Motorola Razr (2023) vs Samsung Galaxy A36
The Verdict
Motorola's 2023 Razr commands a premium at $699 with its distinctive foldable design, 144Hz pOLED main display, and Snapdragon 7 Gen 1 processor delivering superior performance for demanding tasks. Its 64MP main camera with OIS and compact form factor appeal to early adopters seeking innovation. However, Samsung's Galaxy A36 at $299 offers exceptional value with a brighter 1800-nit Super AMOLED display, larger 5000mAh battery providing 2+ extra days of use, and IP67 water resistance versus the Razr's IP52. The A36's newer Android 15 interface and practical ultrawide camera outweigh the Razr's gimmick factor for most users. Battery longevity and durability favor Samsung, while the Razr excels in raw performance and display technology. For budget-conscious buyers prioritizing reliability, the Galaxy A36 wins decisively. Enthusiasts willing to spend more for foldable novelty should pick the Razr.
Who Should Buy
Buy the Motorola Razr (2023) if…
- →Most affordable clamshell foldable at $699 launch price
- →Stylish vegan leather finish and compact folded design
- →144Hz pOLED main display is smooth and vibrant
Buy the Samsung Galaxy A36 if…
- →Six generations of OS updates for under $300
- →IP67 water resistance is outstanding at this price point
- →120Hz Super AMOLED display looks premium
Category Scores
Pros & Cons
Motorola Razr (2023)
Pros
- Most affordable clamshell foldable at $699 launch price
- Stylish vegan leather finish and compact folded design
- 144Hz pOLED main display is smooth and vibrant
- 64 MP main camera produces good daylight photos
- Compact folded form factor fits easily in any pocket
Cons
- Very small 1.5-inch cover screen limits quick interactions
- Snapdragon 7 Gen 1 mid-range chip limits performance
- 3800 mAh battery barely gets through a full day
- IP52 water resistance is minimal for a $699 phone
- Only 5W wireless charging is essentially unusable
Samsung Galaxy A36
Pros
- Six generations of OS updates for under $300
- IP67 water resistance is outstanding at this price point
- 120Hz Super AMOLED display looks premium
- 5G connectivity and NFC at budget pricing
- Reliable 50MP main camera with OIS for steady shots
Cons
- Slow 25W charging feels dated in 2025
- Only 6 GB RAM on the base model
- Ultrawide camera is mediocre at 8MP
- Plastic build doesn't feel as solid as glass-backed rivals
Full Specifications
| Spec | Motorola Razr (2023) | Samsung Galaxy A36 |
|---|---|---|
| Software | Android 13 | Android 15 (One UI 7) |
| Body | ||
| Weight | 188.6 g | 195 g |
| Material | Aluminum frame, vegan leather or glass back | Plastic frame, Gorilla Glass Victus+ |
| IP rating | IP52 | IP67 |
| Dimensions | 170.8 x 73.9 x 7.2 mm (unfolded) | 162.1 x 77.0 x 8.1 mm |
| Camera | ||
| Main camera | 64 MP, f/1.7, PDAF, OIS | 50 MP, f/1.8, OIS |
| Front camera | 32 MP, f/2.4 | 13 MP, f/2.2 |
| Video | 4K@30fps | 4K@30fps |
| Ultrawide | 13 MP, f/2.2 | 8 MP, f/2.2, 123-degree |
| Telephoto | — | 5 MP, f/2.4, macro |
| Memory | ||
| RAM | 8 GB | 6 GB |
| Storage options | 128 GB, 256 GB | 128 GB, 256 GB |
| Battery | ||
| Capacity | 3800 mAh | 5000 mAh |
| Charging | 30W wired (TurboPower) | 25W wired |
| Wireless charging | 5W wireless | — |
| Display | ||
| Size | 6.9 inches (main), 1.5 inches (cover) | 6.6 inches |
| Type | pOLED, 144Hz main / OLED cover | Super AMOLED |
| Resolution | 2640 x 1080 (main) | 2340 x 1080 |
| Refresh rate | 144Hz | 120Hz |
| Brightness (nits) | 1400 | 1800 |
| Processor | ||
| CPU | Octa-core (1x2.4 GHz + 3x2.36 GHz + 4x1.8 GHz) | Octa-core |
| GPU | Adreno 644 | Adreno 710 |
| Chipset | Qualcomm Snapdragon 7 Gen 1 | Qualcomm Snapdragon 6 Gen 3 |
| Connectivity | ||
| 5G | ||
| NFC | ||
| USB | USB-C 2.0 | USB-C 2.0 |
| Wi-Fi | Wi-Fi 6E | Wi-Fi 6 |
| Bluetooth | 5.3 | 5.3 |
Related Comparisons
This comparison is based on verified manufacturer specifications covering display, performance, camera, battery, and build quality. Scores are generated by analyzing specs across weighted categories on a 10-point scale. Learn more about our methodology.
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