Motorola Razr 40 Ultra vs Galaxy Z Flip & The Foldable Phone Wars of 2025

Key Takeaways

• Motorola’s comeback flip: The Motorola Razr 40 Ultra (aka Razr+ 2023 in the US) reboots the iconic Razr as a modern foldable flip phone with a huge 3.6-inch external display, improved hinge (minimal gap when closed), and solid battery life – finally offering Samsung real competition in the flip-phone space. However, its 2023 model launched with last-gen silicon (Snapdragon 8+ Gen 1) and good-not-great cameras, reflecting the familiar compromises of first-wave foldables.
• Samsung Galaxy Z Flip gets stronger: Samsung’s flip series remains the Razr’s biggest rival. The Galaxy Z Flip5 (2023) matched the Razr with its own large cover screen (3.4-inch) and newer Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 chip, while the Galaxy Z Flip6 (2024) further upped the ante with a faster Snapdragon 8 Gen 3, a new 50 MP main camera (vs. 12 MP before), and a slightly larger battery – though it debuted at a higher $1,099 starting price(+$100 over the Flip5). Samsung’s flips also boast the only IPX8 water resistance among flip foldables (though still no dust-proofing).
• Chinese challengers push innovation: Foldable flip phones from Oppo, Huawei, Honor, and others are rapidly advancing. The Oppo Find N3 Flip (late 2023) introduced the first triple-camera setup on a flip (50 MP main + 48 MP ultrawide + 32 MP tele) and packs a class-leading 4,300 mAh battery. Huawei’s Pocket 2 (2024) one-upped rivals with five cameras (including a telephoto and even a UV sensor) on a petite 1.1-inch cover screen, though it runs a 7nm Kirin chipset due to sanctions. Honor’s new Magic V Flip 2 (2025) sports a whopping 200 MP main camera and a 5,500 mAh battery – the largest ever in a clamshell foldable – aiming to “steal the Galaxy Z Flip7’s sparkle” in its domestic market. Most Chinese foldables remain China-only (at launch), but they underscore how quickly specs and designs are evolving.
• Specs at a glance – Razr vs rivals: Motorola’s Razr 40 Ultra features a 6.9-inch folding OLED (165 Hz) and a class-leading 3.6-inch external screen ^[1]. By comparison, Samsung’s flips use a 6.7-inch internal display and 3.4-inch cover. In 2023 the Razr’s Snapdragon 8+ Gen1 trailed the Galaxy Z Flip5’s newer chip, but Motorola’s 2024 Razr 50 Ultra refresh leveled up to the latest Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 for parity. Flip-style foldables generally have dual cameras (often a standard wide + ultrawide around 12–50 MP each), except Oppo’s and Huawei’s which add a tele lens. Battery sizes range ~3,800 mAh (Razr) up to 4,300–5,500 mAh in the newest Chinese models, reflecting a focus on improving endurance. The table below compares key specs:

Samsung’s cover display runs at 60 Hz on the Z Flip5; Flip6 refresh rate not officially stated.

• Usability and software: The Razr’s massive cover screen is a differentiator – Motorola lets it run full Android apps and even a keyboard without opening the phone ^[3]. This “Quick View” external UI makes the Razr more useful when closed, a philosophy Samsung adopted in the Flip5/6 (which added widgets and full app support on the cover). Flex-mode software (splitting the screen for hands-free use at half-fold) is now standard on Samsung and Motorola devices. All foldables run Android, often with custom tweaks: e.g. Moto’s MyUX and Samsung’s One UI offer multitasking enhancements for the small folding form factor. One lingering quirk is the display creaseat the fold – much improved from early models, but still visible/tangible on all current devices. Hinge engineering (like Motorola’s teardrop hinge and Samsung’s new Flex hinge) has reduced the crease and eliminated hinge gaps, improving durability and aesthetics. Still, long-term durability remains a consumer concern: the foldable screens use ultra-thin glass and plastic layers that aren’t as hard as traditional screens, and water/dust resistance is limited (Samsung leads with water-proofing, while others like Motorola only claim IP52 splash resistance ^[4]).
• Pricing & availability: Foldable flips command premium prices around $900–$1,100 at launch, though Motorola shook things up by offering the mid-range Razr 40 (2023) at £799 in Europe – one of the cheapest modern foldables. Samsung’s Z Flip remains the global bestseller, widely available across North America, Europe, and Asia with aggressive trade-in deals. Motorola’s Razr+ launched in the US (Verizon exclusive initially) and Europe, giving consumers a Samsung alternative in those markets. Chinese brands like Oppo, Vivo, Huawei, and Honor mostly sell domestically (China) or in limited regions – for example, Oppo’s Find N2 Flip saw a limited global release (Europe/India), but Huawei’s and Honor’s flips have yet to launch globally (partly due to the lack of Google services on Huawei). In the U.S., Samsung and Motorola are essentially your only options for flip-style foldables as of 2025, with Google, OnePlus, and Apple notably absent (so far) from the flip phone arena. Competition is set to intensify as more players eye this segment.

