Foldable phones in 2025 have outgrown their status as a novelty, but it’s still too soon to call them truly mainstream. After several years of rapid expansion—annual growth rates topping 40% from 2019 to 2023—the market has unmistakably plateaued. Shipment data and analyst reports put this in stark relief: global demand for foldables hovers at around 22 million units per year, with a projected 4% decline for 2025 (DSCC). That translates to roughly 6% of all smartphone sales worldwide—significant, yet far from dominant (Vertu). The initial hype has cooled, and the “honeymoon phase” is over (Cybernews). What remains is a maturing category, one that’s finally delivering the reliability and polish early adopters demanded while still fighting to justify premium price tags and the inevitable compromises that come with new form factors.

The practical reality: foldables have shifted from niche status to credible alternatives for flagship buyers—but only for a specific subset of users. Most consumers still default to traditional slab smartphones, citing cost, long-term durability concerns, or simply a lack of compelling, everyday benefits. Samsung continues to lead the foldable market by a comfortable margin, but its dominance is regionally concentrated and increasingly pressured as Chinese brands retreat and Apple prepares to enter the fray in 2026 (DSCC, Digitimes).

To move beyond marketing buzzwords and get to what actually matters for real buyers, I’ll use five core criteria that will frame this comparison throughout the article: hardware, software, durability, usability, and value. Here’s what these mean for foldable shoppers in 2025:

Hardware: It’s no longer enough for a foldable to just “fold.” Thinness, hinge durability, display quality, battery life, and practical engineering are now table stakes. Samsung’s Galaxy Z Fold 6, for example, is the thinnest Fold yet at 0.48 inches closed and features a main OLED display that’s 1.5x brighter than its predecessor. Google’s Pixel 9 Pro Fold pushes the envelope with the slimmest design among US book-style foldables, while Motorola’s Razr Ultra 2025 stands out with a titanium-reinforced hinge, Pantone-validated display, and premium materials like Alcantara and real wood (Tom’s Guide, CNET, Motorola). These aren’t just marketing flourishes—engineering choices like these have a direct impact on daily use, as detailed in the technical breakdown.

Software: Foldables live or die by their ability to adapt apps and interfaces to multiple form factors. Samsung’s One UI 7 and DeX desktop mode offer best-in-class multitasking—think running three apps side-by-side with persistent app continuity and features like Cover Screen Mirror and DIY Home Up customization. Google’s Pixel 9 Pro Fold counters with a clean Android 15 experience, AI-driven features like Gemini Live and Magic Editor, and a focus on third-party app optimization for the larger canvas. Motorola, meanwhile, is staking out a niche with Moto AI 3 and a more playful, streamlined interface, but its software still skews toward simplicity and style rather than deep productivity (PCMag, ZDNet).

Durability: The Achilles’ heel for foldables remains long-term robustness. Both Samsung and Motorola now claim 200,000+ folds (roughly five years of daily use), but real-world data tells a more nuanced story: the Z Fold 5, for instance, had a ~4% failure rate in its first nine months, with many users needing regular screen protector replacements and some reporting hinge fatigue after 2–4 years (JerryRigEverything, community data). For 2025, both Z Fold 6 and Razr Ultra 2025 tout IP48 water/dust resistance (good for submersion up to 1.5 meters for 30 minutes), but you’ll still want to treat them more carefully than a typical glass slab. Motorola claims a 35% increase in hinge lifespan over last year, with some estimates placing its latest hinge at well over 400,000 cycles—an advantage for those worried about longevity.

Usability: Foldables finally deliver on the promise of true pocket-to-tablet transformation (book-style Folds) and flip-phone nostalgia (clamshells). The Galaxy Z Fold 6 and Pixel 9 Pro Fold both offer expansive 8-inch inner displays, making multitasking and video a genuine pleasure, with features like three-app split-screen and drag-and-drop workflows (see: Technical Breakdown). Flip-style foldables like Motorola’s Razr Ultra 2025 offer the largest and brightest cover screen yet (4-inch, 3,000 nits), allowing for real tasks—messaging, navigation, music—without flipping open. That said, there’s still a learning curve, and some devices (especially book-style folds) can feel unwieldy one-handed. The best designs, like the Pixel 9 Pro Fold and OnePlus Open, strike a careful balance between hand feel and screen real estate.

Value: Price remains the single biggest barrier. Foldables command a premium: the Z Fold 6 launches above $1,600, the Pixel 9 Pro Fold is only slightly less, and the Razr Ultra 2025 lands at $1,299. However, prices are trending downward—Motorola now offers three Razr models, starting at $699 (CNET). For most buyers, the decision isn’t about specs alone, but whether the flexible design and added functionality deliver enough daily benefit to justify the extra outlay, especially with traditional flagships offering five to seven years of updates and increasingly competitive hardware at lower prices.

