The flip cellphone, refined
The new Galaxy Z Flip 5 is right here, bringing with it a strong Snapdragon chipset, an enormous cowl display screen, and a refined design that is aided by a brand new hinge. The best-selling foldable cellphone simply acquired even higher, and should you’re available in the market for a brand new cellphone, that is undoubtedly one to think about.
ForFirst rate camerasGreat cowl display screen widgetsMore highly effective processorFaster wi-fi chargingBetter water resistanceAgainstCover display screen requires some setupNo DeX supportSlower 120Hz/60Hz most important/cowl displaysNo mud resistance
Return of the king
Motorola is again with an all-new flip-style foldable cellphone that is nearly like having two telephones in a single, due to the big 3.6-inch cowl show. With it, you’ll be able to open almost any app with out opening the cellphone, take selfies along with your most important cameras, or let others preview themselves once you take pictures of them.
ForQuick 165Hz/144Hz most important and canopy screensCover display screen is enjoyable and straightforward to make use ofSnapdragon chip performs wellVegan leather-based choiceWireless Ready For supportAgainstInconstant camerasWeaker water resistanceFewer coloration optionsSlower storageDimmer, extra reflective shows
It’s arduous to think about Motorola, of all corporations, difficult Samsung in a flagship class, however that is precisely what’s occurring with the newest finals from each corporations. The new Razr Plus launched earlier throughout the summer time, getting a headstart forward of the Galaxy Z Flip 5 launch in July that gave the Razr the mindshare it wanted to get shoppers and techies like us gushing over its nice design and enormous cowl display screen.Meanwhile, because the king of foldable telephones, Samsung’s newest units are nonetheless certain to be loads widespread and can probably promote thousands and thousands. The Galaxy Z Flip 5 follows the development set by different flip-style foldable by additionally launching with a big cowl display screen, making certain that it stays a compelling and aggressive cellphone for foldable and flip cellphone followers. But how does it examine to the pretty well-received Razr Plus?I’ve spent a while with each telephones, so I may give you my basic impressions of the similarities and variations between these flip telephones. If you are in North America and also you’re making an attempt to decide on between actually the one two clamshell foldables available in the market, hopefully it will assist you to resolve.Samsung Galaxy Z Flip 5 vs. Motorola Razr Plus: DesignWhy you’ll be able to belief Android Central
Our professional reviewers spend hours testing and evaluating services and products so you’ll be able to select the very best for you. Find out extra about how we check.(Image credit score: Derrek Lee / Android Central)These telephones couldn’t be any extra completely different of their designs, with the Motorola Razr Plus choosing extra rounded edges and corners whereas Samsung retains its tried (and drained) square-ish physique on the Galaxy Z Flip 5. Actually, the Flip 5 design is not that unhealthy, and it seems to be quite stylish with its shiny aluminum body, however between the 2 telephones, the Razr is extra snug to carry than the boxy Flip.Both telephones are bathed in coloration throughout a lot of the rear and on the frames. The Razr Plus is available in three completely different colorways: Infinite Black, Glacier Blue, and Viva Magenta. The Galaxy Z Flip 5 is offered in additional customary colours: Graphite, Cream, Mint, and Lavender, plus extra Samsung-exclusive colours. Off the bat, you are getting extra choices with the Flip. However, the Viva Magenta Razr Plus has a vegan end on the decrease again half, making it gentle to the sofa and assuaging some issues about dropping and cracking your cellphone. Otherwise, you get frosted glass.Both telephones even have roughly the identical thickness at 15.1mm, though the Flip is a hair thinner when unfolded at 6.9mm.Image 1 of 7(Image credit score: Derrek Lee / Android Central)(Image credit score: Derrek Lee / Android Central)(Image credit score: Derrek Lee / Android Central)(Image credit score: Derrek Lee / Android Central)(Image credit score: Derrek Lee / Android Central)(Image credit score: Derrek Lee / Android Central)(Image credit score: Derrek Lee / Android