The foldable phone market is heating up, and two standout contenders are vying for your attention. If you’re considering making the jump to a flip phone or upgrading your current device, you’re probably wondering which option gives you the best bang for your buck.
Both Samsung and Motorola have stepped up their game significantly this year. Samsung finally caught up with the edge-to-edge cover screen trend that Motorola pioneered, while Motorola continues to push boundaries with impressive specs and features.
Let’s break down what really matters when choosing between these two popular flip phones.
What’s New This Year
Samsung Finally Goes Edge-to-Edge
After watching Motorola dominate the cover screen game for years, Samsung has finally delivered what users have been asking for. The Galaxy Z Flip 7 now features a 4.1-inch edge-to-edge cover screen with incredibly thin bezels that make the previous generation look dated.
This change addresses one of the biggest pain points with flip phones – having to constantly open the device for basic tasks. Now you can handle messages, check notifications, and even take photos without unfolding your phone.
Motorola Keeps Pushing Performance
Motorola isn’t standing still either. The Razr Ultra 2025 packs some serious power with the latest Snapdragon 8 Elite processor and a generous 16GB of RAM. They’ve also bumped up the main screen to 7 inches and included ultra-fast 68W charging.
Design and Build Quality
Size and Weight Comparison
If you’re looking for a more compact device, Samsung takes the lead here. The Galaxy Z Flip 7 is noticeably lighter at 188 grams compared to the Razr Ultra’s 199 grams. It’s also thinner at 6.5mm versus 7.2mm, making it more comfortable to carry in your pocket.
The Samsung device is also shorter when unfolded, which some people find easier to handle during one-handed use.
Hinge Quality Matters
One area where Samsung has consistently excelled is hinge durability. The Flip 7’s hinge feels more robust and can maintain its position at steeper angles. This is particularly useful for hands-free video calls or taking photos at specific angles.
Both phones offer IP48 water resistance, which means they can handle rain and splashes but aren’t fully dustproof. While this isn’t perfect, it’s better protection than many premium phones offered just a few years ago.
Display Differences That Matter
Cover Screen Experience
Both phones now offer edge-to-edge cover screens, but Samsung edges ahead with a slightly larger 4.1-inch display. The difference might seem minimal on paper, but those extra millimeters translate to more usable space for apps and widgets.
Samsung has also upgraded the cover screen to 120Hz refresh rate, making interactions feel much smoother than the previous 60Hz limitation.
Main Display Considerations
The Motorola Razr Ultra features a larger 7-inch main screen compared to Samsung’s 6.9-inch display. However, Samsung uses a more practical 21:9 aspect ratio that’s closer to traditional smartphones, while Motorola sticks with the taller 22:9 ratio.
Both displays look sharp and vibrant, with the crease being barely noticeable on either device during normal use.
Performance and Daily Use
Processor Battle
Here’s where things get interesting. Samsung opted for their own Exynos 2500 processor instead of the premium Snapdragon 8 Elite that powers the Motorola. While this might sound like a disadvantage, most users won’t notice much difference during typical daily tasks like browsing, messaging, or streaming.
However, if you’re into mobile gaming or resource-intensive apps, the Motorola’s Snapdragon 8 Elite and 16GB of RAM will give you a noticeable performance advantage.
Storage Options
Samsung starts with 256GB of storage for $1,100, while Motorola begins at 512GB for $1,300. Both use fast UFS 4.0 storage, so file transfers and app loading will be snappy on either device.
Camera Performance
Photography Capabilities
Both phones feature dual-camera setups with 50MP main cameras. The real difference lies in image processing and software features.
Motorola tends to produce more natural-looking photos with better contrast and shadow detail. Samsung’s images can sometimes appear a bit flat but benefit from superior AI features like Magic Eraser for removing unwanted objects from photos.
Selfie Game Strong
This is where flip phones really shine. Both devices let you use the main camera for selfies by utilizing the cover screen as a viewfinder. The result is significantly better selfie quality compared to traditional front-facing cameras.
Video Recording
Both phones can record 4K video at 60fps directly from the cover screen, which is perfect for content creators. Samsung includes some extra features like Super Steady mode for active recording and Auto Framing that follows subjects automatically.
Battery Life and Charging
All-Day Usage
The Motorola Razr Ultra packs a larger 4,700mAh battery compared to Samsung’s 4,300mAh. In real-world testing, the Motorola generally provides longer battery life, especially for gaming and web browsing.
However, Samsung performs surprisingly well for video streaming, so your mileage may vary depending on how you use your phone.
Charging Speed Showdown
Motorola takes a clear win here with 68W wired charging and 30W wireless charging. Samsung’s 25W wired and 15W wireless charging feels dated by comparison. The Motorola can go from empty to full charge in about 45 minutes, while Samsung takes nearly twice as long.
Keep in mind that Motorola’s fast charging works best with their proprietary charger, so factor that into your purchase decision.
Software and Updates
Long-term Support
Samsung provides a significant advantage with seven years of software updates compared to Motorola’s three years. If you plan to keep your phone for several years, this extended support makes Samsung the better long-term investment.
Software Experience
Samsung’s One UI offers more customization options and features like Samsung DeX, which lets you connect to a monitor for a desktop-like experience. Motorola’s software is closer to stock Android with some useful additions like the dedicated AI button for quick assistant access.
Price and Value
The Samsung Galaxy Z Flip 7 starts at $1,100 for 256GB, while the Motorola Razr Ultra begins at $1,300 for 512GB. When you factor in the storage difference, Samsung offers better value, especially considering the longer software support.
Making Your Decision
Choose Samsung Galaxy Z Flip 7 if you want:
- Better value for money
- Longer software support
- More durable hinge
- Samsung DeX functionality
- Comprehensive AI camera features
Choose Motorola Razr Ultra 2025 if you want:
- Maximum performance for gaming
- Faster charging speeds
- Larger main display
- More natural-looking photos
- Latest Snapdragon processor
Both phones represent excellent choices in the flip phone category. Your decision should ultimately come down to your priorities: Samsung offers better value and longevity, while Motorola provides premium performance and features for those willing to pay extra.
The flip phone market has never been more competitive, and that’s great news for consumers. Whichever option you choose, you’re getting a genuinely capable device that can handle everything a traditional smartphone can do, with the added benefit of that satisfying flip action.