Samsung Galaxy S23 vs Motorola razr (2023)
If you want a compact powerhouse, the Samsung Galaxy S23 is the way to go. Its Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 chip offers lightning-fast performance with plenty of power for gaming and multitasking. In my testing, the Galaxy S23's 6.1" Dynamic AMOLED display is bright and vibrant, hitting up to 1750 nits for outdoor visibility. In contrast, the razr's 6.9" pOLED screen provides a larger canvas for media consumption but lacks the same level of durability and performance, highlighted by its weaker Snapdragon 7 Gen 1 chip. Key specs: Display: 6.1" vs 6.9" and Refresh: 120 Hz vs 144 Hz.
Why compare these? Both the Samsung Galaxy S23 and Motorola razr (2023) are mid-range smartphones competing in the same market segment. This makes them direct rivals for buyers looking for mid-range features and performance in 2026. Understanding their differences helps you choose the right one for your specific needs.
As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.
Key Differences at a Glance
| Aspect | Samsung Galaxy | Motorola razr |
|---|---|---|
| User Rating | ✓4.4★ (101 reviews) | 4.3★ (513 reviews) |
| Top Strength | Powerful Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 for Galaxy chip outperforms standard version | Most accessible price point for a new foldable phone in the US |
| Main Drawback | Base 128GB model uses slower UFS 3.1 storage (256GB+ uses UFS 4.0) | External display (1.5") is tiny and only useful for basic notifications (unlike Razr+) |
| Market Position | Mid-range | Mid-range |
Samsung Galaxy S23
Android
4 generations of OS upgrades (Android 14, 15, 16, 17); 5 years of security updates (guaranteed until 2028)
Qualcomm Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 for Galaxy (4nm; 8-core CPU: 1x3.36GHz Cortex-X3, 2x2.8GHz A715, 2x2.8GHz A710, 3x2.0GHz A510)
Adreno 740 (719 MHz)
Motorola razr (2023)
Android
3 Android OS upgrades and 4 years of bi-monthly security updates
Qualcomm Snapdragon 7 Gen 1 (4nm)
Adreno 644
Only the specs that differ are shown here. Winners are highlighted when the data is clear.
+Full specs, pros, and cons
Everything side-by-side with ratings and the full spec list.
Expand
Full specs, pros, and cons
Everything side-by-side with ratings and the full spec list.
Comparison: Samsung Galaxy S23 vs Motorola razr (2023)
Samsung Galaxy S23
Motorola razr (2023)
| Criterion | Samsung Galaxy S23 | Motorola razr (2023) |
|---|---|---|
| Rating | ★4.4(101)Best Buy | ★4.3(513)Best Buy |
Operating System | Android | Android |
Software Support | 4 generations of OS upgrades (Android 14, 15, 16, 17); 5 years of security updates (guaranteed until 2028) | 3 Android OS upgrades and 4 years of bi-monthly security updates |
Processor | Qualcomm Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 for Galaxy (4nm; 8-core CPU: 1x3.36GHz Cortex-X3, 2x2.8GHz A715, 2x2.8GHz A710, 3x2.0GHz A510) | Qualcomm Snapdragon 7 Gen 1 (4nm) |
Graphics | Adreno 740 (719 MHz) | Adreno 644 |
RAM | 8 GB (LPDDR5X) | 8GB LPDDR4X |
Storage | 128GB (UFS 3.1) / 256GB (UFS 4.0) / 512GB (UFS 4.0) | 128GB UFS 2.2 (Non-expandable) |
Display Size | 6.1" (6.1" full rectangle; 5.9" accounting for rounded corners) | Main: 6.9" / External: 1.5" |
Screen Type | Dynamic AMOLED 2X | Main: FHD+ pOLED, LTPO, 144Hz / External: OLED, 60Hz |
Resolution | 2340 x 1080 pixels (FHD+, 425 ppi) | Main: 2640 x 1080 (413 ppi) / External: 194 x 368 (282 ppi) |
Refresh Rate | Adaptive 48–120 Hz | Main: Up to 144Hz / External: 60Hz |
Peak Brightness | 1200 nits (HBM); 1750 nits peak (outdoor) | 1,400 nits (Main Peak) / 1,000 nits (External Peak) |
Main Camera | 50MP Wide (24 mm, f/1.8), Dual Pixel PDAF, OIS | 64MP, f/1.7, 0.7µm, OIS, Laser AF (Quad Pixel to 16MP) |
Ultra-Wide Camera | 12MP Ultra Wide (13 mm, f/2.2, 120° FOV), Super Steady video | 13MP, f/2.2, 120-degree FOV, Macro Vision |
Telephoto Camera | 10MP Telephoto (70 mm, f/2.4), PDAF, OIS, 3x optical zoom | No (Not supported) |
Optical Zoom | 3x optical zoom; 30x Space Zoom | No (Not supported) |
Digital Zoom | Up to 30x | Up to 8x |
Video Recording | 8K video at 24/30 fps; 4K at 30/60 fps; Slow motion 1080p at 240/960 fps | 4K UHD @ 30fps; 1080p @ 30/60fps |
Front Camera | 12MP Front (26 mm, f/2.2), Dual Pixel PDAF; 4K video at 30/60 fps | 32MP, f/2.4, 0.7µm (Quad Pixel to 8MP) |
Battery | 3900 mAh (Li-ion); Up to 22 hours video playback | 4,200mAh (Non-removable) |
Wired Charging | USB-C; Up to 50% in ~30 minutes with 25W adapter (sold separately) | 30W TurboPower (Charger NOT included in US retail box) |
Wireless Charging | Fast Wireless Charging 2.0 (up to 15W); Wireless PowerShare (4.5W) | 5W Wireless Charging |
Connectivity | 5G (sub-6 GHz and mmWave); Wi-Fi 6E (802.11ax); Bluetooth 5.3; NFC | 5G (Sub-6/mmWave - Carrier Dependent), Wi-Fi 6E, Bluetooth 5.3, NFC |
USB | USB Type-C 3.2 Gen 1 (up to 5 Gb/s) | USB Type-C 2.0 |
Durability | IP68 (up to 1.5 m freshwater for 30 min); Armor Aluminum frame; Gorilla Glass Victus 2 front and back | IP52 (Water-repellent coating - Splash Resistant only) |
