Samsung vs. Motorola: I tested a bunch of phones from both brands – here are my picks

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Highlights taken by ZDNET

• Samsung offers strong software support and ecosystem benefits.
• Motorola excels in price, design, and battery life.
• The best Android brand depends on your budget and priorities.

Samsung and Motorola are two of the oldest and newest brands in the mobile phone space. In recent years, one has pushed the boundaries with the first ever book-style foldable phone, while another has reinvented the flip phone. Both brands offer phones at various prices. You can get a Samsung Galaxy or a A Motorola phone less than $250 to more than $1,800.

Also: Why I recommend this $450 Samsung phone over competing models by Google and OnePlus

I’ve reviewed most of these phones from both Samsung and Motorola and liked them for different reasons. But their extensive portfolios and competitive landscape can be confusing if you’re in the market for a new device.

Here’s how they compare in 2026, and which brand suits your needs best.

You should buy a Samsung Galaxy phone if…

You want a better ecosystem of devices

If you already have a Samsung product or want to buy another device from Samsung, a Galaxy phone can pair better with those products. Samsung has a wider product ecosystem than Motorola. From appliances like refrigerators and air conditioners to laptops, TVs, and tablets, there’s more to Samsung than just phones. In any cross-device operation, having a Samsung TV, laptop, and phone can make your life easier with deeply integrated features of the ecosystem.

Also: Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 7 vs. Pixel 10 Pro Fold vs. Motorola Razr Fold – this model wins for me

For example, you can control your Samsung TV using the SmartThings app on your Galaxy smartphone. It’s the simple things, like not having to look for the remote control every time you want to change the volume or mess with other TV settings.

You also get features like the Apple ecosystem, where Samsung Galaxy Buds work best when paired with a Galaxy smartphone, and App Continuity lets you keep browsing the same website across your phone and tablet.

Motorola makes other products, too, but they aren’t as deeply integrated into the Razr phones as the Samsung Galaxy ecosystem.

You need remote software support

Google and Samsung’s recent exchange has helped the brand promise Pixel-level software commitment with its latest phones. The two brands have partnered on several Android features, and have benefited the new generation of Galaxy phones.

Also: I’ve used every model of the Samsung Galaxy S26 – that’s why the Ultra is the best

From $450 Galaxy A37 5G at $1,900 Galaxy Z Fold 7, you’ll get at least six years of software support with all phones. This extends to seven years of Android OS and security updates for more premium devices such as the Galaxy S series and Galaxy Z series. This makes it compatible with the industry-leading Android software update policy for the Google Pixel.

Motorola, meanwhile, pushed to seven years of software support this year with Motorola Signature and The Razr Fold devices. However, low-end phones and the Razr 2026 series of phones still hold the three-year Android upgrade promise.

If you’re investing $800 in a new phone, and you want it to last more than three years, a Samsung Galaxy device is your best bet.

You need aggressive carrier promotions

Samsung Galaxy phones usually get more carrier upgrades than Motorola smartphones. The promotions are so aggressive that the price hike on the Galaxy S26 series has been accompanied by strong carrier promotions.

Also: Have a Samsung phone? I changed 10 settings to greatly improve its performance

According to a Counterpoint Research report, “US carriers responded to price increases caused by the recall with aggressive increases” and “three.” [Galaxy S26] models and carriers saw a significant increase in premium promotions.” This results in a more attractive offering of new generation Samsung Galaxy phones than Motorola devices.

You should buy a Motorola phone if…

You want better value for money

Motorola is unbeatable in the affordable segment. It’s the only manufacturer to offer a $500 styled phone (after a recent $100 price hike) and a $300 battery-centric device. Samsung does not have a wide range of features in the middle and high end of the market. If you are looking for a budget device, a Motorola phone will serve you better than a Galaxy phone.

Also: I tested all the Razr and Galaxy Flip: 3 reasons Motorola crushes Samsung in folders

Plus, you can get a previous generation Razr phone for under $500 (or $400 sometimes). You don’t need to spend more than $500 to get a new answering phone. For any first-time folding phone buyer who doesn’t want to drop $1,000 on a new device, the Motorola Razr lineup is more accessible than the Samsung Galaxy Z series of phones.

Looking for more creative designs

Motorola tests with color and material finishes other non-touch and touch models.

From Pantone color coordination to FIFA World Cup edition machines, you can find a Razr phone with attractive color combos and faux leather finishes. Hello, there is a Smart plan for Motorola phones with Swarovski stones in them! Samsung doesn’t have that range when it comes to flagship phones in the US.

Also: Google Pixel vs. Samsung Galaxy: I’ve tested both products extensively, and there’s a clear winner

I like it when my phone looks different and has a lot of personality and character in its design. And if you’re like me, then a Motorola Edge or Razr series phone is your device of choice over its Samsung rival.

You need better battery life

Motorola is the first manufacturer in the US to put a silicon-carbon battery in its packaging. This technology allows phone manufacturers to add more battery capacity in smaller designs without adding bulk to the phone.

Because of this, the new Motorola Razr Fold is the only foldable in the US to have a 6,000mAh battery — in a design that weighs significantly less than the Google Pixel 10 Pro Fold. While the Galaxy Z Fold 7 remains unbeatable in its design, the 4,400mAh battery may not be enough for heavy phone users.

Also: Motorola Razr Fold review

This gap is not so wide in the sub-$600 segment, where you can find the smaller, lighter Galaxy A57 5G with 5,000mAh. However, if you’re on a budget, the Motorola G Power series will be more appealing than any other sub-$300 competitor, thanks to its 5,200mAh battery.

Author’s choice

I like some features of Motorola’s UI, like pressing and holding Always on Display to check notifications, but I like Samsung’s compactness more. Motorola is moving forward in the budget segment with a clean UI and a wide feature set, but for the best phones, I still prefer Samsung Galaxy devices for their long software support, premium construction, and more reliable cameras.