In-Depth Review: Samsung Galaxy Z Flip 5 vs Motorola Razr+

Which Flip Phone Is The Best?

In-Depth Review: Samsung Galaxy Flip 5 vs. Motorola Razr+

Over three years ago, Motorola resurrected the beloved flip phone with the Razr, initiating a wave of nostalgia and kickstarting the clamshell revival. However, it was only a short time before Samsung threw its hat in the ring with the Galaxy Z flip, creating a direct competitor to Motorola's revamped classic. Fast forward to just under three months ago, and it seemed like history was repeating itself. Motorola's Razr+, released in June, was built around one killer feature: a large cover screen that allowed this flip phone to double as a tiny smartphone. All Samsung needed to do to outshine it was to release an updated Galaxy Flip with the same feature. And, unsurprisingly, they did just that.

1. Design & Feel

People buy clamshell phones for style and feel more than speed and feeds. The Motorola Razr+ has a large cover screen that doubles as a compact phone. But besides that, the phone only has a little else that stands out. Seeing the opportunity, Samsung integrated a similar feature in their Galaxy Flip 5. From a purely practical standpoint, Samsung takes the lead. Flair and feel matter as much as specs in flip phones. The Razr+, with its flowing lines, does stand out more than the sleek, slab-sided Samsung. It feels and looks thinner even though technically, it's not. Plus, both frosted and pleather versions are better than Samsung's flat, glossy glass.

In addition, The Galaxy Z Flip 5 is rock solid, a unified monoblock that feels like a single piece when closed. In comparison, the Razr+ exhibits a slight flex and a faint creak. Samsung's hinge keeps the phone locked at a wider range of angles and delivers smooth, consistent friction through the whole range of motion.

Moreover, the Razr+'s cover display feels like the more ambitious one. It's sharper, faster, and the fact that it spills around between the cameras seems cooler than Samsung's no-frills folder frame. Motorola also scores a small win in the crease category. While Samsung has finally figured out a hinge that can fold flat, the Flip 5 still sports a deeper, more severe crease where it flexes.

2. Cover Screen Functionality

The difference between these two phones becomes apparent when you look at what you can do with them while they are closed. The Galaxy Z Flip 5 scores major points here. Samsung lets you have the clock displayed all the time at the price of about 1% battery drain per hour. Plus, there's now the option to replace the enigmatic orange dot with useful notification icons.

On the other hand, using the Razr+ when it's closed feels like using a smaller version of the phone. The UI is mostly the same, and you can even multitask. Using the Flip 5 when closed feels like using a Galaxy watch. There's always this abstraction layer insulating you from the phone, almost like you're using it in child mode.

3. Durability & Usability

For those who love maximizing their phone's utility by converting it into a makeshift PC, the Razr+ delivers with Motorola's 'Ready For' feature. This feature utilizes the phone's power to create a desktop experience. Interestingly, while Samsung Dex could replicate this feature, they have yet to integrate it into their flip phones.

Furthermore, let's talk about durability and the all-important IP rating. Samsung has a slight advantage with its IPX8 certification, offering better immersion protection than Motorola's IP52. While both can weather a rainstorm – a more common occurrence than a pool plunge – the IP52 ensures the Razr+ remains dust-resistant. Meanwhile, the Galaxy Flip has brushes in its hinge that prevent dust from getting inside. Given the pros and cons, this round might be deemed a draw.

Where Samsung truly leaps ahead is in a somewhat unexpected domain - day-to-day usability. The Galaxy Z Flip 5 impresses with its sturdy build, refined hinge mechanism, and practical cover screen. The Razr+, however, mirrors the experience of using a miniature version of a standard smartphone, with a familiar UI and easy multitasking capabilities.

4. Camera Features

Cameras present a mixed bag. Both phones have average camera performance, but the Galaxy Z Flip 5 excels in tripod mode and ultra-wide shots. There is some distinction when it comes to the flip phone's greatest photo feature: the tripod mode. Palm detection on the Z Flip 5 is straightforward - hold up your hand, and it takes a photo. On the Razr+, it's a different story. The device responds differently to an open hand versus a closed one.

When switching over to the ultra-wide lens, we couldn't help but wonder why Motorola bothered to install this 108-degree weak sauce that barely fits anything extra into the frame. However, Motorola scores a win with its ability to toss a viewfinder on the cover screen even when using a third-party app like Instagram. Unfortunately, the execution is muddied because the moment you bend the phone past 90 degrees, it automatically kicks you out.In conclusion, although the main camera of Motorola sometimes takes better photos, overall, we would trust the camera of Galaxy Flip 5 more than both.

5. Performance & Battery Life

The Motorola phone uses an older processor, runs hotter, and its wireless charging tops at 5 watts. In contrast, the Galaxy Z Flip 5 supports 15-watt wireless charging and can even charge your earbuds.

Samsung's brighter displays are easy to read even in bright sunlight. Its vibration motor is tighter, its software has more features, and I've never found it to have accidentally called someone or opened some app, an issue the Razr+ struggles with too often.

Manufacturers like Caseborne will likely offer extensive accessory support for the Galaxy Z Flip 5, thanks to its anticipated popularity.

Our Verdict

The Motorola product is appreciated by many due to its distinctive features and sentimental value. The "Razr+" brand name holds a sense of nostalgia for many, and Motorola's approach to the cover screen often proves to be more practical in general use. However, if we're talking about consistency and maturity in the foldable smartphone market, Samsung's Galaxy Z Flip 5 wins. It provides a consistent experience and feels like a product from a company with four years of experience in making foldable phones. The Galaxy Z Flip 5 sets a high standard, indicating that competitors should improve. While Motorola's foldable phone is a noteworthy attempt and pushes Samsung to improve, more than simply being present in the market is needed.