Central)The coloration on each telephones ends on the cowl panel, the place the exterior shows sit. Both telephones have a singular tackle how they implement the bodily area of the duvet display screen. Motorola’s show extends past the twin digital camera system, so the sensors could cowl some content material. Samsung avoids the cameras however offers the show a notch positioned on the underside left aspect. I’ll contact extra on the duvet screens in a bit.As far as dimension and weight, the Razr Plus is a bit bigger than the Z Flip 5, which helps accommodate the larger 6.9-inch folding OLED show. Even so, each telephones have an extended 22:9 side ratio, in order that they’re fairly straightforward to carry. They additionally weigh roughly the identical, with the Flip 5 coming in at 187g and the Razr Plus weighing 184.5g for the Viva Magenta colorway or 188g for the opposite two colours.Speaking of shows, the dreaded crease is current on each fashions, but it surely’s rather more pronounced and noticeable on the Flip. It each seems to be and feels deeper than the Razr, nearly to the purpose the place the Razr Plus crease feels non-existent by comparability.Image 1 of 3(Image credit score: Derrek Lee / Android Central)(Image credit score: Derrek Lee / Android Central)(Image credit score: Derrek Lee / Android Central)Both telephones function waterdrop-style hinges, though the Razr Plus is examined to resist extra folds. That mentioned, that did not cease the Z Flip 5 from profitable a folding check after the Razr Plus show gave out after 126,300, whereas the Flip 5 lasted greater than 400,000 folds. And talking of sturdiness, the Flip has an edge with Gorilla Glass Victus 2 and IPX8 water resistance, that means it may be submerged for a time frame. The Razr has Gorilla Glass Victus Plus and an IP52 ready, so submersion is a no-go, however the presence of mud resistance is a rarity amongst foldable telephones.Samsung Galaxy Z Flip 5 vs. Motorola Razr Plus: Hardware & specs(Image credit score: Nicholas Sutrich / Android Central)Spec-wise, these two telephones are pretty comparable, however with sufficient notable variations between the 2 to make them distinct. As for the similarities, each telephones have 8GB of RAM with a base storage of 256GB, they usually each have Full HD+ OLED shows. Small variations embrace barely digital camera resolutions (12MP+12MP on the Flip, 12MP+13MP on the Razr), the additional 100mAh of battery capability of the Razr, and the extra 5W in wired charging pace on the Razr (30W) versus the Flip (25W).However, there are some greater variations between the telephones.Swipe to scroll horizontallyCategorySamsung Galaxy Z Flip 5Motorola Razr PlusOSAndroid 13 (One UI 5)Android 13 (My UX)Display (inner)6.7-inch, AMOLED 2X, FHD+ (2600 x 1080), 120Hz LTPO, 1750 nits, 22:96.9-inch, pOLED, FHD+ (2640 x 1080), 165Hz LTPO, 1400 nits, 22:9Display (exterior)3.4-inch AMOLED, 60Hz, 720 x 748, 306 ppi, 1600 nits3.6-inch, pOLED, 144Hz, 1066 x 1056, 1100 nits, 1:1ChipsetSnapdragon 8 Gen 2Snapdragon 8+ Gen 1RAM8GB8GBStorage256GB/512GB, USF 4.0256GB, USF 3.1Connectivity5G, Wi-Fi 6E, Bluetooth 5.3, NFC5G, Wi-Fi 6E, Bluetooth 5.3, NFCSecurityFingerprint sensor, face unlockFingerprint sensor, face unlockProtectionIPX8, Gorilla Glass Victus 2IP52, Gorilla Glass VictusBattery3700mAh, 25W wired charging, 15W wi-fi, 4.5W reverse-wireless charging3800mAh, 30W wired charging, 5W wirelessDimensions (open)165.1 x 71.9 x 6.9mm73.95 x 170.83 x 6.99mmDimensions (closed)85.1 x 71.9 x 15.1mm73.95 x 88.42 x 15.1mmWeight187g188.5g, 184.5g (Viva Magenta)ColoursMint, Graphite, Cream, LavenderGlacier Blue, Infinity Black, Viva MagentaThe Galaxy Z Flip 5 makes use of the newest and best Snapdragon 8 Gen 2, which comes with a notable efficiency bump over the Snapdragon 8 Plus Gen 1 within the Razr. In my use, the distinction hasn’t been very noticeable, as each telephones carry out quite admirably. That mentioned, the improved effectivity is noticeable, because the Flip 5 is ready to final me a lot of the day regardless of having a barely smaller battery, whereas the Razr Plus struggles to get by half a day in my use.The Flip 5 has sooner wi-fi charging, which is not actually a sport changer for me (it is simply 15W), but it surely helps once I do not wish to plug my cellphone in. Reverse-wireless charging is useful, too.There can also be sooner USB 4.0 storage, the next 512GB variant, USB 