maxes out at 30× digital zoom (usable at 10–15×, but soft beyond). It does have a full feature set – 8K video, HDR capture, and a Pro mode – and Samsung’s camera app is optimized for dual-screen preview and shooting from odd angles (Flex mode). Overall, the Fold 6’s cameras are reliable and on par with a 2024 premium phone, but not quite at the ultra-flagship level of Samsung’s own S24 Ultra or some competitors.
• OnePlus Open 2: If it follows in its predecessor’s footsteps, the Open 2 will focus on delivering a versatile camera setup that punches above its price. The first OnePlus Open surprised many with its excellent cameras: a 48 MP main sensor (co-developed with Hasselblad color tuning), a 48 MP ultra-wide, and a unique 64 MP telephoto periscope lens offering 3× optical zoom and up to 6× lossless (in-sensor crop) phonearena.com. This gave the Open a clear zoom advantage over the Galaxy Fold. We anticipate the Open 2 to carry a similar triple-camera system, perhaps with upgraded sensors or image processing. Rumors suggest OnePlus might reuse the Open’s setup with tweaks phonearena.com – which is no bad thing, as the Open was lauded as having “one of the better camera setups on a foldable” androidauthority.com. Expect a high-resolution main shooter (48–50 MP range), an ultra-wide for expansive shots, and a telephoto around 3× optical. OnePlus could try to extend the zoom (maybe 5×) or improve low-light via a larger sensor. The original also had dual selfie cameras (32 MP on cover, 20 MP inside). OnePlus’s strength is software: the Open’s camera app was simple and fast, and Hasselblad’s color science produced natural yet vibrant images. If Open 2 launches, it should at least match the Fold 6 on camera quality and likely beat it on zoom. However, without an actual unit in hand (given its uncertain release status), we’ll have to reserve final judgment.
• Xiaomi Mix Fold 4: Xiaomi went all-out on specs here, equipping four rear cameras co-engineered with Leica. The setup includes a 50 MP f/1.7 OIS main camera (with a sizable 1/28″ sensor), a 12 MP ultra-wide, a 50 MP 3.2× telephoto for portraits, and a 10 MP 5× periscope telephoto for long zoom tomsguide.com. On paper, this beats the other two in sheer flexibility – it covers focal lengths from 0.6× up to 5× optical (and digital up to 30× or more). In practice, reviews found the Mix Fold 4’s camera to be a mixed bag. Daylight photos are excellent, and Leica’s influence gives you a choice of “Leica Authentic” or “Leica Vibrant” color modes to tweak processing. The telephoto lenses produce sharp results at 3× and 5× – one reviewer was impressed that even at 30× digital, text remained legible in shots crackberry.com. However, the overall photo quality is middling for a flagship: the smaller sensors for ultra-wide and 5× can’t match the detail or night performance of, say, a Galaxy S23 Ultra’s cameras. “Disappointing camera performance” was one noted downside tomsguide.com tomsguide.com. Simply put, the Mix Fold 4’s imaging is good – probably the best among Chinese foldables – but not best-in-class for those obsessed with photography. It won’t beat a Google Pixel or Huawei Mate in low-light or computational photography. That said, casual users will enjoy the versatility. The phone also benefits from Xiaomi’s robust camera app, and the large inner screen makes a great viewfinder (with a laptop-style “tent” mode for hands-free group photos). For videography, it can record 8K and has some neat AI tricks courtesy of Xiaomi’s new HyperOS (AI image editing and “movie effects,” though some features only work in Chinese language modes tomsguide.com). In summary, Xiaomi offers the most camera hardware here, but software and sensor limitations keep it just “good, not great” on the camera front tomsguide.com.

Battery Life & Charging

One of the biggest practical concerns for foldables is battery life – with tablet-sized screens, can they last a full day? And how fast can you top up? Here’s how these three compare:

• Galaxy Z Fold 6: Samsung stuck with a 4,400 mAh battery (split into two cells) just like the last few Folds droid-life.com. In real-world use, the Fold 6 can get through a normal day, but it’s not a battery champion. Reviewers report ending a day (7 am to 11 pm) with around 15–30% left under moderate use (social media, video streaming, some gaming) droid-life.com. That’s similar to the Fold 5 – decent, considering the big screen, but heavy users might want an afternoon top-up. Samsung hasn’t chased super-fast charging: the Fold 6 supports 25 W wired charging (about 50% in 30 min, ~80 min for full charge) crackberry.com, which is quite slow by 2025 standards. It does have 15 W wireless charging and 4.5 W reverse wireless (for earbuds, etc.) droid-life.com. This conservative approach prioritizes battery longevity and safety over speed. Still, next to Chinese rivals pushing 60+ W charging, Samsung looks a bit behind. If you value all-day battery, the Fold 6 might leave you wanting more juice – especially when doing power-hungry tasks on the big display.
• OnePlus Open 2: OnePlus is known for fast charging, and the Open series is no exception. The first Open had a 4,805 mAh battery that impressed reviewers with great battery life and incredibly fast 67 W wired charging (0–100% in under 45 minutes) androidauthority.com androidauthority.com. The catch: it lacked wireless charging entirely androidauthority.com. For Open 2, rumors point to an even larger battery (~5,500 mAh) and possibly 67 W or higher charging speeds phonearena.com phonearena.com. OnePlus could also add wireless charging this time, though that’s unconfirmed. If these specs hold, Open 2 would easily beat Samsung in endurance and recharging convenience (aside from wireless). The original Open often ended days with 20–30% left even with heavy use, thanks to efficient software and that slightly smaller inner screen. With a bigger battery, the Open 2 could be a two-day device for moderate users. And Dash Charge (or rather its new SuperVOOC variant) means a quick 15-minute plug-in would add many hours of use. For many, the trade-off of no wireless charging was acceptable given the speed – but it would be nice if OnePlus closes that gap by including Qi charging in the new model. Overall, expect the Open 2 to excel in battery longevity and minimize downtime plugged in, staying true to OnePlus’s “fast and smooth” ethos.
• Xiaomi Mix Fold 4: Xiaomi manages to combine the best of both worlds: a big 5,100 mAh battery and fast charging. This is the largest battery of the trio, and it shows. In testing, the Mix Fold 4 delivered long battery life, outlasting the Fold 6 and most competitors tomsguide.com. Many users can get over a day of heavy use, or nearly two days of lighter use – an impressive feat for a device with an 8-inch screen. Contributing to this endurance is Xiaomi’s aggressive power management in software and the use of an efficient E6 OLED panel. When it’s time to recharge, the Fold 4 supports 67 W wired charging, filling from near empty to 100% in under an hour vopmart.com. Unusually for a foldable from China, it also supports 50 W wireless charging tomsguide.com, so you can conveniently charge on any Qi stand (and reverse wireless at 10 W for accessories). Even better, Xiaomi includes the 67 W fast charger in the box – a plus point noted by reviewers notebookcheck.net (Samsung and OnePlus, by contrast, omit chargers these days). In short, Xiaomi currently leads in the battery department: you get a large cell that, combined with the quick charging, virtually eliminates battery anxiety. The only caution is that heavy gaming or GPS use on the big screen will still drain it faster than a normal phone, but that’s true of all foldables.