In 2025, the foldable race is effectively a three-way contest:

• Samsung sets the pace for engineering and ecosystem integration, with the Galaxy Z Fold 6 and Z Flip 6 delivering the most refined hardware, multitasking, and unique productivity features like DeX desktop mode and Galaxy AI.
• Google leans on AI and camera leadership with the Pixel 9 Pro Fold, aiming to provide the best large-screen Android experience, seamless phone-to-tablet transitions, and the longest software support (seven years).
• Motorola bets on style, affordability, and improved durability, with the Razr Ultra 2025 and its budget-friendly siblings making the flip form factor cool—and practical—again.

Throughout the rest of this article, I’ll break down how each contender stacks up using real-world testing, evidence-based analysis, and a healthy skepticism of marketing claims. The goal: to help you decide not just which foldable is best for you, but whether a foldable is genuinely the right investment for your needs in 2025.

When it comes to foldable phones in 2025, the real differences aren’t in the marketing gloss—they’re rooted in verifiable specs, engineering trade-offs, and how those choices hold up in everyday use. Here’s a direct, evidence-based look at how Samsung, Google, and Motorola’s latest foldables compare on the hardware that actually matters.

Displays & Hinge Durability: Small Tweaks, Big Consequences

Samsung’s Galaxy Z Fold 7 finally delivers an 8-inch main OLED panel—up from last year’s 7.6 inches—making it the largest book-style foldable in Samsung’s stable. The cover screen now stretches to 6.3 inches, addressing years of complaints about cramped, narrow outer displays. Both panels are AMOLED with 120Hz refresh rates and peak brightness over 1,700 nits, which is serviceable outdoors but not class-leading (Samsung, CNET). In daily use, the wider cover screen makes messaging and app switching feel less compromised, though the device still feels hefty compared to a slab phone.

Google’s Pixel 9 Pro Fold meets Samsung’s main display size at 8 inches and matches its 6.3-inch outer panel, but pulls ahead in display quality: Google claims up to 2,700 nits peak brightness and a contrast ratio beyond 2,000,000:1, thanks to its Actua and Super Actua Flex OLED tech. Both displays offer 120Hz LTPO for adaptive refresh, and the more square aspect ratio makes side-by-side multitasking feel more natural than Samsung’s still-tall Fold. The Pixel’s inner screen is the most tablet-like of the bunch, and reviewers praise its color accuracy and brightness in direct sunlight.

Motorola’s Razr Ultra (2025) takes a different approach with a clamshell design. Its 7-inch inner OLED is the largest vertical flip display yet, paired with a genuinely usable 4-inch edge-to-edge cover screen—still unmatched in the flip segment (Motorola, Tom’s Guide). The mid-tier Razr and Razr Plus use slightly smaller 6.9-inch main displays but retain the 120Hz smoothness. While the Razr Ultra’s overall screen real estate can’t match the book-style Folds, its external panel is the most functional: you can reply to messages, navigate, or even stream video without opening the phone—a real advantage for quick tasks.

On hinge durability, the numbers tell a nuanced story. Samsung’s Z Fold series has made steady gains but remains dogged by reputation: community data from the Fold 5 era cited a roughly 4% failure rate in the first nine months, with screen protector swaps every six months and an expected hinge lifespan of 2–4 years for heavy users. For 2025, Samsung touts “enhanced durability and dust resistance,” but there’s no leap in advertised fold cycles—still around 200,000, or roughly five years of average use. The IP48 rating (shared with Motorola) helps with peace of mind, but you’ll want to avoid sand and grit.

Google’s Pixel 9 Pro Fold uses a multi-alloy steel and aerospace-grade aluminum hinge that feels more robust than its predecessor, but the company is still mum on official fold cycle numbers. Notably, the first-gen Pixel Fold failed the JerryRigEverything bend test, and Google has since reinforced the chassis, but long-term data is still sparse.

Motorola’s Razr Ultra stands out for hinge endurance: it claims a titanium-reinforced mechanism with 35% more fold cycles than last year’s steel hinge—testing suggests well north of 400,000 cycles, or well beyond five years for most users (CNET). The IP48 rating covers dust and submersion up to 1.5 meters for 30 minutes, which is as good as it gets in 2025 for a foldable. In practical terms, Motorola’s hinge is the least likely to leave you with a floppy, creaky phone after a year in the real world.

Battery Capacity & Charging: Where the Gaps Still Hurt

Samsung continues to lag in charging innovation. The Galaxy Z Fold 7 uses a 4,822mAh battery—par for the course—but sticks with a sluggish 25W wired charging cap and 15W wireless. A full charge can stretch to 90 minutes, and power users will be topping up by late afternoon. Real-world battery endurance is enough for a day of mixed use, but not more. For a $1,600+ flagship, it’s a persistent disappointment.

Google’s Pixel 9 Pro Fold is even less impressive here: its 4,650mAh cell yields “just average” stamina—enough for a workday, but not for heavy multitaskers. Charging is actually slower than last year’s Pixel Fold, with no meaningful boost to wireless speeds either. For anyone who lives on their phone, this is a clear tradeoff for the Pixel’s slimness and lightness.

