Technology has come a long way since flip phones. These days, devices like the Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 2 and the Motorola Razr truly put the years past in perspective. They can be folded to keep them pocket-sized yet when unfolded, they allow for more screen real estate than most other smartphones on the market. It’s been quite a while since the last major innovation in mobile devices brought us full touchscreen devices; now, folding phones are making the next big leap with displays that seem like they belong only in the future.
The folding phone is still pretty new, and because of that, options are limited and prices are rather high. Recent non-folding flagship phones have been priced around $1,000 and above. With a folding phone, you can expect to pay at least a few hundred more than that no matter which device you end up purchasing.
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Recent options like the Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 2 have a retail price of up to $2,000, so you’ll definitely want to consider finding a deal before buying a folding phone. Carrier deals can help subsidize the cost or offer low monthly payments to make it a more feasible purchase for everyone, while unlocked deals are out there and can save you hundreds as well. Below we’ll be keeping track of all the best deals, carrier and unlocked, so you can get a new device in your hands at a discount.
Best Unlocked Folding Phone Deals
While it’s more common to see great deals on phones from carriers, deals on unlocked devices exist too — not to mention that purchasing your phone unlocked can generally save you some trouble and cash in the long run. Carrier deals often mean long-term commitments and monthly bills, too. If you’d rather avoid that and just pay for everything upfront, these are the best unlocked deals available right now.
Microsoft Surface Duo | Up to $700 off at AT&T
AT&T has Microsoft’s Surface Duo discounted by up to $700 right now when you trade-in an eligible device and choose an Unlimited plan. That drops its price as low as $10 per month.
from $899.99 at Best Buy
Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 2 | Up to $300 off at Best Buy
Best Buy saves you money on the unlocked Galaxy Z Fold 2 when you activate the device today on select carriers. Activating the phone on Sprint will save you the most on its purchase, though Verizon and AT&T can save you $300 instantly as well. You can also choose to activate the phone later, though you won’t save any cash by choosing that option. However, you can save $200 off at Amazon without activating.
from $1,499.99 at Best Buy
Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 2 | Up to $600 off at Samsung
Trade-in any eligible device at Samsung to get up to $600 off the cost of the Galaxy Z Fold 2. You can choose to grab the phone unlocked or choose your carrier: AT&T, T-Mobile, Verizon, or Sprint. Plus, you can add the Galaxy Buds Pro or Galaxy Watch 3 to your order for only $99 more.
Shop at Samsung
Samsung Galaxy Fold (Refurbished) | $775 at BackMarket
The Galaxy Fold is still one of the best foldable phones on the market despite its successor already on store shelves. Right now you can pick up a refurbished model at BackMarket for just $775. These devices also include a 1-year warranty and free U.S. shipping.
from $745 at BackMarket
Samsung Galaxy Z Flip | As low as $700 via trade-in at Samsung
If the Galaxy Z Flip has your eye, you can save up to $600 off its purchase price right now when you trade-in an eligible device at Samsung. That drops its price down to just $699.99 and even devices with cracked screens can get in on this offer, though they won’t earn quite as much towards this device as one in better condition.
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Samsung Galaxy Z Flip | Up to $100 off via Best Buy
At Best Buy, you can save up to $100 on the unlocked Galaxy Z Flip when you activate the phone today via Sprint, AT&T, or Verizon. Sprint and Verizon activations will earn the best discount, while AT&T scores you $50 off the purchase price.
Up to $100 off at Best Buy
Best Folding Phone Carrier Deals
Carrier deals can be a bit trickier and generally have some stipulations involved. Most of these offers require a commitment between 18 and 36 months (often 24 months). The “savings” also usually come in the form of a promo credit applied to your monthly bill over the course of that commitment. That means these deals tend to be a bit more drawn out than those on unlocked devices, though you also have the potential to save much more over that time period. If you’re a long-term thinker, you should feel good about the opportunities for saving here.
Microsoft Surface Duo | from $10/month at AT&T
AT&T is taking up to $700 off the regular price of the Microsoft Surface Duo for a limited time when you trade-in an eligible device and add a line on an Unlimited plan! You can also upgrade an exisiting line to get this discount.
Shop at AT&T
Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 2 | Up to $1,000 off with trade-in at Verizon
You can save up to $800 on the Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 2 when you switch to Verizon, bring over your current number, and trade-in an eligible device. You must add a line on an eligible Unlimited plan to score this deal, too, otherwise you’ll score up to $440 when upgrading an existing line. Another deal here lets you buy one and save $1,000 on a second.
Shop at Verizon
Samsung Galaxy Z Flip 5G via AT&T
AT&T is bundling in the Galaxy Tab S5e tablet for only $5 more per month when you buy an eligible Samsung Galaxy smartphone, including the Galaxy Z Flip 5G and the Galaxy Z Flip2.
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Motorola razr | $985.99 at Motorola
Now’s your chance to score the latest Motorola razr flip phone at over $400 off its original cost. This deal is available on the Blush Gold, Polished Graphite and Liquid Mercury colorways for a limited time.
$985.99 at Motorola
LG Wing | Buy one, get one free at Verizon
Though it’s not technically a folding phone, it does slide and adds a new twist on the traditional smartphone. Verizon is offering the LG Wing for free when you buy another at regular price and add a line on an eligible unlimited plan. Verizon also has a deal offering $800 off with an eligible trade-in, or you can snag a direct $300 discount without a trade-in when you add a line or upgrade an exisiting line to an Unlimited plan.
Shop at Verizon
Which folding phone should I buy?
There are plenty of reasons why you might find yourself desiring the latest folding phone, but there are undoubtedly a few drawbacks to consider as well with price being at the top of the list. If you’re still undecided on whether a folding phone is right for you, this guide takes you through the best foldable phones for a closer look at some of our favorites. We also have a guide dedicated to the history of the folding phone if you’d like to learn more before your purchase.
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