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It may have taken a while, but flip phones with flexible screens are now a part of our daily lives. Two of the most popular come from Motorola and Samsung, which brings us to a Motorola Razr vs. Z Flip3 comparison. These smartphones may fold in a similar fashion, but there’s a big difference in a number of areas, including the secondary display, cameras, and performance.
Motorola Razr vs. Z Flip 3: Side-by-Side Comparison
| Motorola Razr | Galaxy Z Flip 3 | |
|---|---|---|
| Released | October 2, 2020 | August 27, 2021 |
| Display | 6.2-inch 2,142 x 876 main, 2.7-inch 800 x 600 secondary | 6.7-inch 2640 x 1,080 main, 1.9-inch 512 x 260 secondary |
| Processor | Snapdragon 765 | Snapdragon 888 |
| Memory | 8GB | 8GB |
| Storage | 256GB | 128GB, 256GB |
| Rear Camera | 48MP | Dual 12MP |
| Front Facing Camera | 20MP | 10MP |
| Battery | 2,800mAh | 3,300mAh |
| Size Folded | 91.8mm x 72.6mm x 16mm | 86.4 x 72.2 x 15.9mm |
| Size Unfolded | 169.2mm x 72.6mm x 7.9mm | 166 x 72.2 x 6.9mm |
| Weight | 192 grams | 183 grams |
Motorola Razr vs. Z Flip 3: What’s the Difference?
Before we dig into the differences between the Razr and the Z Flip 3, we’re going to talk about what’s the same. Both smartphones mimic the design of older clamshell cell phones, otherwise known as flip phones. The design went out of style with the rise of touchscreen smartphones, but technology has made the old new again.
The Motorola Razr and the Z Flip 3 have similar displays when opened, and run the latest version of Android once updated. They don’t have microSD card slots but do have fingerprint scanners along with the usual bells and whistles. We also found the specifications comparable, but with smartphones of this nature, it all starts with the design.
Folding Phone Design
Samsung kept things familiar for their fans with the Z Flip 3. It’s a device that has the same design language as their Galaxy line, although you can fold this handset in half. When folded, it measures 86.4 x 72.2 x 15.9mm, which makes it smaller than the Motorola Razr (at 91.8mm x 72.6mm x 16mm).
- A compact design that folds open
- Fast charging
- You can view notifications and check the weather on the external screen
- Allows you to launch two apps simultaneously
It’s around 20 grams lighter and has IPX8 water resistance. The Razr only has a “water-repellant” coating. Samsung’s phone has an aluminum frame with a Gorilla Glass Victus back and plastic front, but still feels like a premium device.
The Razr has a more unique style, reminiscent of the original with stainless steel hinges. Both are compact, but you’ll have a few more colors to choose from with the Samsung Z Flip 3. The smartphones are easy to use, although Samsung’s phone feels a bit more intuitive with a better hinge system.
Displays, Power, and Storage
This is where things begin to get interesting as Samsung and Motorola treat their external displays in different ways.
The internal display on the Moto Razr is 6.2 inches and with a resolution of 2,142 x 876 when unfolded. The outer panel is a 2.7-inch 800 x 600 display, which is larger than the 1.9-inch 512 x 260 outer display on the Samsung Z Flip3.
The difference is staggering when you see the devices in person, considering that almost the entire front of the Razr acts as a display when it’s shut. Samsung’s secondary display is nearly half the size, but the Z Flip 3 inner display has a better resolution at 2,460 x 1,080.
When it comes to processing power, the Samsung Galaxy Z Flip 3 has more pop with the quad-core Snapdragon 888. The Razr also has a Snapdragon chip in the 764G, an octa-core processor with a multi-core Geekbench 5 score of 1739. By comparison, the Galaxy Z Flip 3 has a score of 2,877, although the single-core ratings are closer.
Neither device has a microSD card slot, and the Moto Razr has double the storage space, at 256GB, of the base model Z Flip 3. Both smartphones have 8GB of RAM. Apps and games may feel snappier on the Z Flip 3, but you may have to rely on the cloud early on, with only 128GB of internal storage, unless you opt for the pricier variant.