Motorola Razr Revival: Design & Features

Motorola’s Razr 40 Ultra is a nostalgia-packed head-turner that marries the classic Razr flip ethos with modern tech. Its design notably features a 3.6-inch full-color outer display that covers nearly the entire front when folded, wrapping around the dual cameras. This is significantly larger than the tiny notification screens on earlier flips (and even a hair bigger than Samsung’s 3.4-inch cover on the Z Flip5/6). Tech Advisor praised the Razr 40 Ultra as “totally unique among flip phones (for now)” due to this oversized external display, saying you can do far more without opening the phone. From checking messages, running full apps, to even watching videos on the outside, the Razr’s design emphasizes usability when closed.

Open it up, and you get a 6.9-inch pOLED flexible screen with FHD+ resolution and an ultra-smooth 165 Hz refresh rate ^[5]. Motorola’s new hinge design allows the device to fold completely flat with no wedge gap between halves. The hinge uses a teardrop mechanism (where the display forms a gentle loop when closed) to minimize the crease. While a crease is still visible under certain angles, reviewers note it’s less pronounced than on early foldables. The Razr 40 Ultra is also relatively slim (15.1 mm when shut) and light (188 g), with a polished aluminum frame and either glass or vegan leather back finishes (the Viva Magenta color even uses a grippy vegan leather texture). It carries an IP52 rating – meaning it’s protected against dust to some degree and dripping water, but not submersible ^[6]. This is a step behind the IPX8 water resistance that Samsung offers (the Razr can survive rain or splashes, but you shouldn’t dunk it).

Motorola’s design choices clearly took inspiration from Samsung’s successes – the Razr 40 Ultra trades the flashy retro chin and curves of earlier Razr models for a more squared-off, minimal look that’s eerily similar to the Galaxy Z Flip line. As one reviewer put it, Motorola “let go of the Razr V3’s sharp-edged nostalgia” in favor of a comfortable, practical design that fits modern tastes (even if it’s “a little less unique”). The end result is a flip phone that feels refined and premium, finally on par with its Samsung rival in build quality. In fact, Expert Reviews declared the Razr 40 Ultra “the closest any brand has come to knocking Samsung off the top spot” in foldable flips.

That said, one hallmark of the classic Razr did return: style. Motorola offers the Razr 40 Ultra in bold colors like Viva Magenta (developed with Pantone), and the device just exudes a cool factor. As Tech Advisor noted, this is the first Razr revival that truly “captures the charm and cool factor of the original noughties flip phone”, while packing modern Android capabilities. It’s a marriage of retro flair and cutting-edge design – which is exactly Motorola’s intent. “There could be a bit of nostalgia, but some fundamental consumer problems are being solved in terms of size and pocketability,”said Motorola’s design chief Ruben Castano, emphasizing that foldables merge the best of traditional phone design (compactness) with modern large screens. In his view, a flip phone is “a traditional smartphone that magically folds in half so it’s easy to carry, but still allows you to access the content”, which is why this form factor works.

Performance & Software: Does the Razr Match Up?

