Latest news with #foldablephones
Android Authority
5 days ago
- Android Authority
This new Android launcher is my new must-have app for foldable phones
Andy Walker / Android Authority Foldable phones are marketed as flexible and adjustable, but their software often isn't, especially when it comes to their launchers. You either use the first-party launcher, which usually has customization limitations, or a third-party alternative that's designed with multiple devices in mind. I faced this issue with the vivo X Fold 2, but I believe I've finally found a solution with Octopi Launcher. I've been following the development of this launcher for over a year, and it recently became available as a beta version on the Play Store. Even during its alpha testing phase, it showed promise. Although it's not yet a finished product, it's one of the most exciting Android launchers I've used in years, particularly for multi-screen devices. Octopi bends and twists to suit your particular home screen needs Most third-party Android launchers were created years ago for traditional single-screen phones, which don't translate well when adding a much larger secondary display. With foldables, the smaller cover screen and larger foldable display benefit from different layouts. I prefer having immediate access to essential apps on the former and a more comprehensive selection on the latter. The launchers I've tried on my foldable, including Nova and Kvaesitso, don't offer unique layouts for each screen. However, Octopi does. This is the launcher's standout feature. It allows me to set up each screen in every orientation for various purposes. When including portrait and landscape modes, that's four distinct layout possibilities. Octopi seamlessly switches layouts whenever you change screens. For example, I can configure the outer screen with productivity apps only. When I open the vivo, I access multimedia apps like YouTube, Twitch, and my usual widgets. Rotating the screen replaces those apps and widgets with travel-specific ones like Maps and Uber. With the ability to add multiple pages to each layout, the possibilities are vast. This feature is a winner on its own, but Octopi's ease of creating new layouts really grabbed me. After installing it and running through the setup screens, the launcher seamlessly prompted me to create specific layouts for each screen configuration. It suggests various options, like padding and icon density, so you don't have to think too hard about it. Alternatively, you can use the Customize button for more detailed adjustments. It does this seamlessly, too. If there's a layout you haven't set up yet, the launcher will alert you when you enter it. You can also copy layouts from one orientation to another if you prefer consistency. Beyond its killer feature, Octopi offers all the essentials you'd expect from a modern launcher. You can choose a traditional scattered app approach on the home screen or a more conventional dock. The launcher also includes a free position mode, allowing finer placement of items on the home screen, similar to (but not as chaotic as) One UI 7's Home Up features. You can also adjust the icon scale for the home screen and app drawer, remove labels, and adjust vertical and horizontal padding. Love widgets? You'll love Octopi Andy Walker / Android Authority The launcher makes placing and positioning widgets and items on the screen simple. The screen grid is independent of the icon grid size, so you can expand or shrink widgets without affecting the size of app icons on your home screen. For example, with Nova, I often use a 12×12 grid to fit widgets into the screen's nooks and crannies, but this makes icons tiny. With Octopi, I don't have to worry about this annoyance. Widget stacking and a fine positioning mode allows me to make better use of both displays. Adding to its allure for widget enthusiasts like me, Octopi also supports overlapping and stacked widgets. Moving one widget over another automatically creates a stack and resizes the moved widget to the new shape. This makes a widget-heavy layout on the cover screen entirely possible. Andy Walker / Android Authority This focus on flexibility extends to Octopi's app drawer options too. You can choose traditional icon shapes or, my favorite, tiles, which place the app name alongside the icon in larger rectangles. This design is neat and makes finding apps a breeze. And because Octopi is built for multiple layouts, I can have a 4-wide grid of tabs on the larger screen and a smaller icon-only layout on the cover display. Not quite the finished product, but it's getting there quickly Andy Walker / Android Authority As I mentioned earlier, Octopi Launcher isn't quite finished. It's a beta product, and that shows in some areas. Its gesture library isn't as extensive as I'd like. While you can set different gestures for each screen layout, Octopi only offers three options: Swipe right from the first screen, Swipe down, and Double tap. Other launchers have more complex gesture options, and I hope Octopi eventually includes them. Octopi Launcher is still in beta, so some features are not quite there yet. Octopi's search system also feels far too basic. While you can quickly jump into apps even if the search string partially matches, it can't search the device for settings, files, shortcuts, and other intents. It's a shame because a deep device-wide search system would make Octopi stand out as both a foldable and traditional launcher. Andy Walker / Android Authority Perhaps Octopi's biggest shortcoming is this: I've only enjoyed using it on a foldable phone. I'm sure it would serve tablet users well, but there are better launchers for single-screen smartphones. Sure, you can still make use of Octopi's multi-layout system on a traditional phone, but I rarely, if ever, use my launcher in landscape to launch apps. Nevertheless, I know that Octopi Launcher is far from complete. There are several gaps the developer needs to fill, but what we have so far is very promising, and updates continue to come in thick and fast. I'm constantly refining my layouts on every phone I use, and having a bespoke option built for my foldable is brilliant. Octopi Launcher seems made for heavy customizers, which is perhaps why it appeals to me so much. Keep an eye on this upcoming launcher in the coming months. I certainly will.