Build Quality & Durability

Early foldables had durability issues (fragile screens, weak hinges, dust ingress). These latest models are far more robust, yet each has its nuances:

• Galaxy Z Fold 6: Samsung has iterated its design for years, and it shows. The Fold 6 feels solidly built – the hinge has no wobble and is tested to 200,000+ folds (around 5 years of heavy use) droid-life.com. The device uses tough materials: Corning Victus 2 glass on the cover, “Armor Aluminum” alloy frame, and high-quality protective film on the inner screen. Samsung even managed to raise the ingress protection to IPX8 for water (up to 1.5m immersion) plus a modest dust resistance rating (IP5X would be dust-proof; it’s rated around IP4X, meaning resistant to particles >1 mm) droid-life.com. This is better than most foldables which only have IPX8 or nothing. In practical terms, the Fold 6 will handle rain or a spill with no problem, and is a bit more tolerant to pocket lint or sand – though you still want to keep dust away from the hinge. One reviewer even accidentally dropped their Fold 6 from ~1 meter onto concrete; it survived with barely a nick on the metal frame droid-life.com. That said, all foldables remain less rugged than slab phones. The inner flexible screen has a ultra-thin glass layer and plastic coating that can dent or scratch if pressed by a hard object. Samsung includes a factory screen protector – don’t peel it off. Use common sense (no keys or sharp objects near the inner display) and the Fold should hold up well. Samsung’s hinge mechanism keeps debris out effectively, but it’s not infallible; a grain of sand could still cause trouble. Overall, the Fold 6 sets a high bar for durability among foldables and comes with Samsung’s reliable warranty and service network to back it up.
• OnePlus Open 2: Being largely speculative (since the device wasn’t officially out), we expect OnePlus to continue the robust build of its first Open. The original had a sturdy multi-component hinge (with 69 parts) using a mix of carbon fiber and metal, making it durable yet lighter androidauthority.com. It was rated for 400,000 folds – even higher than Samsung’s spec – and had a virtually crease-free, gapless design. OnePlus also incorporated faux-leather back options which add grip and resist fingerprints. For Open 2, rumors mention an “advanced multi-dimensional hinge” shared with Oppo, likely further slimming the profile without sacrificing strength phonearena.com. The device should have at least basic splash resistance (IPX4) like the first-gen phonearena.com, and possibly better (OnePlus hinted at improved water/dust protection). The ceramic-coated folding screen (if similar to Open 1) can withstand regular use, but avoid pressing it hard. OnePlus’s choice of a wider aspect ratio means less stress on the fold crease and a more uniform pressure distribution – potentially better longevity for the inner display. We’ll have to see if OnePlus offers any specific durability guarantees (like Samsung’s foldable care program or extended warranties). Notably, the company confirmed that if an Open 2 were to come, it might not launch in North America phonearena.com – which could complicate support for Western buyers. Still, given the praise for the first Open’s build (“hardly feels like a first attempt” in quality androidauthority.com), we anticipate the Open 2 will be a well-engineered, reliable piece of hardware that can withstand everyday folding and unfolding with ease.
• Xiaomi Mix Fold 4: Xiaomi’s build quality here is excellent, and it needs to be – because users will likely import this phone without local warranty. Fortunately, the Mix Fold 4 impresses with its first-class workmanship notebookcheck.net. The hinge mechanism is refined and closes without a gap. Many have commented on how amazingly thin the device is, yet it doesn’t feel flimsy. The frame is aluminum and the back comes in sturdy glass or composite fiber; the inner screen uses ultra-thin glass with a protective layer. It doesn’t officially have a dust rating, but internally Xiaomi added carbon fiber support plates and improved hinge sealing compared to prior models. The device is noticeably slimmer and lighter than its predecessor (Fold 3) and even makes the Galaxy Fold look chunky – “the Xiaomi smartphone looks like the next generation of foldable phones in terms of weight and thickness” notebookcheck.net. The big caveat: service and software support. Xiaomi has no plans for a wide global release for the Fold 4 notebookcheck.net. Those who import it must handle any repairs (a cracked inner screen, for instance) through third parties. Moreover, out of the box the Chinese software may need tinkering – Google apps are not pre-installed (though you can install them) and only English/Chinese languages are available by default notebookcheck.net. Xiaomi’s track record for updates on China-only models is shorter; it’s uncertain if the Fold 4 will get as many Android updates as a Samsung (probably not) notebookcheck.net. On the plus side, the hardware itself is built to last: the hinge is rated beyond 200k folds and uses durable materials (Xiaomi even uses Kunlun Glass 2 on the outer screen – Huawei’s ultra-strong glass technology). The device also carries an IPX8 water resistance rating tomsguide.com, a huge step up from previous Xiaomi folds which had none. In summary, the Mix Fold 4’s durability is top-notch physically, but owning one outside China requires being tech-savvy and foregoing official support.

