Tech takedown: Is the Motorola Razr+ a better foldable than the Samsung Galaxy Z Flip 5?

Samsung Galaxy Z Flip 5 vs Motorola Razr+ faceoff comparison.
(Image credit: Future)

There's a lot to like about flip phones with foldable displays. When unfolded, these devices work like your average slab phone and when folded, they're small enough to fit in your pocket. Last year, we saw the Samsung Galaxy Z Flip 5 and Motorola Razr+ take the modern flip phone one step further by making the exterior displays more functional than ever, too.

But when it comes to the Samsung Galaxy Z Flip 5 vs. Motorola Razr+ — two of the best foldable phones you can buy starting at $999 now — how are you supposed to know which one you should buy? There are pros and cons to each phone, and reasons why one is a better handset than the other (and vice versa.) 

Two of our editors stepped up to the table for the latest episode of Tech Takedown, a series on our YouTube channel where we put devices in the same category head-to-head. You can watch the entire video here:

Over two rounds, both editors presented key features that make their flip phone the superior purchase. After pleading their case, their opponent was given the opportunity for a rebuttal. We left the victor to be determined by the viewers, considering each editor made some compelling points.

In favor of the Samsung Galaxy Z Flip 5, Kate Kozuch touted the current-gen Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 processor that performed better in benchmark testing than the Razr+'s Snapdragon 8 Plus Gen 1. If you're going to spend around $1,000 for a phone, you want it to be as future-proof as possible, right?

Galaxy Z Flip 5: was $999 now $899  @ Amazon

Galaxy Z Flip 5: was $999 now $899  @ Amazon
Amazon has the unlocked Galaxy Z Flip 5 on sale for $899. In our Galaxy Z Flip 5 review we said several upgrades like its larger outer display and gapless design make it a more usable phone than its predecessors. 

Backing up the Razr+, John Velasco praised Motorola's attention to details when it comes to design. The curved edges make the device easier to hold than the Z Flip 5, and John can even open the Razr+ one-handed.

Kate responded with the superiority of the Galaxy Z Flip 5's camera system. Based on our photo comparisons, Samsung's phone takes better photos especially in low-light situations. Updated with Galaxy AI editing features that debuted with the Galaxy S24 Ultra, the Z Flip 5 is a capable camera phone.

Motorola Razr+ (2023): was $999 now $699 @ Amazon

Motorola Razr+ (2023): was $999 now $699 @ Amazon
You can get the Razr+ for $300 off at Amazon right now. It has everything we want in a flip style foldable, including a sizable outer screen that’s not only perfect for self recordings with the main cameras, but you can run full apps on it as well.

John wrapped the debate up celebrating the usability of the Razr+'s exterior display. Not only is the Razr+'s exterior display larger (3.6-inches vs. 3.4 inches) but a wider selection of apps are compatible with Motorola's exterior screen. The Galaxy Z Flip 5's display only works with select widgets.

We can make good cases to buy both the Samsung Galaxy Z Flip 5 and Motorola Razr+, but be sure to watch the full video to see whether one our editors convinced you to favor one over the other.

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Kate Kozuch

Kate Kozuch is the managing editor of social and video at Tom’s Guide. She covers smartwatches, TVs and audio devices, too. Kate appears on Fox News to talk tech trends and runs the Tom's Guide TikTok account, which you should be following. When she’s not filming tech videos, you can find her taking up a new sport, mastering the NYT Crossword or channeling her inner celebrity chef.