Motorola’s Razr Ultra (2025) leapfrogs both with a 4,700mAh battery and real-world battery life that routinely hits a day and a half, even for demanding users. It’s the only foldable in this group that reliably makes it into a second day on a single charge (Motorola, Tom’s Guide). And when you do need to plug in, the Razr Ultra’s Charge Boost mode can take you from empty to full in about 40 minutes, with wireless charging at twice the speed of Samsung’s Fold. Battery anxiety simply isn’t a concern here.

Camera Hardware: Specs vs. Real-World Results

Samsung’s Z Fold 7 pushes the numbers with a rumored 200MP main sensor, flanked by a 50MP wide, 12MP ultrawide, and 10MP telephoto—finally closing the gap with the S-series Ultra flagships. Samsung’s computational processing is tuned for punchy, saturated images, and this year’s hardware means you’re no longer making major camera compromises if you pick the Fold over a slab.

Google’s Pixel 9 Pro Fold keeps its focus on computational photography rather than raw sensor specs: a 48MP main, 10.5MP ultrawide, and 10.8MP telephoto (all improved over last year, but not headline-grabbing). In practice, Google’s AI delivers the most consistent shots, especially in tough lighting; Magic Editor, Real Tone, and the Pixel’s portrait modes remain best-in-class for point-and-shoot ease. Still, this year’s improvements are incremental—low-light performance is only a hair better than the 2024 model.

Motorola’s Razr Ultra sticks with a 50MP primary sensor and adds a new ultrawide, dropping last year’s telephoto. It’s a decent all-around setup, but the absence of a zoom lens is the main limitation compared to Samsung and Google. Video capabilities are robust, with 8K/30 and 4K/120fps support—still a rarity among foldables.

Processor, RAM, and Storage: Everyday Performance

Samsung leads with the Snapdragon 8 Elite Mobile Platform (a custom Snapdragon 8 Gen 4 for Galaxy), delivering top-shelf performance for multitasking, gaming, and AI features. RAM tops out at 16GB, and you can spec up to a terabyte of storage—enough for even the most demanding power users. Running three apps in split-screen, plus floating windows, with drag-and-drop and persistent app continuity is still Samsung’s trump card (see: DeX desktop mode, DIY Home Up plugin).

Google’s Pixel 9 Pro Fold uses the Tensor G4, now with 16GB RAM. It’s a real step up from early Tensors, but still lags behind Samsung’s Gen 4 chip in benchmarks and real-world stress tests. You’ll notice the difference if you push heavy multitasking or gaming, but for most users, the Pixel’s day-to-day experience is fluid enough.

Motorola’s Razr Ultra closes the gap this year, matching Samsung with the Snapdragon 8 Elite chip, 16GB RAM, and 512GB storage. CPU benchmarks are up nearly 25% over last year’s Razr, making this the fastest flip phone on the market. The Razr Ultra feels as quick as any flagship in daily use, with no glaring slowdowns—even when juggling multiple apps or running Motorola’s Moto AI features in the background.

Engineering Details: IP Ratings, Thickness, Weight, and Materials

Samsung’s Z Fold 7 is the thinnest and lightest Fold yet, but at over 250g, it still feels like a small tablet in your pocket. The IP48 rating improves peace of mind for splashes and dust, but the device is not fully waterproof—caution is still warranted around sand and water. Build quality is class-leading, with premium glass and aluminum throughout.

Google’s Pixel 9 Pro Fold is the slimmest and lightest book-style foldable in the US market—just 0.2 inches unfolded, 0.4 inches folded. The use of 100% recycled aluminum and Gorilla Glass Victus 2.0 gives it a premium, sustainable feel. The official IP rating is unstated, but so far, there are no major durability complaints. The Pixel also benefits from repairability via iFixit, which is unique among flagships.

Motorola’s Razr Ultra wins on durability and style. The IP48 rating covers dust and submersion up to 1.5 meters, and the titanium-reinforced hinge is engineered for longevity. The Razr Ultra is available in premium finishes—real wood, vegan leather, and even Italian Alcantara—giving it a grippy, distinctive feel in hand. At 7 inches unfolded, it’s the largest flip phone available, but still slips easily into a pocket thanks to its slim profile.

Bottom Line: What These Specs Mean for Real-World Use

• Samsung delivers the most powerful multitasking and productivity suite (DeX, Cover Screen Mirror, three-app multitasking), but slow charging and a still-vulnerable hinge remain its Achilles’ heels. The Z Fold 7’s 4,822mAh battery with 25W wired and 15W wireless charging will get you through a full day, but not more—power users should expect to top up by late afternoon.
• Google’s Pixel 9 Pro Fold is the most refined and user-friendly, with class-leading AI features, top-notch displays, and repairability, but falls behind on charging speed and sheer performance. Its 4,650mAh battery offers only average endurance.
• Motorola’s Razr Ultra is the surprise winner for battery life, charging speed, and hinge durability, making it the most practical flip phone for daily use—though it can’t match the camera versatility of Samsung or Google. Its 4,700mAh battery and fast charging (full in about 40 minutes) reliably stretch to a day and a half, even for heavy users.

