I've tested every Razr and Galaxy Flip: 3 reasons Motorola crushes Samsung at foldables

At a glance:

• Motorola commands roughly 50% of the U.S. foldable phone market, according to IDC data.
• The 2024 Moto Razr starts at $399, roughly half the price of Samsung's cheapest flip, the Galaxy Z Flip FE at $899.
• A FIFA‑themed Razr edition leverages the World Cup to boost the brand’s fashion appeal.

Market share and pricing

Motorola has surged to dominate the U.S. foldable segment, holding about half of the market share, as reported by IDC and cited by 9to5Google. Its chief rivals in the United States are Samsung, which offers both flip and book‑style foldables, and Google, which has only released book‑style devices. The numbers are stark: while Samsung’s entry‑level flip, the Galaxy Z Flip FE, retails for $899, Motorola’s 2024 Moto Razr launches at $399 and is currently discounted to $799 for the higher‑spec model. In practical terms, a family could purchase two Moto Razr 2024 phones and still have enough left for a dinner out, a price comparison that underscores Motorola’s aggressive pricing strategy.

The price advantage is not a one‑off promotion; it reflects Motorola’s broader approach of offering a foldable for virtually every budget tier, ranging from $399 up to $1,399. Even the premium variant, originally $1,399, is on sale for $799, making it competitive with many flagship smartphones that are not foldable. This affordability has allowed Motorola to capture price‑sensitive consumers who might otherwise settle for mid‑range non‑foldable devices such as the Pixel 10a or the Nothing Phone (4a) Pro.

Software advantages

Beyond cost, Motorola differentiates its flip phones with a suite of software features that many reviewers consider best‑in‑class for Android. The company has long been praised for gestures that control the camera and flashlight, as well as always‑on‑display (AOD) notifications that keep essential information visible without waking the device. On the cover screen, Motorola takes a more open approach than Samsung’s curated app list, allowing users to run virtually any app they choose, though performance may vary.

Motorola also bundles a variety of widgets and panels specifically designed for the cover screen, giving users quick access to weather, music controls, and other utilities. In partnership with GameSnacks, the brand has added mini‑games like Stack Bounce and Free Kick Football that run directly on the cover display, turning idle moments into brief entertainment sessions. These software choices create a “magic combination” of utility and fun that reviewers have highlighted as a key advantage over Samsung and Google’s foldables.

Fashion, accessories and the FIFA partnership

Style is the third pillar of Motorola’s success with the Razr line. Even entry‑level models arrive in vibrant colors and sleek finishes, positioning the phone as a fashion accessory rather than just a piece of hardware. The company has extended this ethos to accessories, releasing coordinated straps, cases, and even a Moto Watch that complements the Razr aesthetic.

A standout marketing move is the FIFA‑edition Razr, timed with the World Cup. By aligning the phone with one of the globe’s most watched sporting events, Motorola taps into a massive, passionate audience. The partnership not only raises brand visibility among sports fans but also reinforces the Razr’s image as a culturally relevant, trend‑forward device. This activation is expected to drive additional sales and keep the Razr in the public eye throughout the tournament year.

What this means for the foldable market

Motorola’s blend of aggressive pricing, flexible software, and fashion‑forward branding has forced competitors to reassess their own strategies. Samsung, which traditionally commands higher price points, may need to introduce more budget‑friendly options or enhance its cover‑screen ecosystem to stay competitive. Google, still limited to book‑style foldables, could explore flip designs to capture a share of the price‑sensitive segment.

Analysts suggest that Motorola’s success could accelerate overall adoption of foldable phones in the United States, as lower entry costs remove a major barrier for mainstream consumers. If the brand continues to iterate on design and software while leveraging high‑visibility partnerships like FIFA, its market share could expand beyond the current 50%, reshaping the competitive landscape for years to come.