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View detailsSpecs showdown: Samsung Galaxy Z Flip vs Huawei Mate XS vs Motorola Razr
Not sure which folding phone to buy? Compare the specifications for each model here.
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Samsung today confirmed that the Galaxy Z Flip will launch in Australia on 3 April. This means that you will soon have three new folding phones to choose from – the Galaxy Z Flip, the Huawei Mate XS and the Motorola Razr.
If you're thinking about taking the plunge on this innovative form factor, it pays to know how the available models compare in terms of specs, features and price. This overview is designed to put you in a better position to buy.
What's in this guide?
Specifications
Needless to say, RAM, battery life, processing power and inbuilt software are all important considerations when choosing any new phone. Here are the chief specifications for the Samsung Galaxy Z Flip, the Huawei Mate XS and the Motorola Razr.
Price
Here's how the Samsung Galaxy Z Flip, the Huawei Mate XS and the Motorola Razr compare on price. Please note that we are listing the RRP below. You might be able to score a better deal by shopping around online.
- Samsung Galaxy Z Flip: $2,199
- Huawei Mate XS: $3,999
- Motorola Razr: $2,699
The clear winner here is the Samsung Galaxy Z Flip. Yes, $2,199 is a hell of a lot of money for a phone, but it's actually cheaper than some non-folding flagships (the Samsung Galaxy S20 Ultra can cost up to $2,249, for example).
At $3,999, the Huawei Mate XS is the big loser in this category – but you can currently shave $399 off the price by pre-ordering it on eBay. The deal also includes a bonus leather cover valued at $199. To receive the discount, click on the coupon code below and use the code "PLUM10" at checkout.
Display
This is probably the most important factor when it comes to folding phones. The Samsung Galaxy Z Flip, Motorola Razr and Huawei Mate XS all feature foldable displays, but they work in slightly different ways.
The Samsung Galaxy Z Flip features a clamshell design with an inwards-folding display. When the screen is closed, a secondary 1.1-inch display can be used for basic functions like checking notifications. The main display measures 6.7 inches, with a native resolution of 2,636 x 1,080 pixels.
The Motorola Razr has a similar design to the Galaxy Z Flip, with the phone's display folding in on itself while not in use. Like the Z Flip, it comes with a second external screen, although it's significantly bigger at 2.7 inches. The main display measures 6.2 inches, with a native resolution of 876 x 2,142 pixels.
The Huawei Mate XS takes a different approach, with the screen folding outward. This means the display remains fully accessible when the phone is folded (albeit split into two – a 6.6-inch screen on the front and a 6.38-inch screen on the back). When unfolded, the display measures 8 inches, with a native resolution of 2,480 x 2,200 pixels.
On paper, the Huawei Mate XS has the best display by a considerable margin. It's bigger, more colourful and doesn't force you to resort to a tiny external screen when the phone is folded. With that said, having the display exposed at all times could lead to accidental scratching.
Cameras
The Samsung Galaxy Z Flip comes with two primary cameras: a wide 12MP f/1.8 sensor and 12MP f/2.2 ultra-wide lens. There's also a 10MP selfie cam on the "front" of the phone.
The Motorola Razr uses a single flippable 16MP sensor for its main camera. A 5MP front-facing camera is also present on the primary screen.
The Huawei Mate XS boasts a 40MP wide-angle lens, a 16MP ultra-wide lens, an 8MP telephoto lens and a Time-of-Flight (TOF) camera. Like previous Huawei phones, the camera was designed in partnership with renowned camera brand Leica. The rear camera doubles as a "front camera" when the phone is folded.
There's really no contest here. When it comes to mobile photography, the Huawei Mate XS takes the crown.
Our pick
When judged purely on hardware specifications, the Huawei Mate XS wins in pretty much every category. However, it's also ridiculously expensive and suffers from the ongoing Google ban slapped down by the US government. This pretty much puts it out of contention.
Of the two remaining phones, I would plump for the Galaxy Z Flip. It's cheaper and has a better primary display. Samsung also has its own storefronts in Australia, which is handy if something goes wrong.
Alternatively, you may also want to consider the older Samsung Galaxy Fold or the Huawei Mate X, both of which are still available from select retailers.
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