One of the Razr 40 Ultra’s few criticisms at launch was its choice of processor. It shipped with Qualcomm’s Snapdragon 8+ Gen 1 (a very capable 4 nm chip from mid-2022), paired with 8 GB RAM and 256 GB storage. Performance-wise, this was plenty fast for everyday use – the Razr feels “nippy and responsive” in apps and multitasking. But competing flagships in late 2023 were already moving to the newer Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 (as used in the Galaxy Z Flip5). Benchmarks reflected this gap: in CPU tests the Razr 40 Ultra lagged ~12–25% behind Samsung’s Z Flip5. In real terms, that means the Razr handles social media, web, and casual games with ease, but power users might notice slightly slower crunching in heavy tasks or a lower ceiling in GPU-intensive gaming compared to the latest Galaxy flips. On the plus side, Motorola’s software is very close to stock Android (with light UI tweaks), which keeps the experience smooth and free of bloat.

Motorola has since caught up – the 2024 Razr 50 Ultra refresh moved to the Snapdragon 8 Gen 3, giving it the same top-tier chip as Samsung’s Flip6/7. In fact, Motorola touts it as “the most powerful flip phone” with a 3 nm Snapdragon 8 “Elite” Gen 3 platform. This leap brings the Razr fully into flagship territory on performance. It also bumps RAM to 12 GB, ensuring plenty of headroom for future updates (Motorola promises 3 years of OS upgrades on the Razr line, and 4 years of security patches).

In day-to-day use, the Razr’s performance is snappy. Apps open quickly, UI animations are fluid (helped by that 165 Hz display), and the phone adeptly handles split-screen multitasking or the occasional Dex-like “Ready For” desktop mode on an external monitor. Thermal management is decent – the thin device can get warm under stress (as can all foldables, given the compact build), but there’s no alarming throttling reported in reviews. Motorola also finally added 5W wireless charging on the Razr 40 Ultra (a first for Moto foldables), complementing its 30W wired fast charging. This lags behind the 44–80W chargers of some Chinese rivals, but still refuels the 3,800 mAh battery to 50% in ~25–30 minutes.

Speaking of battery: the Razr 40 Ultra impressed reviewers with improved endurance. In a looping video test it lasted 21 hours 35 minutes, among the best seen on a flip phone (only slightly behind the Galaxy Z Flip5). This is likely due to both the efficient Snapdragon 8+ chip and Moto’s decision to use a slightly larger battery than Samsung (3,800 mAh vs. 3,700 in Flip5). Battery life, historically a weakness for the petite flip form factor, is gradually improving across the board. Where the original 2020 Razr struggled to make it through a workday, the Razr 40 Ultra and contemporaries like the Z Flip5 can achieve all-day use under moderate loads. Chinese flips go even further: the Oppo Find N2/N3 Flip and Vivo X Flip pack ~4,300–4,400 mAh batteries – a 20% capacity advantage that can translate to 1.5+ days of use on a charge. And now Honor’s Magic V Flip 2, with 5,500 mAh, is pushing endurance into new territory (that’s approaching the battery size of some non-folding phones!).

On the software side, the Razr runs a clean Android build (Android 13 out of the box for the 2023 model). Motorola’s additions include the “Quick View” external display interface – effectively a secondary launcher for the cover screen with panels for weather, music, notifications, and a special optimized selection of apps. At launch, not every app was fully optimized for the odd aspect ratio of the Razr’s cover (which is almost square). Some reviewers noted a bit of quirkiness with the outer screen software and hoped for fine-tuning. Motorola has since pushed updates to improve external display app compatibility. You can now run apps like Google Maps, YouTube, messaging apps, etc., on the cover screen fairly comfortably, which turns the Razr into a mini smartphone when closed. Samsung’s cover display on the Flip5/6 similarly allows apps, but with a smaller screen and more letterboxing (since it’s not as large or aspect-neutral as the Razr’s). In short, Motorola’s approach to software maximizes the Razr’s hardware advantages.

Both Motorola and Samsung support a flex mode that splits the interface when the phone is half-open (e.g. video on the top half, controls on the bottom). Third-party app support for flex mode is growing – YouTube, Zoom, Instagram and others have layout optimizations for foldables. Even without explicit support, you can use multi-window or panel controls to make any app use the half-screen (Samsung’s One UI offers a “flex mode panel” with media controls, etc., for unsupported apps). Motorola’s lighter UI doesn’t have as many bells and whistles as Samsung’s, but it keeps things intuitive. One neat Razr trick: you can set custom gestures for the flip, like chopping twice to turn on the flashlight or twisting to quick-launch the camera – classic Moto features that continue here.

