2025 Foldable Phone Showdown: Motorola Razr Ultra vs. Galaxy Z Flip 7 vs. Pixel 9 Pro Fold

Foldable phones are flexing harder than ever in 2025. Motorola’s latest Razr Ultra, Samsung’s upcoming Galaxy Z Flip 7, and Google’s Pixel 9 Pro Fold are pushing the boundaries of design and tech in unique ways. From flashy new materials and hinges to supersized displays and AI features, these devices represent the cutting edge of foldable innovation. In this in-depth comparison, we’ll pit the Motorola Razr Ultra (2025) against Samsung’s Galaxy Z Flip 7 and Google’s Pixel 9 Pro Fold. We’ll dive into design & build quality, hinge engineering, displays, performance, cameras, battery & charging, software experience, durability, and price & availability – complete with expert quotes and the latest rumors. By the end, you’ll know which foldable shines in each area and what other foldable innovations are on the horizon.

Design & Build Quality

Design-wise, these three phones couldn’t be more different. The Razr Ultra (2025) is a clamshell “flip” foldable that folds vertically like a classic flip phone. Motorola has gone all-out with premium materials and colors on this model – it comes in Pantone-curated finishes including real wood, Alcantara faux suede, and vegan leather, alongside an aluminum frame hothardware.com hothardware.com. In fact, “my review unit is literally made of wood (responsibly sourced, no less),” notes TechRadar techradar.com. That wooden back (Pantone “Mountain Trail”) gives the Razr Ultra a unique retro-modern flair, harkening back to the Moto X’s wood trims hothardware.com. Other versions include Scarab (dark green Alcantara with stitching) and two shades of red (Rio Red and Cabaret) with vegan leather hothardware.com. Build quality is top-notch – “this phone looks extremely stylish and feels ultra-premium,” says HotHardware, which praised the Razr’s fit and finish hothardware.com hothardware.com. The device is lightweight (199g) and slim (7.2mm unfolded) hothardware.com hothardware.com, with rounded edges that make it comfortable to flip open one-handed hothardware.com.

By contrast, Samsung’s Galaxy Z Flip 7 (expected later in 2025) is also a vertical flip design, but Samsung’s aesthetic is more familiar and refined from prior generations. The Flip 7 is rumored to sport a sturdy Armor Aluminum frame and Gorilla Glass Victus (or Victus 2) on the exterior for durability, similar to its predecessor tomsguide.com. Leaked renders show a sleek, rectangular build with flat edges and a glossy finish, likely coming in colors like blue, black, and silver tomsguide.com. While Motorola leans into bold textures, Samsung sticks to its polished metal-and-glass formula – though a new “coral red” or silver-blue hue may appear, according to WinFuture’s leaks tomsguide.com. The Flip 7 is expected to be slightly thinner than the Flip 6; marketing materials claim 6.5mm thin when open (versus 6.9mm before) tomsguide.com, which would give it an even more streamlined profile in hand. The overall look is modern and minimalist, with Samsung’s signature hinge spine and dual-camera module on the lid. It might not have the exotic materials of the Razr, but the Flip 7 should exude the premium feel Samsung is known for.

Meanwhile, Google’s Pixel 9 Pro Fold is a book-style foldable – a totally different form factor. It opens like a small tablet, offering both a phone-like outer screen and a tablet-like inner screen. Google radically redesigned the Pixel Fold line for the 9 Pro Fold: “the ‘passport’ look of the original Pixel Fold is gone,” Android Authority notes, “instead, we have a foldable much closer to the rest of the Pixel 9 series in size and shape” androidauthority.com. In fact, the outer display is now the same size and aspect ratio as a normal Pixel phone (6.3 inches, 20:9), making the closed Pixel 9 Pro Fold feel like a standard smartphone androidauthority.com. The device carries Google’s design language – a matte glass back (in Porcelain white or Obsidian black) and a camera module that, while not a full-width bar like the Pixel 9 Pro, is a rounded rectangle housing multiple lenses androidauthority.com. It’s an elegant look, if a bit conservative compared to the flashy flips. However, the Pixel 9 Pro Fold is impressively slim and light for a large foldable. It measures just 10.5mm thick when folded and a mere 5.1mm when open, making it “the thinnest book-style foldable you can get in the US” at launch androidauthority.com androidauthority.com. (For context, Samsung’s Galaxy Z Fold 6 was ~12.1mm folded). Google achieved this slimness with an advanced hinge and perhaps some sacrifices in battery (more on that later). The Pixel’s build uses aluminum alloy for the frame and ultra-thin glass for the folding screen, with Gorilla Glass Victus 2 on the outer screen for scratch protection androidauthority.com androidauthority.com. At 257g, it’s still hefty, but notably lighter than some earlier foldables. “Google nailed the hardware this time around,” writes The Verge, noting the Pixel Fold “is light enough that I can forget I’m using a folding phone for whole stretches of time” theverge.com.

Hinge Engineering & Durability

All three phones have seen major improvements in hinge design, which is critical for durability and for minimizing the screen crease. Motorola equipped the Razr Ultra (2025) with a new titanium-reinforced hinge mechanism techradar.com. The hinge allows the 7-inch OLED screen to fold in a wider teardrop shape, reducing stress on the display and resulting in a barely-there crease. “If you’re concerned about the crease, don’t be,” says TechRadar. “It never bothered me once… hardly visible and easy to ignore” techradar.com. Reviewers report the hinge feels solid and well-tuned – it can stay open at various angles for “Flex View” use, and it closes with a “deeply satisfying clap” techradar.com. Uniquely, Motorola has also made the hinge a design highlight by using titanium alloy for added strength and even incorporating titanium into the frame for rigidity techradar.com. This is the first Razr with proper water resistance, too – rated IPX8 for water (submersion up to 1.5m) techradar.com. That means it can survive accidental dunks, matching Samsung’s foldables on water protection. Dust remains a concern (the Razr’s rating is “IP48”, indicating some dust ingress protection but not full sealing) hothardware.com hothardware.com. Still, it’s a big durability leap for Motorola. Early durability tests have been positive overall, though one reviewer did encounter a fluky screen issue on a pre-release unit that resolved itself techradar.com. Motorola’s confidence shows in the hinge’s feel – “the folding mechanism feels incredibly solid,” TechRadar notes techradar.com. The Razr Ultra’s external screen is also covered in tough Gorilla Glass Victus (with a special Gorilla Glass with “Ceramic” coating on some models) for scratch resistance techradar.com.

Samsung has iterated its Hideaway Hinge design over multiple generations, and the Galaxy Z Flip 7 is expected to have Samsung’s best flip hinge yet. The Flip 7 likely continues with the gapless folding hinge introduced on the Flip 5 (a droplet-style hinge that lets the two halves close flat with no gap). Samsung Display even showed off a “creaseless” folding panel at MWC 2025, though insiders say that particular tech won’t debut in the Flip 7 tomsguide.com. So the crease may still be faintly visible, but recent Galaxy flips (Flip 5/6) already made great strides in reducing it. We anticipate a smooth, sturdy hinge that can lock at intermediate angles for Flex Mode (like propping the phone up 90° for hands-free selfies or video calls). Samsung’s hinge is proven to withstand hundreds of thousands of folds – the Flip 7 should maintain that reputation. It will also carry an IPX8 water-resistance rating like its predecessors tomsguide.com, meaning it’s safe from spills and rain (but still no official dust rating). Samsung typically uses high-strength materials (armor aluminum and steel) in the hinge construction, so durability should be excellent. In fact, one Android Police writer worries Samsung might be “making a big mistake” by not changing the Flip 7 much, implying the current hinge is already very good tomsguide.com tomsguide.com. Expect the Flip 7 to feel refined and reliable, if not radically different – Samsung is playing the long game in fine-tuning foldable longevity.

The Pixel 9 Pro Fold employs Google’s refined multi-link hinge that enabled its class-leading thinness. By using a wider teardrop fold and perhaps a dual-cam mechanism, Google achieved that slim 5.1mm profile open, and it means the crease on the Pixel’s inner 8″ display is quite subtle. There’s no unsightly gap when closed – the two halves meet flush. “You only see the crease when you really go looking for it,” The Verge observed about the Razr Ultra theverge.com, and the same could be said for the Pixel Fold’s crease – it’s there, but not distracting during use. Importantly, Google improved the hinge’s sturdiness and alignment over the first-gen Pixel Fold. The Pixel 9 Pro Fold feels solid when open or closed, with strong magnets to keep it shut. However, The Verge does note a lingering question: long-term durability. “Durability is … a fair concern,” writes Allison Johnson, pointing out that foldables inherently have more points of failure theverge.com. The Pixel 9 Pro Fold has IPX8 water resistance like its rivals androidauthority.com, but no dust resistance – a single grain of sand in the wrong place can still spell trouble for any foldable. Early reviews haven’t reported major hinge or screen failures on the Pixel 9 Pro Fold, so that’s encouraging. Google even offers 7 years of software support for this phone androidauthority.com, suggesting they expect it to physically last at least that long. Overall, the Pixel’s hinge engineering is focused on sleekness and ease of use – one Verge editor marveled that “the front screen feels like a normal phone… the inner screen is big… everything is the way it should be” theverge.com, thanks in part to the hinge enabling a seamless design.

