The Galaxy Z Flip5 and Moto Razr 40 Ultra are the two most polished clamshell foldables of 2023, and the short answer is: the Razr 40 Ultra wins on cover screen size and price, while the Flip5 wins on software support, water resistance, and wireless charging. Your choice depends on whether you prioritize the larger external display and value, or the more refined ecosystem and durability.
Background: The Clamshell Comeback
Clamshell foldables (also called flip phones) aim to deliver a full-size smartphone that folds in half for pocketability. Samsung revived the category with the original Galaxy Z Flip in 2020, and Motorola followed with the Razr line, which is a modern reinterpretation of the iconic 2004 Razr V3. By 2023, both companies had matured their designs significantly, addressing early concerns about hinge durability, screen creases, and battery life.
The Z Flip5 (released August 2023) is Samsung’s fifth-generation flip, featuring a larger 3.4-inch cover display and a new “flex hinge” that allows the phone to close completely flat. The Moto Razr 40 Ultra (also called Razr+ in the US, released June 2023) is Motorola’s flagship flip, boasting a massive 3.6-inch external screen that wraps around the camera lenses. Both phones share the same core concept: a 6.9-inch foldable OLED main screen, a mid-range to flagship processor, and a dual-camera setup.
Understanding the key differences requires looking at the cover screen, hinge design, performance, cameras, battery, software, and price. This article breaks down each area so you can decide which flip fits your daily life.
Cover Screen: The Defining Difference
The most visible difference is the external display. The Razr 40 Ultra’s 3.6-inch pOLED cover screen (with a 1066×1056 resolution) is taller and wider than the Flip5’s 3.4-inch Super AMOLED (720×748). The Razr’s screen extends edge-to-edge, wrapping around the dual cameras, which makes it feel like a mini smartphone. You can run full apps, type with a QWERTY keyboard, and even use Google Maps on the cover without opening the phone.
The Flip5’s cover screen is smaller but still functional. It supports widgets, notifications, quick replies, and a few full apps like YouTube and Google Messages, but many third-party apps are not optimized. The Razr’s larger canvas lets you do more without unfolding, which is the core value of a flip phone. However, the Flip5’s cover screen is more durable (Gorilla Glass Victus 2 vs. the Razr’s unspecified glass) and has a more polished widget system.
If you plan to use the cover screen as your primary interaction point, the Razr 40 Ultra is clearly better. If you mostly use it for notifications and quick glances, the Flip5 suffices.
Hinge and Durability
Both phones have improved hinges, but they differ in feel and robustness. The Flip5’s new “dual rail” hinge allows the phone to close completely flat, eliminating the wedge-shaped gap that plagued earlier models. This makes it more pocket-friendly and reduces dust ingress. The hinge feels sturdy, with a satisfying snap when closed.
The Razr 40 Ultra also closes flat, using a “teardrop” hinge that creates less visible crease. The crease on the Razr is slightly less noticeable than on the Flip5, but both are visible when the screen is off and feel like a slight bump when swiping. In terms of durability, the Flip5 has an IPX8 water resistance rating (submersible in 1.5 meters of fresh water for 30 minutes), while the Razr 40 Ultra has only IP52 (splash-resistant, no dust protection). This is a major advantage for Samsung if you worry about rain or accidental spills.
Neither phone has official dust resistance, so sand and grit can still damage the hinge. Motorola’s hinge is rated for 400,000 folds, while Samsung claims 200,000 folds (about 5 years of use). In practice, both should last several years, but the Flip5’s water resistance is a clear safety win.
Performance and Software
Both phones use the Snapdragon 8+ Gen 1 processor (not the newer Gen 2), which is a flagship-tier chip from 2022. It handles daily tasks, gaming, and multitasking smoothly, but it’s not the absolute fastest available in 2023. The Flip5 comes with 8GB RAM and 256GB or 512GB storage; the Razr 40 Ultra offers 8GB RAM and 256GB storage (in the US; global versions may vary). Neither has expandable storage.
Software is where the gap widens. Samsung promises four years of Android OS updates and five years of security patches for the Flip5, which is industry-leading for foldables. Motorola offers only three years of OS updates and four years of security patches for the Razr 40 Ultra. Moreover, Samsung’s One UI has better multitasking features for the cover screen, such as the ability to run any app in a small window. Motorola’s software is closer to stock Android, which some users prefer for its simplicity, but it lacks the same level of foldable-specific optimization.