GSM Arena
7 days ago
- GSM Arena
Samsung Galaxy Z Fold7 allegedly spotted in the wild
As a quick refresher, Samsung is expected to launch a total of three foldables in early July: the Galaxy Z Fold7, Z Flip7 and Z Flip7 FE. Reportedly, mass production of the devices is well underway, so it comes as no surprise that product spy shots are starting to surface online. Alleged Samsung Galaxy Z #GalaxyZFold7 — Piyush Bhasarkar (@TechKard) May 23, 2025 The particular photo we have is allegedly of the Z Fold7 and, more specifically, its backside. Arguably, that's the most boring angle to view the device from since it reveals nothing regarding its alleged new edge-to-edge cover display or its reported impressive thinness, measuring just 3.9mm. We can't see the allegedly massively reduced inner display bezels either. Just a backside with a familiar vertical triple-camera arrangement. In fact, this could easily be a dummy unit and perhaps not even a complete one, but just one half. Regardless, it's a first look at the device in real life. Plus, the original Weibo source of the image seems to be gone, which suggests there is at least a bit of credibility to the leak. Speaking of dimensions, we believe the Z Fold7 will measure 158.4 x 143.1 x 3.9 mm. We also think that the phone will use the Snapdragon 8 Elite globally, which is not necessarily a given for the other cited foldables. The Z Flip7, for instance, will likely only use the Snapdragon 8 Elite in North America and China but rely on the Exynos 2500 in other markets. As for the mystical Z Flip7 FE, which we still know very little about, it is assumed to use the older Exynos 2400. Source
Android Authority
23-05-2025
- Android Authority
The Motorola Razr is the one foldable I'd recommend to a first-time buyer in 2025
I love foldable phones — flip phones, specifically. There's something about the mix of nostalgia and portability that's always made it so easy for me to go back to something like the Galaxy Z Flip whenever I'm between reviews. However, recommending a specific flip phone to someone curious about the form factor has always been tougher. It's so easy to get caught up in the less flexible cameras, relatively small batteries, and somewhat limited durability that you're never sure whether someone should really buy a flip phone. But, if I know anything about Android fans, I know we're stubborn. If we set our minds to trying something new, that's probably what we'll do. So, if you're determined to dip a toe into the foldable phone segment for the first time, I'd recommend you do so with the Motorola Razr (2025), and here's why. Hello UX is easy and approachable Ryan Haines / Android Authority Although most people might think adjusting to life with two displays in your pocket is the hardest part of picking up a foldable phone, I'm here to disagree — well, kind of. Rather than worrying about keeping two displays safe from harm, I think the hardest part is learning to use both displays independently, especially on a flip phone. Sure, you can get away with making the outside of a book-style foldable feel like half of the internal display, but the cover screen on a flip phone will always feel different, and that's where Motorola's advantage lies. I've been vocal about not liking Samsung's recent Flex Window experiences. I haven't been impressed by the continued reliance on Good Lock to add basic features like an app drawer, and its widgets, though polished, don't always feel like suitable replacements. There's also the odd shape of the Flex Window itself that you have to contend with, watching the few apps that do work take on wonky layouts because they can't stretch down around the cameras. With the Razr (2025), almost all those struggles fall to the wayside. Is Motorola's alternative perfect? No, I still run into the occasional hiccup when the camera cutouts cover part of the app I'm using, but I still feel like it's much easier to pick up Hello UX and tweak it to a point where I'm happy. I don't have to jump through hoops to add an app drawer — I can add up to three panels for either apps or widgets within the native interface. Motorola also makes it much easier to waste time with games on its cover screen because if there's anything I want, it's obviously the ability to practice flicking penalty kicks while I'm in line at Whole Foods. Perhaps what I mean is that I'm glad Motorola hasn't overthought its cover screen experience. Rather than looking for perfection, it's open to letting users experiment with which apps they'll need every day. Yes, Google Maps might hide part of your ETA or remaining mileage because the cameras are in the way, but you can set it up and use it right out of the box, then swap over to Instagram or TikTok without needing a second app drawer — a claim the Galaxy Z Flip 6 can't make. Motorola's rear cameras are all you really need Ryan Haines / Android Authority If you read a few of my previous Razr reviews, you might remember that I wasn't always sold on Motorola's camera pairing. For a while, I thought the flagship