Durability summary: All three devices are water-resistant (IPX8), a huge win for foldables. The Razr and Samsung Flip are built to endure daily flipping – Motorola even claims the Razr Ultra’s hinge is tested beyond 400,000 flips, though we’ll see in real-world use. Samsung’s track record is strong here, with many Flip users getting 2-3 years without hinge issues. Motorola’s addition of titanium and Gorilla Glass with “ceramic” coating on the Ultra gives it an edge in materials techradar.com. The Pixel 9 Pro Fold, while thin, doesn’t feel fragile; just treat its ultra-thin inner display with care (no hard presses or sharp objects). None of these have an active dustproofing (only minimal dust ingress protection on Razr), so keep them out of sandy or dirty environments. In short, 2025’s foldables are the most durable yet – but they’re still not as rugged as a traditional slab phone when it comes to drops or dust.

Displays (Main & Cover)

One of the biggest attractions of foldables is the display experience, and each phone here offers something special:

• Motorola Razr Ultra (2025): When opened, the Razr Ultra boasts a 7.0-inch folding main display – one of the largest ever on a flip-style device tomsguide.com tomsguide.com. It’s an OLED panel (likely pOLED) with a high resolution ~2992×1224 (approximately 2K-wide) for a sharp image techradar.com techradar.com. Uniquely, it supports up to a 120Hz refresh rate normally, with an optional 165Hz “Game Mode” that can push the refresh even higher for ultra-smooth animations techradar.com techradar.com. Motorola claims a blinding 3000 nits peak brightness on this display techradar.com techradar.com, and indeed TechRadar found it “incredibly bright, and just as colorful as Moto claims” techradar.com. Impressively, the Razr’s screen supports HDR10+ and even Dolby Vision for superior dynamic range techradar.com techradar.com – something Samsung’s phones don’t currently do (Samsung favors HDR10+ but not Dolby Vision) techradar.com. In Future Labs testing, the Razr Ultra covered a wider color gamut than even Samsung’s Galaxy S25 Ultra flagship techradar.com. All of this means the Razr’s inner display is a visual treat – big, vibrant, and buttery smooth. When closed, the cover display is equally impressive: a 4.0-inch pOLED that covers almost the entire front half hothardware.com hothardware.com. This external screen is larger than even the newest Samsung Flip’s, and Motorola lets it do almost everything. It’s a full Android experience – “the Razr Ultra’s cover display isn’t just for glancing at notifications. It’s a bona fide second screen that ran every app I threw at it,” raves TechRadar techradar.com techradar.com. You can run Google Maps, watch videos, respond to messages, all without unfolding the phone. And it’s not a token display: the cover panel is sharp (1272×1080) and fast (up to 165Hz refresh), matching the main display in quality hothardware.com hothardware.com. At 4 inches, it’s basically the size of an old iPhone 5 screen – in fact “larger than the original iPhone’s screen” as TechRadar quips techradar.com. This makes the Razr Ultra incredibly usable when closed – something foldable fans will love. Overall, Motorola delivered two excellent displays on the Razr Ultra, arguably making it “half the size, but two phones in one” techradar.com techradar.com.
• Samsung Galaxy Z Flip 7: Samsung’s Flip series has used a 6.7-inch main display for years, but the Flip 7 is reportedly increasing that to around 6.85–6.9 inches unfolded tomsguide.com tomsguide.com. Leaker Ross Young says 6.85” inner, while Roland Quandt’s leaked spec sheet lists 6.9” – either way, it’s a bit taller than before, closer to Motorola’s 7.0” panel tomsguide.com tomsguide.com. The cover display is the bigger story: jumping from Flip 6’s tiny 3.4-inch window to about 4.1 inches on Flip 7 tomsguide.com tomsguide.com. That’s nearly as large as Motorola’s, finally catching up in usefulness. Case leaks show the Flip 7’s outer screen covering much more of the front, with cutouts for the dual cameras suggesting a design similar to the Razr (where the camera lenses poke into the screen area) tomsguide.com. This larger cover screen should make widgets, notifications, and maybe even full apps far easier to use on the Flip. (Samsung restricted full apps on Flip 5’s cover, but one hopes they’ll open up more functionality now that there’s room.) In terms of quality, Samsung’s inner display will be a Dynamic AMOLED 2X with FHD+ resolution (~1080×2640 or similar) and a 120Hz adaptive refresh – a given for Samsung flagships. The cover display on Flip 7 is rumored at 720×748 (approx) resolution and possibly around 60Hz, though Samsung could bump it to 90Hz for smoother cover animations tomsguide.com tomsguide.com. Both screens will surely be bright and punchy; Samsung is known for best-in-class display tech. One notable absence: Samsung still doesn’t use Dolby Vision HDR (preferring open HDR10+), so the Razr Ultra might have a leg up for Netflix aficionados techradar.com. As for the crease, Samsung’s foldables have steadily improved – the Flip 7’s main display should have a shallow crease that’s hardly noticeable when you’re not looking for it, akin to the Razr’s techradar.com. And durability-wise, Samsung uses Ultra-Thin Glass (UTG) with extra layers – it’s durable for daily use but still avoid pressing with nails or sharp objects. Expect the Flip 7’s displays to be excellent, if evolutionary: a slightly bigger canvas inside and a much bigger one outside will elevate the Flip experience to near parity with the Razr’s.
• Google Pixel 9 Pro Fold: The Pixel is all about that expansive 8.0-inch inner display – a small tablet in your pocket. It’s an LTPO OLED with a 1–120Hz adaptive refresh for smooth scrolling androidauthority.com androidauthority.com. The resolution is 2076×2152 (roughly QXGA+), yielding around 7.6” diagonal active area (Google quotes 8.0” including the curved corners) for sharp ~~260–270 PPI. Colors, brightness, and viewing angles are greatly improved over the first-gen Pixel Fold. Google cranked up peak brightness to 2700 nits on the inner screen – “much brighter this year… much more comfortable to use outside”, notes The Verge theverge.com theverge.com. This addresses a complaint about the original, which was dim outdoors. The inner display does have slightly thicker bezels than Samsung’s (to house a camera) but they’re uniform and not distracting androidauthority.com androidauthority.com. The cover screen is a star in its own right: 6.3 inches, 1080×2424 OLED at 120Hz androidauthority.com androidauthority.com. Essentially, it’s the same Actua OLED panel as the Pixel 9 (non-fold) – so you’re getting a full-fledged phone screen on the outside. “The front screen looks like, well, a normal phone screen. I can’t say the same about six generations of Samsung’s Z Fold,” The Verge remarks, praising Google for this design choice theverge.com theverge.com. Indeed, using the Pixel Fold closed feels just like using a regular Pixel phone – no cramped narrow display like Galaxy Z Folds of old. This makes checking messages or doing quick tasks very natural. Both Pixel screens are protected by Gorilla Glass Victus 2 on the outside and ultra-thin glass with a plastic layer inside. The Pixel’s displays support HDR (HDR10/HLG) and even capture HDR images by default for better dynamic range dxomark.com. Reviewers have been delighted by the Pixel 9 Pro Fold’s display quality. “I’ve never felt so smug using all my little apps at the coffee shop on a big screen, then folding it in half and putting it in my pocket,” jokes The Verge theverge.com. That pretty much sums up the Pixel foldable allure: you get a gorgeous big display when you need it, and a perfectly normal phone when you don’t. One trade-off: the Pixel’s outer screen is only 1080p and 1800 nits, whereas the Pixel 9 Pro (slab) has 1440p and 2400 nits, so you sacrifice a bit of sharpness and brightness for the folding form factor theverge.com theverge.com. But in practice, 1080p is plenty at 6.3”, and 1800 nits is already extremely bright.

In summary, all three devices deliver outstanding displays tailored to their form. The Razr Ultra arguably wins for highest refresh and HDR credentials (165Hz + Dolby Vision) techradar.com techradar.com, plus that ultra-usable cover screen. The Flip 7 catches up with a big cover screen and will have Samsung’s typically top-notch AMOLED quality – it should please multimedia lovers and be great for one-handed use when closed. The Pixel 9 Pro Fold offers sheer immersion with its 8-inch canvas – perfect for multitasking, movies, and reading – while still giving you a full phone display externally. It’s a trade-off of size vs. portability: the Pixel unfolds into the largest screen, but the Razr and Flip are far more pocketable. Depending on whether you want a flip phone convenience or a foldable mini-tablet, your preference may vary here.

Performance & Specs (Chipsets, RAM, Thermals)

Under the hood, these foldables pack serious power – though Google’s approach differs from Motorola’s and Samsung’s.

Motorola Razr Ultra (2025) finally joins the flagship club with a top-tier Qualcomm chip. It is powered by the Snapdragon 8 Elite – Qualcomm’s latest 5G flagship SoC tomsguide.com tomsguide.com. (This chip is sometimes referred to as Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 or a variant thereof; “8 Elite” is the branding used in 2025’s top phones like the Galaxy S25 Ultra tomsguide.com.) The move to a true flagship processor is a big deal for Motorola, which used a mid-tier “8+ Gen1” variant in the 2024 Razr. As Tom’s Guide notes, “the current Razr Plus 2024 is powered by a Snapdragon 8s Gen 3, a less powerful version… In contrast, the Razr Plus 2025 could see an upgrade to the Snapdragon 8 Elite, a flagship-caliber chip” tomsguide.com tomsguide.com. Indeed, Motorola delivered. Performance is vastly improved – “the Snapdragon 8 Elite processor has proven to be vastly superior to competitors in performance and efficiency,” TechRadar wrote after testing, even calling the Razr Ultra “a 9/10 phone” largely due to its speed techradar.com techradar.com. With 16 GB of RAM on board techradar.com techradar.com, the Razr Ultra can juggle multitasking easily, whether it’s running multiple apps on that cover display or gaming on the big screen inside. Thermals seem well-managed thanks to the efficient 4nm chipset – no major overheating reports, and the aluminum frame helps dissipate heat. In benchmarks and real use, the Razr Ultra competes with the fastest Android phones. It also benefits from the chip’s improved AI capabilities, enabling on-device features (Motorola’s Moto AI). Battery efficiency is a highlight: coupled with a larger battery (see next section), the Razr’s Snapdragon chip helps it achieve “remarkable battery life… lasting all day, and even beating most competitors in our lab tests” techradar.com techradar.com. In short, Motorola made zero compromises on performance – the Razr Ultra is a true flagship flip phone.