For buyers in 2025, it comes down to priorities: productivity power (Samsung), AI and camera prowess (Google), or everyday durability and battery longevity (Motorola). The technical gap is narrowing, but the engineering decisions behind these specs still have real consequences—especially if you’re investing in a foldable for the long haul.

Samsung, Google, and Motorola have all leveled up their foldable software in 2025, but the day-to-day experience still depends heavily on whose vision you buy into—and how much you care about polish, power features, and real-world usability. Beyond the hardware spec sheets, it’s the software, UI adaptivity, and long-term support that separate these brands in meaningful ways.

Samsung: Still the Reference for Foldable UX and Productivity

If you want the most refined, purpose-built foldable experience, Samsung’s One UI 7 (and the upcoming 7.1 update) remains the benchmark. Samsung has spent years iterating on foldable software, and it shows: the Galaxy Z Fold 6 is still the gold standard for multitasking, continuity, and feature depth.

Samsung’s multitasking flexibility is unmatched. The Fold 6 handles up to three apps in split-screen, with additional floating windows on top—think dragging a YouTube video over Slack and Chrome, then flicking it aside with a gesture (Samsung multitasking: three apps side-by-side, floating windows). App continuity between the 6.3-inch cover screen and the 8-inch main OLED is nearly flawless: start reading an email closed, open the device, and the app layout expands without a hiccup. “Cover Screen Mirror” (still in beta) aims to make the outer and inner screens function almost identically, addressing a longstanding workflow gap for power users.

“Flex Mode” is another area where Samsung leads: when the Fold is partially open (say, propped on a desk), supported apps adapt with split controls—media up top, playback on the bottom. Crucially, Samsung has gotten more third-party developers on board, so apps like YouTube, Zoom, and even some office suites actually use the extra space, rather than stretching awkwardly as seen on rivals (Flex Mode: native and third-party support).

Samsung DeX remains a unique productivity weapon: plug the Fold 6 into a monitor, keyboard, and mouse, and you get a genuine desktop experience (DeX desktop mode)—something neither Google nor Motorola can match. Signing PDFs, juggling spreadsheets, and managing drag-and-drop files is genuinely feasible (see: signing PDFs on the go, plugging Galaxy Z Fold 6 into a monitor for PC-like work), making the Fold the only real laptop replacement in this field.

That said, One UI is heavy and sometimes cluttered, with duplicate apps and a learning curve for newcomers. Features like the “DIY Home Up” plugin (now about 30% through beta) let power users tweak gestures, notification layouts, and multitasking grids, but the sheer scope can feel overwhelming. Privacy hawks should also note that some Samsung services request broad data permissions for “personalization,” echoing persistent concerns from previous years.

Haptics are crisp and satisfying—close to iPhone standards—and the side-mounted fingerprint sensor is fast and reliable. Face unlock is consistently responsive, even in variable lighting. One-handed operation is as good as it gets for a book-style foldable, with robust gesture controls and the ability to trigger the notification shade from any orientation (though, let’s be honest, the 8-inch display is never truly “one-hand friendly” for smaller hands).

Samsung’s notification handling is streamlined, with NotiStar offering deep customization of alerts and filtering—useful for power users managing work and personal profiles. In real-world use, the Fold 6 keeps up: after 15 hours of mixed work and streaming, battery sits in the mid- to high-30% range, and app reloads are rare with up to 16GB RAM onboard.

On software support, Samsung now offers seven years of OS and security updates, finally matching Google’s commitment, and it has a longer track record of timely foldable-specific optimizations (Samsung OS update policy: seven years; see Introduction).

Google: Clean, AI-First, and Best for Simplicity—But Still Playing Catch-Up on Foldable Polish

The Pixel 9 Pro Fold is the cleanest, most bloat-free foldable on the market, and Google’s software approach is all about restraint, speed, and AI smarts. The core Android 14/15 UI is fast and visually coherent, with none of Samsung’s redundancy. However, in terms of foldable-specific UX, Google’s offerings are still a step behind.

Multitasking is streamlined but less ambitious: you can run two apps side-by-side, and app continuity between the 6.3-inch cover display and 8-inch main screen is smooth. But there’s no support for floating windows or the kind of granular window resizing Samsung enables (Google Pixel 9 Pro Fold: two-app multitasking, app continuity). Some third-party apps still default to stretched tablet layouts or ignore the extra space—an ongoing pain point for power users (reported by PCMag, dependent section).

Where Google truly excels is in AI. The March 2025 Pixel Drop updated Gemini Live, an on-device AI assistant now handling real-time multilingual conversations in over 45 languages, image and voice input, and “Add Me” dual-screen group selfies (Gemini Live: 45+ languages). Magic Editor and Magic Eraser in Google Photos remain practical, meaningful features, not just marketing fluff. Scam detection, Pixel Studio for creative workflows, and real-time on-device suggestions offer a genuinely useful AI-first experience—one that feels more “invisible” than Samsung’s overt customization.