3.2, and brighter, extra vibrant shows.However, the Razr nonetheless has some redeeming qualities. Mainly, Motorola outfitted it with a few of the quickest shows on a foldable cellphone, with a 165Hz most important panel and a 144Hz cowl display screen. This is particularly useful relating to gaming, which is extremely clean, even at greater body charges and graphics settings. Motorola additionally has greater storage variants listed, however they are not accessible in North America.Image 1 of 4(Image credit score: Derrek Lee / Android Central)(Image credit score: Derrek Lee / Android Central)(Image credit score: Derrek Lee / Android Central)(Image credit score: Derrek Lee / Android Central)If you are in search of nice battery life, effectively, look away from the Motorola Razr Plus. In my use, I can perhaps get about half a day of use or extra earlier than the cellphone begins gasping for a cost. The Flip 5 can often get me by till about 5 p.m., which is not spectacular, but it surely’s higher, particularly contemplating it has a barely smaller battery capability. That mentioned, I’ve heard that others appear to get extra battery life out of the Razr Plus, so it is in all probability simply me consistently pushing the cellphone. Mileage could range.Charging pace is roughly the identical between the telephones, however the Flip has sooner wi-fi charging, which some could recognize.Samsung Galaxy Z Flip 5 vs. Motorola Razr Plus: Cover display screen(Image credit score: Nicholas Sutrich / Android Central)One factor that these telephones each have in widespread is their giant cowl shows. The Razr Plus display screen is barely greater at 3.6 inches, whereas the Flip 5 display screen sits at 3.4 inches. Yet, whereas Samsung treats this as a secondary function, Motorola seemingly put its all into this cowl display screen, stuffing it a whopping 1056 x 1066 pixels (413ppi) whereas the Flip 5 will get a mere 720 x 748 decision (306ppi).Not solely that, however Razr’s cowl display screen has the next refresh fee than most flagship Android telephones at 144Hz, whereas the Flip 5 sticks with 60Hz. Motorola put some critical specs behind the duvet display screen, which is smart because it’s the principle promoting level for its resurgence again within the foldable area.(Image credit score: Derrek Lee / Android Central)(Image credit score: Derrek Lee / Android Central)But it is not simply the specs which might be vastly completely different; each corporations prioritized various things relating to the software program expertise on the duvet display screen. Out of the field, Motorola options varied widgets dubbed Panels that allow you to view data at a look. There are solely about 9 to select from, together with a Spotify Panel, they usually’re not extraordinarily helpful however good to must rapidly examine the climate or view your calendar.In addition to that, there’s an Apps panel that lets customers select which of their put in apps they wish to open and use from the duvet display screen. Nearly any app is supported, together with Google Wallet, and whereas apps aren’t essentially optimized for use on this sq. side ratio, they work fairly spectacularly. Apps are scrunched down to suit the display screen, and whereas the cameras could get in the best way of some convent, holding down the navigation bar will shift issues up.Motorola additionally enables you to view current apps once you wanna swap between open apps, and there is some helpful continuity that occurs once you use an app on the duvet display screen and open the cellphone. Depending in your settings, utilizing a cellphone on the principle show and shutting the cellphone will both robotically open the app on the duvet display screen or current you with a button asking if you wish to proceed utilizing the app. It’s little prospers like this that make me suppose Motorola actually thought this by.Image 1 of 5(Image credit score: Derrek Lee / Android Central)(Image credit score: Derrek Lee / Android Central)(Image credit score: Derrek Lee / Android Central)(Image credit score: Derrek Lee / Android Central)(Image credit score: Derrek Lee / Android Central)Meanwhile, Samsung’s expertise is especially geared towards the widget expertise. There are extra widgets accessible on the Galaxy Z Flip 5, they usually’re really nicer than those on the Razr, even when they’re predominantly powered by Samsung apps. Animations are additionally