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The Razr Ultra 2026 is an impressive smartphone, but its price is steep. Here are the top four alternatives worth exploring.

Motorola struck gold with the Razr Ultra last year, combining exceptional cover screen software with a robust Snapdragon 8 Elite chip and durable rear cameras. The significant downside was undoubtedly the pricing — the Razr Ultra 2025 surpassed all previous Galaxy Z Flip models at $1,299, which turned out to be more than even the latest Galaxy Z Flip 7.

If you thought the prior Razr Ultra was overpriced, there’s unfortunate news. The newly launched Razr Ultra 2026 has arrived, but it costs an additional $200, bringing the flip phone’s price to a substantial $1,499.

Many will argue that $1,500 is excessive for a flip phone, and I can’t blame them. With the right offers, you can find large-screen foldables available at the same price. Premium Android flagships, such as the Galaxy S26 Ultra, are surprisingly cheaper. If you’re unsure about the Razr Ultra 2026, here are four top alternatives. They hit similar notes as Motorola’s upscale flip phone while providing better value.

Motorola Razr Ultra 2025

The Razr Ultra 2026 made a significant error — it carries an inflated price and offers few enhancements. Typically, consumers can accept a higher cost or stagnant innovation, but demanding both is challenging. It maintains the same design, similar displays, and identical processor as the Razr Ultra 2025.

Don’t misunderstand, there are some noteworthy upgrades in the Razr Ultra 2026, including Gorilla Glass Ceramic 3, a brighter main display, and a new 50MP LOFIC (Lateral Overflow Integration Capacitor) primary camera sensor.

However, with identical processor, displays, thickness, and weight, the Razr Ultra 2025 stands out as a practical alternative. You can find brand-new Razr Ultra 2025 units for approximately $700 or less currently, which is about half the cost of a Razr Ultra 2026. Paying half the price for a year-old device in new condition that shares the same processor and design with its successor seems like a fantastic bargain.

The only drawback? Software support. Motorola is notorious for providing limited software support durations even for its top-tier devices. Both the Razr Ultra 2025 and Razr Ultra 2026 are promised three years of Android OS updates, which means the 2025 model has only two years left. If there’s any reason to bypass the 2025 model in favor of the 2026 or another option on this list, it’s about the software support.

Samsung Galaxy Z Flip 7

The Samsung Galaxy Z Flip 7 may not boast as powerful hardware compared to the Motorola Razr Ultra 2026, at least theoretically. It’s powered by the Samsung Exynos 2500 processor, which some may perceive as inferior to the Snapdragon 8 Elite in the flagship Razrs. However, I tested the Galaxy Z Flip 7 and didn’t encounter any lags or hiccups. It performed as a flagship phone should. Most impressively, it’s $400 less expensive than the Razr Ultra 2026 at its full retail price.

The Galaxy Z Flip 7 isn’t just a more affordable option to the Razr Ultra 2026; it actually surpasses it in several aspects. Specifically, Samsung’s flip phone is slimmer at 13.7mm when folded and weighs less at 188 grams. Additionally, it offers a full seven years of Android OS upgrade support, so if you purchase it now, you’ll still enjoy around six years of support remaining after Samsung releases Android 17.

The drawback of opting for the Galaxy Z Flip 7 is the limited cover screen software. With optional Good Lock modules, you can enhance the Galaxy Z Flip 7 cover screen’s versatility, but it still doesn’t match the agility of the Razr’s software.

Personally, I find the hardware of the Galaxy Z Flip 7 to feel more premium and refined compared to the Motorola Razr Ultra, mainly due to its slimmer, lighter design and flat edges. When you consider you’re saving approximately $500 by selecting the Galaxy Z Flip 7, it’s an easy decision.

Motorola Razr Fold

I recognize that the target audience for flip and fold phones often differs. Those preferring clamshell foldables seek a compact, portable experience, while those favoring book-style foldables desire a larger screen for multitasking, gaming, or media consumption. That said, some people want a folding phone for sure and choose a flip phone to save costs. In that scenario, there’s a solid case for choosing the Motorola Razr Fold over the Razr Ultra 2026.

If you were contemplating the Razr Ultra

It could be arriving later than previously expected, but early discussions are circulating regarding CMF’s specifications.

Speculation is stirring regarding how CMF by Nothing’s upcoming budget smartphone might take shape later this year.

Earlier this week, tipster Debayan Roy discussed what CMF might be developing for its “Phone 3 Pro” budget model (via GSMArena). The leak couldn’t specify the phone’s possible screen size; nonetheless, the tipster indicated that it might support a 120Hz refresh rate for the OLED display. The screen is anticipated to be housed in a metal frame featuring a triple camera arrangement: a 50MP main sensor, an 8MP ultrawide, and a 50MP telephoto (120x digital zoom).

Internally, whispers suggest CMF is aiming to incorporate Qualcomm’s mid-tier Snapdragon 7s Gen 4 SoC. This chip has been enhanced to improve efficiency in mid-range smartphones, but Qualcomm has also emphasized gaming. Furthermore, this rumored Phone 3 Pro could include a battery ranging from 5,400mAh to 5,500mAh with 45W wired charging capabilities.

While all of this may appear suitable for a CMF mid-range, the tipster warns that consumers shouldn’t get overly enthusiastic (at least not yet). Reportedly, CMF is taking its time with the Phone 3 Pro, and has supposedly delayed it until late Q2 or Q3 2026. This places the device’s launch in either August or September.

Later than the Phone 2 Pro

One thing is clear: we are long past the time when CMF unveiled the Phone 2 Pro last year. The device first emerged in late April, alongside a trio of budget earbuds for consumers. In comparison, the Phone 2 Pro chose MediaTek’s Dimensity 7300 Pro chip. The phone featured a 6.77-inch AMOLED display and a 5,000mAh battery. Though it’s difficult to predict what the Phone 3 Pro’s screen might resemble, rumors indicate a 400 to 500mAh battery increase.

In our review, the Phone 2 Pro was essentially the budget champion last year. It completely outperformed the original and seemed to set the stage for CMF’s future releases. Additionally, the Phone 2 Pro closely followed the flagship Phone 3a series in terms of its display being easier on the eyes. We’ll have to monitor where the rumors lead us, if we’re anticipating this phone later in the year.

Android Central’s Perspective

Mid-range smartphones have evolved over the years. I recall owning a mid-range device, and trying to play a game I wanted was like pulling teeth. It would struggle, even on lower graphics settings. I can appreciate CMF’s efforts with the Phone 2 Pro last year. That brand is dedicated to catering to the budget market while attempting not to compromise too much. It’s a comforting thought, considering not everyone can afford to spend $1,000 or more on a phone.