Cameras
While we found the displays and specifications fairly close between these two devices, that isn’t the case with the cameras. Many smartphone manufacturers have moved towards dual-camera arrays, but Motorola went the opposite direction with the second version of the new Motorola Razr.
On the rear of the Razr, you’ll find a 48MP sensor with OIS, PDAF, and laser-assisted autofocus. It’s capable on the video front as it can shoot 4K video at 30fps.
- Flippable design
- OLED display
- 256GB internal storage
- Qualcomm Snapdragon 765G chipset
- Android 10 software
Samsung’s sensors aren’t as large, but there are two 12MP cameras on the back, including an ultra-wide secondary sensor. It can also shoot 4K, but we feel Samsung’s array is better suited for most users.
The front-facing cameras are more comparable with a 20MP sensor on the Motorola Razr and 10MP camera on the Z Flip 3. Motorola has a better front-facing camera, although its hinge system and design don’t allow for some of the same tricks the Z Flip 3 can pull off.
Battery Life
Motorola may have attempted to revive a classic with the Razr 5G, but new smartphones are missing one feature that made older cell phones special. That would be a removable battery, which is something most manufacturers did away with years ago.
You can’t swap out the battery in the Razr for a new one or reset the handset with a battery pull, but it does have decent battery life. With a 2,800mAh battery, the Razr has enough power to get most users through a workday without having to charge.
The low-power processor helps in that regard, but it’s a far cry from today’s flagships and their large batteries. Charging times are respectable thanks to TurboPower charging, but not on par with the Z Flip 3.
Samsung’s flip phone has a larger 3,300mAh battery. It has better battery life, and faster charging as well. You can’t use wireless charging with the Razr, but the Z Flip 3 supports Qi wireless charging at 10w, along with reverse charging.
Pricing & Availability
When these flip phones were initially launched, the price tags kept many consumers at bay. Since that time, both companies have released new versions of the Razr and the Z Flip 3, which means the older versions are more affordable. Unfortunately, some models are also harder to find despite a price cut, unless you’re willing to buy a refurbished model.
The Samsung Galaxy Z Flip 3 was initially available through all major carriers in the United States for around $1,000. You can still pick up the Z Flip 3 5G through Samsung, but you’re likely to find a better deal or the color you want through online retailers, as the 256GB model of this phone is around $750.
Motorola’s handset is a little older and a bit cheaper, as well, at $600, depending on the configuration and retailer. Variants of the Motorola Razr and the Z Flip 3 can raise the price considerably.
Motorola Razr vs. Z Flip 3: 5 Must-Know Facts
- The Razr 2020 was originally launched as an exclusive through Verizon.
- While named the Z Flip 3, the device is actually the second version in the Z Flip collection.
- The original Razr was often used in TV shows, films, and video games.
- Samsung’s Bespoke service for the Z Flip allowed users to customize the color of their handsets.
- Motorola’s second version of the new Razr is the Razr 5G.
Motorola Razr vs. Z Flip 3: Which One Wins?
When we first heard Motorola was reviving the Razr, we were as excited as everyone else. While the first iteration was rough around the edges, the second version improved on the original in most key areas. It’s a device fans of the classic Razr flip phone can enjoy, and the price tag today is more palatable than it was in 2020.
Samsung has more experience with folding and flexible displays. It proves this with the design of the Z Flip 3, as the device feels more intuitive to use than the Razr. It has better audio and a shaper inner display, as well, despite the unique secondary panel in the Motorola Razr.
You’ll also have longer battery life and a dual-camera system. Does that mean the Galaxy Z Flip 3 is better than the Razr? Not necessarily…
We feel that both of these smartphones still pack a premium price tag compared to newer flagship and mid-range handsets, which come with better features and specifications. You’re essentially paying for the folding screen, something that has also improved since these phones were first released.
Between these older devices, we feel the Z Flip 3 is the best choice, providing more bang for your buck overall. That said, if you’re set on a flip phone and want the best, consider the Galaxy Z Flip 4 or wait until Samsung announces the Z Flip 5 later this year.