The Galaxy Z Flip 7 will also use Qualcomm’s latest – at least in some regions. Samsung typically splits chipsets: rumor has it U.S. models will get the Snapdragon 8 Elite, while international models use Samsung’s new Exynos 2500 chip tomsguide.com tomsguide.com. The Exynos 2500 is a fresh 2025 flagship SoC from Samsung’s LSI division, purportedly built on a 3nm process. However, historically Exynos chips have lagged a bit in GPU and efficiency. Tom’s Guide cautions: if Samsung opts for Exynos in the Flip 7, it “would be at a potential disadvantage when pitted against Motorola’s phone,” since “Exynos chips tend not to equal the performance of the best Snapdragon silicon” tomsguide.com tomsguide.com. The good news: leaks say North America will definitely get the Snapdragon 8 Elite in the Flip 7 tomsguide.com tomsguide.com. So in the U.S., performance should closely match the Razr Ultra – blazing fast CPU, top-tier Adreno GPU for graphics, and robust 5G capabilities. In Europe or elsewhere, the Exynos 2500 variant might be slightly slower or less power-efficient, but still high-end (comparable to, say, a Snapdragon 8 Gen2/Gen3 level). The Flip 7 is expected to come with 12 GB RAM standard tomsguide.com tomsguide.com, matching the Flip 6. One leak even mentioned an 8 GB/256 GB base model to hit a lower price point tomsguide.com, but it’s unclear if that will launch globally. Either way, multitasking on the Flip 7 should be smooth – One UI’s multi-window and Flex Mode features are optimized for 12GB. The phone will certainly handle anything from intensive games to split-screen app use. Samsung’s optimizations and thermal management have been good on recent flips; the larger body (slightly wider for the bigger cover screen) might allow a bit more thermal headroom, too. One possible downside: if the Exynos models dominate, battery life could be affected (Exynos 2400 in some Galaxy S24 variants was known to run hotter). But Samsung would likely optimize the Flip’s tuning to avoid hotspots in such a compact device. Storage on the Flip 7 comes in 256 GB or 512 GB UFS 4.0, plenty fast. No microSD slot (none of these foldables have expandable storage). Overall, expect flagship-grade performance from the Galaxy Z Flip 7, with only a question mark on the Exynos variant’s parity. The phone will also launch with the latest Android (likely 14) and Samsung’s One UI 6/7 – not a performance spec per se, but relevant to fluidity and feature set.

Google’s Pixel 9 Pro Fold takes a different route: it runs on Google’s own Tensor G4 chip. This SoC emphasizes AI and machine learning prowess over raw benchmark numbers. In day-to-day use, the Tensor G4 (built in collaboration with Samsung) is snappy enough – the Pixel 9 Pro Fold feels fast opening apps and multitasking with its 16 GB RAM androidauthority.com androidauthority.com. It can even display up to four apps simultaneously (in split-screen or floating windows), making good use of that 8″ canvas. However, when pushed in heavy games or computational tasks, the Tensor G4 likely falls behind the Qualcomm Snapdragon 8 Elite. In a brutal head-to-head, one YouTuber noted “Snapdragon 8 Elite vs Tensor G4 – it’s not even close” in favor of the Snapdragon youtube.com. The Verge similarly points out that “the cameras still aren’t as good as those of the Pixel 9 Pro or Pro XL” partly due to the chip and space constraints, and that “it’s still $1,799, which is expensive as hell” theverge.com – the implication being that some performance aspects don’t fully justify the price. That said, Tensor G4 enables exclusive features (more in Software section) and is optimized for Google’s Pixel experience. The phone feels smooth thanks to the 120Hz displays and Google’s animations. Where it can struggle is heat and battery under continuous load: previous Tensor generations ran warm and throttled. The G4 is improved (on a newer manufacturing node), but the Pixel 9 Pro Fold’s super-slim chassis means less room for heat dissipation and a slightly smaller battery. Still, in everyday productivity – emails, social media, photography – you won’t feel it lag. And Google promises 7 years of updates, meaning they can optimize performance over time via software androidauthority.com. One must applaud Google for delivering a foldable that doesn’t feel sluggish at all given its focus on AI. In fact, the Pixel 9 Pro Fold’s on-device AI is a highlight: it powers features like instant photo editing, speech recognition, and smart camera functions (e.g. “Best Take” and “Magic Editor”). These are accelerated by the Tensor’s AI cores, giving the Pixel unique capabilities that a raw benchmark might not reflect. So, performance-wise: the Pixel 9 Pro Fold is fast enough for almost everyone, but spec-heads should note it’s not as outright powerful as the Razr Ultra or Flip 7 on Snapdragon. If you plan on heavy 3D gaming or emulation, the Qualcomm-based flips have a GPU edge. But for multitasking with multiple apps and enjoying AI-enhanced features, the Pixel holds its own.

Thermal management: None of these phones have active cooling, of course, so extended gaming will warm them up. The Razr Ultra’s efficient chip and larger surface (7″ device when open) help it disperse heat well – no major throttling reported. Samsung’s flips historically throttle a bit to keep cool (small form factor), but they’ve improved with each gen and the Flip 7’s slightly larger size and possibly new graphite cooling layers should maintain performance. The Pixel 9 Pro Fold, being very thin, can get toasty with prolonged camera use or gaming, as early reviews noted the frame warming under stress. However, Google likely optimized thermal limits to avoid uncomfortable heat on touchpoints. In a foldable, the heat is spread across two halves, which actually can help avoid one hot spot. For instance, the Pixel’s chips are under one half (the right side), so you might feel warmth there while the left remains cool.

In summary: Motorola Razr Ultra (2025) and Galaxy Z Flip 7 (Snapdragon version) are on par with the fastest phones out there, making no compromises on speed techradar.com. The Pixel 9 Pro Fold is more about the experience and AI; it’s plenty fast, but its strength is software smarts over brute force. None of these will leave the average user wanting for performance, but spec enthusiasts will note Qualcomm’s advantage. Also consider software support: Samsung promises 4 years of Android OS updates and 5 years security on its flagships (likely for Flip 7), which is excellent – but Google’s 7-year pledge for Pixel 9 Pro Fold beats everyone androidauthority.com. Motorola, historically, offers around 2-3 years OS updates; hopefully the Razr Ultra gets at least 3 OS upgrades given its price (it launches with Android 15, so likely up to Android 18) techradar.com. That matters for performance longevity – newer OS versions often optimize further.

Camera Systems

Foldable phones often have to compromise on cameras due to space constraints, but each of these devices tries hard to deliver great photography – with varying approaches:

