Motorola Razr (2023) vs Samsung Galaxy S21+
The Verdict
Both flagships deliver compelling but different experiences. Motorola's Razr 2023 stands out with its innovative foldable design, 144Hz pOLED main display, and premium build featuring vegan leather options. Its 64MP main camera with OIS and 30W fast charging provide solid performance. Samsung's Galaxy S21+ counters with a more mature processor (Snapdragon 888 vs 7 Gen 1), superior 8K video capability, and telephoto zoom lens for versatile photography. Battery capacity favors Samsung at 4800mAh versus 3800mAh, though the Razr charges faster at 30W. Display brightness edges to Motorola (1400 nits), but Samsung's Dynamic AMOLED 2X remains excellent at 1300 nits with 120Hz smoothness. At $699, the Razr offers better value and innovation appeal, while the S21+ at $999 feels dated despite stronger processing power. For users prioritizing foldable novelty and affordability, Motorola wins. Photography enthusiasts preferring proven performance should consider Samsung.
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 S21+ if…
- →Large 4800 mAh battery with great endurance
- →120Hz AMOLED display
- →Gorilla Glass Victus durability
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 S21+
Pros
- Large 4800 mAh battery with great endurance
- 120Hz AMOLED display
- Gorilla Glass Victus durability
- Good triple camera system
- Flat display is easier to use with screen protectors
Cons
- FHD+ only, no QHD option
- Plastic back on some regions (Glasstic)
- Slow 25W charging
- No microSD card slot (removed in S21 series)
- No charger in the box
Full Specifications
| Spec | Motorola Razr (2023) | Samsung Galaxy S21+ |
|---|---|---|
| Software | Android 13 | Android 11, One UI 3.1 |
| Body | ||
| Weight | 188.6 g | 200 g |
| Material | Aluminum frame, vegan leather or glass back | Aluminum frame, Gorilla Glass Victus |
| IP rating | IP52 | IP68 |
| Dimensions | 170.8 x 73.9 x 7.2 mm (unfolded) | 161.5 x 75.6 x 7.8 mm |
| Camera | ||
| Main camera | 64 MP, f/1.7, PDAF, OIS | 12 MP, f/1.8, OIS |
| Front camera | 32 MP, f/2.4 | 10 MP, f/2.2 |
| Video | 4K@30fps | 8K@24fps, 4K@60fps |
| Ultrawide | 13 MP, f/2.2 | 12 MP, f/2.2 |
| Telephoto | — | 64 MP, f/2.0, 3x hybrid zoom |
| Memory | ||
| RAM | 8 GB | 8 GB |
| Storage options | 128 GB, 256 GB | 128 GB, 256 GB |
| Battery | ||
| Capacity | 3800 mAh | 4800 mAh |
| Charging | 30W wired (TurboPower) | 25W wired |
| Wireless charging | 5W wireless | 15W wireless |
| Display | ||
| Size | 6.9 inches (main), 1.5 inches (cover) | 6.7 inches |
| Type | pOLED, 144Hz main / OLED cover | Dynamic AMOLED 2X |
| Resolution | 2640 x 1080 (main) | 2400 x 1080 |
| Refresh rate | 144Hz | 120Hz |
| Brightness (nits) | 1400 | 1300 |
| Processor | ||
| CPU | Octa-core (1x2.4 GHz + 3x2.36 GHz + 4x1.8 GHz) | Octa-core (1x2.84 GHz + 3x2.42 GHz + 4x1.8 GHz) |
| GPU | Adreno 644 | Adreno 660 |
| Chipset | Qualcomm Snapdragon 7 Gen 1 | Qualcomm Snapdragon 888 |
| Connectivity | ||
| 5G | ||
| NFC | ||
| USB | USB-C 2.0 | USB-C 3.2 |
| Wi-Fi | Wi-Fi 6E | Wi-Fi 6 |
| Bluetooth | 5.3 | 5.0 |
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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