fairly slick when swiping between widgets or opening up the multi-view to see all of your widgets without delay.Unfortunately, issues begin to disintegrate a bit relating to the app expertise. Activating apps on the duvet display screen is not a easy course of. I already detailed my Galaxy Z Flip 5 cowl display screen woes, however the crux of it’s that Samsung makes it method too arduous to really get a correct app expertise on the duvet display screen. There are a set of Samsung-approved apps you could activate within the Labs setting, however there are solely a handful.Image 1 of 5(Image credit score: Derrek Lee / Android Central)(Image credit score: Derrek Lee / Android Central)(Image credit score: Derrek Lee / Android Central)(Image credit score: Derrek Lee / Android Central)(Image credit score: Derrek Lee / Android Central)To get all of your apps, you must put in additional effort than must be obligatory, and whereas they work effectively on the duvet display screen, I nonetheless have points with facets of the implementation, equivalent to inconsistent dealing with of notifications, no current apps view, and the truth that I can solely use Samsung keyboard. You can also’t proceed utilizing an app on the duvet display screen should you shut the cellphone, however you’ll be able to proceed utilizing an app from the duvet display screen should you open the machine.The Galaxy Z Flip 5 cowl display screen expertise simply appears like an afterthought and makes me surprise why Samsung even bothered. Meanwhile, Motorola instantly makes you’re feeling like you’ve got two telephones in a single, which is nice.Samsung Galaxy Z Flip 5 vs. Motorola Razr Plus: Software(Image credit score: Nicholas Sutrich / Android Central)Both telephones run Android 13 out of the field, however Samsung’s One UI is fairly completely different from Motorola’s My UX. With One UI 5, some folks find it irresistible, and others hate it (quite loudly). Meanwhile, Motorola’s software program is essentially just like what you will discover on a Pixel, save for some variations.The Galaxy Z Flip 5 runs One UI 5.1.1, which has just a few new prospers geared towards foldable telephones. Putting the cellphone in Flex Mode when in an app will open a panel with a number of choices like brightness, quantity, screenshot, and extra, with a contact panel that can be utilized as a touchpad with somewhat cursor on the highest half of the display screen. It’s a pleasant little contact, and you’ll edit the accessible choices to your liking. With media, it will show a slider to wash by the video or music, rewind and quick ahead buttons, and 10-second jumps.As a plus, Samsung has extra software program customization choices with Good Lock.(Image credit score: Derrek Lee / Android Central)Motorola has just a few of those foldable options on the Razr, which shifts sure apps (video, digital camera) when the cellphone can also be in flex mode for a greater view on the highest half of the show. Motorola additionally has a floating toggle that prompts in sure apps like TikTookay, Instagram, and Snapchat. Tapping it will allow a dwell preview on the duvet display screen, so whoever you are filming can see themselves within the shot.Besides this, Motorola’s software program is usually just like what you will discover on its different units, together with the useful gestures that everyone knows and love (these turn out to be useful even when the cellphone is closed). It’s clear that a lot of the corporate’s efforts had been put into the duvet display screen, whereas Samsung’s was put into the general foldable expertise.It’s additionally value noting that the Razr Plus helps Motorola’s wi-fi Ready For platform, which might flip your cellphone right into a desktop with an exterior show. Unfortunately, Samsung would not assist DeX on the Flip 5.