• Motorola Razr Ultra (2025): The Razr Ultra features a dual camera system on its rear: a 50 MP main camera (wide, f/1.8 with OIS) and a 50 MP ultrawide camera (122º field of view) hothardware.com hothardware.com. This is a change from the 2024 Razr+, which had a main + telephoto setup. Motorola heard feedback and “it now appears we’ll likely go back to a 50MP main and 50MP ultrawide setup for the Razr Plus 2025,” wrote Tom’s Guide tomsguide.com tomsguide.com. Indeed, having an ultrawide is more useful for most users (and can double as a macro shooter). The Razr Ultra’s ultrawide lets you capture expansive shots and also likely supports macro focus for close-ups androidauthority.com androidauthority.com. The lack of a dedicated telephoto lens means zoom is done digitally, but Motorola is leveraging the high resolution and AI upscaling to provide decent short-range zoom. In fact, they dropped the tele lens in favor of ultrawide presumably because the tele’s 2x wasn’t providing as much benefit as an ultrawide would tomsguide.com tomsguide.com. The selfie camera on the Razr Ultra is a surprising 50 MP as well (f/2.0) hothardware.com hothardware.com – essentially the same sensor as the ultrawide, but pointed at you when the phone is open. This means even selfies get a high-res treatment, though many users will likely just use the main cameras for selfies via the cover screen preview (one of the perks of flip phones). How do these cameras perform? Quite well for a flip phone. “Cameras were always the Razr’s Achilles heel, but the Ultra 2025’s dual 50MP shooters are a huge step up,” says TechRadar, “I was more impressed with its images than I have been with images from any previous flip phone.” techradar.com techradar.com That’s high praise, considering Samsung’s flips set a decent bar. The larger sensors (the main is around 1/1.5” size) and Motorola’s use of Omni-directional PDAF (fast autofocus) contribute to sharp, detailed photos. In good light, you can expect vibrant, balanced shots. In low light, Motorola still trails the likes of Google – but the gap is closing. The Razr Ultra benefits from the Snapdragon ISP and Motorola’s new MotoAI camera features (scene detection, auto Night Vision, etc.). It even has some fun tricks like “Dual Capture” and using the cover screen for a preview to take high-quality selfies or vlog with the rear cameras. HotHardware’s review notes: the cameras are still “middling” compared to slab flagships hothardware.com, but it’s the best showing yet from a Razr. Video can go up to 8K30 or 4K60, which is impressive on a flip hothardware.com. One downside: no optical zoom lens means anything beyond 2-3x zoom is purely digital crop. Motorola is betting that 50MP and AI upscaling will satisfy casual zoom needs (e.g., 5x digital with some loss). For most users of a flip phone, that’s probably fine. Importantly, using the cover screen as a viewfinder means your main 50MP camera doubles as your selfie cam – yielding much better selfies than the tiny lens above the inner display would. This is a flip phone advantage that Razr and Samsung both share. And speaking of that inner selfie camera: at 50MP, it’s overkill in resolution (likely a smaller sensor though). It might actually be useful for video calls when the phone is open laptop-style on a table (no need to flip it for the rear cam). Summing up, the Razr Ultra’s camera system is two lenses, three perspectives (wide/ultrawide/selfie), all 50MP. It’s arguably the best camera setup on any flip phone so far, but it still isn’t on par with the multi-lens arrays of slab superphones.
• Samsung Galaxy Z Flip 7: Rumors suggest Samsung is not changing the camera hardware from the Flip 6. That means we expect a 50 MP main camera (likely f/1.8, 1/1.56” sensor with OIS), a 12 MP ultrawide (around 123º, f/2.2), and a 12 MP front camera on the inner display tomsguide.com tomsguide.com. “According to one report, the Galaxy Z Flip 7 could feature the same cameras seen on the Z Flip 6,” Tom’s Guide relays tomsguide.com. While that might disappoint spec-chasers, keep in mind the Flip 6’s camera was quite good. In fact, it’s considered one of the best camera phones among foldables tomsguide.com. Samsung’s image processing is mature – colors tend to be punchy, and Night Mode is effective. The Flip 7 will undoubtedly get software tuning upgrades if not new sensors. For example, Samsung could improve HDR or enable new AI camera features via its ISP. But yes, on paper it stays dual rear lenses (no telephoto, as no Flip has had one yet) plus a single selfie lens inside. Using the cover screen, you can take selfies with the far superior 50MP main camera or 12MP ultrawide – a trick Samsung’s software supports with a quick double-press of the power button to launch the camera on the cover. The difference between Motorola and Samsung’s approach is mainly the ultrawide resolution (50MP vs 12MP). Motorola’s 50MP ultrawide might capture more detail, but Samsung’s 12MP ultrawide has a wider field (possibly slightly wider angle) and benefits from Samsung’s color tuning to match the main camera. As for video, the Flip 7 should do 4K60 and likely 8K (since the main sensor and Snapdragon 8 Gen2/3 ISP can support 8K recording at 30fps). If Samsung enabled 8K on Flip 6 (they did on Fold, not sure if Flip got it), Flip 7 will have it for sure. One potential camera advantage for Samsung: software features like FlexCam – when you half-fold the phone, the camera UI splits, allowing hands-free shots and preview. Samsung also tends to offer more in-camera modes (Director’s View, etc.). But Motorola has caught up a lot, even adding a “Tripod” mode and advanced capture settings. End of the day, the Flip 7’s camera will be reliable and versatile, but not a drastic leap. It might rely on improved photo processing; Samsung will hopefully “offer some photo processing upgrades… the Flip 6 is not like Samsung is under fire to make major changes” tomsguide.com tomsguide.com. For a Flip user, the main camera will get you great day shots, decent low-light (though smaller sensor than Razr’s? Actually both 50MP likely similar size around 1/1.5”), and the ultrawide for group shots or tight spaces. Selfies with the inner 12MP are fine for video calls; but with the bigger cover screen on Flip 7, expect to use the rear cams for selfies more often, which will significantly boost your selfie quality (50MP goodness).
• Google Pixel 9 Pro Fold: The Pixel has the most complex camera array of the trio, as it’s a larger device with room for more lenses. It carries a triple rear camera system: a 48 MP main wide (f/1.7, 1/2” sensor, OIS), a 10.5 MP ultrawide (around 125º, with dual PDAF for macro focus), and a 10.8 MP telephoto with 5× optical zoom (periscope lens, f/3.1) androidauthority.com androidauthority.com. This is very similar to the original Pixel Fold’s setup, but with some updates – notably a new ultrawide lens with a shorter focal length (wider angle) and added macro mode, plus possibly improved sensors dxomark.com dxomark.com. The Pixel 9 Pro Fold’s camera setup essentially mirrors the Pixel 7 Pro’s capabilities (wide/ultrawide/5x tele), albeit with slightly different sensor choices for size constraints. How does it perform? According to DXOMark, the Pixel 9 Pro Fold is the best foldable camera to date, outperforming its rivals “by quite a wide margin” in still photography dxomark.com dxomark.com. Its strengths include “good exposure across all light conditions, fast and accurate autofocus, low noise, and good detail at long-range zoom” dxomark.com dxomark.com. In daylight, you’d be hard-pressed to tell the difference between a shot from the Pixel 9 Pro Fold and one from a Pixel 9 Pro slab phone – colors are natural, dynamic range is strong (though slightly narrower than Pixel 9 in harsh HDR scenes) dxomark.com dxomark.com. The magic is in Google’s computational photography: every shot benefits from HDR+ bracketing, advanced Night Sight, and features like Photo Unblur. The 5x telephoto lens allows for optical zoom that neither Motorola nor Samsung’s flips can match – it’s great for portraits or capturing distant subjects. DXOMark especially praised the long-range zoom detail dxomark.com dxomark.com. That said, there are still compromises versus Google’s best slab phone cameras. The Pixel 9 Pro Fold’s main sensor (1/2”) is smaller than the Pixel 9 Pro XL’s huge 1/1.3” 50MP sensor, so low-light shots aren’t quite as clean and detailed theverge.com theverge.com. “You can squeeze a little more detail in low-light shots out of the regular Pixel 9’s camera,” The Verge notes of the difference theverge.com. The telephoto too, while 5x, is 10.8MP and likely a bit less sharp than the 48MP 5x on Pixel 9 Pro XL. “The foldable Pixel’s telephoto lens isn’t quite as good either… low-light photos at 5x zoom are noticeably softer,” The Verge adds theverge.com theverge.com. Additionally, the Pixel Fold’s camera bar design had to be modified, possibly affecting optics. But these are nitpicks – for a foldable, the Pixel 9 Pro Fold stands tall. It also offers Google’s fun AI features: “Made You Look” mode uses the outer display to get kids to stare at the camera for a photo (showing an animation to catch their attention) androidauthority.com androidauthority.com, and it works “exactly as advertised” to produce shots where the child is finally looking at the lens theverge.com theverge.com. Another feature is the ability to watch multiple camera feeds – actually more relevant for video/streaming (see Software section). For video, the Pixel 9 Pro Fold can shoot up to 4K at 60fps with great stabilization (Google’s video is solid but not class-leading). DXOMark did mention video noise in low light as a con dxomark.com dxomark.com – likely due to the smaller sensors. Also, like all Pixels, the Fold relies on Super Res Zoom to fill gaps between 1x and 5x and beyond 5x up to 20x digital. It does well at long range (where the 5x kicks in), but mid-range (2x-4x) might be a bit of a hit to detail since it’s cropping the 48MP main. Still, Google’s upscaling is famously good.

One neat trick: because the Pixel 9 Pro Fold’s outer screen is a full display, you can use it to frame shots with the rear cameras too. Google’s camera app allows the person being photographed to see themselves on the cover screen (for selfies or to help them pose) – similar to Samsung’s “Dual Preview”. However, unlike the flips, the Pixel Fold doesn’t fold in a way that lets you easily use it as a traditional “flip phone” selfie; you’d either open it fully and use the inner cam, or half-open and use rear cams at an angle. Luckily it has that inner cam: a 10 MP selfie camera on the inside (in a small punch-hole) and another 10 MP on the outer screen (centered in the top) androidauthority.com. These are serviceable for video chats or quick selfies (with the benefit of Google’s face retouching if desired), but the best selfies will always come from using the big cameras. The Pixel’s inner bezels in the first Fold meant no notch or hole, but in the 9 Pro Fold, Google went with a right-corner punch-hole for the inner selfie to slim the bezels androidauthority.com. That’s a design departure that yields more screen, at the cost of a minor interruption in full-screen content. Google avoided under-display cameras (UDC) because of quality concerns, so you get a normal (and better) selfie camera at the expense of a tiny black hole on the big screen.