flip phone would be better served by pairing its primary camera with a telephoto sensor, putting a little more zoom into the palm of my hand. Then, Motorola did just that when it refreshed the 2024 Razr Plus, and I almost immediately knew I was wrong. I didn't like the experience of using the phone while closed nearly as much as I thought I would, because it didn't let me punch past 2x zoom. The wide and ultrawide pairing is perfect for a flip phone, despite what I thought I'd like better. So, now that I'm back on the base Razr (2025) with a wide and ultrawide pairing, I'm comfortable admitting that the grass isn't always greener. When used on a flip phone, I now have to say that this is just the right setup and that Motorola's megapixel count feels right. Its 50MP primary sensor, which bins down to 12.5MP by default, is perfectly comfortable in most lighting scenarios, while the 13MP ultrawide backup works perfectly as a go-to selfie shooter with the phone closed. Yes, you get a similar pairing on the back of Samsung's Galaxy Z Flip 6 (with a 12MP ultrawide instead of 13MP), but that phone will set you back an additional $400, and the difference in quality isn't nearly that high. To see what I mean, here are just a few samples from my time with the Motorola Razr (2025). So far, I've been pretty happy with the results from 0.6x to about 4x zoom on Motorola's base flip phone. The new wrinkle this year is that its cameras are Pantone-validated, a color treatment that Motorola first showed off on the Edge 50 Pro and Ultra in 2024. Essentially, it means that you'll sometimes see a Pantone logo pop up in the corner of your camera interface, as well as a brighter, more vibrant color profile replacing Motorola's typically natural look. It's occasionally punchy enough to give Samsung's reds and greens a run for their money, but you can also switch to Google's enhanced color profile if you want a slightly different look. As usual, though, I like how the Razr handles selfies from its primary camera, even if the default square aspect ratio throws me off just a bit. I've also yet to figure out what color tricks the Razr (2025) applies to its ultrawide shots, as many of my images have a glow surrounding the subjects. It's less noticeable in indoor photos, but I can't say that I love how the sky glows when surrounding the Living Classroom in Baltimore's Harbor East neighborhood, only to get very dark once you move higher up the background. I hope a future software update tones that down just a bit, but I can't say for sure. Samsung has its advantages, but I'm not sure they outweigh the Razr's value Ryan Haines / Android Authority Of course, for all of the things that I like about Motorola's latest Razr, I can't act like it beats the Galaxy Z Flip 6 from top to bottom. I have to give the Galaxy Z Flip 6 the edge in terms of raw performance thanks to its Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 for Galaxy, which stays comfortably ahead of the Razr's Dimensity 7400X. Samsung's Galaxy AI features have had more time to mature than the new crop of Moto AI options, too, but there's still a good bit of overlap between the two. If anything, Samsung's excellent commitment to software updates is the biggest feather in its cap, but even then, I'm not entirely sure it's worth an extra $400. This brings me to my point: The Samsung Galaxy Z Flip 6 is an excellent flip phone. It's reliable, good for productivity, and will continue to receive support into the next decade. However, if you're brand new to the world of foldable phones, you might not be ready to tether yourself to one very expensive device for that long. If you're spending more than $1,000 on your next phone, it's perfectly reasonable to want something with a bigger battery, faster wired charging, and a form factor that will stand the test of time. Maybe that's the Galaxy Z Flip 6, maybe it's not. Samsung's Galaxy Z Flip 6 might have more power and updates, but the Razr (2025) packs fun, simplicity, and value. However, with the Motorola Razr (2025), the stakes don't feel quite as high. You can still get an excellent flip phone with a solid IP48 rating, two reliable cameras, and a straightforward cover screen experience, but you don't have to drop a grand to get it. In fact, you can save yourself a full $400 while getting faster wired charging, double the base storage, and a shallower, less visible crease across the center of your 6.9-inch AMOLED panel. Thanks to the other half of Motorola's Pantone partnership, you'll also have more fun colors and textures to choose from. I was immediately drawn in by the nylon-esque texture of the deep blue Gibraltar Sea finish, while both Spring Bud and Parfait Pink offer a taste of vegan leather that feels smooth and soft in the hand. There's even an almost-white finish called Lightest Sky, a lightly textured acetate for the fans of neutral-colored phones. No matter which way you go, Motorola's finishes are more fun than Samsung's flat panels of colored glass, and you can't change my mind about that.
