In the rapidly evolving world of foldable smartphones, two giants have emerged with new offerings – the Motorola Razr (2025) and the Samsung Galaxy Z Flip 7. Both devices aim to provide users with a perfect blend of nostalgia and cutting-edge technology. This article explores the competitive foldable market by evaluating which of these clamshell-style phones stands out.
Design and Build Quality
Motorola’s Heritage Aesthetics
The Motorola Razr (2025) brings a wave of nostalgia with its iconic clamshell foldable design, paying homage to its classic predecessors while integrating modern elements. The phone’s dimensions reflect a meticulously balanced approach, measuring 169.2 x 72.6 x 7.9 mm when unfolded and 91.7 x 72.6 x 16 mm when folded, making it compact and pocket-friendly. Weighing 192 grams, the Razr (2025) opts for a classic feel with a plastic front when unfolded, while its glass front is protected by Gorilla Glass 5 when folded, adding a touch of sophistication.
The phone’s aluminum frame is enhanced by a stainless steel hinge, providing a robust feel that’s designed to withstand everyday use. However, the Razr falls short in terms of superior water resistance, featuring only a water-repellent coating meant to handle light spills and rain, rather than offering full-fledged protection. This limitation could pose a challenge for users who demand durability in diverse environments, potentially affecting its day-to-day usability.
Samsung’s Rugged Modernity
In contrast, the Samsung Galaxy Z Flip 7 showcases modernity and advanced craftsmanship with a more robust build designed for durability. The Z Flip 7 is slightly slimmer and lighter, with dimensions of 166.6 x 75.2 x 6.9 mm when unfolded. Although the weight remains undisclosed, it is expected to be in line with or lighter than its predecessor, making it convenient for users seeking a lightweight yet durable device. The impressive design of the Z Flip 7 features a plastic front when unfolded and a glass back protected by state-of-the-art Gorilla Glass Victus 2.
Moreover, Samsung has taken an additional step in reinforcing the phone’s aluminum frame with Armor Aluminum, significantly increasing its resilience. Notably, the Z Flip 7 boasts an IP48 rating, providing it with comprehensive protection against dust and water submersion up to 1.5 meters for 30 minutes. This robust build makes the Z Flip 7 a more rugged and reliable option for users seeking a foldable smartphone that can endure various environmental factors over time.
Display Technology
Razr’s Practical Displays
The foldable P-OLED main display in the Motorola Razr (2025) creates a functional foundation for users interested in practical screen technology. This main display measures 6.2 inches with a resolution of 876 x 2142 pixels, which delivers a satisfactory visual experience for everyday interactions. The Razr (2025) also features a secondary 2.7-inch G-OLED cover screen showcasing a resolution of 600 x 800 pixels, providing notifications, quick interactions, and time-viewing functionalities.
However, while functional, the Razr’s display technology falls short in certain performance areas, especially brightness and refresh rates. Users accustomed to high-performance displays may find the Razr’s screens less vibrant and responsive, particularly when compared to other flagship foldable devices. The lower brightness levels could reduce visibility in bright environments, and the absence of a high-refresh-rate display might impact the overall smoothness of the user experience.
Flip 7’s Advanced Visuals
On the other hand, the Samsung Galaxy Z Flip 7 significantly improves the display experience with its advanced screen technology. Its main 6.8-inch Dynamic LTPO AMOLED 2X display offers a superior resolution of 1080 x 2640 pixels, which results in a higher pixel density of 419 ppi, ensuring crisp and clear visuals. This display supports a 120Hz refresh rate, making interactions and animations exceptionally smooth. Additionally, it includes HDR10+ support and reaches a peak brightness of 2600 nits, greatly enhancing outdoor visibility and vividness.
Moreover, Samsung has incorporated a larger and more functional 4-inch Super AMOLED cover screen, which also supports a 120Hz refresh rate. This cover screen adds considerable usability, allowing users to interact with messages, widgets, and notifications without needing to open the phone. These enhancements set the Z Flip 7 apart in terms of display technology, offering users a more immersive, responsive, and bright visual experience.
Performance and Hardware
Razr’s Mid-Range Capabilities
The Motorola Razr (2025) operates with the Qualcomm Snapdragon 765G 5G processor, representing a mid-range option built on a 7 nm process. This chipset includes an octa-core CPU configuration, featuring 1×2.4 GHz Kryo 475 Prime, 1×2.2 GHz Kryo 475 Gold, and 6×1.8 GHz Kryo 475 Silver cores, complementing its internal structure with an Adreno 620 GPU. Coupled with 8GB of RAM and 256GB of internal storage, the Razr is well-equipped for everyday multitasking.