To sum up the camera comparison: Google’s Pixel 9 Pro Fold is the most versatile and powerful camera system here, with three focal lengths and Google’s class-leading computational photography. It’s literally “Google’s best foldable [camera] – with caveats”, as Forbes put it, noting it’s thinner but not quite as good as Pixel 9 Pro XL in pure imaging forbes.com. Still, it’s the foldable to choose if camera quality is top priority. The Razr Ultra (2025) comes in next, with excellent main and ultrawide shooters for a flip phone – images are vibrant and much improved, though it lacks optical zoom. The Samsung Flip 7 likely takes very good photos too, but incremental improvements mean it’s playing catch-up to Motorola’s new hardware. In fact, Tom’s Guide speculated earlier that Motorola’s flip could leapfrog Samsung’s in camera performance hothardware.com hothardware.com, a claim we’ll be keen to test once the Flip 7 is out. Expert verdicts: “These aren’t the best cameras, but they’re very good. You’re no longer sacrificing photo quality for that cool flip,” TechRadar said of the Razr Ultra techradar.com techradar.com. For the Pixel Fold, DXOMark concluded: “the Google Pixel 9 Pro Fold did very well… particularly in photo capture, and is the best device with a folding form factor in our ranking to date” dxomark.com dxomark.com. And The Verge emphasizes that while foldables lag behind the absolute best slab phones in camera prowess, the gap is narrowing: “Don’t get me wrong, this is a good camera system overall. But basically all foldables lag behind slab phones… we can’t have it all – at least not yet.” theverge.com theverge.com.

Battery Life & Charging

Battery capacity and charging speeds vary significantly across these devices, reflecting their size and design priorities:

• Motorola Razr Ultra (2025): Motorola beefed up the battery this year, giving the Razr Ultra a 4,700 mAh battery – a huge jump from the 3,800–4,000 mAh in last year’s model tomsguide.com tomsguide.com. In fact, at 4,700 mAh, the Razr Ultra currently has the largest battery of any flip-style foldable. This paid off in endurance: the previous Razr Plus (2024) already achieved “the longest battery life in a flip-style phone we’ve tested to date — an impressive 14 hours 13 minutes” in Tom’s Guide’s standardized test tomsguide.com. With an extra 700 mAh and a more efficient Snapdragon 8 Elite chip, the 2025 Razr Ultra should last even longer. Early reviews back this up: TechRadar said the Razr Ultra “packs enough juice to last all day, and even beat most competitors in our lab tests” techradar.com techradar.com. Users report comfortably making it through a full day of moderate use (screen-on time ~6-7 hours across both displays). The efficient external display helps – for many quick tasks you use the small screen, which sips less power than lighting up the big 7″ panel. When it’s time to recharge, Motorola really shines: the Razr Ultra supports 68W TurboPower fast charging and 30W wireless charging tomsguide.com tomsguide.com. This is by far the fastest charging in this class. Wired at 68W, the Razr Ultra can top up 50% in just 15-20 minutes in Motorola’s testing, which is fantastic for a busy day. (A full 0–100% likely takes just under 40 minutes). It even does reverse wireless charging to power accessories, albeit at a low 5W. Such speeds put Samsung’s 25W to shame. “Leaks hint at 68W wired and 30W wireless… big upgrades over the current 45W and 15W of the Razr Plus 2024,” notes Tom’s Guide tomsguide.com tomsguide.com. Indeed, Motorola is leaving competitors in the dust here – essentially bringing the charging tech of Chinese flagships to a flip phone. The only caution: high-speed charging can generate more heat and potentially wear the battery faster if used constantly. But Motorola likely includes software to optimize battery health (e.g., not always charging at max if not needed). Overall, the Razr Ultra offers all-day battery life and ultra-fast charging, addressing two past weaknesses of foldables in one stroke.
• Samsung Galaxy Z Flip 7: Samsung has steadily increased battery size on the Flip series. The Flip 7 is rumored to bump capacity to 4,300 mAh (combined total across its two cells) tomsguide.com tomsguide.com. That’s up from 3,700 mAh (Flip 4) and 3,700 mAh (Flip 5 had 3,700 as well, actually Flip 6 was 3,800? Correction: Tom’s says Flip 6 had 4,000 mAh tomsguide.com, which might include some measurement difference or a rumored spec). Actually, one leak cited 4,000 mAh for Flip 6; Samsung officially lists Flip 5 with 3700. Perhaps Flip 6 bumped to 4000. In any case, Flip 7 going to ~4300 mAh is plausible and would be very welcome tomsguide.com. A 4,300 mAh battery in a flip phone is second only to Moto’s 4700, and should noticeably improve longevity. With the Snapdragon 8 Elite (if in your model) being power-efficient, the Flip 7 could finally make it comfortably through a full day for most. The larger cover screen might encourage more use of the phone closed (as with Moto), which can also save power. If Samsung’s One UI 6/7 adds better cover-screen app support, you might reply to messages or check info without firing up the big screen as often, preserving juice. As for charging, Samsung historically has been conservative. The Flip 7 will likely stick to 25W wired fast charging and around 15W wireless (with maybe 4.5W reverse wireless). We haven’t heard rumors of Samsung upping this to 45W on the Flip – that seems unlikely given battery size and Samsung’s cautious approach to thermals. Tom’s Guide didn’t mention a change in charging spec; they focused on battery size leaks tomsguide.com. So expect roughly the same charging as Flip 5: ~50% in 30 minutes, ~70 minutes for a full charge on cable. It’s not bad, but far slower than Motorola’s blazing speeds. Samsung prefers to highlight longevity and battery health rather than race specs. One interesting rumor: a Galaxy Z Flip FE (Fan Edition) might release with a lower-power chipset and thicker design with possibly a bigger battery for cheaper tomsguide.com. If that happens, it suggests Samsung is aware some want more battery even at cost of thickness. But sticking to the main Flip 7: it will be adequate in battery life – better than older Flips, but likely still a step behind the Razr Ultra’s marathon stamina. Until we test, it’s unclear if Razr’s 4700 + efficient chip might even last longer than Flip 7’s 4300 + possibly Exynos in some regions. One source of optimism: “Dutch site GalaxyClub reports Samsung will turn to a 4,300 mAh power pack… confirmed by leaked UL Demko certifications” tomsguide.com. That sounds pretty locked in, so Flip 7 users should see a nice bump. It’s worth noting Samsung’s software also offers things like Light Performance Mode (to extend battery by capping speed) and adaptive battery features. And Samsung’s power management is generally aggressive in standby to prevent drain. So, Flip 7 will be fine for most, just not a battery champ.
• Google Pixel 9 Pro Fold: The Pixel foldable has a 4,650 mAh battery capacity androidauthority.com androidauthority.com. This is actually slightly less than the original Pixel Fold’s 4,821 mAh. Google shaved ~170 mAh, likely to slim the device. The impact is that battery life is decent but not class-leading. Early hands-on and reviews indicate the Pixel 9 Pro Fold can last a full day with moderate use, but heavy users might hit low battery by evening. The Verge didn’t list battery as a pro or con – implying it’s okay, but “it’s still thicker and heavier than normal phones… and it’s twice the price… if you’re looking for reasons to talk yourself out of $1,799, you’re welcome,” they quipped, focusing more on cost theverge.com theverge.com. Android Authority called it “a decent battery” rounding out the device androidauthority.com androidauthority.com. The Tensor G4 chip is somewhat efficient, but not as frugal as Qualcomm’s latest, so that plus the huge 8″ screen can drain power under intensive use. Also, recall the Pixel 9 Pro Fold is extremely thin – so the battery is split and spread out (with Google using a silicon-carbon battery tech perhaps). In DXOMark’s testing of Pixel Fold’s predecessor, it wasn’t top-tier in battery but was acceptable. The Pixel 9 Pro Fold supports 21W wired charging (yes, you read that right, twenty-one) and wireless charging (likely ~15W) androidauthority.com androidauthority.com. This charging speed is, by 2025 standards, very slow. Google actually downgraded from the 30W claim on original Pixel Fold to 21W here – possibly due to battery chemistry or just quoting realistic speeds. Android Authority flat-out calls it “the Pixel 9 Pro Fold’s laughably terrible 21W speed” androidauthority.com androidauthority.com. In practice, expect a full charge to take around 1.5 hours or more on cable. Google doesn’t even include a charger in the box (while Motorola does include at least a TurboPower charger typically). Pixel’s wireless charge will also be leisurely (likely 10W on the Qi standard unless using Google’s own charger for 15W). This is a clear disadvantage if you’re frequently topping up on the go. However, one might argue that fast charging isn’t as critical if you charge overnight and the phone lasts a day. But for travelers or power users, Pixel’s charging is a pain point. Pixel 9 Pro Fold also supports Battery Share (reverse wireless) to charge Pixel Buds or so, but at low wattage. One plus: Google’s adaptive charging can learn your schedule and slow charge to 100% by morning to preserve battery health. They’re playing the long game with that 7-year support – presumably they expect the battery to hold up.

Real-world battery expectations: The Razr Ultra (2025) is likely the endurance champion here. Tom’s Guide leak said 4700 mAh could push it even beyond its predecessor’s record endurance tomsguide.com, and with Snapdragon 8 Elite’s efficiency and intelligent refresh rates (LTPO screens can drop to 1Hz on static content), two-day light use might even be possible. The Flip 7 will be much improved, but until we test, we’d guess it will end the day with ~20% for an average user – safe, but not abundant. The Pixel 9 Pro Fold, given its smaller battery and power-hungry large screen, will probably be similar – end of day ~10-20% on moderate use. It’s a bigger device that can guzzle battery when used intensively (like watching a lot of tablet-style video, or using multi-stream sports mode). Google does at least allow you to drop the refresh rate and has battery saver modes if needed. But if battery life is your top concern, the Razr Ultra stands out, and it charges the fastest by a mile. In fact, you could get roughly a day’s use in a 10-minute charge on the Moto in a pinch, which is a game changer tomsguide.com tomsguide.com. By contrast, the Pixel would get you maybe ~15-20% in 10 minutes if you’re lucky.