Telegraph
23-05-2025
- Telegraph
Motorola Razr 60 Ultra review: Finally, a flip phone that isn't a flop
This article contains affiliate links. The products or services listed have been selected independently by journalists after hands-on testing or sourcing expert opinions. We may earn a commission when you click a link, buy a product or subscribe to a service. What is the Motorola Razr 60 Ultra? The Razr 60 Ultra is Motorola's sixth generation of compact foldable phones, but you can trace the Razr lineage back even further. During the pre-smartphone days of the mid-2000s, Razr flip phones represented a hip alternative to Nokia's robust candy bar devices. Whereas full-sized foldable phones such as the Google Pixel 9 Pro Fold offer a regular smartphone that unfolds into a mini-tablet, compact foldables such as the Razr 60 Ultra give you a regular smartphone that folds down into an instantly more portable package. It's intended for those who resent carrying a large device in a pocket or bag, but who don't wish to compromise on the benefits that modern smartphones bring. This latest Razr 60 Ultra sits at the top of Motorola's extended smartphone range and at £1,099, it is the brand's most expensive device by quite some margin. However, its price is roughly in line with high-end clamshell smartphones from other brands. Its foldable design facilitates a large 7-inch internal display, as well as a 4-inch cover screen that can be used when the phone is closed. It runs on the latest and fastest mobile chip on the market and includes a dual 50-megapixel camera system. JUMP TO: How we test smartphones Each smartphone review is based on five key metrics: design and features, display, performance and battery life, software and AI and camera capabilities. However, the approach is slightly different when reviewing a foldable phone. The design aspect warrants an even stronger focus here, as these phones incorporate moving mechanical components and flexible materials, such as the hinge and fragile folding display. The foldable design makes the phones inherently more complex and vulnerable. Otherwise, the testing procedure is the same as for a typical smartphone, involving a number of popular benchmark test appsto compare how the device performs against its competitors. More importantly, we test how a phone handles everyday tasks, from making basic calls and texts to using Google Maps and streaming video. I spent a week using the Razr 60 Ultra as my main phone, allowing me to get a feel for how it works in the real world. Why you can trust Telegraph Recommended Our tech experts continuously conduct in-depth, independent, real-world tests, scoring devices against pre-set testing metrics and industry benchmarks, so we can deliver definitive and comprehensive buying advice. Telegraph Recommended reviews are never shared with product manufacturers before publication, we don't accept payment in exchange for positive reviews, nor do we allow brands to pay for placement in our articles. Visit our Who We Are page to learn more. Design and features Score: 8/10 The Motorola Razr 60 Ultra's design is its defining feature, with a mechanical hinge at the halfway point that lets you fold a 7.2mm-thick smartphone down completely in half, leaving you holding a small, almost square phone in the palm of your hand. Motorola has refined this clamshell design significantly over the years with each release of its foldable smartphones. The result is a phone that folds completely flat and shows only the merest of bumps on the internal display when you open it back up. The hinge itself is a beautiful piece of engineering, with a smooth yet sturdy movement that allows you to keep the phone open at any angle beyond 45 degrees. My review model comes with a tactile wood finish on the lower half, which is where the phone sits in your hand when held. This material is reassuringly resistant to scuffs and scrapes, and the curved glass cover display is covered in a toughened Gorilla Glass Ceramic layer, which should help to mitigate the impact of drops and scratches. One of the key weaknesses with any foldable device is a lower level of dust resistance compared to standard phones, and sure enough, the Motorola Razr 60 Ultra has to make do with a mereIP48 rating. This is an improvement on its predecessor, the Razr 50 Ultra, but it still means that while it's as waterproof as almost any non-foldable phone, it is prone to letting in solid particles smaller than 1 millimetre. This doesn't bode well for longevity, as over time, dirt and other detritus may clog up the phone's hinge. Displays Score: 8/10 Motorola maximises space better than any other compact foldable phone maker. The main event with the Razr 60 Ultra is a huge 7-inch display, which is bigger than your average iPhone or Samsung device. I say technically, because it has an unusual, taller-than-average 