Best Galaxy Z Fold Alternatives for Better Speakers

If you love the Galaxy Z Fold’s big screen but find its speakers underwhelming, the top pick is the Google Pixel 9 Pro Fold. It delivers noticeably fuller, clearer audio than the Z Fold 6, especially in the mids and highs, while keeping the same book-style foldable design. For most people, it’s the best balance of speaker quality, software, and camera.

What to Look For

When comparing foldables on speaker quality, don’t just look at the number of drivers or claimed wattage. Here’s what actually matters:

• Stereo separation and tuning: Check if the speakers are truly stereo (one on each side) and how the manufacturer tuned them. Some foldables have unbalanced output, with one side noticeably quieter.
• Frequency response: A good speaker should produce clear highs, present mids (for vocals), and at least some bass. Many foldables sound thin and tinny because they lack low-end response.
• Loudness without distortion: Maximum volume is less important than how clean the audio stays at high volume. Look for reviews that mention distortion at max volume.
• Placement: Speakers that fire forward (toward you) sound better than those that fire downward or backward. On foldables, check where the speakers are on both the front and main displays.
• Dolby Atmos or equivalent: While not a magic fix, good spatial audio processing can widen the soundstage and make movies and games more immersive.

Google Pixel 9 Pro Fold

Strengths: The Pixel 9 Pro Fold has the best-tuned speakers of any current foldable. They produce clear, balanced audio with surprising depth for such a thin device. The stereo separation is excellent, and the speakers get loud without harsh distortion. Google’s software also does a great job of upscaling and enhancing audio in apps like YouTube and Netflix.

Trade-offs: The phone is heavier and thicker than the Z Fold 6, and the inner screen’s 60Hz refresh rate is a downgrade for some. The Tensor G4 chip runs warmer under heavy load, and the camera system, while good, isn’t the absolute best on the market.

Who it suits: Anyone who prioritizes speaker quality and a clean, stock-Android experience over raw performance and gaming. It’s also a great choice if you want the best-in-class camera for a foldable.

OnePlus Open

Strengths: The OnePlus Open features dual stereo speakers tuned by Dolby, and they sound excellent—crisp, with a wide soundstage and a bit more bass than the Pixel. It also has a faster 120Hz inner screen, a more powerful Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 chip, and a better camera system than the Z Fold 5. The alert slider is a nice bonus.

Trade-offs: The speakers are slightly less balanced than the Pixel’s, with a touch more emphasis on highs. The software (OxygenOS) is good but not as clean as stock Android. The phone is also a bit narrower, so the front screen feels more cramped.

Who it suits: Power users who want top-tier performance, a great camera, and excellent speakers, and who prefer a more traditional Android skin with customization options.

Honor Magic V3

Strengths: The Magic V3 is the thinnest and lightest foldable on the market, and despite that, it manages to fit in a surprisingly capable speaker system. The audio is loud and clear, with good separation, and it supports DTS Ultra for a wider soundstage. It also has a large 7.92-inch inner screen and a massive 5,150mAh battery.

Trade-offs: The speakers lack the bass depth of the Pixel or OnePlus, and at maximum volume, there’s a slight harshness. The MagicOS software is heavily customized and may not appeal to everyone. Availability is limited in some regions, and the camera is good but not flagship-level.

Who it suits: Those who value portability and battery life above all else, and who want a foldable that’s easy to carry and still sounds good for calls and podcasts.

Xiaomi Mix Fold 4

Strengths: The Mix Fold 4 has quad speakers (two on each side) that produce a genuinely immersive soundstage, especially for movies. The audio is loud, with good clarity and a bit more low-end than the Honor. It also has a Leica-tuned camera system that’s excellent for photography.

Trade-offs: The speaker tuning is less refined than the Pixel’s—bass can sometimes overpower mids. The HyperOS software is not as polished as stock Android, and the phone is only officially sold in China, so you’ll need to import it, which means no warranty and potentially missing bands.

Who it suits: Media lovers who watch a lot of video on their phone and want the most immersive speaker setup, provided they’re comfortable with importing and using a China-market device.

Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 6 (if you must stay with Samsung)

Strengths: The Z Fold 6 has improved speakers over previous models—they’re louder and slightly clearer, with good stereo separation. It also has the best software for multitasking, the most durable hinge, and the S Pen support that many productivity users rely on.

Trade-offs: Despite the improvement, the Z Fold 6’s speakers still lag behind the Pixel and OnePlus in terms of richness and bass. The phone is also heavier and more expensive than its competitors, and the outer screen is narrow.

Who it suits: Samsung loyalists who want the best possible foldable experience from Samsung, including the S Pen and DeX, and who are willing to accept slightly inferior speakers for the sake of the ecosystem.

How to Choose

Start with your budget. The Pixel 9 Pro Fold and OnePlus Open are typically priced similarly to the Z Fold 6, while the Honor and Xiaomi are often cheaper if you can get them. If you’re on a tighter budget, consider last year’s OnePlus Open or even the Pixel Fold, which still have good speakers.

Next, think about your primary use case. If you watch a lot of movies and shows, the Xiaomi’s quad speakers are a big plus. If you listen to podcasts and music, the Pixel’s balanced tuning is ideal. If you’re a gamer, the OnePlus’s faster screen and better chip make it the best choice.

Finally, consider the trade-offs. The Pixel has the best speakers but a slower inner screen. The OnePlus is a great all-rounder but not the absolute best at anything. The Honor is incredibly portable but has less bass. The Xiaomi is only for enthusiasts who don’t mind importing. Weigh these against your priorities.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do foldable speakers ever match a regular flagship phone?

No, not yet. The thin and folding design limits the size of the speaker drivers, so even the best foldables sound a bit thinner than a phone like the iPhone 15 Pro Max or the S24 Ultra. But the gap is shrinking, and the Pixel 9 Pro Fold is very close.

Can I improve the speaker quality with software?

Yes, to a degree. Most foldables have an equalizer in the sound settings. Boosting the bass and mids can help, but it won’t fix a fundamentally weak speaker. Also, using a good pair of earbuds or a portable speaker will always sound better.

Are the speakers on the inner or outer screen?

Most foldables have speakers on both the top and bottom of the device, so they work in both orientations. However, the audio channels may swap depending on which screen you’re using, and some phones have better placement on one side than the other.

Does Dolby Atmos actually make a difference?

Yes, but it’s not magic. It can widen the soundstage and make it feel more immersive, especially for movies. However, it can also make music sound artificial. Try it on and off to see which you prefer.

Which foldable has the loudest speakers?

In our testing, the Xiaomi Mix Fold 4 tends to get the loudest, but the Pixel 9 Pro Fold and OnePlus Open are close behind. Loudness isn’t everything—clarity at high volume matters more, and the Pixel is the best there.

Should I wait for the next generation?

If you can wait, the next generation of foldables will likely have even better speakers. But if you need a phone now, the current options are already very good. The improvements each year are incremental, not revolutionary.

Bottom Line

For the best built-in speakers in a foldable, get the Google Pixel 9 Pro Fold. It offers the most balanced, clear, and enjoyable audio experience, and it’s a fantastic all-around phone. If you want a more powerful gaming and multitasking device, the OnePlus Open is a close second. For the thinnest and lightest option with good sound, the Honor Magic V3 is a great pick. Avoid the Z Fold 6 if speakers are your top priority—it’s not bad, but you can do better for the same money.

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