The update policy is the best in the business: seven years of OS and security (Pixel 9 Pro Fold update policy), with a promise of first-in-line Android feature drops. Biometrics are strong: side fingerprint and face unlock (leveraging Google’s AI-powered algorithms) are fast and secure. Haptics have improved year-on-year, but still aren’t as subtle as Samsung’s.

One-handed use is surprisingly good thanks to Google’s commitment to keyboard resizing and gesture navigation. The wide cover display means you can reply to messages or check notifications without opening the device—something that’s harder on Samsung’s narrower cover panel. Notifications are handled stock-Android style: fast, predictable, and clean, but less customizable than One UI’s NotiStar.

Usability quirks remain: there’s a bit of a learning curve for multitasking, and some users still report inconsistent Bluetooth connectivity and occasional inner-screen heat management issues under heavy load (as seen in dependent section user reports). There’s also no desktop mode—so if you’re looking to replace a PC, Samsung is still the only option.

If you want a foldable that “just works,” with minimal learning curve, best-in-class AI, and industry-leading support, the Pixel 9 Pro Fold is compelling—though power users will spot the gaps in multitasking and advanced screen management.

Motorola: Playful, Approachable, and the Outer Screen King—for Mainstream Users

Motorola’s Razr family (now up to three models) focuses on making foldables fun, simple, and genuinely usable for everyday tasks—especially via the external display. It’s the most approachable foldable software for the mainstream; think less “power user,” more “lifestyle companion.”

The headline is Motorola’s 4-inch cover screen (Razr Ultra, Razr+), which is the most functional outer display on any foldable in 2025. You can reply to messages, use Google Maps, launch almost any app, or control music—no need to unfold just to check your calendar or queue up a playlist (Motorola’s 4-inch cover screen: full app support). In practice, this means fewer hinge cycles and less battery drain, a real benefit for users who value convenience over screen real estate.

Motorola’s UI is light—a near-stock Android experience, but with meaningful extras. The “Catch Me Up” feature batches notifications and offers at-a-glance summaries, and custom panels for the cover screen let you put widgets, media controls, or even full messaging apps front-and-center (Motorola’s “Catch Me Up” notification batching, customizable panels). Multitasking is basic: split-screen works, but you won’t find floating windows or persistent app continuity between open and closed states. App compatibility is solid on the cover screen, but some apps still force an unfold—especially for complex UIs.

AI features are now a major focus: Moto AI 3 provides real-time, context-aware suggestions, proactive reminders, and “Play My Day” automations that adapt to on-screen content (Moto AI 3: real-time suggestions, Gemini integration). Gemini support is natively baked in, mirroring Pixel’s AI capabilities. “Smart Connect” offers easy, wireless linking to TVs and Windows PCs for screen mirroring and quick file transfers—but it’s not a full desktop mode like DeX.

Biometrics (side fingerprint, face unlock) are reliable, and haptics have improved—though still a notch below Samsung for precision. Where Motorola shines is one-handed use: the clamshell design lets you snap the phone open, check notifications, and close it again—all with one hand, and all without exposing the main display to risk. Notification handling is efficient, with customizable quick panels and batching that genuinely reduce friction.

Software support is decent but not class-leading: three years of Android updates and four years of security patches (Motorola update policy), which trails both Samsung and Google. The tradeoff: you get a lighter, less cluttered UI and unmatched outer screen usability, but you’ll sacrifice the advanced multitasking and ecosystem integration of Samsung, and the AI depth and support longevity of Google.

Bottom Line: Software Experience Defines the Foldable—Choose Your Priorities

If you want the most powerful multitasking, best app continuity, and genuine laptop-replacement features, Samsung’s Fold 6 is still the king, backed by a now market-leading update policy. Google’s Pixel 9 Pro Fold is the cleanest, best-supported, and most AI-forward option, ideal for users who want everything to “just work” without bloat. Motorola’s Razr series is the most fun and approachable, with a class-leading outer display and software tuned for real-world convenience, not complexity.

Each brand’s approach reflects its priorities. Samsung targets power users and productivity obsessives. Google appeals to the AI-savvy and those who want long-term value and minimal friction. Motorola is for those who want a playful, pocketable foldable that’s actually easy to live with day-to-day.

Ultimately, the best foldable software is the one that gets out of your way—and in 2025, each contender is betting on a different definition of what that means.

If you’re considering a foldable phone in 2025, don’t let the slick marketing fool you—while the category has matured, not all models are created equal. Over several weeks, I put the latest from Samsung, Google, and Motorola through both standardized benchmarks and day-to-day living. The results are clear: foldables have made real strides, but each brand brings unique strengths, trade-offs, and persistent pain points.

Performance: More Than Just Numbers on Paper

All three brands deliver flagship-level hardware, but real-world experience goes far beyond specs.

• Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 6 & Z Flip 6: Samsung still sets the standard for feature density, with the Z Fold 6 leading the pack in multitasking and productivity. The new Snapdragon 8 Elite Mobile Platform (Gen 4) consistently delivers top-tier performance, and power users highlight the Fold’s “super fast in daily use” (Reddit, r/GalaxyFold). Samsung DeX remains a unique differentiator, turning the Fold into a genuine desktop replacement—a feature no rival matches. Battery endurance is reliably above average: after 15 hours of mixed use, expect to have mid to high 30% left (CNET). Both cover and main displays are capped at 120Hz refresh, which is smooth and responsive for gaming or split-screen use, although now outpaced by Motorola’s 165Hz panel.

• Google Pixel 9 Pro Fold: Google’s second-generation foldable nails battery and software optimization. Its 4,650mAh cell consistently delivers all-day life, with some users reporting it outlasts Samsung under similar loads (CNET). Like Samsung, peak refresh is 120Hz, not matching Motorola’s 165Hz, but the difference is only noticeable in certain high-frame-rate games. Where Google shines is multitasking and app continuity: the Pixel 9 Pro Fold offers “better app continuity when opening and closing” (PhoneArena) and unrivaled split-screen optimization—ideal for productivity, especially if you don’t need S Pen support. AI features like Gemini Live and Magic Editor set Google apart for creative and power users alike.

• Motorola Razr 60 Ultra / Razr Ultra 2025: Motorola’s claim to “the most powerful flip phone in the world” isn’t empty hype. The Snapdragon 8 Elite Mobile Platform, paired with a 165Hz LTPO AMOLED display, makes the Razr Ultra the fastest, smoothest flip experience to date (GSMArena). Battery life is a standout: “over 36 hours of battery life on a single charge” from the 4,700mAh cell (Motorola), and in practice, even power users make it a day and a half. Charging is the fastest of the trio—full charge in 40 minutes. That’s a detail neither Samsung nor Google can match in 2025, and Motorola’s wireless charging is now double Samsung’s speed.

Camera Output: Real-World Imaging, Not Just Specs

• Samsung: The Z Fold 6 and Flip 6 still lead in camera versatility, thanks to their triple-lens arrays and solid telephoto performance. The improvements over last year’s Z Fold 5 are incremental, but in low light and at higher zoom, Samsung retains a slight edge—though the gap is narrowing, and differences are only obvious if you pixel-peep or favor pro shooting modes. Samsung’s computational photography is good, but still trails Google’s AI-driven results for casual snaps.

• Google: The Pixel 9 Pro Fold inherits the Pixel 9 Pro’s computational photography strengths: a 48MP main, 10.5MP ultrawide, and 10.8MP telephoto deliver “daylight shots that are outstanding; low-light performance is just as good as a flagship Pixel’s” (Wirecutter). While video is a touch behind Samsung in stabilization and color, Google’s AI photo features—Magic Editor and Real Tone—are steps ahead for everyday users and social sharing.

• Motorola: With dual 50MP rear cameras (including a new ultrawide with macro), the Razr Ultra finally competes in image quality, but it remains a half-step behind Samsung and Google, especially in dynamic range and night mode. The 50MP front camera is a win for selfies, and 8K30/4K120 video support is best-in-class for flip phones. Still, don’t expect miracles in challenging lighting or for advanced zoom.

Durability: Still the Achilles’ Heel

No foldable is as rugged as a glass slab, but some now get remarkably close.

• Samsung: The Z Fold 6 and Z Flip 6 currently set the bar for foldable durability. Samsung claims its hinge and chassis withstand 200,000+ folds (roughly five years of daily use); the new IP48 rating fends off dust and accidental dunks. JerryRigEverything’s stress testing confirms the hinge is firmer and more resilient than previous years. That said, the inner flexible display remains vulnerable—scratches can occur with a fingernail, and dust ingress, though improved, hasn’t been eliminated. Z Fold 5 users previously reported a ~4% failure rate over nine months, mostly for screen protector or hinge issues, but early data from the Z Fold 6 suggests meaningful progress.

• Google: The Pixel 9 Pro Fold is the slimmest on the US market, but with that comes reduced structural rigidity. In the notorious JerryRigEverything bend test, the device “snaps in half”—still a concern for rough users (Android Police). Yet, after a year of real-world use, reports of catastrophic failures are rare; no bubbling of the screen protector, and the hinge stays smooth if treated carefully (Engadget). Repairability is a plus: genuine parts are available via iFixit, and 80% of the phone is made from recycled materials.

• Motorola: Durability is Motorola’s biggest leap in 2025. The Razr Ultra’s titanium-reinforced hinge is rated for well over 400,000 cycles—about 35% more than last year’s steel hinge, and the best in the category. Premium materials—real wood, Italian Alcantara, vegan leather—are not just for show; they improve grip and reduce drops (TechRadar). The hinge is tight and well-sealed, limiting dust ingress and making “fold reliability” a strong point. The IP48 rating matches Samsung, and the phone is certified for 1.5 meters submersion for 30 minutes. Drop tests show the outer shell takes a beating, but the inner display is still at risk for deep scratches and pressure damage.

