Samsung Z Flip 7 vs. Motorola Razr Ultra: Which Foldable Wins?

Choosing the right clamshell foldable phone can be a challenging decision, especially with two standout contenders like the Samsung Galaxy Z Flip 7 and the Motorola Razr Ultra competing for attention. Both models bring significant upgrades in design, display quality, camera capabilities, and AI integration, yet they each appeal to different user priorities. Whether you prioritize long-term software support, battery performance, or creative photography, understanding how these devices compare will help you determine which one fits your lifestyle.

When it comes to design and materials, both phones adopt the classic clamshell form factor but take distinct approaches. The Galaxy Z Flip 7 has slimmed down from earlier versions, measuring just 13.7 mm when closed and 6.5 mm when open, and it weighs a mere 188 grams, making it exceptionally portable. In contrast, the Razr Ultra is slightly thicker at 15.69 mm and weighs 199 grams, but it impresses with high-end materials like a titanium-reinforced hinge, Corning Gorilla Glass Ceramic backing, and optional Alcantara or wood finishes. Both phones share an IP48 rating for dust and water resistance. While the Razr Ultra stands out for its premium aesthetics, the Z Flip 7 takes the lead in compactness and ease of handling.

The cover screen experience is a major selling point for flip-style phones, and both manufacturers have made impressive strides here. Samsung’s Z Flip 7 introduces a 4.1-inch Super AMOLED display that now extends edge-to-edge, removing the previous bezel and camera surround for a seamless appearance. It supports a 120 Hz refresh rate, reaches up to 2,600 nits of brightness, and includes Vision Booster for better outdoor visibility. Through the FlexWindow interface, users can interact with Gemini Live, view live widgets, and reply to messages without unfolding the device. Motorola’s Razr Ultra, meanwhile, offers a 4.0-inch pOLED panel with a class-leading 165 Hz adaptive refresh rate and a remarkable 3,000 nits peak brightness. Its software allows nearly any Android app to run on the cover screen, though performance can vary. With smoother visuals and highly customizable widgets, the Razr Ultra provides greater flexibility for managing daily tasks from the outside display.

Moving to the main internal screens, both devices feature tall displays optimized for scrolling through social media and multitasking. The Z Flip 7 includes a 6.9-inch Dynamic AMOLED 2X panel with a 1080p resolution and an adaptive 1–120 Hz refresh rate, plus a peak brightness of 2,600 nits, the brightest ever on a Z Flip model. Its smaller size makes one-handed use more comfortable. The Razr Ultra steps up with a 7-inch Super HD LTPO pOLED display, a slightly higher resolution, and an adaptive refresh rate that climbs to 165 Hz. It also delivers outstanding outdoor visibility, reaching up to 4,500 nits. Motorola’s screen leads in pixel density, smoothness, and brightness, though Samsung’s may be preferable for those who regularly use their phone with one hand.

Camera performance is another key battleground. The Z Flip 7 relies on a dual-camera setup: a 50 MP main sensor and a 12 MP ultra-wide lens, along with a 10 MP internal selfie camera. It lacks a dedicated telephoto lens but makes up for this with software enhancements like Enhanced Nightography, 10-bit HDR video, Dual Preview, and AI Zoom via the cover screen, all powered by Samsung’s ProVisual Engine. The Razr Ultra employs a triple-50 MP configuration, one standard lens, one ultra-wide/macro lens on the cover, and another 50 MP selfie camera inside. It also includes Moto AI tools such as the Photo Enhancement Engine, Action Shot, and Dolby Vision video recording. While neither phone includes optical zoom, Samsung’s imaging expertise gives it a slight edge in overall photo quality, though Motorola’s triple high-resolution sensors offer more creative flexibility straight out of the box.

Artificial intelligence features are deeply integrated into both devices. On the Z Flip 7, Galaxy AI brings Gemini Live to the FlexWindow for voice commands, travel planning, and scene recognition. Features like Now Bar and Now Brief provide contextual updates, such as ride-share ETAs or sports scores, without needing to open the phone. Motorola’s Moto AI emphasizes productivity, with tools like Catch Me Up, which summarizes missed notifications, and Pay Attention, which records and transcribes audio in real time. On-device camera functions, Auto Smile, Action Shot, and Long Exposure, run locally on the Snapdragon NPU for fast performance even offline. While Motorola’s AI tools are innovative, they can feel less cohesive than Samsung’s polished and practical AI offerings.

Battery life and charging capabilities show clear differences between the two. The Z Flip 7 is equipped with a 4,300 mAh dual-cell battery, the largest in the Flip series, and is powered by a 3nm Exynos 2500 chipset. It supports 25W wired charging for a 50% charge in about 30 minutes, plus fast wireless charging and Wireless PowerShare for accessories. The Razr Ultra steps ahead with a 4,700 mAh battery and 68W TurboPower wired charging, capable of a full charge in roughly 45 minutes. It also includes 30W wireless charging and 5W reverse charging. In real-world use, the Razr Ultra often ends a full day with around 25% battery remaining, making it the better option for heavy users.

The overall user experience is shaped by software and performance. The Z Flip 7 runs One UI 8 on Android 16 and comes with a commitment of seven years of OS upgrades. It includes DeX desktop mode, Galaxy AI tools like Circle to Search and Transcript Assist, and polished multitasking gestures with Flex-mode support for dual-pane app layouts. The Razr Ultra features Hello UI over a near-stock version of Android 15, with signature gestures, like a chop motion for the flashlight, Peek Display notifications, and a dedicated AI key for Moto AI. Motorola guarantees four OS updates and five years of security patches, which is less than Samsung’s long-term support. The lighter software skin runs smoothly on the Snapdragon 8 Elite chip, and the external screen handles many daily tasks efficiently. If long-term updates and desktop functionality are important, Samsung is the more future-proof choice. If you prefer a clean interface and deeper cover-screen integration, Motorola holds its own.

So, which flip phone should you choose? The Samsung Galaxy Z Flip 7 refines its predecessor with a slimmer hinge, a true edge-to-edge cover display, reliable software support, and a well-integrated Galaxy AI suite. It’s the ideal pick for those already invested in the Samsung ecosystem, anyone who values DeX functionality, or users who want long-term update assurance. The Motorola Razr Ultra fights back with superior display speed and brightness, outstanding battery life paired with rapid charging, and a cover screen that works like a mini smartphone. Its unique design elements and material options also make it the more fashionable alternative. Your final decision will depend on whether you prioritize software longevity and ecosystem integration or top-tier hardware and all-day battery performance.

(Source: ZDNET)