22:9 aspect ratio, which means that this display is a lot taller and narrower than you may be used to. When video content on Netflix or Prime Video supports the cinematic 21:9 aspect ratio, it looks phenomenal with no black bars above or below the screen, but many social media and YouTube videos play with distractingly large side borders when held in landscape view. There's no disputing the quality of this main display, however. It's nice and sharp at 1,224 x 2,912 resolution, while an exceptionally high peak brightness of 4,500 nits helps when using the screen outdoors in direct sunlight. A faster-than-usual refresh rate of 165Hz means that scrolling feels particularly smooth, too. The inner plastic screen cover is found on all foldable smartphones and this does cheapen the overall experience, especially as soon as it picks up greasy fingerprints. This can't be removed, since the fragile display would be damaged if you did try to peel this off. The external screen is a smaller and squarer 4-inch 1,272 x 1,080 resolution display, and this also has a 165Hz refresh rate. You will likely find yourself using this outer screen more often, since it can still be used for the majority of the phone's actions, including replying to messages and navigating via Google Maps. The design also places the NFC chip reader for making mobile payments and tapping in and out of stations in the bottom half of the phone, which almost forces you to keep it closed to do this on the go. Performance and battery life Score: 9/10 Last year's Motorola Razr 50 Ultra was a bit of a disappointment from a performance perspective, offering a cut-down version of 2024's leading processor. I have no such concerns here, running on the same top-end chip – the Qualcomm Snapdragon 8 Elite – as the Samsung Galaxy S25 Ultra and OnePlus 13 flagship handsets. Indeed, when you factor in a fixed 16GB of RAM, together with a minimum of 512GB of internal storage (scaling up to 1TB depending on how much money you want to spend), the Motorola Razr 60 Ultra is one of the best-equipped phones on the market. By comparison, that's double the base storage of the iPhone 16 Pro. It doesn't quite reach the speeds of the fastest phones on the market, but it doesn't fall too short either. This remains an elite performer and is considerably faster than our favourite foldable phone, the Google Pixel 9 Pro Fold. I had no issue with performance in day-to-day use, and it's capable of running the most advanced games such as Genshin Impact on the highest graphical settings, though a constrained internal arrangement means that it will grow a little hot after a while. Indeed, towards the end of running my usual suite of gaming tests, I was issued with a worrying overheating warning. It's not the best gaming phone, with the Asus ROG Phone 9 Pro retaining that title, but it will put in a good showing over shorter bouts. Foldable phones have a hard time competing with traditional format handsets on battery life thanks to their space-restricting designs. Having two distinct halves joined by a complex hinge mechanism invariably leaves less room for battery cells, and the Razr 60 Ultra's 4,700mAh battery falls short of what I would expect of a normal flagship. However, I did find that it lasted longer than other foldable smartphones. The Razr 60 Ultra got me through a full day of moderate to heavy usage with more than 30 per cent remaining, which counts as a strong pass. By comparison, the Galaxy Z Flip 6, with its smaller 4,000mAh capacity battery, would struggle to make it through the day. Software and AI Motorola typically employs one of the lighter, less obnoxious Android interfaces. This means that it runs Android 15 in a form not quite as Google intended and what you will find on Pixel devices, but it isn't far off. There are some slight changes, but these modifications are generally well thought out. The Moto app, for instance, simply and plainly guides you through the setup process, highlighting particular features and how to make the most of them. Motorola's hand-wiggling gestures are particularly useful, allowing you to jump into the camera app with a double twist of your wrist, or to activate the torch with a double chop of the palm. Both have proved to be extremely handy in my years using Motorola phones, and they don't require much physical effort, either. One exceptionally helpful bit of software design is that the phone's external display can run all Android applications. Some work better than others due to the screen's smaller and squarer size, but applications such as WhatsApp and Google Maps worked incredibly well. As you might expect, the Razr 60 Ultra's use of AI plays a central role, yet it is relatively easy to ignore if you wanted and in my experience, it proved to be quite inessential in day-to-day use. If you did choose to dabble, however, Motorola has included