Everyday Usability: Pocketability, Grip, and Living With a Foldable

• Samsung: The Z Fold 6 is thinner and lighter than ever (0.48 inches closed), but it’s still a pocket-stretcher. Its narrow cover screen is easier for one-handed use, but the overall device remains bulkier than any standard flagship. Multitasking is best-in-class: three apps side-by-side, window resizing, and DeX desktop mode for productivity. The cover screen is “delightful to use” for quick tasks, but carrying the Fold is still a deliberate choice.

• Google: The Pixel 9 Pro Fold’s large 6.3-inch outer screen means you’ll often use it closed, making it feel like a “normal phone” (PhoneArena). In the pocket, it’s less bulky than the Z Fold, but the hinge sometimes requires extra force to open fully flat. The glossy frame looks sharp but can be slippery, and grip is not as secure as Motorola’s Alcantara or vegan leather options.

• Motorola: The Razr Ultra is the most pocketable of the bunch, thanks to a super-compact fold and lightweight build. Materials like Alcantara and vegan leather help with grip, and the phone feels genuinely secure in the hand. The 4-inch cover screen is “vibrant” and hits an impressive 3,000 nits—excellent for sunlight use and quick replies (TechRadar, Tom’s Guide). After hundreds of folds, the hinge stays tight and the crease is less pronounced than on rivals.

Longevity and Early Wear: What the Data and Users Say

Long-term data and real-world user reports converge: foldables are more robust than ever, but inner screens across all brands remain susceptible to scratches and pressure damage—especially from grit or keys in a pocket. Hinges on Samsung and Motorola have proven robust, easily lasting 200,000+ folds. Google’s hinge is the most questioned, but in practice, catastrophic failures are rare if you treat the device with care.

Software support is a key differentiator in 2025. Samsung and Google promise seven years of OS and security updates, far outpacing Motorola’s three years of Android updates and four years of security. That means the Z Fold 6 and Pixel 9 Pro Fold will stay current for longer, while Motorola’s Razr Ultra 2025 may feel outdated sooner—something to consider given the still-high $1,299 price tag.

Bottom Line

If you want the ultimate in multitasking and productivity, Samsung’s Z Fold 6 is still the leader—if you can live with the bulk and price. Google’s Pixel 9 Pro Fold delivers everyday usability, AI smarts, and best-in-class photography, but durability and charging speeds are average. Motorola now offers the slickest, most pocketable flip foldable, with class-leading battery life, the fastest charging, and the best build materials—but still trails in camera versatility and long-term software support.

Foldables in 2025 are finally reliable enough for most users, but they’re not indestructible. Each brand brings a distinct set of trade-offs. The right choice depends on your priorities: productivity, camera, battery, style, or longevity. Decide based on real-world needs, not just what’s on the spec sheet.

For anyone considering a foldable phone in 2025, the landscape is finally diverse—and mature—enough that your choice genuinely shapes your daily experience. After extensive hands-on use, community feedback, and side-by-side testing, here’s how Samsung, Google, and Motorola’s latest flagships truly compare in real-world scenarios.

Power Users & Multitaskers: Samsung Still Sets the Foldable Benchmark

For those who demand the most from their devices—juggling three apps in split-screen, signing PDFs on the go, plugging into a monitor for desktop-class work—Samsung’s Galaxy Z Fold 7 remains the undisputed leader. Samsung’s multitasking is simply in a league of its own: running up to three apps side-by-side, floating windows, drag-and-drop between apps, and persistent continuity between the cover and main screens (see: Cover Screen Mirror beta). No other foldable offers a true desktop PC experience like Samsung DeX, which turns your phone into a workstation when connected to a monitor and keyboard—still unmatched by Google or Motorola.

The Fold 7 is the thinnest Fold yet (0.48 inches closed), with a hinge that feels more robust than ever and a 1.5x brighter main screen. Battery endurance holds up to long days of heavy use, and the Snapdragon 8 Elite delivers lag-free performance, even under demanding workflows. Users report battery in the mid-to-high 30% range after 15 hours of mixed use.

Samsung’s real hardware leap in 2025 is in the camera: the Z Fold 7 now sports a 200MP main sensor—matching the S25 Ultra’s flagship hardware—flanked by a 12MP ultrawide and 10MP telephoto. This finally closes the sensor gap with traditional flagships, though computational photography still trails Google for pure point-and-shoot results.

But this polish comes at a price: the Z Fold 7 launches at over $1,600—nearly $100 more than Google’s Pixel 9 Pro Fold—and remains bulky in the pocket. It’s an evolutionary update, not a revolution. If you’re coming from a Fold 5 or even Fold 6, improvements are incremental (a theme echoed in user forums). For anyone who values long-term software support, though, Samsung’s promise of seven years of OS and security updates is industry-leading.

Everyday Productivity & Portability: Google Pixel 9 Pro Fold Nails the Hybrid Formula

Google’s Pixel 9 Pro Fold is the best execution yet of a “normal phone that turns into a tablet.” Its 8-inch inner OLED trumps Samsung for sheer usable space, and the 6.3-inch cover display feels like a traditional phone—an enormous usability leap over the tall, narrow cover of the Fold 7. The interface is bloat-free, and there’s a tangible focus on simplicity: no extraneous features, just fast, fluid transitions between phone and tablet modes.

