Motorola and Google Foldables Outperform Samsung in Key Areas Without the Hype

If you’re seeking a top-notch foldable and budget is not an issue, the Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 8 Ultra is the top choice. Its lightweight design, a robust 5,000mAh silicon-carbon battery, the advanced Snapdragon 8 Elite Gen 5 for Galaxy processor, and impressive rear camera system make it a strong contender in the foldable market. Yet, surprisingly, it might not be my personal favorite.

After testing several book-style foldables available in the U.S. this year, I find the Galaxy Z Fold 8 Ultra to be the least likely option I’d carry. I would pick both the Motorola Razr Fold and the Google Pixel 11 Pro Fold over it, even with their limitations. In fact, I would even choose the standard Galaxy Z Fold 8 with its compromises over the Ultra model.

Exciting specifications alone are no longer sufficient to dominate the foldable market — Motorola and Google recognize this and are making their mark.

The Motorola Razr Fold stands out for its impressive battery life, boasting a 6,000mAh capacity that yields up to two days of real-world usage on a single charge. It may also have the most advanced foldable display available, with an 8.1-inch screen that is both large and bright, and compatible with the Moto Pen Ultra stylus. However, its base Snapdragon 8 Gen 5 processor does not quite justify its $1,900 price tag, especially when compared to the Galaxy Z Fold 8 Ultra which excels in overall performance due to its upgraded Elite chip.

I find myself willing to overlook the Razr Fold’s mid-range processor given its other attributes. It feels the most comfortable to hold among all the foldables I’ve tried. It’s slightly thicker than the Galaxy Z Fold 8 Ultra, but the quality of materials and build compensate for it. A collaboration with Pantone resulted in a vegan leather back for the Razr Fold, which is a standout feature for this device.

I used the model in Lily White, featuring a matte vegan leather finish that feels pleasant to the touch. The alternative model, Blackened Blue, has a textured finish that enhances grip. I prefer this feel over the matte glass of the Galaxy Z Fold 8 Ultra, even if it is sleeker.

The cover screen is also noteworthy. Despite both the Razr Fold and Galaxy Z Fold 8 Ultra featuring a 21:9 aspect ratio, Motorola’s cover screen is slightly larger, enhancing its usability. This extra space adds a subtle but significant improvement to the experience, making the Razr Fold feel closer to a conventional smartphone.

Additionally, Motorola includes support for an active stylus on its main display, a feature Samsung excluded from its Galaxy Z Fold models last year. Despite the lack of an Elite chip, the unique design and displays of the Razr Fold are compelling reasons to enjoy it.

The Google Pixel 11 Pro Fold stands alone with its magnetic Qi2 support. This provides a unique advantage as it can be propped up like a laptop using the hinge as a stand, although it does require an accessory to maximize the large folding display. I prefer not to add bulk through a case, and the built-in magnets alleviate that need.

I can easily attach or detach a wallet or stand without compromising the slim profile of the Pixel 11 Pro Fold. This feature of magnetic accessory support is unmatched in the foldable market and adds significant value to Google’s offering.

While not all users may find Qi2 to be essential, the IP68 rating of the Pixel 11 Pro Fold is a significant selling point. The Pixel 10 Pro Fold made a splash last year with its exceptional dust resistance, and the Pixel 11 Pro Fold maintains this by being the only foldable with complete dust protection in the U.S. The Galaxy Z Fold 8 and Ultra versions carry only IP48, whereas the Razr Fold offers limited IP48/IP49 protection against water jets, making the Pixel 11 Pro Fold a clear winner in this category.

This feature is especially critical for foldables where dust and debris can enter the hinge and cause significant damage. A compromised hinge can lead to operational issues, and in the worst-case scenario, a broken display. The Pixel 11 Pro Fold, however, is specially designed to prevent such risks.

From a technical standpoint, while the Pixel 11 Pro Fold’s Tensor G6 chip doesn’t match the Snapdragon 8 Elite Gen 5 found in the Galaxy Z Fold 8 Ultra, and it comes with a smaller battery, its uniqueness in durability and accessory support can hold more significance for many users compared to sheer performance.

When the Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 7 debuted last year, it quickly became the go-to recommendation for anyone in search of a book-style foldable. The Google Pixel 10 Pro Fold, which featured remarkable durability and magnetic Qi2 support, struggled to compete due to its slower performance and bulkier design. Now, with the launch of the Galaxy Z Fold 8 Ultra, the competitive landscape has shifted.

Motorola and Google are not directly challenging Samsung in terms of performance. Both the Razr Fold and Pixel 11 Pro Fold are expected to lag behind the Galaxy Z Fold 8 Ultra in this regard. Instead, they are carving out their niches by excelling in other areas — the Razr Fold shines in design and battery life, while the Pixel 11 Pro Fold is praised for its durability and accessory options. Additionally, both devices are $200 less expensive than the Galaxy Z Fold 8 Ultra.

I initially thought a thinner and faster foldable was my preference, but this year’s selections have been eye-opening. I find the Razr Fold, Pixel 11 Pro Fold, and Galaxy Z Fold 8 to be more appealing because each of them offers distinctive features that set them apart. Samsung’s superior hardware alone does not sway me toward the Galaxy Z Fold 8 Ultra anymore.