a dedicated AI button on the left-hand edge of the phone. Press and hold it to bring up a menu where you can use the AI to summarise your messages, transcribe notes, create images from rough sketches or text descriptions, and perform other AI-enhanced tasks with varying degrees of usefulness. Motorola has teamed up with a company called Perplexity to include its third-party AI assistant as standard, but you will need a paid subscription to use it. Thankfully, if you would rather not pay, then you can always switch to Google's Gemini assistant at no additional cost. Motorola's software update promise is somewhat disappointing, with just three annual operating system upgrades planned for the future, as well as four years of security patches. This falls far short of the Samsung Galaxy Z Flip 6 and the Google Pixel 9 Pro Fold with their seven-year support plans. Cameras Score: 7/10 Motorola's latest premium foldable phone does a decent job of taking photos, but it doesn't do anything extraordinary. You might expect more than that for your £1,100 outlay, but this is one of those key concessions you should anticipate if you opt for a foldable smartphone. Leading the charge is a 50-megapixel main camera. The size of the sensor is slightly larger than last year's model, which means that it's better at capturing light, making for clearer images at night. In my tests, the Razr 60 Ultra captured detailed, vibrant shots in well-lit environments and respectable pictures in low-light using the Night Vision mode. The main camera works side-by-side with a secondary ultrawide lens. This helps to capture more of the scene and is particularly useful for landscape photography. Like the main sensor, this ultrawide camera produced a reasonable amount of detail, with a similar stylistic look. The lack of a proper zoom camera means that you will have to digitally crop the image. What this means is that you will lose quality if you decide to zoom into the frame. It performs well enough if you zoom between 2x and 4x, but anything beyond that introduces a level of graininess to your shots that is hard to ignore. One of the major payoffs with foldable phones is their selfie prowess, with the cover display serving as an effective viewfinder that allows you to use the main camera for selfies when the phone is folded. You can also utilise that secondary ultrawide camera for impressive landscape and group selfies. The camera app is capable of some clever software tricks centring around that folding system. Half close the phone when in the camera app, and the user interface will reconfigure to place the viewfinder in the top half of the main display, essentially serving as a built-in tripod. Set a timer or use a hand gesture and you can take photos hands-free. Meanwhile, in video mode, if you tilt the phone 90 degrees while half closing the phone, it will automatically start recording like you're holding a classic camcorder. Technical specifications While the true generational rival to the Motorola Edge 60 Ultra will be the Samsung Galaxy Z Flip 7, that phone isn't likely to hit the market until July. This means that the Razr's closest competitor is the older Samsung Galaxy Z Flip 6. The latter falls short on specs, but it can now be found at a significantly cheaper price. Here's how the Motorola Razr 60 Ultra and the Samsung Galaxy Z Flip 6 compare on paper. Should you buy the Motorola Razr 60 Ultra? The Motorola Razr 60 Ultra is the best compact foldable phone on the market right now. Its performance is impressive, its two screens are vibrant, and the dual camera system is capable of taking respectable images. If you're a fan of taking selfies with friends, it's an absolute treat to use. Meanwhile, the battery life is long enough to get the Razr 60 Ultra through a full day on the go without issue. Motorola's software remains as crisp and clean as ever, though it's a shame to see that the future update promise isn't up to the standard of some of its rivals, at only three years. If you're still on the fence about foldable phones, the Motorola Razr 60 Ultra is unlikely to make you a believer, but if you're already sold on the concept, then this is the best phone of its kind. Yes, if: No, if: £1,099.99 Buy now Price at Motorola Motorola Razr 60 Ultra FAQs Is the Motorola Razr 60 Ultra waterproof? Yes, the Motorola Razr 60 Ultra is IP48 water and dust resistant, meaning it can be immersed up to a depth of 1.5m for up to 30 minutes. Does the Motorola Razr 60 Ultra have wireless charging? Yes, it supports up to 30W wireless charging using an official charger. Does the Motorola Razr 60 Ultra support Gemini AI? Yes, Google's Gemini app is pre-installed and it can also be accessed with a long press of the power button. What software does the Motorola Razr 60 Ultra run? Android 15 comes installed out of the box, with three major OS upgrades promised.