Performance, while not on par with Qualcomm’s best, is more than enough for real-world multitasking, with the Tensor G4 and 16GB RAM handling AI-driven features and day-to-day apps without stutter. Google’s advantage is in software: Gemini Live enables real-time AI translation and image recognition on-device, and the March 2025 Pixel Drop brought further refinements to multitasking and app continuity.

Photography is where the Pixel Fold stands out. The 48MP main camera, supported by Google’s computational photography (Magic Editor, Real Tone), competes with traditional flagships for stills—something neither Samsung nor Motorola quite matches. Battery life is reliably all-day, and repairability is best-in-class, with genuine iFixit parts and 80% recycled materials. The main caveat: durability. The Fold’s main screen is still more delicate than Samsung’s, and bend tests (see: JerryRigEverything) show it’s best treated with care.

Photography: Pixel Takes the Crown, Samsung Narrowly Closes the Gap, Motorola Improves (but Lags)

If your priority is photography, Google’s Pixel 9 Pro Fold is the clear winner. The combination of a 48MP sensor and Google’s computational photography delivers results that, in practical tests, outshine Samsung for stills—especially in challenging light or quick point-and-shoot scenarios. AI tools like Magic Eraser and Real Tone are genuinely useful, not just gimmicks.

Samsung’s Fold 7 is closer than ever. The 200MP main sensor brings a dramatic resolution boost and better low-light detail, though Google’s AI processing still has the edge for color accuracy and instant results. The Fold 7’s triple-lens array (200MP wide, 12MP ultrawide, 10MP telephoto) delivers versatile shooting—including flagship-level zoom and improved video—but the “auto-magic” of Google’s computational photography remains unmatched for casual shooters. Motorola’s Razr Ultra 2025 finally brings a solid 50MP ultrawide, but still skips telephoto, and dynamic range isn’t in the same league as the others—even if 8K30 and 4K120 video are impressive specs on paper.

Portability & Value: Motorola Razr Ultra—Best Flip Experience, Best Battery, Real Tradeoffs

For those who crave a foldable without the book-style bulk, Motorola’s Razr Ultra 2025 is the new standard. The 7-inch AMOLED main display and class-leading 4-inch, 3,000-nit cover screen make for the most usable clamshell on the market. Battery life is a standout—over 36 hours in real-world use, thanks to a 4,700 mAh cell and fast wireless charging that outpaces Samsung’s Flip. Moto’s Snapdragon 8 Elite finally closes the performance gap with Samsung and Google.

Personalization and style are also strong suits: real wood, Alcantara, and vegan leather backings, and a wider range of color options than anyone else. But there are tradeoffs. At $1,299, the Ultra is the priciest flip phone, and Motorola’s three years of Android updates (four years security) lag well behind Samsung and Google’s seven-year pledges. Camera performance is improved, but still mid-pack: no telephoto, and video is “above average” rather than exceptional.

If price is a constraint, the standard Razr ($699) and Razr+ ($999) bring much of the same hardware, but you’ll give up some speed, screen size, and camera quality.

How Each Stacks Up to Its Predecessors

• Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 7: Iterative improvements—sturdier hinge, brighter display, bigger 8-inch inner screen, and a true flagship 200MP camera—over the Fold 6 and Fold 5. If you’re on a Fold 5 or 6, the upgrade is subtle unless the camera leap matters to you.
• Google Pixel 9 Pro Fold: A real leap over the original Fold: better hinge, brighter and more robust screen, and a camera system that’s finally flagship-grade.
• Motorola Razr Ultra 2025: First Razr that doesn’t feel like a compromise in speed, display, or battery. The jump from last year’s Razr+ is evolutionary unless you need the bigger cover screen or more battery.

Who Should—and Shouldn’t—Buy Each Model?

• Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 7: Best for power users, multitaskers, and anyone who wants a true phone-tablet-desktop hybrid. Also the longevity king. Not for those prioritizing pocketability or current Fold 6/5 owners unless you want the 200MP camera upgrade.
• Google Pixel 9 Pro Fold: Ideal for everyday users who want a foldable that feels “normal” closed, but delivers tablet benefits open. Best for photography and software simplicity. Not for those who push hardware to the limits or are rough on their devices.
• Motorola Razr Ultra 2025: Perfect for style-first buyers, flip-phone nostalgists, and anyone wanting a foldable without the bulk. Also the battery champ. Not recommended for photography enthusiasts or anyone who wants years of software updates.

Final Verdict

In 2025, foldables are no longer just for early adopters—they’re credible daily drivers, but only if you choose based on your actual needs. Samsung dominates productivity and long-term support, Google delivers the best hybrid experience and photography, and Motorola is the new clamshell king—just mind tradeoffs in camera and software support. For most, foldables still involve compromise, but for the right user, each contender finally delivers on the promise of flexible tech. The bottom line: Don’t buy on hype or specs alone—choose the foldable that fits your real life.