Camera Comparison: Finding the Flip with the Best Shot

Cameras have been an area where flip-style foldables traditionally lag behind flagship slab phones. Limited by size and thickness, flips use smaller sensors and fewer lenses than, say, a Galaxy S or iPhone. Motorola’s Razr 40 Ultra, for example, carries a 12 MP main camera (f/1.5 with OIS) and a 13 MP ultrawide (f/2.2) with macro capability, plus a 32 MP selfie camera inside. The choice of a 12 MP primary was interesting given the prior Razr (2022) had a 50 MP sensor – Motorola opted for larger pixels (1.4µm) on a lower megapixel sensor to improve low-light performance, rather than chasing resolution. In practice, reviewers found the Razr’s cameras to be decent but not class-leading: “good, but not great” as Tech Advisor put it. Shots in daylight are generally vibrant and sharp, with the Razr’s image processing leaning towards punchy colors. The f/1.5 aperture helps in low light, producing brighter images than the Razr 2022 could, though fine detail can’t match the 50+ MP competitors. The ultrawide is serviceable, doubling for macro shots, but again 13 MP is on the lower end today.

Samsung’s Galaxy Z Flip series, meanwhile, stuck with 12 MP dual cameras for several generations (Flip3,4,5 all had 12 MP wide + 12 MP ultra-wide). Samsung’s image processing is quite mature, so those flips produced reliable results – generally a bit better HDR and night mode than Motorola’s, though still a notch below the Galaxy S series cameras. In 2024, the Galaxy Z Flip6 made a big upgrade to a 50 MP main sensor (likely the same sensor from the Galaxy S23) plus a 12 MP ultrawide. This change dramatically improves detail and dynamic range on Samsung’s flip, likely vaulting it ahead of the Razr’s 12 MP shooter. In fact, on paper the Flip6 now competes with the Oppo Find N3 Flip, which also has a 50 MP main camera (co-developed with Hasselblad tuning) and uniquely adds a 2x telephoto lens (32 MP) for portraits. Oppo’s triple-lens setup is arguably the most versatile among flip phones as of 2023/24 – early impressions note it’s the first flip that doesn’t feel as compromised in camera options.

Huawei’s Pocket 2 goes even further in sheer lens count: it squeezes four cameras on the back – a 40–50 MP class main sensor, a 13 MP ultra-wide, an 8 MP 3x telephoto, and a 2 MP UV sensor (for UV light detection). While that 2 MP UV gimmick is just for niche scenarios (skin health apps, etc.), the presence of a true optical zoom lens is a differentiator – most flip phones have no zoom beyond digital. In practice, Huawei’s image quality is hard to gauge outside China (and without Google services, its reach is limited), but the hardware is flagship-grade. Honor’s Magic V Flip 2, freshly launched, takes a different route: a 200 MP primary camera (with likely pixel-binning to 12.5 or 50 MP outputs) plus a secondary lens (probably ultra-wide). The huge megapixel count suggests Honor is going for marketing swagger and high-resolution detail; reviews say it’s among “the best camera systems in a flip phone”. Still, sensor size and processing matter more than pure megapixels – we’ll have to see real-world results to judge if Honor’s 200 MP translates to a noticeable leap.

Motorola, for its part, knows it’s a bit behind on camera hardware. The Razr 40 Ultra’s results are fine for casual shooting, but enthusiasts will notice the gap. Expert Reviews noted that while Motorola improved low-light performance over the previous gen (thanks to the wider aperture), the Razr’s photos can still be a step behind the Galaxy Z Flip’s, especially in dynamic range and high-contrast scenes. Video on the Razr maxes out at 4K@60fps and was generally sharp, but Motorola oddly dropped 8K recording support that the 2022 Razr had – likely because the 12 MP sensor is lower resolution. Samsung’s flips similarly do 4K60 but no 8K. Stabilization on both is good thanks to OIS and gyro-EIS; you can vlog effectively using the cover screen as a viewfinder on either phone, which is a fun perk of flip phones (using the superior rear cameras for selfies).

