The ultimate flip test: Samsung Galaxy Z Flip 7 versus Motorola Razr 60

People are flipping out over smartphones that can fold in half. Pretty cool, but still a small part of the overall smartphone market. Two companies that are several years into designing and building these innovative phones are Motorola and Samsung and they go head-to-head in the 'Flip' folding market.

Flip-fold phones look like normal smartphones, but when you're done, you flip them closed, folding the device in half from top to bottom – a similar action to the old-school retro flip phones from 15 years ago.

The alternate form factor is what's known as the 'Fold', where a smartphone opens like a book to reveal a mini tablet screen.

For me, the Flip form factor is perfect – a normal smartphone that just ducks away in your pocket or purse at half the size.

Motorola's latest is the Razr 60, and while we don't have their 'Ultra' version in Australia, I don't think that lets the brand down; last year's Ultra is still available, and both are strong competitors to Samsung's just-released Galaxy Z Flip 7.

Samsung Galaxy Z Flip 7

512GB - $1999256GB - $1799

Motorola Razr 60

Now $1122

What's different?

Motorola is sticking with a rounded-edge design for its Razr flip phone, which may make it look dated, but it actually makes it far easier to open. Samsung's very straight edges mean getting a grip to open it is just a touch harder – not a deal breaker, but important to note.

The latest Samsung finally matches Motorola's large cover screen. The 4.1-inch screen goes right to the edge of the front cover, and the cameras sit within the screen.

The cover screen on the Razr 60 doesn't go all the way to the hinge like it does on the Ultra, so head-to-head, you might give that one to the Samsung.

The cover screen was where Samsung was letting itself down; this is where they now step it up.

Overall dimensions are very similar; the Motorola is an ever-so-slightly taller device, while the Samsung is wider now making it more like a traditional smartphone.

Software is king

Any phone that's not Apple is running Android, but it looks different on every phone. Motorola is very close to true 'vanilla' Android, but has added some great AI features – its smart movement software, like shake to turn on camera or torch, is a fun and very useful feature.

Samsung has arguably gone further, all-in on AI with Galaxy AI and Google partnerships driving that, so its image clean-up tech and audio eraser tech on videos is very, very impressive.

If AI is driving your decision-making, you'll likely go with Samsung here.

But, when it comes to that closed state, using the Cover Screen, Samsung really see it as a place for Widgets, and while there are third-party ways to do more, Motorola just makes that easier.

Camera matters

Samsung threw the whole company's resources at its premium Galaxy Z Fold 7 with the best camera tech they could squeeze in.

Sadly, on the Galaxy Z Flip 7, it's same same. In fact, Motorola matches Samsung here, and you might argue their image processing is more natural, a bit less over-saturated, so head-to-head it's probably Motorola for the win.

Motorola has the shake action to open the camera, Samsung has the high-five action to initiate a photo and between them, they have all the gimmicks, but it's a tie on who really has the best camera.

Flipping out

Samsung has really over-engineered the hinge on the new Flip 7. You can feel it opening it – it's like opening the door of a vault, it feels strong.

There's less resistance in the opening action of the Motorola Razr 60, and I like that. It does feel a bit loose when half opened, but why are you half opening it?

Well, yes, to sit it down and take photos, but both do that well.

When fully opened and in 'smartphone' format, the lack of any screen crease on these is just outstanding.

Haters will say "look at the crease", but not one of those people in the comments has ever used one of these phones. You'd never notice the crease when touching the screen or looking at it. It simply isn't an issue.

Priced to flip

Samsung's offering is the premium of the two on things like processor speed and cover screen size. But at $1799, it's $600 more than the Motorola Razr 60. One hundred dollars more than the Razr 50 Ultra if you really want that bigger screen.

Honestly, it's price that does it here. If it were my credit card, I'd be choosing the Motorola on this one. Add to that the design and materials used in the Razr, and you're going to want to put one in your hand if you need to be pushed into the Motorola because it's a really nice material on the back, which makes it feel ultra premium in my mind.

No one who buys the Samsung Galaxy Z Flip 7 will be disappointed – not at all. But consider saving some coin for the Motorola, it's a stunner.

READ MORE: Samsung's new Galaxy Z Flip 7 is the only smart wallet you'll ever need