Phone Arena
22-05-2025
- Phone Arena
Galaxy Z Fold 7 looks outdated on the outside, and that's fine by me
*Header image is referential and showcases the Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 6. | Image credit — PhoneArena This year, Samsung will release the Galaxy Z Fold 7 and Galaxy Z Flip 7, possibly alongside its upcoming tri-foldable smartphone. The Galaxy foldable phones have had their sales expectations lowered, but that hasn't stopped tech enthusiasts from getting excited about new hardware upgrades.A recently leaked image of the Fold 7 showed something that might be disappointing for many: the phone looks the same as its predecessor. This point stood out to me in particular because Samsung has been shaking things up this year. The Galaxy S25 Ultra ditched the recognizable sharp edges in favor of a more traditional and grip-friendly design. Meanwhile, the aforementioned Galaxy tri-foldable will be a completely revolutionary new product category for Samsung: directly challenging the Huawei Mate XT. And let's not forget the new phone that Samsung has just released, the Galaxy S25 Edge. A competitor to the upcoming iPhone 17 Air, the Edge is yet another new change from the company after a few years of products that looked like clones of their the decision to keep the highly-anticipated Fold 7 looking the same as the Fold 6 is a bit confusing. Especially when other foldables in the market are innovating in more ways than one. However, I think that this is a perfectly viable strategy. The Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 6. | Image credit — PhoneArena When I look at other foldable smartphones on the market today, I can't help but think that Samsung is falling behind. The Oppo Find N5, for example, looks stunning in my opinion. It follows the current trend of flagship Chinese smartphones: a massive camera array on the back. Furthermore, it also comes in some very pretty ( if not too spectacular ) colors. The fact that it's the world's thinnest foldable phone only helps its case. Galaxy Z Fold 7 , on the other hand, is just more of the same. In the leaked image, its color doesn't particularly stand out either. In fact, if you didn't tell me that this was the Fold 7 , I would've just thought it was the Fold 6 and moved on. But I don't think that that's necessarily a bad thing. In fact, the Galaxy Z Fold 7 is looking like it'll be one of the nicest foldables you can buy in 2025. The Snapdragon 8 Elite chipset will power the Fold 7. | Image credit — Samsung Samsung is taking things slow. Many, including myself, are bewildered by the fact that the company still hasn't adopted better, high-density batteries. The charging speeds on Samsung's flagships also remain incredibly sluggish compared to most competitors. And, perhaps worst of all, the Fold 7 is rumored to feature a 4,400 mAh battery, the same as its predecessor. However, I really liked a comment under the leaked image that compared the Fold series with the Mazda MX-5. A Galaxy Fold phone is, simply put, a reliable and safe option for those who want a more exciting device that just works. Samsung's software support is excellent, and the brand has made a name for itself as the king of Android phones in the U.S. You get excellent displays, superb build quality, and quality-of-life features you don't even realize you had until you switch to another phone. And it's not like the Fold 7 is just the Fold 6 with a new name. The Fold 7 will have a bigger display, and it will be much thinner as well. A direct comparison between the Fold 6 and the Fold 7 shows that the new phone will look and feel like an upgrade. There have also been leaks about the crease on the Fold 7 's display, which is said to be a big improvement over the Fold 6. Multiple reports from inside the industry have also all but confirmed that the Fold 7 will be using the Snapdragon 8 Elite chipset worldwide, something most will see as a major win. The Galaxy Z Fold 7 might not be the exciting and revolutionary upgrade some may have been hoping for, but it's still going to be an excellent device. Whether you're new to foldables or a long-time adopter, the Fold 7 is a reliable and solid pick. And if you're still not convinced, then you've got the tri-foldable to look forward to as well.I think that the Fold 7 may be Samsung's last foldable with this look. After the tri-foldable comes out and Apple ramps up work on a foldable iPhone, Samsung may begin thinking about shaking things up for its foldables next year too. So if you're a fan of the slightly outdated look of the Galaxy Z Fold series, then the Fold 7 is a love letter to you. Possibly the last one that Samsung will ever write.
