A foldable phone no longer has to feel like a miniature tablet in your pocket. The latest book-style models are slimmer, lighter and easier to use every day, with some approaching the thickness of conventional flagship smartphones when closed. But headline measurements can be surprisingly confusing.
In this guide, we compare the thinnest foldable phone options for UK buyers and explain how manufacturers measure slimness. We also consider weight, cameras, battery life, durability, software and price, because the slimmest foldable phone is not automatically the best choice for everyone.
Alt: HONOR foldable phone
How Is Foldable Phone Thickness Measured?
Thickness figures are only useful when they follow the same standard. Before comparing a thin fold phone with another model, check whether measurements refer to the hinge, the camera bump, the phone’ s main body or a manufacturer’ s idealised specification.
Measuring the phone when closed
Closed thickness describes the phone folded into its normal smartphone shape. Manufacturers usually measure the two halves together at the thinnest point, excluding the camera housing. Independent reviewers may measure the hinge or thickest section, so small differences between official and measured figures are normal.
Measuring the phone when open
Open thickness refers to the device unfolded into tablet mode. It normally measures the two sides and the hinge area as a single flat device. A quoted figure such as 4.2mm does not describe the camera module, which may stand noticeably higher.
Including or excluding the camera housing
Always check whether the camera housing is included. A phone advertised as 8.8mm thick can be considerably thicker around its lenses. For pocket comfort, body thickness matters most; for a completely flat fit on a desk, the camera bump also deserves attention.
Release status, global availability and UK availability
A phone can be the thinnest folding phone in China but unavailable in Britain. Check the launch date, official UK listing, warranty and network compatibility. Importing a thinner model may mean limited software support, no UK repairs and extra VAT or customs costs.
Thinnest Foldable Phone Comparison
The table below compares leading book-style devices using UK-relevant specifications available on 14 September 2026.
| Model | Folded thickness | Unfolded thickness | Weight | Screen size | Battery | UK availability |
| HONOR Magic V6 | 8.8mm official; | 4.0mm official | 219g official | 7.95in / 6.52in | 6,660mAh | Official UK listing |
| HONOR Magic V5 | 8.8mm official; | 4.1mm official | 217g official | 6.43in / 7.95in | 5,820mAh | Official UK listing |
| Samsung Galaxy Z Fold7 | 8.9mm official; about 9.0mm measured | 4.2mm official | 215g official | 6.5in / 8.0in | 4,400mAh | Widely available |
| Oppo Find N5 | 8.9mm official; about 9.1mm measured | 4.2mm official | 229g official | 6.62in / 8.12in | 5,600mAh | Not officially sold in the UK |
| Google Pixel 9 Pro Fold | 10.5mm official | 5.1mm official | 257g official | 6.3in / 8.0in | 4,650mAh | Official UK listing |
Which Thin Foldable Phone Is Best for Different Buyers?
Thinness improves portability, but it should sit alongside camera quality, endurance, software and after-sales support. These recommendations focus on the complete ownership experience rather than treating one measurement as the only definition of quality.
Best choice for maximum portability
For maximum portability, the HONOR Magic V6 is the strongest candidate. Its slim folded body, large cover display and high-capacity battery reduce the usual compromises associated with carrying a foldable device.
Best choice for the lowest weight
The Samsung Galaxy Z Fold7 is the safest recommendation for buyers prioritising low weight and official UK support. At about 215g, it is lighter than the Magic V5 and Oppo Find N5, while still offering a generous inner display.
Best choice for cameras and everyday photography
Samsung and HONOR are the better-balanced camera choices. Samsung offers dependable processing and familiar shooting modes, while HONOR’ s larger camera hardware can deliver stronger detail and low-light results. Read independent camera comparisons before choosing solely from megapixel counts.
Best choice for battery life and charging
HONOR’ s Magic V6 is the most promising option for endurance because its battery is substantially larger than Samsung’ s. Oppo’ s Find N5 is also attractive for fast charging, but imported devices complicate warranty support and charger compatibility in the UK.
Best mainstream option for UK buyers
The Galaxy Z Fold7 is the best mainstream option for many UK customers. It is sold through Samsung, networks and major retailers, with strong software support, trade-in offers, repair channels and accessories that are easier to find than those for imported rivals.
Best choice for productivity and multitasking
Samsung remains the productivity leader thanks to mature multi-window controls, app continuity, desktop-style DeX features and broad stylus-related support. HONOR and Oppo provide excellent large screens, but Samsung’ s software is generally more predictable for work, email and multitasking.
The Trade-Offs of an Ultra-Thin Foldable Phone
Achieving a slimmest foldable phone design requires difficult engineering. Manufacturers must fit two displays, a hinge, cameras, processors and batteries into a smaller space, so gains in portability can affect other parts of the experience.
Battery capacity and real-world endurance
A thinner chassis leaves less room for battery cells, although newer silicon and stacked battery designs help. A large battery figure does not guarantee longer use: screen brightness, mobile signal, gaming and the inner display can quickly change real-world endurance.
