Motorola Razr Ultra (2026) vs. Samsung Galaxy Z Flip 7: I tried both, and there’s a clear winner

Follow ZDNET: Add us as a preferred source on Google.

Earlier in the year, Motorola announced multiple new smartphones, although much of the spotlight was on the Razr Fold. I've been eagerly awaiting more news on the other devices, and today, I finally got it. The company has officially revealed the rest of the 2026 Razr series, which consists of the base model, the Razr+, and the Razr Ultra as the new flagship.

Also: Why I recommend this $450 Samsung phone over competing models by Google and OnePlus

Based on the information so far, the Razr Ultra is shaping up to be a pretty good foldable. Motorola has made multiple hardware improvements that I think will give the top foldables on the market a real run for their money, like the Galaxy Z Flip 7. Samsung's device is one of the top Android phones, boasting a larger cover display, a sleeker form factor, and much better battery life than its predecessor.

Based on these early details and Motorola's recent track record, I do think that the Razr Ultra will be better than the Galaxy Z Flip 7 in certain areas. I will break down the individual specifications on the two foldables and highlight where each device shines. Keep in mind that this isn't a formal review of the 2026 Razr Ultra. It is a forward-looking comparison.

Specifications

You should buy the Samsung Galaxy Z Flip 7 if…

1. You want a more affordable phone

Affordability is important to consider when shopping for a foldable. Because of their designs and extra hardware, foldables are often more expensive than the average single-display phone. Samsung's Galaxy Z Flip 7 is significantly cheaper than Motorola's upcoming device. $1,100 is the price listed on the tech giant's official website, but you can find the foldable for much cheaper on third-party platforms. Amazon, for example, is selling the 256GB Galaxy Z Flip 6 for $900.

Also: Samsung Galaxy Z Flip 7 hands-on: These 3 features make such a big difference

That's just the tip of the iceberg. Speaking from personal experience, you can score the phone for less than $900 if you take advantage of trade-in offers and refurbishment programs. Some phone carriers even offer promotions where you can get the Galaxy Z Flip 7 totally for free. It remains a decent device. Samsung's foldable boasts a bright 4.1-inch FlexWindow cover screen, a long-lasting battery, and a thin 13.7mm design.

2. You want access to Samsung's AI ecosystem

Samsung was quick to jump on the generative AI wave, launching its Galaxy AI suite in 2024. That early adoption has paid off, as Galaxy users have access to a robust set of tools found nowhere else. You have features like Circle to Search, which lets you draw circles around objects on-screen to then look them up online. Now Brief shows quick, tailored updates based on your routine, like weather alerts tied to future calendar events.

Also: Samsung Wallet just got a travel feature that I hope Google Wallet copies ASAP

You also get direct support for Google Gemini, and thanks to the large cover design, access to unique interactions. For example, you can interact with Gemini Live on the cover screen by asking it questions, jotting down notes, or using the camera to receive fashion tips. 

On top of all this, purchasing the Galaxy Z Flip 7 from Samsung earns you six free months of Google AI Pro, unlocking more advanced Gemini models and special creative tools, among other features.

You should buy the Motorola Razr Ultra (2026) if…

1. You want better hardware

To repeat what I said earlier, the 2026 Razr Ultra isn't out yet, so I don't know for sure how well the foldable performs. However, based on what is known, Motorola's device appears to perform better than Samsung's model. The phone runs on Qualcomm's Snapdragon 8 Elite chipset, the same hardware found in the Galaxy S25 Ultra. 

On top of that, the Razr Ultra is being given 16GB of RAM instead of 12GB like the Galaxy Z Flip 7. So you have a flagship-class chipset with a high amount of RAM. All signs currently point to this foldable being a real powerhouse.

Also: T-Mobile will give you $200 for switching to it – seriously

Longevity may also be an area where the 2026 Razr Ultra gets another win. The announcement states that it will run on a 5,000mAh battery with 68W TurboPower charging. It's important to note that Qualcomm chips are known for their energy efficiency. As a result, there's a good chance this phone will be long-lasting and recharge much faster than the Galaxy Z Flip 7.

2. You want better cameras

On paper, photography is an area where the 2026 Motorola Razr Ultra could pull ahead. This foldable houses a 50MP main lens, as well as a 50MP ultrawide camera and a 50MP selfie option on the front. So, no matter how you take photos, expect highly detailed images with rich colors. The real star of the show is the LOFIC sensor inside the main lens. 

According to Motorola, it will allow the phone to capture up to “6x more dynamic range”, which will reportedly translate to better control over highlights and shadows.

Also: How to easily encrypt your files on an Android phone – for free

In addition to these changes, Motorola is adding new and updating “shooting modes and features”, including, but not limited to, Group Shot, blending together multiple shots into one cohesive image, and special optimization for Instagram posts.

You won't have to wait long to get your hands on the new foldable. Preorders for the Razr Ultra will open on Motorola's website and Best Buy on May 14 for $1,500. Launch and shipping dates are set for May 21. It will be available in two colors: Pantone Orient Blue and Pantone Cocoa (brown).