Software & User Experience

Operating System & Interface

Software can make or break the foldable experience. Each phone runs Android at its core but with different interfaces:

• Samsung One UI (Galaxy Z Fold 6): The Fold 6 launched with Android 14 and One UI 6.1.1 on top droid-life.com, and will get updates up through Android 21 given Samsung’s class-leading support androidcentral.com. One UI on foldables is highly refined after several generations. Samsung offers a desktop-like taskbar at the bottom for quick app switching and a host of foldable tricks: multi-window split screen (up to three apps) and floating windows, drag-and-drop between apps, and “Flex mode” panels that appear when you half-fold the phone (turning the bottom half into controls, for example). The interface scales seamlessly between the outer and inner display. One UI is also packed with features – some might say too packed, but it lets you utilize the big screen fully. For instance, you can run apps in a dual-pane view (great for Settings, email, file manager, etc.), or use the cover screen as a preview when taking photos of someone (so they can see themselves). Samsung’s long partnership with Google means core apps like YouTube, Meet, and Gmail are optimized for the foldable form factor. On the Fold 6, Samsung doubled down on AI features in the software, branded as “Galaxy AI”. These include tools like Circle to Search (draw a circle around text or an object with the S Pen to search for it news.samsung.com news.samsung.com), Photo Assist for intelligent photo edits, AI-generated summaries in the Notes app, real-time voice translation in calls, and integration of Google’s new Gemini AI assistant that you can bring up with a swipe or voice command news.samsung.com news.samsung.com. While some of this can feel gimmicky, it’s optional and showcases the cutting edge of Android AI. Overall, One UI provides a polished, feature-rich experience on the Fold 6. Reviewers praise that “everything else about One UI is made for the foldable experience” crackberry.com, meaning it feels cohesive and mature. The downside is it can be a lot to take in for newcomers – but Samsung includes tutorials, and you can use the phone simply without diving into multi-window if you prefer. Given Samsung’s update commitment, the Fold 6 will also get One UI 7, 8, etc., bringing new features over time.
• OnePlus Oxygen OS (Open 2): OxygenOS (which shares its codebase with Oppo’s ColorOS) has evolved to handle the foldable form factor quite elegantly. The original OnePlus Open ran OxygenOS 13.2 (Android 13) with some foldable-specific enhancements, and we’d expect the Open 2 to ship with OxygenOS 14 or 15 depending on timing. OnePlus’s approach emphasizes a clean look with clever multitasking gestures. A standout feature is Open Canvas, a multitasking system that lets you open apps in resizable floating windows or in a panel that can extend horizontally or vertically crackberry.com. This means you could have, say, three apps open in a free-form layout – more like a PC than the rigid split of Samsung. Reviewers loved this on the first Open, calling it more flexible than Samsung’s split view crackberry.com. You can save app combos for quick launch, and a three-finger swipe lets you split the screen instantly. OxygenOS also allowed a laptop-like mode (keyboard on one half, content on the other in some apps). OnePlus, being under Oppo, benefits from the years of ColorOS foldable development (Oppo’s Find N had a slick UI). The result is an interface that feels smooth and “intuitive and easy to live with”, as one expert said of the Open expertreviews.co.uk. There are, however, a few rough edges – the original Open had some minor bugs and “OxygenOS feels unfinished at times” on foldables androidauthority.com. OnePlus is likely to iron these out. One area it shined was personalization: dynamic wallpapers, AoD customization, and that classic OnePlus speed. Also worth noting, OnePlus promised 4 years of Android updates and 5 years of security patches for the Open androidauthority.com – a solid policy (though not as long as Samsung’s newest 7-year pledge). Overall, if OnePlus Open 2 comes to market, its software will aim to balance feature set and simplicity: less bloat than Samsung, but more customization than stock Android. It’s a blend that could attract those who want a nimble, snappy interface on their foldable.
• Xiaomi HyperOS (Mix Fold 4): Xiaomi introduced a new software platform called HyperOS with the Mix Fold 4 (replacing MIUI on its latest devices) tomsguide.com. It’s still Android 14 underneath, but HyperOS is Xiaomi’s attempt at a unified OS for phones, tablets, and IoT, with a cleaner design. On the foldable, it provides tablet-style optimizations: multi-column layouts in system apps, drag-and-drop support, and good continuity between the outer and inner display. You can run two apps side by side, or even a floating third app. Xiaomi also leverages the big screen with a taskbar and desktop mode when an external display is connected. One downside noted in Western reviews: many of the AI-driven features are locked to Chinese locales/language tomsguide.com. For example, voice assistants, certain smart widgets, or AI image generation might only work if the system language is Chinese. This is because HyperOS’s AI features tie into Xiaomi’s China-only services. An international Mix Fold 4 (if it comes) would likely address this, but with imports you might not get full functionality. Xiaomi’s software is highly customizable – you can tweak icon layouts, themes, etc. – and generally smooth thanks to the 120 Hz displays and ample hardware. However, software updates are a question mark. China-only Xiaomi phones typically get perhaps 2–3 Android version updates. Community support (custom ROMs) exists but is niche. Also, notification management and background app behavior can be aggressive (Xiaomi likes to kill apps to save battery, which sometimes means missed notifications unless you adjust settings). In use, though, the Mix Fold 4’s UI was described as straightforward and pleasant for Chinese users; an English reviewer from Tom’s Guide still found it a “fantastic phone to have if you want a foldable with a great screen and longer battery life” tomsguide.com – implying the user experience can be very satisfying once set up. If you’re comfortable dealing with a bit of Xiaomi quirks and possibly installing Google services manually, the payoff is a snappy, big-screen Android experience. For those less inclined, the lack of Google out-of-box and uncertain global software support is a significant drawback in the Mix Fold 4’s user experience.