Camera size and image quality
Large camera sensors need physical depth, particularly for optical zoom. An ultra-thin phone may therefore use smaller sensors or a less ambitious telephoto camera. Computational photography can compensate in daylight, but hardware still matters for night scenes, moving subjects and portrait detail.
Hinge construction and long-term durability
A thinner hinge must remain precise while surviving thousands of folds and resisting dust or accidental impact. Water resistance is useful, but it does not make a foldable waterproof. Avoid grit, pressure on the hinge and folding objects inside the device.
Heat management and sustained performance
Slim phones have less internal space for heat-spreading materials. A powerful processor may perform brilliantly in short bursts but reduce speed during long gaming, video-exporting or navigation sessions. Independent thermal tests reveal more than a processor name alone.
Case protection, repairability and insurance
Thin foldables can be harder to protect because a bulky case defeats their main advantage. Their flexible screens and specialised hinges are also expensive to repair. Check accidental-damage cover, excess charges and official repair pricing before committing to a premium purchase.
How to Choose a Thin Foldable Phone
A sensible buying decision starts with your daily habits. Consider how often you will use the inner screen, carry the phone without a case, take photographs, travel, play games or rely on manufacturer support in Britain.
Step 1: Set a realistic thickness and weight priority
Decide whether you value minimum folded thickness, low weight or a comfortable outer display. A difference of 0.2mm may be invisible in a case, whereas a 30g weight difference can be noticeable during long periods of one-handed use.
Step 2: Compare battery, charging and processor specifications
Compare battery capacity, charging speed and processor efficiency together. Look for independent battery tests covering video playback, web browsing and 5G. Fast charging is especially valuable if you regularly work away from home or travel between meetings.
Step 3: Check camera performance in independent reviews
Do not choose a thin foldable phone by megapixels alone. Examine daylight detail, night photography, zoom consistency, skin tones and video stabilisation in independent reviews. Foldables often have different camera hardware across regions, so confirm the UK model.
Step 4: Verify durability, water resistance and hinge support
Check the official water-resistance rating, hinge testing claims, screen-protection terms and warranty exclusions. Confirm whether the inner screen protector can be replaced by the manufacturer. A strong service network is more valuable than an impressive laboratory folding-cycle number.
Step 5: Confirm UK price, warranty and software support
Compare the manufacturer’ s price with network contracts and retailer promotions. Confirm the warranty applies in the UK, then check promised Android and security-update periods. An imported bargain can become expensive if parts, repairs or software features are unavailable locally.
Step 6: Check case compatibility before buying
Look for a case that protects the hinge without preventing the phone from closing flat. Check whether wireless charging, screen protectors, car mounts and magnetic accessories remain compatible. A case should preserve the phone’ s usability, not simply add maximum bulk.
Conclusion
The thinnest foldable phone is now far more practical than early generations, but headline dimensions do not tell the whole story. HONOR’ s Magic V6 and V5 prioritise slimness and battery capacity, Samsung’ s Galaxy Z Fold7 combines low weight with excellent UK support, and Oppo remains appealing mainly to confident import buyers.
Choose based on how you use your phone, not just the smallest number in a specification sheet. Compare measured thickness, weight, camera performance, endurance, durability, software and warranty. If portability is your priority, shortlist HONOR; if dependable mainstream ownership matters most, Samsung is the safer all-round decision.
FAQ
What is the thinnest foldable phone currently available?
As of September 2026, the HONOR Magic V6 is among the thinnest book-style foldables, with an official folded thickness of about 8.8mm. Availability and specifications vary by market, so confirm the current UK model before buying.
What is the thinnest fold phone available in the UK?
The HONOR Magic V6 is the leading UK-listed candidate at approximately 8.8mm folded, followed closely by the Magic V5 and Samsung Galaxy Z Fold7. Check the official UK product page for the exact regional specification, because thickness can vary slightly by colour, configuration or measurement method.
What is the lightest folding phone?
The Samsung Galaxy Z Fold7 is one of the lightest widely available book-style foldables, weighing approximately 215g according to Samsung’ s official specification. That is slightly lighter than the HONOR Magic V5 and notably lighter than the Oppo Find N5, although regional variants and measurement tolerances can affect comparisons.
Are thin foldable phones less durable?
Not necessarily. A thinner foldable phone can be engineered to withstand extensive folding, but its smaller hinge and flexible display still require more care than a conventional handset. Look for water resistance, a strong hinge warranty, screen-protector support and independent durability testing rather than judging reliability from thickness alone.
Does a thinner foldable phone have worse battery life?
Not automatically, although slim designs can leave less room for battery cells. Efficient processors, stacked batteries and software optimisation may offset the difference. Compare capacity with independent endurance tests, charging speed and screen efficiency, because a larger battery does not always deliver longer real-world use.
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