Top positive review
5.0 out of 5 starsNear perfect for what I was looking for
Reviewed in the United States on June 17, 2024
First you have to ask yourself if a flip phone is right for you? Standard phones are optimized for a large battery size and a top notch camera, but not optimized for convenience of size when carrying/portability and when in use for basic phone functions. Flip phones are optimized for convenience of size/portability. But the form factor forces a compromise on battery size and camera capability. I put a priority on convenience/size, so a flip is a no-brainer IF it has the necessary functional capability. The RAZR + does, with the inclusion of the external screen as it enables my most used functions without the need to open the phone. I'm not the type who buries my head in my phone all day on social media/TikTok and/or games. If I were, then a flip may not be optimal.
Based upon the above analysis, the question then comes down to the razr+, or the Samsung flip 5, since they both have external screens. The factors favoring the Samsung are that it has the more powerful Snapdragon Gen 2 vs. the Gen 1 in the Razr+. Since I don't put high demands on the processor the Gen 1 in the Razr+ is more than adequate for me. Another advantage it has is a marginally better camera, though neither is as capable as what can be had in a brick phone. Again, this is not a high priority for me. So this leaves one final advantage for the Samsung, and that is water resistance. The Samsung is rated for surviving being submersed in water, where the razr+ is only rated to be splash resistant. In all the years I've had a cellphone I've never dropped it in the toilet and don't plan to in the future (or any other body of water for that matter). Though this is not a vital factor for me, if all else being equal, then it would be a deciding factor. But all else is not equal. For one thing, while the razr+ is not as robust against water damage, it is rated much higher against dust, which I understand to be important for flip phones. But the key advantage for the razr+ is the external screen. It as much higher resolution, and importantly, it is much easier to use a number of apps. Thus, 80+% of the things I do with my phone I can do without the need to open my phone- text messaging, making/receiving phone call, assessing my wallet and the QR code I need to enter my gym, and any other QR codes for various tickets. The Samsung external screen is much less capable and more complicated to use apps. So, for my needs, the razr+ is the clear winner. Another thing to note is that reviews often state the hinge on the razr+ seems less robust and does not inspire confidence as compared to the Samsung. However, it seems very robust to me, and when compared to my son's Samsung Flip 4, I see no difference. Though the Flip 5 may have an improved hinge compared to the flip 4, I dunno. Since I can do most of what I need to without opening the phone, I would be putting less stress on the hinge compared to the Samsung any way.
In short, I would say the the razr+ is optimized for flip phone advantages. While the Samsung seems to be trying to please both the flip market and the brick phone user. As a result, it is sub-optimal for both. I suppose if you have other Samsung devices, such as the watch, then maybe the Samsung environment may be important to you.