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Best overall: Samsung Galaxy Z Fold7. Its Multi window, Multi view and Flex mode give puzzle players the clearest controls for running a game beside a guide, notes or a browser. Choose the Google Pixel 10 Pro Fold if dust-and-water protection and Google’s large-screen split-screen tools matter most. Choose the OnePlus Open if you want the lightest-feeling option here and the most flexible app arrangement through Open Canvas.
All three turn a phone into a larger puzzle board, but they do not solve the same problem in the same way. Screen dimensions, hinge positions, refresh rate, brightness, game-specific support and multitasking software matter as much as processor specifications. This guide compares those factors and shows how to use each phone for side-by-side apps and tabletop play.
What puzzle players need from a foldable
Puzzle games benefit from a large uninterrupted board, while dual-screen workflows benefit from two apps that remain visible together. A foldable can provide both, but only when its software understands the inner display and its hinge positions.
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- Useful app layouts: Split-screen, two-column and pop-up modes let you keep a walkthrough, dictionary, chat or notes visible without repeatedly switching apps.
- Comfort: High refresh rates make scrolling through clues and moving pieces feel smoother. Brightness affects legibility in daylight, while weight influences how long you can hold the device.
- Hinge positions: Half-open, tabletop and tent positions can put the game on one panel and controls or a video on the other. Compatibility is decided by each app, not just by the phone.
- Reliable protection: A foldable is more complex than a slab phone. Dust and water ratings, warranty terms and local service availability deserve attention before purchase.
There is no universal “best” foldable game phone. The right choice depends on whether your priority is Samsung’s mature multi-window controls, Google’s split-screen and gaming integrations, or OnePlus’s free-form canvas.
#1 Best Overall
- BIGGER, YET SLIMMER THAN EVER: Who would’ve guessed that wider could also be lighter? The design of Galaxy Z Fold7 is refined to feel like a traditional smartphone with its expanded cover display.
- BEST CAMERA ON A FOLD YET: You asked for more – now you can have the most. Galaxy Z Fold7 now boasts an ultra-premium 200MP camera with Pro-Visual Engine so you can effortlessly take incredibly detailed pics.
- SCREENSHARE FOR STREAMLINED ASSISTANCE: Intrigued by something you see? Go Live with Google Gemini, then screenshare or point your camera at it for additional info or assistance on the fly.¹
- DO AND VIEW MORE, ALL AT ONCE: With an 8” screen that allows you to view up to three windows at once, Galaxy Z Fold7 is the ultimate device for seeing and doing more.²
- ALL THE POWER AND SPEED YOU NEED Smoothly run your day with the power and speed of Galaxy Z Fold7. With its customized Snapdragon 8 Elite processor for Galaxy, you can stream your favorite shows, edit photos, scroll social feeds and more with ease.³
Quick comparison
| Phone | Inner display | Outer display | Processor and memory | Weight | Storage | Battery information | Standout software |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Samsung Galaxy Z Fold7 | 8.0 inches | 6.5 inches | Snapdragon 8 Elite for Galaxy; 12 GB or 16 GB RAM | 215 g | 256 GB, 512 GB or 1 TB | Not established in comparable testing | Multi window, Multi view and Flex mode; certain Z Fold models support up to five apps |
| Google Pixel 10 Pro Fold | 8 inches | 6.4 inches | Tensor G5; 16 GB RAM | Not stated | 256 GB, 512 GB or 1 TB | 5,015 mAh (TechRadar listing) | Split-screen paired apps, drag-and-drop and Dual Screen features |
| OnePlus Open | Dual 2K displays, 120 Hz | Dual 2K displays, 120 Hz | Not stated in the cited product information | 239 g | Not stated in the cited product information | Not established in comparable testing | Open Canvas for extending, nudging and swiping between apps |
The Galaxy Z Fold7 figures and the Pixel 10 Pro Fold figures are listed by TechRadar in 2026; OnePlus figures come from its product page accessed in 2026. “Not stated” means the cited material did not establish a comparable value, not that the phone lacks the feature.
Samsung Galaxy Z Fold7: best for controlled multitasking
Why it leads this category
Samsung’s Multi window places apps in split-screen or pop-up views, while Multi view presents compatible apps in a dual-column arrangement. That gives you predictable ways to keep a puzzle, a clue source and a note-taking app visible. Samsung support documentation also says certain Z Fold models can run up to five apps at once. The exact number and available layouts depend on the model and software version, so treat five as a documented capability rather than a guarantee for every app combination.
For a typical session, you can put the puzzle on the larger pane, open a browser or walkthrough beside it, and use a floating calculator, timer or notes window when needed. Multi window is especially useful for games that pause safely while you check a clue. Multi view is better when both apps need a stable column and you do not want a floating window covering the board.