If you plan to keep your phone for more than two years, the Flip5 is the safer bet for software longevity.
Cameras and Battery
Both phones have a 12MP main camera and a 12MP ultrawide, with no telephoto lens. The Flip5’s main sensor is slightly larger (1/1.76-inch) and has better low-light performance, while the Razr’s camera is adequate but not class-leading. The cover screen on both can be used as a viewfinder for selfies with the main camera, which is a key flip-phone feature. The Razr’s larger cover screen makes this experience more immersive.
Battery capacity is similar: 3,700mAh in the Flip5 and 3,800mAh in the Razr 40 Ultra. Both will last a full day with moderate use, but the Razr’s slightly larger battery and less power-hungry cover screen (when using it) may give it a small edge. However, the Flip5 supports 15W wireless charging, while the Razr does not. If you use wireless charging pads, the Flip5 is the only choice.
Charging speeds are also similar: 25W wired for the Flip5, 30W for the Razr (but only with a compatible charger). In real-world use, both charge from 0 to 50% in about 30 minutes.
Price and Value
At launch, the Moto Razr 40 Ultra was priced at $999 in the US, while the Galaxy Z Flip5 started at $999 for the 256GB model. However, the Razr often sells for less on promotion, and its street price drops faster. In many markets, the Razr 40 Ultra is $100–$200 cheaper than the Flip5. If you’re on a budget, the Razr offers more hardware for the money, especially the larger cover screen.
But consider total cost of ownership. The Flip5’s longer software support and water resistance may reduce the need for an early upgrade. Also, Samsung frequently offers trade-in deals that can lower the effective price. The Razr’s resale value may be lower due to less brand demand.
Common Problems and Misconceptions
A common misconception is that the crease on foldables is a defect. In reality, it’s a physical property of the OLED panel bending. Both phones have a crease, but it’s only noticeable in bright light or at an angle. It does not affect touch sensitivity or durability.
Another issue is app compatibility on the cover screen. Some apps (like Instagram or banking apps) may not display correctly on the Razr’s cover screen because they’re not optimized for the aspect ratio. Samsung’s software lets you force any app to run, but it may be cropped. Motorola’s approach is more restrictive, but the larger screen mitigates this.
Battery life is often cited as a weakness, but with moderate use, both phones last a full day. Heavy gaming or constant cover-screen use can drain them faster. The Razr’s cover screen, when used for long periods, can consume more battery than the Flip5’s smaller screen.
How to Choose
To decide, consider your priorities:
- Choose the Galaxy Z Flip5 if: you want water resistance, wireless charging, longer software support, and a more refined cover-screen widget experience.
- Choose the Moto Razr 40 Ultra if: you want the largest, most functional cover screen, a flatter crease, and a lower price, and you’re okay with less water resistance and shorter updates.
If you often use your phone one-handed or want to minimize the times you unfold it, the Razr is the better companion. If you drop your phone in water or plan to keep it for 3+ years, the Flip5 is safer.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which phone has a better cover screen?
The Moto Razr 40 Ultra has a larger (3.6-inch) and more functional cover screen that can run full apps, while the Flip5’s 3.4-inch screen is more limited but better integrated with Samsung’s widgets.
Is the Galaxy Z Flip5 water-resistant?
Yes, the Flip5 has an IPX8 rating, meaning it can be submerged in up to 1.5 meters of fresh water for 30 minutes. The Razr 40 Ultra is only splash-resistant (IP52).
Does the Razr 40 Ultra support wireless charging?
No, the Razr 40 Ultra does not support wireless charging. The Flip5 supports 15W wireless charging.
Which phone will get updates longer?
Samsung promises four years of OS updates and five years of security patches for the Flip5. Motorola offers three years of OS updates and four years of security patches for the Razr 40 Ultra.
Are the cameras on these phones good?
Both have a 12MP main and 12MP ultrawide camera, which are good for daylight photos but not flagship-level. The Flip5 has a slightly better main sensor, while the Razr’s camera is adequate for social media.
Can I use any app on the cover screen?
On the Razr 40 Ultra, most apps can be used on the cover screen, but some may not display correctly. On the Flip5, you can enable “Launcher” to run any app, but it may be cropped or slow.
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