Multitasking & Productivity

A major selling point of these big foldables is doing more at once. How do they compare in harnessing that large inner screen for productivity?

• Galaxy Z Fold 6: Samsung’s approach is refined and reliable. You can easily run up to 3 apps in split-screen (e.g. two apps on top of each other on one half, and one app on the other half of the screen) and even a fourth app in a floating window. The taskbar (a row of app icons at the bottom) is always a tap away for quick app switching or opening new apps in multi-window. Samsung’s multi-window mode feels almost like using a small tablet or laptop – you can, for instance, watch a YouTube video while browsing the web and chatting in WhatsApp, all at once. The Fold 6’s slightly wider screen this year makes split apps appear in more natural phone-like proportions crackberry.com. There’s also drag-and-drop between apps (e.g. drag a photo from Gallery into a note or email on the other side). The S Pen support further boosts productivity: you can take meeting notes or draw diagrams on that spacious canvas, then shrink the Notes app to a corner while you reference a document on the other side. Flex Mode (half-folded like a mini laptop) lets the bottom act as a touchpad or controller in some apps (useful for video playback or camera). All of this makes the Fold 6 a multitasking beast – in fact, some owners end up using it in place of a tablet or even a laptop for light work on the go. Samsung also has DeX mode (wired or wireless) if you connect to a monitor, giving a desktop-like UI. In short, the Fold 6 sets the standard for productivity in foldables. The only quibble is that launching multi-window could be more intuitive (OnePlus’s gestures are arguably easier than Samsung’s multi-step method), but once you learn it, it’s second nature.
• OnePlus Open 2: The Open’s Open Canvas was widely praised as a fresh take on multitasking crackberry.com. Instead of rigid splits, it allowed users to open apps in adjustable windows that could overlap. On the Open’s inner display, you could have two apps side by side or one above the other, or one fullscreen and a second as a floating mini-window, etc. Want to check a quick reference without leaving your main app? Just open a small window. You could even have three apps in a sort of grid. This PC-like flexibility is great for power users. OnePlus also uses gestures: swipe down with two fingers to instantly split the screen, or long-press an app in the taskbar to open it in a small window. The learning curve is minimal. One reviewer noted they preferred multitasking on the OnePlus Open over Samsung’s method crackberry.com. We expect the Open 2 to refine this further. Perhaps more app continuity improvements (the original sometimes restarted apps when moving between screens). But OnePlus’s close work with Oppo (which has the Find N series that introduced innovative gestures early on) means they’re ahead of the curve. If you’re the kind of user who wants to juggle email, documents, and Slack on one screen, the OnePlus foldable approach will likely delight you. Additionally, the wider aspect ratio of the Open means when it’s folded, the outer screen is fully usable for quick tasks – you’re less forced to open it up, which itself boosts productivity in a different way. And when you do unfold, the near-square inner screen is fantastic for side-by-side apps (each app isn’t cramped). In summary, OnePlus (with Oppo’s backing) delivers a multitasking experience that is arguably the most free-form and user-friendly in the foldable world, which the Open 2 should carry on if it launches.
• Xiaomi Mix Fold 4: Xiaomi’s multitasking features are solid, if not revolutionary. You can do split-screen with two apps easily (long-press the app card in Recents to choose split or floating). Xiaomi also supports floating windows – e.g. you can open a calculator or video in a small window on top of another app. The Mix Fold 4 being nearly square means two apps side by side are both in almost tablet aspect ratios, which is great. MIUI/HyperOS had a “PC Mode” in previous folds (on an external monitor) but on the device itself, it’s more akin to Samsung’s approach with a dock and split views. One nice trick: Xiaomi allows running an app on the cover screen and a different app on the inner screen simultaneously (so when you unfold, the outer screen app can remain active on the cover while you open another inside). This is a niche use (maybe to monitor something on the outside while working inside), but shows Xiaomi’s flexible thinking. The large 8-inch canvas is fantastic for spreadsheets, note-taking, or reading with lots of content visible. The stock Xiaomi Notes app even has a multi-pane UI on the big screen. The Live Multitask feature Xiaomi touts basically means you can have three apps in a split/floating combo and easily switch layouts consumer.huawei.com. It’s useful, but arguably not as slick as Samsung or OnePlus. Some reviewers pointed out that Xiaomi’s software didn’t fully exploit the big screen compared to Samsung’s – for example, fewer apps are optimized for tablet view. Also, Xiaomi’s global software (if it comes) might not have all features that the Chinese ROM does. Still, the core multitasking works well and is smooth thanks to the powerful internals. You won’t have trouble running multiple apps; the limitation will more likely be occasional Chinese text popping up in system dialogs or apps that aren’t fully translated if you’re on the import unit. With a bit of tweaking (and perhaps installing a different launcher), the Mix Fold 4 can be a multitasking champ. It just might require more user effort to configure optimally than Samsung or OnePlus, which work great out-of-box for English users.