(Image credit score: Derrek Lee / Android Central)Of course, I’ve to the touch on the software program assist for these telephones. Motorola hasn’t been recognized for having a very good monitor document with software program, however the cellphone is promised to obtain three OS upgrades and 4 years of bimonthly safety updates. That’s not so good as the 4 OS upgrades and 5 years of updates on the Galaxy Z Flip 5, but it surely’s nonetheless good to know the Razr will obtain Android 16 with an additional 12 months of assist.Samsung is mostly a lot sooner with updates, so the Flip will probably obtain extra frequent safety patches, extra function updates, and first dibs (behind Pixel telephones) on main OS upgrades.Samsung Galaxy Z Flip 5 vs. Motorola Razr Plus: Cameras(Image credit score: Derrek Lee / Android Central)Cameras on flip-style foldables are rarely something to run residence about, and that is true with these two telephones. Spec-wise, they’ve very comparable rear digital camera setups, with a major 12MP wide-angle sensor on each and a 12MP and 13MP ultrawide sensor on the Flip 5 and Razr Plus, respectively. Both take completely different approaches to how they collect mild, with the Razr Plus choosing a wider f/1.5 aperture, whereas the Flip 5 has bigger 1.8µm pixels.The result’s that the Motorola Razr Plus takes brilliant pictures, which is nice at night time however tends to blow out colours throughout the day. There are additionally some white steadiness points, notably when taking selfies. Meanwhile, the Flip 5 takes well-balanced pictures and even does a good job in low mild. The photos do not blow me away, however they’re satisfactory.Motorola additionally offers its ultrawide sensor a bit extra oomph by additionally utilizing it as a depth sensor and macro lens, so you may get actually near a topic, in contrast to the Flip. However, relating to zooming, the Flip does a greater job of processing photos, particularly at 8x zoom (the Razr Plus’ restrict).Thanks to their hinges and canopy shows, you should use the Flip 5 and Razr to take selfies or document movies of your self without having a tripod. And should you’re taking a photograph or video of another person, the digital camera apps on each units have a preview button to allow them to see themselves. Motorola takes it a step additional and features a enjoyable cartoon preview for grabbing the eye of toddlers.Both telephones additionally supply varied choices for taking pictures utilizing the duvet display screen when the cellphone is closed. You can shoot movies, take portrait photos, change the decision, and extra.Image 1 of two(Image credit score: Derrek Lee / Android Central)(Image credit score: Derrek Lee / Android Central)Samsung’s digital camera settings are a bit extra strong, particularly should you obtain the Camera Assistant app for extra options like auto HDR (one thing the Razr already has). However, based mostly solely on the out-of-the-box expertise, I’d say the Galaxy Z Flip 5 takes rather more constant (and usable) photos. The identical goes for video, which is far smoother and extra dependable than the Razr Plus.Samsung Galaxy Z Flip 5 vs. Motorola Razr Plus: Which must you purchase?(Image credit score: Derrek Lee / Android Central)If you reside in North America, your choices for clamshell foldables is fairly restricted. The Galaxy Z Flip 5 and Razr Plus are the one two choices should you’re in search of the newest and best, and these telephones are fairly nice.Motorola knocked it out of the park with the Razr Plus, giving customers an awesome out-of-the-box expertise by making the duvet display screen straightforward to arrange and use. Plus, the design and construct high quality are fairly good and the software program is far much less divisive than Samsung’s One UI. However, Samsung one-upped the competitors with the newest Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 processor, its personal cowl display screen enhancements, and a foldable {hardware}/software program mixture that was years within the making.The Galaxy Z Flip 5 is probably not the proper flip cellphone simply but, but it surely’s inching towards perfection, though it would wish to take some notes from Motorola. That mentioned, each telephones are nice, however the Galaxy Z Flip 5 is only a bit higher, and might be the place it’s best to spend your $1000.
The finest made higher
Samsung’s new Galaxy Z Flip 5 is a strong new flip cellphone with the newest flagship Snapdragon chipset. It is available in many alternative colours, so you’ll be able to select one that matches your type finest. Plus, it is waterproof and has a robust hinge that may assist you to shoot your finest TikTookay movies.
Razr sharp
The new Motorola Razr Plus is about extra than simply nostalgia; the cellphone brings an awesome design and spectacular specs that might make even Samsung nervous. And with that giant cowl display screen operating the present, it units the usual for what different corporations must be doing.