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Samsung documents Flex mode as supporting gaming. Fold the phone partway and supported apps can reposition controls or content around the hinge. Cover and Tent Views provide additional arrangements for gaming, video calls and camera use, according to Samsung’s support documentation. In a puzzle game, the practical benefit is hands-free viewing: place the device on a table, keep the game on the upper area and use the lower area for controls when the title supports that layout.
Compatibility varies by app. An unsupported game may simply remain stretched across the whole display, show controls in an awkward location or ignore the hinge. Test the title before planning a long tabletop session.
Hardware for large boards
The 8.0-inch inner panel gives tile, card and map puzzles a generous canvas, and the 6.5-inch cover display is suitable for quick turns when you do not want to unfold the phone. The Snapdragon 8 Elite for Galaxy and up to 16 GB of RAM provide substantial headroom for keeping a game and several reference apps open. Storage choices range from 256 GB to 1 TB, which matters if you install large games and keep offline video walkthroughs.
Important limitation
The Galaxy Z Fold7 does not support an S Pen, according to TechRadar’s 2026 listing. Do not choose it expecting a built-in stylus workflow for drawing puzzle annotations. Finger input remains the normal method, and a Bluetooth controller can be more useful for games that expose physical-button support.
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- A premium foldable smartphone featuring an 8.0" Dynamic AMOLED 2X main display, 6.5" cover display, 200MP main camera, Snapdragon 8 Elite for Galaxy processor, up to 16GB RAM and 1TB storage, 4,400mAh battery, and a slim 215g design.
Who should buy it
Choose the Galaxy Z Fold7 when your main question is, “Which foldable gives me the most control over several apps?” It is the strongest fit for researchers, walkthrough readers and players who frequently move between a game and reference material. It is less compelling if stylus input is essential or if local pricing and service make the device difficult to obtain.
Google Pixel 10 Pro Fold: best for Google’s split-screen experience and protection
Large-screen software
Google’s foldable software supports split-screen paired apps, drag-and-drop and Dual Screen features. You can pair a puzzle with notes, drag text or images between compatible apps, and keep both panes active rather than relying on repeated app switching. The approach is straightforward: select a split-screen arrangement, choose the first app, then select the second. Pairings that you use often can be reopened more quickly than building the layout from scratch.
Dual Screen features are useful when an app has been designed to treat the two halves as separate surfaces. Availability is app-specific, so a game may use the inner display as one wide board instead of exposing separate controls.
Gaming and tabletop precedent
Google’s official Pixel foldable announcement identified Asphalt Unite and Disney Speedstorm as games optimized for tabletop use. Those examples show that developers can place play on one side and controls or information on the other, but they do not mean every game has the same optimization. For puzzle titles, check the game’s own compatibility notes and try the half-open position before relying on it during travel or a competition.
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Protection and everyday use
TechRadar identifies the Pixel 10 Pro Fold as the first folding phone with an IP68 dust-and-water rating. That is a meaningful advantage for people who use a foldable outdoors or around food and drinks, although an IP rating is not permission to expose a hinge to grit or deliberately submerge the device. Keep the hinge clean and follow Google’s care guidance.
The listed hardware includes an 8-inch inner screen, a 6.4-inch outer screen, Tensor G5, 16 GB of RAM, storage options of 256 GB, 512 GB and 1 TB, and a 5,015 mAh battery. No like-for-like sustained-gaming test establishes that its battery lasts longer than the other models here, so do not treat capacity alone as a battery verdict.
Who should buy it
Pick the Pixel 10 Pro Fold if you want Google’s paired-app workflow, drag-and-drop behavior and the strongest stated dust-and-water protection in this comparison. It suits players who alternate between a puzzle and Google services, and users who value a clear split-screen experience over highly customized window placement.
Rank #3
- A premium foldable smartphone featuring an 8.0" Dynamic AMOLED 2X main display, 6.5" cover display, 200MP main camera, Snapdragon 8 Elite for Galaxy processor, up to 16GB RAM and 1TB storage, 4,400mAh battery, and a slim 215g design.
OnePlus Open: best for a light, flexible canvas
How Open Canvas works
OnePlus describes Open Canvas as a way to extend split-screen apps beyond the visible display and “flow beyond the display.” Instead of forcing every app into equal halves, you can nudge or swipe between apps, focus on one pane and bring another forward when needed. Drag-and-drop support lets you move content between compatible apps.
This is useful for a puzzle walkthrough: keep the game prominent, leave the guide just beyond the current view, and swipe it into focus when a clue needs checking. It also works for a game, chat and notes combination when equal columns would make each pane too cramped. The trade-off is that the layout can feel less immediately predictable than Samsung’s fixed split-screen choices; spend a few minutes learning the gestures before a long session.