Software, AI Features & User Experience

Each of these foldables provides a different flavor of Android software, with unique features tailored to their hardware:

Motorola Razr Ultra (2025): The Razr runs a near-stock Android interface (launching with Android 15 out of the box techradar.com). Motorola’s UI is clean and lightweight, which reviewers appreciated: “I liked Samsung’s Flip, but it made me appreciate Motorola’s simpler software and effective gestures even more,” noted TechRadar techradar.com techradar.com. Indeed, Motorola includes Moto Actions (gestures like twist to open camera, chop to toggle flashlight, etc.) and a few unobtrusive additions under the “MyUX” umbrella. New for 2025 is a focus on Moto AI features. There’s even a dedicated AI button on the Razr Ultra’s left side – though this has been a bit controversial. The button is hard-coded to open Motorola’s AI apps or the Moto AI assistant, and cannot be remapped (aside from disabling) techradar.com techradar.com. This means you effectively have two AI buttons (since Google Assistant/Voice Match still use the power button or hotword) techradar.com. Some find it redundant or annoying – “there’s a whole new button and it’s just for AI… Ugh,” complains TechRadar techradar.com techradar.com. However, Motorola is trying to differentiate with AI. The Moto AI suite includes features like “Pay Attention” (uses the camera to see if you look away from the screen, and can pause videos or keep the display on when you’re reading – similar to Samsung’s Smart Stay) techradar.com techradar.com. There’s also MotoAI custom wallpaper generator (though one reviewer called it an “offensive image generator” that “spoils the party,” suggesting it might produce weird results) techradar.com. Still, the AI button could be handy in the future if Motorola updates it with more functions. In general use, the Razr is fluid and the UI is optimized for the foldable form. The cover screen runs full Android apps – Motorola worked with developers to ensure apps scale properly on the 4″ display or provide a special interface. It’s quite nifty to use Spotify, Google Maps, or even YouTube on the outer display without opening the phone techradar.com. The Razr also supports split-screen multitasking on the big inner display, and you can drag an app from the inner to the outer display seamlessly (for example, continue navigation on the cover screen). The user experience has been described as “delightful” hothardware.com hothardware.com – being able to quickly interact with the phone when closed, and then opening for a tablet-like experience. Motorola’s approach is about fun and customization: lots of clock styles for the outer screen, Pantone color themes, etc. Plus, you have the classic Moto Display (peek display notifications) on the cover and even on the inner screen’s AOD. One catch: Motorola’s update policy historically lags (likely 3 years OS, 4 years security for this high-end model). That’s decent, but not up to Samsung or Google standards. At least it launched with the latest Android 15, so it’s ahead of the curve there techradar.com.

Samsung Galaxy Z Flip 7: Samsung’s software on foldables is One UI, which is feature-rich and specifically enhanced for folding use. The Flip 7 will likely ship with Android 14 (or 15 if timing is late 2025) and One UI 6 or 7. Key features include Flex Mode – when you partially fold the phone, apps adapt (e.g., camera viewfinder on top half, controls on bottom; YouTube video on top, comments on bottom, etc.). Samsung also has a floating panel for certain apps in Flex Mode and the ability to use the bottom half as a touchpad. The larger cover screen in Flip 7 is expected to get more functionality – One UI has a feature called “Flex Window” for cover display. In Flip 5, it allowed widgets and a few optimized apps. With Flip 7’s 4.1″ cover, rumors suggest you’ll be able to run more apps fully (similar to Moto). In fact, Good Lock (Samsung’s customization app) already allowed launching any app on Flip 5’s cover; perhaps Samsung will enable that natively now. Tom’s Guide references a “Now Bar” in One UI 8 beta on the Galaxy S25, possibly hinting at new UI elements for foldables too howtogeek.com. Samsung’s software strengths are in multitasking and polish: expect App Continuity (when you open the phone, the app from cover transitions smoothly to the big screen in the corresponding app view), easy split-screen (swipe gestures or Edge Panel to run two apps), and Drag and Drop between apps (great for moving a photo from Gallery to a message, for example). Samsung also bundles a lot of goodies: Samsung Pay, Secure Folder, DeX (though DeX might not be on the Flip, it’s usually on Fold). The Flip 7 will have the usual Samsung AI features like Scene Optimizer in camera, Bixby (if you choose to use it) or now one can use Google Assistant instead, and text extraction from images, etc. Samsung’s partnership with Microsoft also means great integration of Office and multi-app productivity. They even added the Google Meet live sharing stuff (like share your screen or watch videos together). One unique rumor: Samsung might introduce an AI-powered photo editing feature similar to Google’s Magic Editor to keep up with Pixel, but not confirmed. On the update policy, Samsung offers one of the best: 4 OS version updates and 5 years security patches for flagships. The Flip 7 will benefit from that, likely getting updates through Android 18 or 19. That’s almost as good as Google’s 7 years (though Google’s extra years might mostly be security after year 5). Day-to-day, One UI is smooth and Samsung has optimized animations better in recent versions. One writer did worry that Samsung might “make a big mistake” by not innovating enough in Flip 7 software, specifically that they shouldn’t rely only on hardware tweaks tomsguide.com. But given Samsung’s track record, the Flip 7’s UX will be refined. Using cover screen widgets, using the phone half-folded as a camcorder (that “camcorder mode” is a fun Flip trick), all contribute to a versatile experience. Samsung also has a large foldable user base, so many third-party apps have adapted to One UI foldable features. In essence, Samsung’s software is all about maximizing what you can do with a flip phone – from quick replies on the cover to flexing it as a mini laptop or camera stand.

Google Pixel 9 Pro Fold: The Pixel foldable provides a pure Google software experience, enhanced with Pixel-exclusive features and AI. It launched on Android 14 (and was among the first to get Android 15 soon after, as Google promised) androidauthority.com. The UI is similar to a Pixel phone on the outside screen – clean Material You design, helpful at-a-glance widgets – and on the big screen, Google has optimized core apps for tablet view. For example, Gmail, Photos, and YouTube on the 8″ interior use a two-pane layout (like tablet versions) which is fantastic for productivity. The Pixel Fold also supports split-screen multitasking: you can drag an app to one side and open another on the other side, effectively running two full-size phone apps side by side. The larger screen makes this much more usable than on the narrow Z Fold earlier gens. Google’s approach is about seamless transitions – e.g., start Google Maps on the outer screen, unfold and the map instantly expands full-screen inside. One area Pixel excels is continuity of features: you can start a video call on the inner screen and if you partially fold the device, it seamlessly switches cameras to keep you in frame (the inner vs outer selfie). The Pixel 9 Pro Fold also introduced two exclusive software features at launch: one for parents and one for sports fans androidauthority.com androidauthority.com. We mentioned “Made You Look” – an adorable feature that plays an animated character on the cover screen (facing your subject) while using the rear camera, to attract a child’s attention so they look at the camera lens androidauthority.com. This is a clever use of the Fold’s form factor – essentially acting like a built-in puppeteer for kid photos! The second is a YouTube TV multi-view feature: on the big 8″ display, you can watch up to four live streams at once in a 2×2 grid androidauthority.com androidauthority.com. This is tailored for sports fans who might want to follow multiple games or camera angles simultaneously – something impractical on a normal phone, but perfect on a tablet-like foldable androidauthority.com. Google boasts this “wouldn’t be possible on any other form factor” and indeed it’s like having a mini sports bar TV wall in your hand androidauthority.com. These kinds of features show Google leveraging the big screen and their software prowess. Additionally, the Pixel comes with the full suite of Pixel AI features: the Gemini AI (likely referring to the new large model powering Assistant and on-device features) is integrated. There’s presumably next-gen Assistant with Bard-like capabilities in development (Google hinted at a more powerful AI Assistant on Pixel phones soon). For now, Pixel 9 Pro Fold has things like Call Screen, Magic Eraser and Magic Editor for photos, Direct My Call (which shows phone menu options transcribed when dialing 1-800 numbers), Recorder app with Speaker Labels, etc. It’s an AI powerhouse. And because the Pixel has 7 years of updates androidauthority.com, we can expect it to gain new AI-driven features over time (Google often drops Feature Drops). One caveat: as Android Authority’s hands-on said, Google positions the Pixel Fold as the “ultimate pro phone” but didn’t fully deliver on some expectations – “so-so camera specs, a cover display that matches the lowest-end Pixel 9, and two exclusive features that will only be useful to very specific users… ‘ultimate pro phone’? It decidedly is not.” androidauthority.com androidauthority.com. The critique is that Google could have gone further – e.g., include all Pixel 9 Pro XL camera hardware, faster charging, etc., but chose a balanced approach. However, from a software standpoint, Pixel 9 Pro Fold is pleasure to use. The Verge gave it an 8/10, applauding that “Google nailed the hardware” and the experience is so good that “if you’re feeling adventurous (and can stomach $1,800), you should probably spend it on this phone. It’s that good.” theverge.com theverge.com. The feeling of using a Pixel foldable, with its smooth UI and clever features, is one of novelty turning into normalcy – “imagine, I forget I’m using a folding phone for stretches of time,” The Verge says theverge.com. That’s a testament to how well the software is integrated: the device doesn’t force you to think about it being a foldable – it just flexibly adapts to your needs.