Unique Software Features & Ecosystem

A few other notes on user experience quirks and ecosystem benefits:

• Samsung: The Fold 6 benefits from the tight Samsung ecosystem. It works seamlessly with Galaxy Watches, Buds, and tablets. Features like “Continue on other device” let you hand off browser pages or messages to a Samsung tablet or vice versa. You also get Samsung DeX (as mentioned), Knox security, and a host of Samsung apps optimized for the fold (calendar, internet browser, etc. have multi-pane UIs). Samsung’s software is arguably the most feature-packed, which is great if you love customization and extra tools, but could be a lot if you prefer simplicity. Thankfully One UI has improved in allowing users to disable or hide bloat. The Fold 6 also comes with stylus support which is unique – OnePlus and Xiaomi don’t support active pen input. For some, this is a big selling point (drawing, signing documents, or just handwriting notes).
• OnePlus: OxygenOS on the Open had some cool tricks like split-screen fingerprint unlock (so you could unlock the phone from either screen quickly), and the camera app allowed using the rear cameras for selfies by unfolding the phone halfway (using the bottom half as a handle and the rear cam + cover screen to frame). We expect these to continue. Also, OnePlus’s Alert Slider is a small but beloved UX feature – a physical three-way switch to toggle between ring, vibrate, and silent modes instantly. It’s unique to OnePlus in the Android world and present on the Open, likely on Open 2 as well phonearena.com. It’s incredibly handy. Moreover, OnePlus’s “Shelf” (a quick access panel) and gesture shortcuts can all enhance the daily experience. The main ecosystem drawback is OnePlus doesn’t have as expansive an ecosystem as Samsung – e.g., if you have a OnePlus Watch or buds, they’ll work fine but not with the deep integration that Samsung devices share. However, OnePlus being under Oppo/BBK means some cross-compatibility with Oppo devices (and it’s hinted the Oppo Find N5 might essentially be the sibling of the Open 2 phonearena.com).
• Xiaomi: The Mix Fold 4, if you’re in China, ties into Xiaomi’s vast ecosystem (Mi Smart Home controls, MIUI+ for connecting to Xiaomi laptops, etc.). Outside China, some of those services won’t apply (Mi Voice assistant, for example, doesn’t work in English). Xiaomi’s software does include nifty AI camera features – like Magic eraser (to remove people/objects from photos) and AI-generated backgrounds – similar to Google’s Pixel features, but again some require Xiaomi’s cloud. One refreshing aspect: Xiaomi’s UI has less bloatware in the Chinese version than one might expect (though some China-specific apps are there). If a global ROM releases, it might actually come with more preloaded Facebook/Netflix stuff per region. Time will tell. On the whole, using the Mix Fold 4 daily is described as smooth and enjoyable, as long as you set it up to your liking (which might mean installing Google Play services manually and adjusting some settings to make notifications reliable). It’s a power-user phone in the West, but a mainstream flagship in China.

Pricing & Value

Foldables are expensive, but prices vary widely here – and value isn’t just about the sticker price, but what you get (or don’t get) for it:

• Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 6 starts at $1,899.99 in the US for the base 256 GB model crackberry.com. That’s $100 more than the Fold 5 launch price. In Europe it’s around €1,899, UK ~£1,649 for 256 GB. Higher storage options can push it well over $2,000 (the 1 TB version was about $2,159). Samsung justifies the cost with trade-in deals and bundles (e.g., pre-order offers of free storage upgrades or a free case). Nonetheless, it’s a very expensive device – “even with excellent trade-in deals, it is a very expensive device that won’t be for everyone,” as one review noted crackberry.com. If you want the most polished foldable experience and Samsung’s support, you’re paying a premium. On value, Samsung gives you the peace of mind of a well-tested product, wide 5G band support, and that lengthy software support. But you don’t get a charger in the box, and repairs out of warranty (like screen replacement) can be costly. Still, the Fold 6 holds resale value relatively well and Samsung often has promotions to soften the blow.
• OnePlus Open 2 hasn’t announced pricing (since it’s not formally launched), but we can extrapolate. The original OnePlus Open debuted at $1,699 in the US for 16 GB/512 GB androidauthority.com – undercutting Samsung by $200 and coming with double the storage. That aggressive pricing made it “easily the best-value foldable” of its time ts2.tech. We expect OnePlus would aim similarly with the Open 2: likely around $1,699–$1,799 if it came to the US, or ~€1,699 in Europe. That would still position it cheaper than Samsung’s Fold 7 (which by 2025 might be $1,899+). Part of OnePlus’s value proposition is you get almost all the high-end specs (Snapdragon 8 series, lots of RAM, good cameras, fast charging) for less money, essentially a “flagship killer” ethos applied to foldables. The value equation also includes things like bundled accessories – OnePlus included a charger and a case with the Open, which Samsung did not. On the flip side, availability is a big issue: OnePlus confirmed that an “Open 2” device would not be coming to North America in the near term phonearena.com. It might appear under a different name or only in limited markets. If it launches in China or India, prices there could be even lower (OnePlus/Oppo often price very competitively in Asia). In any case, if you can get your hands on it, the Open 2 would likely offer top-tier hardware for a lower price, making it a strong value – the catch being warranty and support might be region-limited. Enthusiasts willing to import could see great value, whereas average consumers might never see it on their local carrier shelf.
• Xiaomi Mix Fold 4 is officially sold only in China as of now. Its Chinese pricing is CNY 8,999 for 12 GB/256 GB, CNY 9,999 for 16 GB/512 GB, and CNY 10,999 for the max 16 GB/1 TB model tomsguide.com. In straight conversion, the base price is roughly $1,280 / £1,000 / €1,200 – astonishingly cheap next to Samsung. Even the 1 TB top model converts to about $1,560, still undercutting a base Fold 6. However, these conversions are misleading because if Xiaomi launches globally, or if you import, there are additional costs (import fees, reseller markup). Realistically, importers are selling the base model around $1,400–$1,500. TechAdvisor reports a Europe MSRP around €1,999 for an 12 GB/512 GB variant techadvisor.com, which suggests that if Xiaomi did a limited European release, they’d price it near Samsung (factoring in VAT and lack of carrier subsidies). So the value depends on how you buy it. For a buyer in China, the Mix Fold 4 is a tremendous value – you get a cutting-edge foldable for ~2/3 the price of a Samsung. For a user in the West paying import prices and foregoing warranty, it’s a trickier proposition. You do get charger, case, etc., included. And spec-wise, Xiaomi is giving you more (bigger battery, more cameras). But potential Google ecosystem issues and support should be weighed. If you’re tech-savvy and comfortable with importing, the Mix Fold 4 can be a bargain and a conversation piece (since it’s rare outside China). If you prefer an official warranty and local support, its effective cost might be not far off Samsung’s, in which case Samsung might be safer. It’s worth noting that Xiaomi’s foldable resale value internationally is uncertain – a niche device could depreciate if no one knows how to service it. But for many enthusiasts, the Mix Fold 4 offers the most hardware for the money, provided you’re willing to take the road less traveled.