However, the Razr (2025) does fall short in terms of future-proofing and handling more demanding applications. The absence of expandable storage options could deter users seeking extensive storage capacities. While the processor is competent for casual use, it may struggle with performance-intensive tasks over time, particularly as app and software requirements continue to evolve. This positions the Razr as a mid-range performer, adequate but not exceptional in today’s competitive market.
Flip 7’s Cutting-Edge Power
Conversely, the Samsung Galaxy Z Flip 7 is powered by the Qualcomm Snapdragon 8 Elite chipset, leveraging the latest 3 nm process technology. This advanced octa-core CPU features higher clock speeds coupled with an Adreno 830 GPU, ensuring superior performance across gaming, multitasking, and AI-driven applications. Samsung equips the device with 12GB of RAM and offers several internal storage configurations, including 128GB, 256GB, and 512GB (UFS 4.0), which provide faster data access and better overall efficiency.
This configuration enables the Z Flip 7 to deliver exceptional performance, handling demanding applications and multitasking seamlessly. The additional RAM and varied storage options afford users significant flexibility, whether for intensive mobile gaming or extensive multimedia usage. The Z Flip 7 thus firmly establishes itself as the superior choice in terms of hardware capabilities, promising longevity and robust performance well into the future.
Camera Capabilities
Razr’s Single Camera Simplicity
The Motorola Razr (2025) revolves around a single 48 MP main camera that features an f/1.7 aperture with PDAF and OIS. This camera supports 4K video recording at 30fps, along with 1080p recording at up to 120fps, catering well to casual photography needs. Additionally, the Razr includes a 20 MP front-facing camera, competent for selfies and video calls, with support for 1080p recording at 30/60fps.
Yet, despite its respectable specifications, the Razr’s single-camera setup might not satisfy users seeking comprehensive photographic versatility. The limitation to a single lens impacts its ability to capture different perspectives, such as wide-angle shots or macro photography. While it adequately covers basic photography, it may not meet the standards expected by enthusiasts who require advanced imaging capabilities and diverse photographic options.
Flip 7’s Versatile Imaging
In stark contrast, the Samsung Galaxy Z Flip 7 innovates with a dual-camera system, offering a 50 MP primary sensor with an f/1.8 aperture, PDAF, and OIS, as well as a 12 MP ultrawide sensor with a 123˚ field of view. This configuration ensures that users can capture detailed and expansive shots, regardless of the scenario. The Z Flip 7 excels in video recording, providing 4K recording at 60fps and 720p at 960fps for super slow-motion footage, catering to creative videography needs.
Additionally, the device incorporates a 10 MP front camera capable of 4K recording, enhancing video call quality and selfie clarity. The multitude of imaging options within the Z Flip 7, including better low-light performance due to advanced sensor technology, positions it as a powerhouse in the camera department. Users looking for varied and high-quality camera functionalities will find the Z Flip 7’s offerings significantly ahead of the Razr’s capabilities.
Battery Life and Charging
Razr’s Modest Battery
Motorola has equipped the Razr (2025) with a modest 2800 mAh battery, which stands below the capacity commonly found in contemporary flagship devices. This battery supports 15W wired charging but lacks additional charging options like wireless or reverse wireless charging. For users with moderate usage patterns, this battery might suffice, but heavy users could find it lacking, potentially requiring frequent recharges throughout the day.
This limitation poses a significant hurdle for users valuing prolonged battery life and versatile charging solutions. The absence of wireless charging flexibility further restricts the Razr’s appeal, particularly among tech enthusiasts who seek more convenience and advanced features in their devices. These factors collectively highlight the constraints faced by the Razr (2025) in terms of battery life and charging capabilities.
Flip 7’s Comprehensive Options
The Samsung Galaxy Z Flip 7 is equipped with a more substantial battery capacity, estimated to be around 3700 mAh, providing longer usage times even under heavy usage conditions. This battery supports both fast wired charging at 25W and wireless charging at 15W. Additionally, the Z Flip 7 includes reverse wireless charging capability, allowing users to charge other devices on the go.
The comprehensive charging options of the Z Flip 7 ensure that users can rely on their device throughout the day without worrying about battery depletion. The inclusion of wireless and reverse wireless charging adds to the device’s convenience, making it a versatile choice for users with a high demand for power and flexibility in charging methods. This positions the Z Flip 7 ahead of the Razr in terms of battery life and overall charging efficiency.