Display and handling
OnePlus lists dual 2K 120 Hz displays, a 2,800-nit peak brightness and an 89.6% screen-to-body ratio. High refresh rate helps scrolling through puzzle maps and moving pieces, while the stated peak brightness improves visibility in bright environments. Peak brightness is a maximum under specified conditions, not a level the phone maintains continuously.
At 239 g, the OnePlus Open is heavier than the listed Galaxy Z Fold7 figure, but its design may still feel balanced in the hand. Weight perception depends on how you hold the phone and whether you use a case. Confirm the regional specification, storage configuration and warranty before ordering because the cited OnePlus page is regional and does not establish every market’s inventory.
Who should buy it
Choose the OnePlus Open when flexible app arrangement and display readability matter more than a fixed Samsung-style window system. It is a good match for players who move between several references and want to reveal an app with a swipe rather than resize every pane.
Which foldable is best for specific puzzle-game jobs?
| Your priority | Best fit | Reason | What to verify |
|---|---|---|---|
| Run a puzzle beside two or more references | Galaxy Z Fold7 | Multi window, Multi view and documented support for up to five apps on certain models | Whether your game and reference apps support the chosen layout |
| Use Google-style paired apps and drag-and-drop | Pixel 10 Pro Fold | Split-screen paired apps, Dual Screen and drag-and-drop tools | Game-specific support and current software behavior |
| Reveal and hide apps fluidly | OnePlus Open | Open Canvas extends apps beyond the visible display and supports swiping between them | Regional stock, warranty and app gesture compatibility |
| Play in a half-open tabletop position | Galaxy Z Fold7 or Pixel 10 Pro Fold | Samsung documents Flex mode for gaming; Google names selected tabletop-optimized games | Whether your particular title recognizes the hinge position |
| Use the phone outdoors | Pixel 10 Pro Fold | IP68 dust-and-water rating is listed for this model | Care instructions; an IP rating does not make the hinge immune to grit |
How to set up two apps side by side
Menu labels can change with software updates, but the underlying process is consistent. Start with apps that support split-screen behavior; some games deliberately block it for performance or security reasons.
Samsung Galaxy Z Fold7
- Open the first app on the inner display.
- Open the Recent apps view and select the app icon at the top of its preview.
- Choose the split-screen option, then select the second app.
- Drag the divider to give the game more room, or switch one app to pop-up view if you need a floating timer or note.
- For a repeatable arrangement, save the pair if your current One UI version offers an app-pair shortcut through the Edge panel or home screen.
Use Multi view when the app offers a two-column layout. If you need a half-open tabletop position, fold the phone to the desired angle and check whether Flex mode changes the controls.
Rank #4
- A premium foldable smartphone featuring an 8.0" Dynamic AMOLED 2X main display, 6.5" cover display, 200MP main camera, Snapdragon 8 Elite for Galaxy processor, up to 16GB RAM and 1TB storage, 4,400mAh battery, and a slim 215g design.
Google Pixel 10 Pro Fold
- Open the first app and enter the recent-apps screen.
- Select the app’s menu and choose split-screen.
- Pick the second app from the available list.
- Adjust the divider so the puzzle board remains large enough for accurate taps.
- Use drag-and-drop only when both apps expose compatible content targets; otherwise copy or share the clue normally.
For a title that supports Dual Screen, follow the game’s own instructions for assigning play, controls or information to each side. Google’s named optimized titles demonstrate the concept, but support is selective.
OnePlus Open
- Open the first app on the inner display and invoke split-screen.
- Add the second app, then use Open Canvas to position each app where you want it.
- Nudge or swipe to bring an off-screen app into focus without closing the others.
- Drag content between apps when the receiving app shows a valid drop target.
- Practice the gestures with a low-stakes puzzle before relying on the layout for a timed event.
How to play in tabletop mode
- Check support first: Look in the game’s settings, help page or store description for foldable, tabletop, Flex mode or Dual Screen support.
- Remove an unstable case: A thick case can prevent the hinge from holding the angle you need. Do not force the hinge.
- Place the phone on a solid surface: A flat table is safer than a soft bed or uneven armrest, which can push against the hinge.
- Open to a stable angle: Half-open positions are useful when the game relocates controls; a tent position can help when you want the display visible from both sides.
- Orient the controls: If supported, keep the board on the upper panel and controls or information on the lower panel. If the app ignores the hinge, use full-screen mode instead of tapping across the crease.
- Manage heat and power: Lower unnecessary brightness, close unused apps and connect a USB-C power bank before the battery becomes critical. Do not cover vents or place the phone in direct sun.