In summary, Samsung is the priciest but comes with broad availability and trusted support; OnePlus aims to be the value disruptor if it launches, delivering near-equal performance for less money; Xiaomi delivers incredible bang-for-buck in China, but that value can erode once you factor in import hurdles.

Expert Reviews & What They’re Saying

It’s instructive to hear what tech experts think of each device:

• Galaxy Z Fold 6: Reviewers generally praise its refined design and software, while noting it plays somewhat safe on hardware upgrades. CrackBerry called it a “very polished, do-it-all foldable phone” but remarked it’s “nothing noteworthy” in specs like battery and charging, fitting Samsung’s play-it-safe playbook crackberry.com. The increased width was widely appreciated – “Until I started using the Fold 6, I underestimated the impact these small changes would have on overall usability. …It is much nicer than I expected,” wrote Nirave Gondhia crackberry.com. Several noted the Fold 6 still doesn’t excel in camera or battery compared to some rivals. Droid-Life said it has “98% of the specs you’d want” and amazing hardware feel, yet could use more RAM for future-proofing droid-life.com droid-life.com. Bottom line: experts see the Fold 6 as the “default” foldable for most – not the most exciting upgrade, but a very well-rounded device if you can stomach the price. Its biggest downsides are price and the feeling that Samsung didn’t push boundaries with camera or battery. As AndroidCentral put it, the Fold 6 (along with Flip 6) now stand out mainly in software longevity – they’re “the best foldables when it comes to long-term software update guarantee” androidcentral.com.
• OnePlus Open / Open 2: The first Open garnered rave reviews: Android Authority hailed that “the OnePlus Open brings what might be the best hardware on a foldable phone” and “just might give other foldables a run for their money” androidauthority.com. Many loved its approach to design – Expert Reviews said it was “one of the most pleasingly intuitive and easy to live with” foldables, with a “beautifully balanced” design and very usable external display expertreviews.co.uk. MKBHD (Marques Brownlee) even crowned the OnePlus Open as the best foldable of 2023 in his roundup tiktok.com. The strengths cited include that gapless hinge with minimal crease, the lightweight yet sturdy build, speedy performance, and the value pricing. The weaknesses were mainly the lack of wireless charging and only an IPX4 rating – Android Authority noted those as trade-offs, saying the Open “pairs top-end internals with some of Oppo’s careful trial-and-error… [It] hardly feels like a first attempt” androidauthority.com, but “[Oxygen OS] has some unpolished edges” and the IP rating was underwhelming androidauthority.com. As for the Open 2, since it didn’t officially launch, commentary has been speculative. PhoneArena originally dubbed it a potential “Galaxy Z Fold 6 killer,” expecting it to push the envelope in thin design and fast charging phonearena.com phonearena.com. Now that its future is uncertain, experts suggest looking to the Oppo Find N5 for similar innovation phonearena.com. Still, if OnePlus does release another large foldable, anticipation is high given their strong first showing. In short: experts feel OnePlus delivered a knockout with its first foldable, combining flagship experience with a lower price. They hope a successor would continue that momentum, but are wary if it doesn’t materialize.
• Xiaomi Mix Fold 4: Tech reviewers often call this the “if only it were global” foldable. Tom’s Guide gave it a positive review, praising the “slim and lightweight design that makes it a pleasure to use” and its “long-lasting battery” and performance, but cautioning that camera quality is mediocre and many of its smart software features aren’t usable for non-Mandarin speakers tomsguide.com tomsguide.com. NotebookCheck was impressed in their tests, stating the Mix Fold 4 “proved to be of first-class workmanship” and that its “incredibly thin design… impresses”, making the Galaxy Fold look like last generation in terms of heft notebookcheck.net. They also lauded the Fold 4’s long runtimes and included 67 W charger notebookcheck.net. The “one major drawback” every review points out is its limited availability: “lack of global availability” is the biggest disadvantage, NotebookCheck wrote, and noted concerns about software updates if you import notebookcheck.net notebookcheck.net. Android Authority and others haven’t done full reviews due to it being China-only, but YouTubers like Mark Ellis have called it “the best foldable you shouldn’t buy” – meaning it’s an amazing device hardware-wise, but without Google services and warranty, it’s hard to recommend to average consumers. Overall: experts consider the Mix Fold 4 a technical triumph (especially in design and battery) and a sign of how fast Chinese OEMs are innovating. Yet they temper their enthusiasm with the practical reality that it’s not intended for many of the readers – if you do choose to import, you’ll get a superb gadget but must accept some DIY challenges. Many reviewers wistfully say it’s “a foldable phone with a large, bright display and a lightweight design… that likely won’t come to the U.S., which is disappointing given what this phone brings to the table” tomsguide.com tomsguide.com.