In summary on software: Motorola keeps it simple and fun, with a few new AI tricks and full app freedom on the cover – it’s a streamlined, gesture-friendly experience techradar.com. Samsung’s One UI is feature-packed and highly optimized for foldable mechanics (multi-window, Flex mode) – a power user’s toolkit with a consistent update track record. Google’s Pixel Fold software is clean and AI-enhanced, turning the foldable into a productivity and creativity machine (7 years of polish incoming). All three run Android well, but your preference may lean on whether you like stockish Android (Moto/Pixel) or Samsung’s ecosystem. Also consider app optimization: Pixel and Samsung have the advantage that many apps (especially tablet versions) are optimized for their form factors (Google has been pushing developers via Android 12L/13/14 to support large screens). Motorola’s flip doesn’t need tablet UIs, but its cover screen relies on apps scaling to a weird 1:1-ish aspect – Motorola likely uses a compatibility mode for apps that don’t natively support that, but nearly all apps do work on the Razr’s external display techradar.com. So you’re not losing functionality either way.

Price & Availability

Motorola Razr Ultra (2025): The Razr Ultra comes with a true “Ultra” price tag. It starts at $1,299 in the US for the base model with 512GB storage and 16GB RAM techradar.com techradar.com. In the UK it’s £1,099 (512GB) techradar.com. There’s also a 1TB model (U.S. only) for an extra ~$200, which Motorola even offered as a free upgrade at launch for early buyers techradar.com techradar.com. That pricing puts it on par with some flagship slab phones (Galaxy S25 Ultra territory) and more expensive than Samsung’s flip, which is a bold move by Motorola. “That’s like, Galaxy Ultra territory – a lot of money for a phone,” remarks The Verge theverge.com theverge.com. Indeed, the Razr Ultra is $600 pricier than the base Razr (2025) model, which itself is $699, as noted in a review hothardware.com hothardware.com. So Motorola now has a range: a budget Razr (2025) at ~$699, a mid Razr+ at $999, and the Ultra at $1,299. The Ultra positions itself as the no-compromise flip, and arguably, with its specs and unique materials, they justify a higher price than Samsung Flip. Will consumers agree? Hard to say, but Motorola likely isn’t shipping Razr Ultra in Apple/Samsung volumes; it’s more niche/luxury. Availability: Motorola announced the Razr Ultra (also called Razr 60 Ultra in some markets) at an April 24, 2025 event tomsguide.com, and it went on sale by early May 2025 (Amazon lists first availability May 7, 2025 amazon.com). It’s available unlocked from Motorola and retail partners like Amazon (as seen above) and Best Buy bestbuy.com, and through carriers in some regions (in 2023, the Razr+ was carried by T-Mobile in the US; likely similar for 2025 Ultra, but it might be more limited). In Europe and Asia, it’s branded as Razr 60 Ultra and should be available in those markets by summer 2025. Limited edition materials (wood, Alcantara) might have limited stock, so those interested should grab it early. Also, expect occasional promos – Motorola often gives freebies or bundles (e.g., free storage upgrade, or buy a Razr get earbuds free, etc.). The longevity of support might affect value – with 3 years OS updates, one could argue $1299 is steep if you value long-term software, but many buying this are doing so for style and immediate utility.

Samsung Galaxy Z Flip 7: Samsung tends to hold the line on pricing for its Flip series. The Flip 6 launched at $1,099 (increased $100 over Flip 5’s $999), and rumors are mixed on Flip 7’s price. Tom’s Guide notes: “The starting price may remain at $1,099, though there is the possibility of a price drop” tomsguide.com tomsguide.com. One European rumor claims Flip 7 will cost €100 less than its predecessor in Europe tomsguide.com tomsguide.com. That could translate to maybe a $999 starting price if Samsung decides to aggressively push foldables. On the other hand, another rumor floated a €100 increase – so clearly nothing confirmed tomsguide.com tomsguide.com. Considering component costs and competition, our guess: Samsung will try to at least hold at $1,099 for the base 256GB model, if not drop to $999 to undercut Motorola. Samsung also might introduce that rumored Flip 7 FE at a lower price point (perhaps $799-$899) to capture more market, but that would have lower specs. For now, assume ~$1,099. Samsung often has pre-order deals (trade-in credits, free case or upgrade, etc.). Availability: The Galaxy Z Flip 7 is expected to be unveiled at Samsung’s next Galaxy Unpacked dedicated to foldables. In past years, that was in August. But there are hints Samsung might reveal it earlier in 2025 (there was mention of “Ultra Unfolds” event in some sources). One Tom’s Guide piece from April 2025 was already comparing Flip 7 vs Flip 6 and talking about Unpacked leaks tomsguide.com, so possibly a mid-2025 launch. Whenever it comes, Samsung will release it globally: unlocked and via all major carriers. In the US, AT&T, Verizon, T-Mobile will carry it (often with promotions, like “free Flip with trade-in” or BOGO deals). Samsung’s foldables are widely available in Europe and Asia as well, typically within a couple weeks of announcement. They come in multiple colors (some exclusive to Samsung’s online store). By 2025, foldables are mainstream enough that you can expect to find the Flip 7 in carrier stores next to iPhones.

One more factor: resale/trade-in values. Samsung devices tend to have good trade-in offers (like trading a Flip 6 might give you a big discount on Flip 7). Motorola and Google may not hold value or offer as strong trade deals. For instance, Google had to discount the first Pixel Fold by $600 off within months youtube.com, and indeed we saw Pixel 9 Pro Fold on sale for $1199 (=$600 off) in some promotions theverge.com theverge.com. Samsung flips also see discounts but usually later in cycle. This could influence the effective price one pays.

Google Pixel 9 Pro Fold: Google launched this at a wallet-whopping $1,799 for the 256GB model androidauthority.com androidauthority.com. That matches the original Pixel Fold and is basically the same as Samsung’s large Z Fold series pricing. It’s clear Google considers the Fold a halo device (low volume, high price). The 512GB variant was around $1,919 (so about $120 extra) store.google.com store.google.com. However, the Pixel 9 Pro Fold has seen aggressive discounts. Just as the Pixel 9 Pro phones dropped in price a few months after launch, the Fold did too. By early 2025 (right before Pixel 9 Fold launch?), there were deals with $600 off – bringing it to ~$1,199 youtube.com youtube.com. This was likely to spur adoption and clear inventory ahead of Pixel’s next. Google also offered incentives like a free Pixel Watch or the 1-year Google One AI Premium subscription bundled (which includes extra storage and access to AI features) store.google.com store.google.com. The Verge noted: “The Pixel 9 Pro Fold was a big leap forward… and looks and feels like a … it’s now $600 off ahead of the new model’s debut” theverge.com theverge.com, suggesting that by the time Pixel 10 series or a hypothetical Pixel Fold 10 comes, the 9 Pro Fold gets heavy promos. Availability: The Pixel 9 Pro Fold was announced at Google’s fall hardware event (Made by Google) on October 4, 2024, alongside the Pixel 9 and 9 Pro, per Android Authority’s timeline androidauthority.com. It became available soon after via the Google Store, and through select carriers like Verizon (in the US) and maybe EE/Vodafone in UK, etc. Google doesn’t have as wide carrier distribution – in the US, Verizon and maybe AT&T carried the first Fold, and Google Fi sells it unlocked. It’s also sold in limited countries: US, UK, Canada, Germany, Japan, maybe France/Australia. It’s notably absent in many markets (India, etc., where Samsung sells foldables widely). So availability is more constrained. Stock of certain configurations (like 512GB Porcelain) could also be limited. But you can always order from Google’s site. With 7-year support, the Pixel 9 Pro Fold is an investment – Google is clearly playing up that you can use this device for years to come (which somewhat offsets the high price for those who keep phones long). Still, $1,799 is a tough sell when Samsung’s more refined large Fold (Fold 6/7) might be around similar cost, and when flips are much cheaper. The Pixel Fold line might remain niche unless prices drop significantly or carriers push it with financing deals.

Competitors pricing note: It’s useful to compare that Samsung’s Galaxy Z Fold 6 (2024) was about $1,799 as well, and a potential Z Fold 7 (2025) would likely be similar or a tad more. Those are bigger devices though. Also, there are Chinese foldables (Honor Magic V3 launched at ~$1,250 in China) that undercut these prices, but they aren’t sold in the US. If Apple releases an iPhone Flip or Fold in 2026, expect a high price (likely $1,499+ given Apple’s premium). So currently, among these three: Samsung Flip is the most affordable (around $1k), Motorola Ultra a bit more ($1.3k), and Pixel Fold the priciest ($1.8k).

For what you pay: Razr Ultra gives you the most style and fastest charging, Flip 7 gives you Samsung’s polish and support at a slightly lower price, Pixel Fold gives you unmatched functionality (but at nearly foldable+flip combined price). A Tom’s Guide editor candidly said after testing the Pixel Fold: “the Pixel 9 Pro XL costs $700 less and will likely give you a better camera experience, nearly all the same software features, and will even charge faster” androidauthority.com androidauthority.com – highlighting the value concern. It echoes the sentiment: you pay a steep premium for folding. However, prices will likely soften with time and competition.