Samsung explicitly warns that Flex mode compatibility varies by app. Google’s optimized-game list is also selective. A game that runs well in portrait or landscape may not provide a special tabletop interface.
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Display, weight and comfort during long sessions
Refresh rate
The OnePlus Open’s listed 120 Hz panels can make scrolling and animated transitions appear smoother. The cited material does not provide a directly comparable refresh-rate figure for the other two phones, so it would be misleading to rank them on refresh rate alone. A game must also render at a high frame rate to benefit fully.
Brightness
OnePlus lists a 2,800-nit peak brightness. Peak figures are measured under particular conditions and may not represent sustained full-screen output. Brightness still matters for reading small clue text outdoors, but automatic brightness, reflections and the game’s own color palette affect practical visibility.
Weight and grip
The Galaxy Z Fold7 is listed at 215 g and the OnePlus Open at 239 g. The Pixel figure is not stated in the cited comparison. A lighter phone is easier to hold one-handed, but balance, hinge stiffness and case thickness can matter more than a small difference on paper. For desk play, a foldable phone stand removes much of the grip burden and keeps the board at a consistent angle.
Storage, price and availability
Storage tiers are important for puzzle libraries, downloaded clue videos and offline maps. The Galaxy Z Fold7 and Pixel 10 Pro Fold are listed with 256 GB, 512 GB and 1 TB choices. The cited OnePlus product information does not state a comparable storage range, so check the exact regional listing.
TechRadar lists the Galaxy Z Fold7 from $1,999.99 in the United States, £1,799 in the United Kingdom and AU$2,899 in Australia. These are market listings, not guaranteed current prices; promotions, taxes, storage tiers and retailer inventory can change. Pixel and OnePlus pricing is similarly region-dependent and should be verified locally before purchase. Confirm warranty coverage, return terms and repair support for the country where you will use the phone.
Best Value
- A premium foldable smartphone featuring an 8.0" Dynamic AMOLED 2X main display, 6.5" cover display, 200MP main camera, Snapdragon 8 Elite for Galaxy processor, up to 16GB RAM and 1TB storage, 4,400mAh battery, and a slim 215g design.
Common pitfalls and fixes
The game will not split-screen
Some games block multi-window because of their rendering engine, competitive-integrity rules or developer policy. Try the title’s own tablet or foldable setting, update the game and phone, and use a floating reference app only if the game remains stable. If the game still refuses, the limitation is app-level rather than a sign that the foldable is defective.
The hinge cuts through important controls
Rotate the phone, change the window proportions or use a supported tabletop layout. Avoid placing a small button directly over the crease. Games without foldable awareness may work better on the outer display for short sessions.
Text is too small in a three-app layout
Reduce the number of panes and give the puzzle the largest area. Increase system display or font size if the game respects those settings. A two-app layout is usually more usable than forcing three narrow columns.
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High brightness, demanding 3D scenes, charging and several active apps can add heat. Lower brightness, close unused windows, remove direct sunlight and pause charging during the most demanding play. No comparable sustained-gaming benchmark establishes a winner among these models, so real behavior depends on the title, settings and ambient temperature.
Water or grit reaches the hinge
Even with a stated rating, do not deliberately expose a foldable to sand, dust or water jets. Wipe the exterior with the method recommended by the manufacturer and never insert objects into the hinge. If the hinge begins resisting or making unusual sounds, stop folding it and use authorized service.
Accessories that improve the setup
- Bluetooth game controller: Useful when a puzzle supports physical buttons or when touch controls would cover the board.
- Foldable phone stand: Keeps tabletop play stable and makes two-app layouts easier to read.
- USB-C power bank: Extends a travel session, but choose one with suitable output and avoid trapping heat while charging.
- Screen-safe cleaning cloth: Helps remove fingerprints without pressing debris into the hinge.
Check each accessory’s connector, wireless support, physical clearance and regional warranty. A stand should support the phone without pressing on the flexible inner screen.
Bottom-line buying advice
Buy the Samsung Galaxy Z Fold7 when controlled, repeatable multitasking is the deciding factor. Its Multi window, Multi view and documented Flex-mode gaming support make it the safest recommendation for a puzzle beside several references.
Buy the Google Pixel 10 Pro Fold when Google’s split-screen pairing, drag-and-drop tools and the listed IP68 protection are more important than highly customized window placement. Its tabletop gaming examples show what optimized titles can do, while also making clear that support is selective.
Buy the OnePlus Open when Open Canvas, high-refresh dual displays and a flexible swipe-based workflow appeal to you. Confirm regional stock and support before paying, and test your most-played games because foldable behavior remains title-dependent.
Quick Recap
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