Best foldable phones under $1000 feel like this guilty pleasure I can’t quit, especially now in late December 2025. I’m holed up in my Brooklyn apartment—it’s December 23, freezing rain tapping the window, that artificial pine scent from the dollar store candle mixing with cold pizza from last night—and I’m constantly flipping open my Motorola Razr 2025 like it’s the new fidget spinner. Seriously, after smashing my old slab phone during a tipsy holiday gathering (long story, involved karaoke and zero coordination), jumping into these affordable foldables was supposed to be temporary, but nah, I’m hooked. The prices? Mostly hovering $700-ish, sometimes dipping lower on deals, and way better than blowing two grand on the fancy book-styles.
Look, I’ve fumbled through a few of these budget foldable phones under 1000 lately—dropped one in a puddle already, oops—and they’re not flawless. Creases? Yeah, visible. Dust gets in weird places. But unfolding one on the subway or during a boring family Zoom? Feels kinda magical, even if I’m just doomscrolling. Here’s my messy, honest rundown of the best foldable phones under $1000 you can snag right now in the US, based on my clumsy real-world tests.
Why These Budget Foldable Phones Under $1000 Are Winning Me Over (Flaws Included)
I used to think foldables were overpriced gimmicks, remember my first cheap knockoff that literally snapped in half? Embarrassing. But 2025’s affordable foldables are tougher, with better hinges and actually usable cover screens. Mostly flips, since book-styles still creep over $1000 new. I love how compact they are—fits in my coat pocket without that brick bulge—and the nostalgia hit from the flip motion. Battery’s solid for my chaotic days, and cameras are decent enough for Instagram stories of holiday messes.
![[Galaxy Unpacked 2025] Lights, Camera, Fold: Capturing New York With the Galaxy Z Fold7](https://img.global.news.samsung.com/global/wp-content/uploads/2025/07/Samsung-Mobile-Galaxy-Unpacked-2025-Galaxy-Z-Fold7-Lights-Camera-Fold-New-York_thumb728.jpg)
Top Dog for Best Foldable Phones Under $1000: Motorola Razr 2025
Hands down, the Motorola Razr 2025 is my everyday carry in this budget foldable phones under 1000 lineup—starts around $699, sometimes less on sale. That flip open snap? Addictive. The cover screen’s big enough for quick texts or Spotify without unfolding, which saved my butt in the rain the other day. Battery holds up through my nonstop scrolling, and it’s got that vegan leather feel that’s grippy even with wet hands.
Honest gripe: the crease is noticeable up close, especially watching videos in bed, and it collects pocket lint like a magnet. Dropped it once on hardwood—heart attack—but it survived with a case. Cameras are fine for casual shots, nothing pro-level. If you’re curious, peep deals on Motorola’s site or carriers.
Solid Alternatives in Affordable Foldables Under $1000: Older Z Flips on Discount
Previous Samsung Galaxy Z Flips—like the Flip 6 or even discounted newer ones—often slide under $1000 now, especially post-holiday sales. Borrowed a friend’s, and the ecosystem sync with my watch is seamless, plus better water resistance for my spill-prone life. Selfies with the main camera flexed? Game-changer.
But yeah, newer Flips push closer to or over the limit unless on promo—check Samsung’s page or Best Buy. One time I flexed it for a group pic at a party, forgot the case, minor scratch. Lesson learned.
Other Budget Foldable Phones Under 1000 I Considered (But Passed On)
Refurbished older models or imports? Tempting, but I stick to new US versions for warranty—peace of mind after my past disasters. No real book-style under $1000 fresh right now without big compromises.
![Galaxy Unpacked 2025] Lights, Camera, Fold: Capturing New York ...](https://img.global.news.samsung.com/global/wp-content/uploads/2025/07/Samsung-Mobile-Galaxy-Unpacked-2025-Galaxy-Z-Fold7-Lights-Camera-Fold-New-York_main5.jpg)
Final Thoughts on the Best Foldable Phones Under $1000
These best foldable phones under $1000 have legit changed my phone game—compact when I need, big screen when I don’t, creases and all. Not perfect, but in this boring slab world, the fun factor wins. If you’re like me, dodging winter slush in the city with something fresh in your pocket, go for the Razr 2025. Hit up some deals before they vanish.