In summary, if camera performance is a top priority, foldable flips still involve some trade-offs. They’ve improved to the point that in good lighting you’d be hard-pressed to tell a difference from regular phones – the Razr, Flip, Find N3 Flip can all take beautiful shots in daylight. It’s in low light and versatility that they lag: no flip can match the giant sensors or periscope zooms of the best slab phones. But the gap is closing. As one Reddit user quipped after trying the Razr+, “Possibly the best all-around camera on a clamshell foldable” – praising its balanced performance. And with Samsung and others now throwing larger sensors and even multi-lens setups at flips, we’re approaching a point where a compact foldable doesn’t automatically mean “inferior camera.” For most social-media and everyday needs, these flippable cameras are more than sufficient, and the ability to shoot at waist level or from unique angles using the half-folded phone (tripod mode) even gives creative advantages.

The Competition: How Razr Stacks Up Against Rival Foldables

The foldable market of 2023–2025 is exploding with options, each trying to carve out a niche. Here’s an overview of the Razr’s primary competitors and how they compare:

Samsung Galaxy Z Flip Series: Samsung practically defines the category, with the Z Flip being the best-selling foldable phone globally. The Galaxy Z Flip5 (2023) was the direct rival to the Razr 40 Ultra. It introduced a 3.4-inch cover screen (finally catching up to Motorola’s idea of a larger external display) and runs on the speedy Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 chip. In many ways, Flip5 and Razr Ultra were evenly matched: both ~$1000, both with improved hinges (the Flip5 also closes gapless now) and (for the first time) no obvious durability fails – a far cry from the fragile original Galaxy Fold in 2019. Where Samsung led was software polish and ecosystem: the Flip integrates seamlessly with Galaxy Watches/Buds, continuity with other Samsung devices, and had features like Dex mode support (wired) that the Razr lacked. On the other hand, the Razr’s form-factor tweaks (wider cover screen, taller 165 Hz inner screen) gave it a bit of “wow” factor that even some Samsung fans acknowledged.

By mid-2024, the Galaxy Z Flip6 took back the spotlight with spec upgrades: a more advanced Snapdragon 8 Gen 3, more RAM (up to 12 GB), and the aforementioned 50 MP camera bump. Samsung also slightly increased the battery capacity (reports suggest around 3,900–4,000 mAh) and kept refining the hinge and screen materials. It remains to be seen in long-term use, but Samsung’s extensive R&D in foldables gives it confidence – they famously claimed that by 2025, foldables will make up over half of their premium phone sales, essentially overtaking the Galaxy S series. Dr. TM Roh, Samsung’s mobile chief, has stated “Foldables will become the new standard of smartphones” and that Samsung aims to make them mainstream. Indeed, Samsung is now on its 5th–6th generation foldables, and that maturity shows in things like the Ultra Thin Glass durability (each gen gets a bit stronger), the crease reduction, and overall user experience. For many buyers, the Galaxy Z Flip is the safe, reliable bet – it’s sold globally, has strong after-sales support, and a proven track record. Samsung also benefits from being the only foldable with full IPX8 water resistance, giving peace of mind around pools and bathrooms that no other brand yet offers (waterproofing foldables is hard due to hinges – Samsung cracked it first).

In head-to-head reviews, the Razr 40 Ultra vs Galaxy Z Flip5 contest was very close. The Razr won on display (bigger, faster refresh outside and in) and arguably on battery life; the Galaxy won on performance, camera consistency, and water protection. Expert Reviews summed it up: “The lack of advancement in performance might hold the Razr 40 Ultra back from being our new favourite flip phone… but this is easily the closest any brand has come to knocking Samsung off the top spot.” In other words, Motorola nearly went toe-to-toe with the foldable king. For consumers in 2023, it meant – at last – a real choice in flip phones.

Oppo Find N2 Flip / N3 Flip: Oppo was one of the first Chinese brands to launch a flip internationally (the Find N2 Flip in early 2023). That device undercut Samsung on price and offered the largest battery at the time (4,300 mAh) plus a sizable 3.26″ cover screen, though oriented vertically. Its successor, the Find N3 Flip, debuted in China in late 2023 and globally in fall 2024, refining the formula. The Find N3 Flip’s claim to fame is the triple camera array – no other flip phone offered an optical zoom lens until then. With a 50 MP main, 48 MP ultrawide, and 32 MP telephoto, it aspires to “no compromise” photography in a flip. Oppo even included their signature alert slider on the side of the N3 Flip (a handy toggle switch for silent/vibrate modes, loved by OnePlus users). In terms of build, Oppo’s flips have a less pronounced crease thanks to a teardrop hinge similar to Motorola’s, and they close without a gap. However, they lack any formal IP water resistance rating. The Find N3 Flip runs on a flagship-grade MediaTek Dimensity 9200 chipset, so performance is on par with Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 devices – snappy and smooth.