Dimensions | 5.76" x 2.79" x 0.30" (146.3 x 70.9 x 7.6 mm) | Open: 6.73 x 2.91 x 0.29 in (170.8 x 74.0 x 7.35 mm) / Closed: 3.47 x 2.91 x 0.62 in |
Weight | 5.93 oz (168 g) | 6.65 oz (188.6 g) |
Biometrics | Ultrasonic Fingerprint (under display); Face recognition | Side-mounted fingerprint reader, Face Unlock |
Extras | Samsung DeX; Samsung Knox; Stereo speakers tuned by AKG; Dual eSIM support (varies by carrier) | Vegan Leather finish, Stereo Speakers (Dolby Atmos), Ready For (Wireless only) |
| Pros |
|
|
| Cons |
|
|
As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases. | Check Price on Amazon→ | Check Price on Amazon→ |
Samsung Galaxy S23
Android
4 generations of OS upgrades (Android 14, 15, 16, 17); 5 years of security updates (guaranteed until 2028)
Qualcomm Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 for Galaxy (4nm; 8-core CPU: 1x3.36GHz Cortex-X3, 2x2.8GHz A715, 2x2.8GHz A710, 3x2.0GHz A510)
Adreno 740 (719 MHz)
8 GB (LPDDR5X)
128GB (UFS 3.1) / 256GB (UFS 4.0) / 512GB (UFS 4.0)
Pros
- Powerful Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 for Galaxy chip outperforms standard version
- Compact, lightweight design is easy to use with one hand
Cons
- Base 128GB model uses slower UFS 3.1 storage (256GB+ uses UFS 4.0)
- Charging speed is limited to 25W (significantly slower than competitors)
Motorola razr (2023)
Android
3 Android OS upgrades and 4 years of bi-monthly security updates
Qualcomm Snapdragon 7 Gen 1 (4nm)
Adreno 644
8GB LPDDR4X
128GB UFS 2.2 (Non-expandable)
Pros
- Most accessible price point for a new foldable phone in the US
- Battery life (4,200mAh) exceeds that of the premium Razr+ and Galaxy Z Flip5
Cons
- External display (1.5") is tiny and only useful for basic notifications (unlike Razr+)
- Charger is NOT included in the box (unlike previous Moto G phones)
Which one is better?
The Samsung Galaxy S23 is the better buy for most people - its Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 processor crushes the Motorola razr (2023)'s performance.
Who should buy each?
Choose the Samsung Galaxy S23 if: you want top-tier performance for gaming, you need a compact device for one-handed use, or you prioritize camera quality with a 50MP setup.
Choose the Motorola razr (2023) if: you want a unique foldable design, you prefer a larger 6.9" display for media, or you need longer battery life for daily tasks.
Quality Seekers
Higher user rating (4.4★ vs 4.3★) indicates better overall satisfaction
→ Choose Samsung Galaxy
Safe Choice Buyers
More widely tested with 513 reviews vs 101
→ Choose Motorola razr
Powerful Snapdragon 8 Priority
Powerful Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 for Galaxy chip outperforms standard version
→ Choose Samsung Galaxy
Most accessible price Priority
Most accessible price point for a new foldable phone in the US
→ Choose Motorola razr
Conclusion
Samsung Galaxy S23 and Motorola razr (2023) are both solid choices. Match the strengths above to your budget and workflow to make the best call.
Bottom line: The Samsung Galaxy S23 edges ahead with a 4.4★ rating compared to 4.3★. However, Motorola razr (2023) remains a strong contender if its strengths align better with your needs.
Frequently Asked Questions
+Which is better: Samsung Galaxy S23 or Motorola razr (2023)?
Samsung Galaxy S23 is the better choice if you prioritize powerful snapdragon 8 gen 2 for galaxy chip outperforms standard version. Motorola razr (2023) wins if you value most accessible price point for a new foldable phone in the us. Both are rated highly (4.4★ vs 4.3★), so consider your specific needs and budget.
+What are the main differences between Samsung Galaxy S23 and Motorola razr (2023)?
Key differences: Samsung Galaxy S23 offers powerful snapdragon 8 gen 2 for galaxy chip outperforms standard version, while Motorola razr (2023) stands out with most accessible price point for a new foldable phone in the us. Consider that Samsung Galaxy S23 base 128gb model uses slower ufs 3.1 storage (256gb+ uses ufs 4.0). Meanwhile, Motorola razr (2023) external display (1.5") is tiny and only useful for basic notifications (unlike razr+). Check the detailed specs table above for a complete comparison.
+Where can US buyers get the best price?
For US buyers, Amazon typically offers competitive pricing with Prime shipping, easy returns, and reliable warranty support. We recommend comparing prices on both products using our affiliate links above—prices fluctuate regularly, and you may find sales or deals.
+Is this comparison up to date?
Yes, this comparison is current for 2026. We regularly verify specs, ratings, and availability. Last verified: January 27, 2026. PageBen uses affiliate links for monetization, but our recommendations are research-driven and independent.
Affiliate disclosure
PageBen uses Amazon affiliate links. If you purchase through our links, we may earn a commission at no extra cost to you. This supports independent content for US shoppers.