Below is a summary table of core specifications and differentiators for these devices:

Table Notes: All devices have 5G (Sub6; Flip/Pivot also mmWave on some models), Wi-Fi 6E/7 support (Pixel and Samsung mention Wi-Fi 7 androidauthority.com, Moto likely Wi-Fi 7 too as per HotHardware hothardware.com), Bluetooth 5.3/5.4, NFC for payments, and stereo speakers. None have a 3.5mm jack (Amazon’s spec listing for Razr erroneously had “Audio Jack 3.5mm” which is likely a mistake amazon.com – no flip has a headphone jack). All use USB-C ports (USB 3.2 on Pixel for video-out support, USB 2.0 on many flips). Biometric security: Razr and Flip use side-mounted fingerprint scanners (in power button) androidauthority.com, Pixel Fold uses a similar side scanner plus face unlock (camera-based) androidauthority.com. None have expandable storage, as noted.

Other Upcoming Foldables & Future Outlook

The foldable phone arena is heating up beyond just Motorola, Samsung, and Google. Samsung itself has a bigger sibling to the Flip: the Galaxy Z Fold 7 is expected later on, bringing a book-style foldable to compete directly with Pixel Fold. Rumors for the Z Fold 7 point to an even thinner design (possibly adopting some of the Pixel’s slimness), and camera upgrades – one leak suggests it might get a larger main sensor (maybe 1-inch class) to truly challenge slab phones phonearena.com. If so, the Z Fold 7 could potentially outdo the Pixel 9 Pro Fold’s camera, though Android Central mused it “seems unlikely Samsung will top the Pixel 9 Pro Fold with its upcoming Fold 7” based on current rumors androidcentral.com androidcentral.com. Samsung is also rumored to be exploring foldable tablets or even a tri-fold device, but those are farther out. Meanwhile, Apple looms on the horizon. While Apple hasn’t launched a foldable yet, credible reports suggest Cupertino is testing foldable concepts. Analysts like Jeff Pu and Mark Gurman forecast a 2026 launch for Apple’s first foldables – possibly a foldable iPad and a foldable “iPhone Flip” phone tomsguide.com tomsguide.com. The so-called iPhone Flip (if it arrives) would instantly become a major competitor – likely a polished clamshell with iOS optimizations and Apple’s silicon. However, it’s not expected until at least the iPhone 17 or 18 cycle (mid-decade) tomsguide.com tomsguide.com. Apple tends to enter late but strong, so all eyes are on them for 2026.

Other Android players are already in the game: OnePlus joined in late 2023 with the OnePlus Open, a book-style foldable (basically a rebadged Oppo Find N3) that earned praise for its thin design and excellent cameras. Priced around $1,499, the OnePlus Open undercuts Google’s Pixel Fold and offers a nearly crease-free 7.8″ display plus a useful 6.3″ outer screen (similar to Pixel’s dimensions). OnePlus might follow up with a flip phone as well – there are rumors of a OnePlus Flip in development, which could debut in 2024/25 to challenge the Razr and Z Flip. Xiaomi, OPPO, HONOR, and Huawei have been innovating rapidly in foldables (though mainly in China). HONOR’s latest Magic V3 achieved an astonishingly slim design (just ~9.2mm thick folded, 4.7mm unfolded) and packs a 5,150 mAh battery techgoondu.com techgoondu.com. It currently holds the crown as the thinnest foldable, showing what’s possible when design is pushed (albeit it’s not available in the US). Xiaomi Mix Fold 3 and OPPO Find N3 have also impressed with their camera quality and lack of display crease. These Chinese brands often offer foldables at lower prices – for example, Magic V3 starts around ~$1,250 in China reads.alibaba.com – indicating that as technology matures, prices can come down.

We’re also seeing experimentation in new form factors: rollable phones (e.g., Motorola’s rollable concept “Rizr” that extends the display) and slide-out screens are being prototyped. No major commercial release of those yet, but perhaps late 2025 or 2026 could see a rollable phone from Motorola or TCL.

For the companies in question: Motorola seems committed to the Razr line – 2025 brought three models, and they might continue that multi-tier approach. We could anticipate a Razr (2026) Ultra with further refinements (maybe even a foldable Razr tablet someday, or a rollable Razr – Lenovo showed rollable concepts under the Motorola brand). Samsung will keep iterating annually on both Flip and Fold. They’re rumored to possibly add an S Pen slot in a future Z Fold (maybe Fold 7 or 8) to appeal to Note enthusiasts, and possibly a new “Fold Ultra” line was speculated but nothing concrete yet tomsguide.com tomsguide.com. There’s also talk of Samsung exploring dual-folding devices (a phone that folds in two places) – prototypes have been shown, but no product announced. Google will likely wait to see how Pixel 9 Pro Fold is received; if positive, a third-gen Pixel 10 Fold in a couple of years could happen, perhaps with a Tensor G5 and further reduced bezels or a different size (some wonder if Google might try a clamshell Pixel in the future too, but no solid rumors of a Pixel Flip yet).

In summary, the foldable market circa 2025 is vibrant: we have ultra-premium flips like the Razr Ultra and Galaxy Flip 7 battling on design and features, Google pushing the envelope on software with Pixel Fold, and numerous others entering the fray. Consumers stand to benefit as competition drives innovation (better hinges, better cameras, new form factors) and eventually more affordable options. It’s telling that even Fan Edition foldables (lower-cost models) and older generation discounts are becoming available, suggesting foldables are slowly but surely going mainstream.

Bottom Line: The Motorola Razr Ultra (2025), Galaxy Z Flip 7, and Pixel 9 Pro Fold each target a slightly different audience within the foldable space. The Razr Ultra is all about style, a big cover screen, and finally no compromises in performance – it’s the flip phone lover’s dream, albeit at a high price techradar.com techradar.com. The Galaxy Z Flip 7 refines the proven formula of Samsung’s flips with a larger outer display and expected solid upgrades, likely maintaining the Flip’s status as the most practical and popular foldable flip (plus Samsung’s ecosystem and support) tomsguide.com tomsguide.com. And the Pixel 9 Pro Fold stands as the productivity powerhouse, “a beautiful, high-powered foldable that brings the best of Google’s AI” to a versatile form factor androidauthority.com androidauthority.com – it’s basically a Pixel Pro you can unfold into a tablet, with all the pros and cons that entails. As one reviewer put it, “What Google wants the Pixel 9 Pro Fold to be is not what it actually is, but it’s a step in the right direction.” androidauthority.com androidauthority.com That sentiment could apply to foldables in general – they aren’t perfect yet, but they have come a long way.

In 2025, choosing between these devices comes down to your priorities: If you crave pocketable flair and a cutting-edge flip phone experience, the Motorola Razr Ultra (2025) won’t disappoint – it “earns every penny” of its premium price by overcoming past flip phone excuses (battery, cameras, performance) techradar.com techradar.com. If you prefer a trusted brand, polished multitasking features, and a (slightly) lower price, the Galaxy Z Flip 7 is the safe bet – Samsung’s seventh-gen foldable will be refined and reliable, and likely the easiest to get serviced or accessorized. And if you’re an early adopter who wants the ultimate do-it-all device, the Pixel 9 Pro Fold offers a uniquely Google experience – it’s like having a Pixel phone and an Pixel Tablet in one, with the caveat of a steep cost.

One thing is certain: foldables are no longer a futuristic gimmick – they’re here, and they’re getting really good. As The Verge aptly says about the Pixel Fold, “Everything is the way it should be” theverge.com. That’s a thrilling place to be for tech enthusiasts. Whether you go with Motorola’s stylish flip, Samsung’s tried-and-true foldable, or Google’s AI-infused tablet-phone, you’ll be holding a piece of the future – a smartphone that literally bends to your needs.

Sources:

• TechRadar – “Motorola Razr Ultra 2025 review: it answers every excuse not to buy one (yes, even yours)” techradar.com techradar.com techradar.com techradar.com techradar.com
• Tom’s Guide – “Motorola Razr Plus 2025 — 7 biggest rumored upgrades” tomsguide.com tomsguide.com tomsguide.com tomsguide.com tomsguide.com
• Tom’s Guide – “Samsung Galaxy Z Flip 7 rumors — everything we know so far” tomsguide.com tomsguide.com tomsguide.com tomsguide.com tomsguide.com tomsguide.com tomsguide.com
• Android Authority – “Pixel 9 Pro Fold hands-on: Google nailed it” androidauthority.com androidauthority.com androidauthority.com androidauthority.com androidauthority.com androidauthority.com
• The Verge – “Google Pixel 9 Pro Fold review: in great shape” theverge.com theverge.com theverge.com theverge.com
• DXOMark – “Google Pixel 9 Pro Fold Camera test” dxomark.com dxomark.com
• HotHardware – “Moto Razr Ultra (2025) Review: A Masterful Folding Flip Phone” hothardware.com hothardware.com hothardware.com hothardware.com
• Tom’s Guide – “7 ways Galaxy Z Flip 7 beats Razr Ultra (2025)” (analysis of features, Apr 2025) hothardware.com tomsguide.com
• Tom’s Guide – “iPhone Flip — all the iPhone Fold rumors so far” tomsguide.com tomsguide.com
• Android Central – “Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 7 vs. Google Pixel 9 Pro Fold” (preview comparison) androidcentral.com
• The Verge – “Motorola’s new Razr Ultra brings the wood back panel back” theverge.com theverge.com
• Android Police – “I don’t know who the Motorola Razr Ultra is for” (opinion on target audience) techradar.com
• Tom’s Guide – “I’ve been testing the Motorola Razr Plus (2025) and I don’t understand why it exists” (commentary on lineup) androidauthority.com androidauthority.com
• The Verge – “The Pixel 9 Pro Fold is $600 off ahead of the new model’s debut” theverge.com