One downside for Western users: availability. The Find N3 Flip’s global rollout has been limited; Oppo did launch it in markets like India (for ~₹94,999) and some parts of Europe, but there’s no North American presence. Oppo’s strategy seems to test the waters outside China cautiously. Still, in regions where it’s sold, the N3 Flip often undercuts Samsung on price while offering more features (the India price, equivalent to around $1150, included high-end specs of 12 GB RAM/256 GB). If Motorola’s Razr is the stylish alternative to Samsung, Oppo’s Flip is the value-packed alternative – you get more cameras and battery for your buck. The trade-off is a slightly less polished software experience (ColorOS is feature-rich but can be heavy-handed for some) and the uncertain update track record (though Oppo has promised at least 3 years updates on its foldables).

Huawei and Honor: Huawei was actually an early pioneer in foldables (its Mate X series did outward-folding screens before Samsung), and in late 2021 it launched the P50 Pocket, a beautiful clamshell flip with a unique circular outer display. The new Huawei Pocket 2 (Feb 2024 in China) builds on that with improved cameras and specs. Huawei’s flips have an elegant design and often come in special edition finishes (the original had a premium “art” edition). Technically, the Pocket 2 could rival the Razr or Flip – it has a nearly 7-inch internal OLED, a multi-camera system, etc. But due to U.S. sanctions, Huawei phones cannot ship with 5G or Google services, severely limiting their appeal outside China. Thus, Huawei’s role in the global foldable race is mostly confined to China (where, notably, it now leads the foldable market with 75% share in 1H 2025). Huawei also likes to experiment: it recently released a triple-folding tablet/phone(Mate X3 “Ultimate” edition) to demonstrate its display tech prowess – an area Samsung is reportedly exploring too.

Honor, which spun off from Huawei, is free of those Google restrictions and is positioning itself to compete internationally. The Honor Magic V Flip is their clamshell model – the first-gen V Flip (2024) was China-only, but the company has hinted at global aspirations. The Magic V Flip 2 (2025), aside from the flashy 200 MP camera and giant battery, is clearly gunning for the title of “most premium fashion flip.” Honor partnered with famed designer Jimmy Choo on special editions, and in marketing they emphasize the phone as a luxury accessory. Spec-wise, it’s no slouch either: a Snapdragon 8 Gen 3, 16 GB RAM, and fast 80W charging put it at the bleeding edge. The catch? As of launch, it’s still China-only (Honor has not announced a global release date yet). This is a common theme: Chinese brands often launch at home first, gauge demand, then maybe expand. It means that for at least the next year, Motorola and Samsung don’t face a direct Honor challenge in Western markets – but that could change if Honor brings the Magic V Flip abroad.

Vivo, Xiaomi, and Others: Vivo’s X Flip (2023) and the rumored X Flip 2 continue the trend of large-battery flips. The Vivo X Flip featured a 4,400 mAh battery – at launch the biggest in any flip – plus a ZEISS-branded camera system that reviewers called possibly “the best all-around camera on a clamshell”. It also had a 3-inch horizontal cover display (smaller but very usable). Vivo hasn’t released these globally, but in China they’re popular among foldable enthusiasts. Xiaomi, another major player, focused first on book-style folds (Mi Mix Fold series), but is now developing a flip: the Xiaomi Mix Flip 2 is reportedly coming in 2025 with a 5,100 mAh battery and 67W charging – basically a specs monster to challenge Honor’s crown in battery and possibly undercut on price. If Xiaomi enters the flip arena, their strong international presence (India, Europe) could make things interesting, provided they actually launch globally.