Other Upcoming (2024–2025) Foldables

The foldable arena is heating up beyond these three. Looking into late 2024 and early 2025, here are a few notable foldables on the horizon (or newly launched) that enthusiasts are watching:

• Google Pixel Fold 2 (Pixel 9 Pro Fold): Google released its second-gen foldable alongside the Pixel 9 series in late 2024, rebranding it as Pixel 9 Pro Fold phonearena.com. This model integrates fully into Google’s flagship lineup (no longer a one-off). It launched at $1,799 (256 GB) phonearena.com, slightly undercutting Samsung, and offers a clean Pixel Android experience with Google’s Tensor G4 chip and 7 years of updates (Google set a new standard with extended update support) androidcentral.com. The Pixel 9 Pro Fold has a 6.3-inch outer display and a 8.0-inch inner display en.wikipedia.org, and Google managed to make it thinner and lighter than the first Pixel Fold (about 1.5 mm slimmer when closed) en.wikipedia.org. It’s known for an incredibly sleek design – Forbes noted it’s “incredibly thin and sleek… much thinner than its North American competition” forbes.com – and for Google’s superb camera software. Indeed, the Pixel 9 Pro Fold carries a best-in-class camera setup for a foldable, with a 48 MP main, 10.5 MP ultra-wide, and 10.8 MP 5× telephoto, plus Google’s HDR+ and computational photography prowess phonearena.com. Early reviews call it Google’s best foldable yet, though that comes with some caveats like Tensor chips not matching Qualcomm in raw power and concerns over hinge durability (the first-gen had reports of screen issues). Still, the Pixel Fold 2 is a top choice for those wanting a foldable focused on photography and pure Android software. It’s available in many regions (North America, Europe, etc.), and signals Google’s commitment to foldables by folding it (pun intended) into the main Pixel line. We expect Google to continue refining this series, possibly with a Pixel 10 Pro Fold down the line.
• Huawei Mate X6: Huawei has kept up its foldable line despite sanctions, and the Mate X6 (launched in China late 2024) is drawing attention for its no-compromise hardware. It features a 6.45-inch outer and 7.93-inch inner display, both high-resolution OLED at 120 Hz prnewswire.com, similar in size to Xiaomi’s screens. Where Huawei stands out is build and camera: the Mate X6 uses an innovative “Space-Age Orbit” hinge design and premium materials like second-gen Kunlun Glass, carbon fiber support for the folding screen, and an aviation-grade aluminum frame prnewswire.com. It is designed to be durable and is also rated IPX8 for water. The phone is relatively slim and has vegan leather back options in stylish colors (Nebula Red, Black, Gray) prnewswire.com. For cameras, Huawei went all-in: the Mate X6 has the XMAGE Ultra Aperture camera system with a 50 MP main camera featuring a variable physical aperture (able to adjust through ten stops for different light conditions) prnewswire.com. Accompanying that is a 40 MP ultra-wide and a 48 MP periscope telephoto with 4× optical zoom (and macro capability) prnewswire.com. Huawei’s camera image quality is reputedly excellent, often topping DxOMark charts. In fact, some early hands-on reports call it the best camera on any foldable. The device runs HarmonyOS 4 (no Google services) and a flagship Kirin or Snapdragon chipset (likely an LTE-only Snapdragon 8+ Gen 1 modified, or a new Kirin if available – details vary by region). A highlight is its 5,200 mAh battery with fast charging, purportedly 66 W, and even 50 W wireless support (similar to Xiaomi) ebay.com. Huawei is starting to bring the Mate X6 to select global markets in early 2025 (e.g., reportedly launching in parts of Europe/UK) youtube.com, albeit without 5G or Google. The price in Europe is around €1,999 for 12+512 GB techadvisor.com. If one doesn’t mind using Huawei’s ecosystem (and workarounds for apps), the Mate X6 is arguably “a foldable phone with zero compromises” in hardware, as some reviewers claim. It sets a benchmark in design and camera for others to chase accio.com.
• Oppo Find N3 / N5: Oppo, which is closely related to OnePlus, has its Find N series known for a compact form factor. The Oppo Find N2 (2022) and Find N3 (2023) were China-only, but highly praised for their virtually creaseless display and quality. Oppo skipped a number “4” (due to superstition), so the next is expected to be Oppo Find N5 in 2025. Rumors suggest the Find N5 will be the thinnest foldable yet, possibly under 10 mm folded phonearena.com, and likely very similar to what OnePlus Open 2 would have been. In fact, PhoneArena advised that “the Find N5 may offer a glimpse of what the Open 2 could have been” phonearena.com. We can expect Oppo to continue with a smaller size (their folds had ~5.8” outer and 7.1” inner screens in squarish aspect), which appeals to those who want a pocketable foldable. If Oppo releases the N5 globally (they did launch the Find N3 Flip globally, but not the big fold), it could become a noteworthy competitor, possibly even coming to Europe or other regions under the OnePlus badge. In any case, keep an eye on Oppo’s developments – they often pioneer hinge improvements and new form factor ideas (like virtually eliminating the crease and strong waterproofing).
• Honor Magic Vs 2 / Magic V3: Honor (spun off from Huawei) has also been active. The Honor Magic V2 launched in 2023 as the thinnest book-foldable at the time (just 9.9 mm folded, 231 g). It featured a 7.9” inner display and 5,000 mAh battery split into dual cells – an engineering feat. Honor showcased concepts of an even slimmer Magic Vs 2 or Magic V3, possibly with advanced materials to shave more millimeters. While Honor’s foldables haven’t seen wide release, they did display Magic V2 at tech shows in Europe, so a 2024/25 global launch isn’t off the table. These devices usually run full Android with Google services (unlike Huawei) and emphasize thinness and style. If Magic V3 appears, expect something around 8” inner, Snapdragon 8 Gen 3, and sub-10mm thickness – continuing the race for the thinnest foldable.
• Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 7: Though a year away, Samsung’s next Fold (likely mid-late 2025) will respond to all this competition. Leaks suggest Samsung might finally introduce a periscope zoom camera on the Fold 7, further reduce the crease with a new waterdrop hinge, and perhaps trim the weight using new materials (like the Fold 6 already moved to a new hinge that closes flat). Also, Samsung is investing in foldable display innovations – by 2025/26 we might see signs of rollable or tri-fold concepts coming to market. So while the Fold 6 is the current Samsung champion, the Fold 7 will likely try to reclaim any ground lost in design or specs. If OnePlus doesn’t compete, Samsung’s main challengers will be Google’s Pixel Fold series and the Chinese brands pushing design boundaries.

