Stephen Radochia / Android Authority
I’ve made it clear I prefer the Motorola Razr lineup to Samsung’s Galaxy Z Flip series. Motorola does a better job of identifying and leaning into why people buy flip phones, while Samsung still struggles to forge its own identity. It’s especially frustrating because Samsung has all the tools to turn the tables on Motorola and produce a foldable that excites people — it just hasn’t hit the mark so far.
The Galaxy Z Flip 8 will be an excellent opportunity for Samsung to change our perception of its clamshell folding phones. I’ve used the Galaxy Z Flip 7, and here’s what Samsung needs to do with the Galaxy Z Flip 8 to give Motorola a run for its money.
What would make you buy the Galaxy Z Flip 8 over a Motorola Razr? 6 votes Better cover screen experience 17 % Faster charging speeds 33 % Lower price! 50 % Longer software support 0 % Stylish design 0 %
The cover screen experience has to change
Stephen Radochia / Android Authority
I sound like a broken record every time I complain about the Galaxy Z Flip 7’s cover screen experience, but Samsung hasn’t done enough to fix the problem. I get it. For enthusiasts who know what they are doing, it doesn’t take long to download Good Lock and Multistar to get the outer display customized to their liking. However, that’s not something the casual user knows or understands how to do.
When I mentioned that Samsung has the tools to beat Motorola, software was one of the significant areas I had in mind.
I know two people who picked up a Galaxy Z Flip 7 for something different. When I asked about their cover screen setups, neither of them knew they could add apps beyond the defaults. Clamshell foldables are aimed at more casual users. Enthusiasts are picking up the Galaxy S26 Ultra or the Galaxy Z Fold 7, so at the very least, Samsung needs to offer a specialized experience for the Z Flip.
You don’t know what you don’t know, and smartphones aren’t a hobby for most people. Samsung needs to recognize that and incorporate Good Lock and Multistar functionality in One UI — without the need for additional downloads or setup. Motorola does this better than anyone, and Samsung must figure it out.
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