On the fringes, we have Google and OnePlus. Google released the Pixel Fold (2023), but that was a larger book-style foldable, not a flip – and it opted not to reveal any Pixel Flip yet. Rumors of a Pixel Flip remain speculative; if one does appear, Google’s focus would likely be on camera software and seamless Android experience. OnePlus launched the OnePlus Open (late 2023) as a book-foldable, but no flip from them yet – however, given OnePlus is under the same umbrella as Oppo, a OnePlus flip could materialize (perhaps a rebranded Find N3 Flip for global markets under the OnePlus name). In 2025, even Tecno (a rising brand in Africa/Asia) showed off a concept foldable. And notably, Apple is the big hold-out – analysts predict Apple may debut a foldable iPhone or iPad by 2026, which could “redefine the industry” if/when it arrives ^[7].

For now, Motorola’s Razr stands out by competing in both design and distribution: it’s one of the few non-Samsung flips available in multiple Western countries. Its strengths: the best cover screen in the business (for now), a distinctive style, and close partnership with carriers (Verizon, etc.) to reach customers. Its weaknesses: camera still a step behind Samsung’s newest, and Motorola’s brand cachet in phones isn’t what it was in the RAZR V3 glory days, so it faces an uphill marketing battle. The good news for Motorola is that consumers are warming to foldables as a whole.

Market Trends: Are Foldables the Future or a Fad?

After a few rocky first steps, foldable smartphones have hit their stride by 2025. Shipments are climbing steadily – IDC estimates nearly 20 million foldables will ship in 2025, up ~6% from 2024. That’s still a small slice of the overall phone pie (which sees ~1.2 billion phones/year), but it’s a rare growth segment in an otherwise flat market. Crucially, foldables command premium prices, injecting much-needed value into the stagnant smartphone space. “Foldables are no longer just flashy prototypes — they’ve matured into legitimate premium devices,” says IDC’s Huang Zixing, noting that for manufacturers, foldables are the fastest way to “push into higher price tiers and elevate brand positioning.” In other words, everyone wants a piece of the lucrative high-end market that Samsung and Apple dominate, and innovative form factors are the way to get there.

Consumer reception to foldables has gone from skepticism (remember the broken Galaxy Fold screens of 2019) to growing enthusiasm. By 2022, Samsung was already reporting that 70% of its foldable buyers chose the flip form factor over the Fold, indicating broad consumer appeal for the familiar clamshell. Flip phones tap into nostalgia and fashion in a way slab phones don’t. They offer a fun, tactile experience – that “snap” shut is satisfying – while also addressing practical needs (big screen when you need it, compact when you don’t). As Motorola’s Castano noted, pocketability is a “fundamental consumer problem” that flip foldables solve. We’re also seeing a demographic trend: many foldable adopters are tech-savvy millennials and Gen Z who value uniqueness and design. It’s not uncommon to hear someone say they’re just “bored of black rectangles” – a flip phone is a conversation starter.

Durability concerns do linger in some minds, but each generation has improved. Most current foldables are rated for 200,000+ folds (roughly 5 years of average use) without hinge failure. Real-world tests have shown devices like the Galaxy Z Flip can exceed that – one YouTuber’s robot went past 400,000 flips before the hinge showed serious wear. Manufacturers have also addressed past pain points: Samsung’s use of UTG (Ultra-Thin Glass) since 2020 greatly improved screen scratch resistance (though you should still keep that factory-installed protector on). Hinge mechanisms are better sealed – for example, Samsung’s brushes to keep dust out, and Motorola’s dual-axis tracking to reduce debris entry ^[8]. Only very fine pocket lint or water can still threaten if it gets in the wrong spot, hence the push for improved IP ratings in the next waves.

Another trend is the China factor: China has become the world’s largest foldable market, accounting for nearly half of global foldable shipments in early 2025. Chinese consumers have embraced foldables faster, perhaps due to greater choice (so many domestic brands competing) and strong purchasing power in the high-end segment. This competition in China is driving rapid innovation – hinges are getting slimmer, devices lighter (see the Honor Magic V3 foldable, just 9.9mm thick unfolded), and even new form factors like tri-folds are being commercialized. Not all of these will go global immediately, but it sets a breakneck pace that others must keep up with. As a result, even Samsung, the global leader, is being kept on its toes. It reportedly plans a tri-fold Galaxy device soon to compete with Huawei’s tri-fold. And Samsung’s Fold/Flip 7 series in 2025 is expected to focus on further reducing weight and crease visibility, responding to claims like Honor’s “world’s thinnest” foldable brag.