In essence, early 2024 saw Google’s Pixel 9 Pro Fold join the fray as a serious contender, late 2024 gave us Huawei Mate X6 raising the bar on cameras and build (for those who can access it), and 2025 promises iterations from Oppo/OnePlus and Samsung that continue to refine the foldable experience. For consumers, this means more choice and (hopefully) gradually more affordable options in the foldable space. It’s an exciting time, as foldables transition from experimental to mainstream.

Conclusion

Choosing among the Galaxy Z Fold 6, OnePlus Open 2, and Xiaomi Mix Fold 4 comes down to your priorities and willingness to venture outside the mainstream. Samsung’s Fold 6 is the safe bet – a thoroughly refined workhorse with robust water protection, an improved (if conservative) design, and unparalleled software support androidcentral.com. It excels in multitasking and has the backing of Samsung’s ecosystem and customer care. However, you pay top dollar for it, and Samsung left some hardware upgrades on the table (the cameras and charging speeds are merely average for its price).

The OnePlus Open 2 (if it had launched) represents the innovator and value champ: it likely offers an outstanding user experience – think sleek design, virtually no crease, lightning-fast charging – at a lower price than Samsung. Its first-gen proved OnePlus can deliver premium foldable hardware androidauthority.com. Yet, with its future in limbo, it’s a reminder that entrants to the foldable market can be volatile. If it does appear (perhaps in another guise), it could be the best bang-for-buck option, especially for those who want a wide, easy-to-use outer screen and cutting-edge internals without Samsung’s price tag.

Xiaomi’s Mix Fold 4 is the enthusiast’s choice – a marvel of engineering you can actually buy today (albeit via import). It gives you the largest display, the thinnest and lightest body, and superb battery life notebookcheck.net, all at a substantially lower cost on paper than the Fold 6. For tech-savvy users who don’t mind fiddling with settings and lack of official warranty, it’s arguably the most impressive piece of hardware here. But it’s not a straightforward purchase or ownership experience for the average user due to its Chinese software orientation notebookcheck.net.

In a broader sense, all three devices underscore how far foldables have come. A few years ago, durability and software were big question marks. Now, we have foldables that can genuinely replace both your phone and mini-tablet, with surprisingly few compromises. They’re still pricey luxuries, but year by year, features are improving and prices gradually inching down. Plus, with new contenders like Google’s Pixel Fold and Huawei’s Mate X6 pushing the envelope, even the dominant player (Samsung) is being forced to innovate and maybe rethink pricing or features.

For consumers looking to jump into foldables in 2025, here’s a simplified advice: Go with Samsung’s Fold 6 if you want the most proven all-rounder and peace of mind. Hold out for OnePlus/Open or Oppo’s next foldable if value and a fresh approach to design excite you (and you don’t mind uncertainty in availability). Consider Xiaomi’s or Huawei’s only if you’re comfortable being your own tech support and crave the cutting edge in hardware – they can reward you with a fantastic device if you’re up for the adventure.

No matter which you choose, the wow-factor of unfolding a phone into a tablet never gets old. These devices truly feel like a glimpse of the future in your hand. And with each generation, the future looks brighter, with foldables becoming more refined, durable, and accessible. The Galaxy Z Fold 6, OnePlus Open 2, and Xiaomi Mix Fold 4 each represent a different philosophy on that journey, but all are undeniably pushing smartphones to new horizons. Happy folding!

Sources: Samsung, OnePlus, and Xiaomi official specifications; Reviews from Droid-Life droid-life.com droid-life.com, CrackBerry crackberry.com crackberry.com, Tom’s Guide tomsguide.com tomsguide.com, Android Authority androidauthority.com, PhoneArena phonearena.com phonearena.com, NotebookCheck notebookcheck.net notebookcheck.net, Android Central androidcentral.com androidcentral.com, and other expert analyses as cited above.