From a business perspective, profitability is a concern. Foldable R&D and manufacturing are costly (all that custom hinge and flexible screen tech). Honor’s CEO revealed the company lost billions of yuan developing foldables and needs significant sales volume to break even. This implies that for smaller brands, foldables are as much about brand image – showing you’re an innovator – as short-term profit. Samsung, with its scale, and Huawei, with its domestic dominance, are among the few to turn a profit on foldables so far. This dynamic could lead to some consolidation or slower expansion among smaller players if they don’t see returns. However, as component yields improve and economies of scale kick in, the cost to make foldables should come down. We already saw a price dip: Motorola’s base Razr (2023) and Samsung’s Z Flip3 in 2021 both broke the $1000 barrier (the Flip3 was $999, Razr 2023 standard ~€899) which was unheard of in 2020 when all foldables were $1,500+. Analysts expect foldable prices to gradually align closer to regular flagships, especially if an Apple foldable arrives and targets the $1500–2000 segment with typical Apple polish ^[9] – that could actually spur competitors to offer more affordable options to stay in the game.

Looking ahead, the foldable war is just heating up. Motorola’s Razr is poised to keep iterating annually (the roadmap shows Razr 60 Ultra in 2025, Razr 70 in 2026, etc., likely adopting even faster chips and better cameras). Samsung will likely introduce new tricks – perhaps an under-display camera on the Flip, or new materials for a virtually creaseless screen in the future. We might also see foldable hybrids (flip phones with extendable screens? rollable concepts?) as shown by prototypes like Motorola’s own rollable Rizr concept ^[10]. And by 2026 or later, if Apple enters the scene, the narrative could shift from hardware innovation to software and ecosystem – Apple might leverage its control over iOS to create unique foldable experiences that Android makers will rush to match ^[11].

For consumers in 2025, though, one thing is clear: foldable phones are no longer a risky bet or mere tech demo. They’re trending toward the mainstream. As Samsung confidently put it, “Foldables will become the new standard of smartphones.” Motorola, Samsung, and others are betting big on that vision. With devices like the Razr 40 Ultra showing that a foldable can be just as cool and competent as any high-end phone, the appeal is growing. We’re witnessing the beginning of a new chapter in smartphone design – one where your phone can flip, fold, or flex to meet your needs, and look stylish doing so. The iconic Razr has helped lead the charge, and the competition it’s sparked means consumers now have an array of exciting bendy phones to choose from. In the foldable phone wars of 2025, the real winner is anyone eager for innovation in their pocket.

Sources:

1. Tech Advisor – “Motorola Razr 40 Ultra review: Motorola’s sharpest flip phone yet”
2. Expert Reviews – “Motorola Razr 40 Ultra review: Closing the gap”
3. Indian Express (interview with Motorola’s Ruben Castano) – Flip form factor and design insights
4. PhoneArena – Razr 40 Ultra pros/cons and competition with Galaxy Z Flip
5. Tom’s Guide – Razr+ (2023) vs Razr (2023) specs and pricing
6. PhoneArena – “Galaxy Z Flip 6: release date, price, specs” (Snapdragon 8 Gen 3, 50MP camera, $1099 price)
7. Android Central – “Huawei launches Pocket 2 foldable” (5 cameras, 6.9″ display, China-only)
8. Android Central – “Honor Magic V Flip 2 launched” (200MP camera, 4″ cover, 5,500 mAh battery, ¥5999)
9. Oppo – Find N3 Flip specs (triple camera, 4300 mAh battery)
10. IDC/TMTPost – “Foldables regaining momentum” (2025 shipment forecasts, quotes on premium market)
11. TMTPost – Foldable market share (Samsung 34%, Huawei 24% in 2024) and China’s leadership
12. Android Authority – Samsung’s TM Roh on foldables mainstream by 2025
13. PhoneArena – Honor Magic V Flip 2 review (quote on rivaling Galaxy Z Flip7)
14. Expert Reviews – Razr 40 Ultra battery life and performance comparison.

References

1. www.tomsguide.com, 2. www.tomsguide.com, 3. www.techadvisor.com, 4. www.tomsguide.com, 5. www.tomsguide.com, 6. www.tomsguide.com, 7. en.tmtpost.com, 8. www.tomsguide.com, 9. en.tmtpost.com, 10. indianexpress.com, 11. en.tmtpost.com