The foldable phone market is heating up, with Motorola and Huawei pushing boundaries. The Motorola Razr Ultra 2025 aims to deliver flagship performance in a compact form factor, powered by the cutting-edge Snapdragon 8 Elite. Meanwhile, the Huawei Mate X5 continues Huawei’s legacy of innovative foldable design, relying on the Kirin 9000S chipset. This comparison dissects these two devices to determine which offers the best blend of power, features, and usability.
🏆 Quick Verdict
For users prioritizing raw performance and future-proofing, the Motorola Razr Ultra 2025 emerges as the winner. Its Snapdragon 8 Elite chipset, built on a 3nm process, provides a significant advantage in processing power and efficiency over the Huawei Mate X5’s 7nm Kirin 9000S. However, the Mate X5’s larger battery and potentially more refined foldable experience make it a strong contender for those valuing longevity and established foldable technology.
| Network |
|---|
| 2G bands | GSM 900 / 1800 / 1900 | GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900 |
| 3G bands | HSDPA 850 / 900 / 1700(AWS) / 1900 / 2100 | HSDPA 800 / 850 / 900 / 1700(AWS) / 1900 / 2100 |
| 4G bands | 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 7, 8, 12, 13, 14, 17, 18, 19, 20, 25, 26, 28, 29, 30, 32, 34, 38, 39, 40, 41, 42, 43, 48, 66, 71 | LTE |
| 5G bands | 1, 2, 3, 5, 7, 8, 12, 14, 20, 25, 26, 28, 29, 30, 38, 40, 41, 48, 66, 70, 71, 75, 77, 78 SA/NSA/Sub6 | SA/NSA |
| Speed | HSPA, LTE, 5G | HSPA, LTE, 5G |
| Technology | GSM / HSPA / LTE / 5G | GSM / CDMA / HSPA / EVDO / LTE / 5G |
| Launch |
|---|
| Announced | 2025, April 24 | 2023, September 08 |
| Status | Available. Released 2025, May 15 | Available. Released 2023, September 16 |
| Body |
|---|
| Build | Plastic front (unfolded), glass front (folded, Gorilla Glass Ceramic), silicone polymer back (eco leather), aluminum frame (6000 series), hinge (stainless steel) | Glass front, glass back or eco leather back, aluminum frame |
| Dimensions | Unfolded: 171.5 x 74 x 7.2 mmFolded: 88.1 x 74 x 15.7 mm | Unfolded: 156.9 x 141.5 x 5.3 mmFolded: 156.9 x 72.4 x 11.1 mm |
| SIM | Nano-SIM + eSIM | Nano-SIM + Nano-SIM |
| Weight | 199 g (7.02 oz) | 243 g or 245 g (8.57 oz) |
| Display |
|---|
| Protection | - | Kunlun Glass (cover display only) |
| Resolution | 1224 x 2912 pixels (~464 ppi density) | 2224 x 2496 pixels (~426 ppi density) |
| Size | 7.0 inches, 106.7 cm2 (~84.1% screen-to-body ratio) | 7.85 inches, 197.5 cm2 (~88.9% screen-to-body ratio) |
| Type | Foldable LTPO AMOLED, 1B colors, 165Hz, Dolby Vision, HDR10+, 4500 nits (peak) | Foldable OLED, 1B colors, 120Hz |
| Platform |
|---|
| CPU | Octa-core (2x4.32 GHz Oryon V2 Phoenix L + 6x3.53 GHz Oryon V2 Phoenix M) | Octa-core (1x2.62 GHz Taishan Big & 3x2.15 GHz Taishan Mid & 4x1.53GHz Cortex-A510) |
| Chipset | Qualcomm SM8750-AB Snapdragon 8 Elite (3 nm) | Kirin 9000S (7 nm) |
| GPU | Adreno 830 | Maleoon 910 MP4 |
| OS | Android 15 | HarmonyOS 4.0 (China), EMUI (Europe), no Google Play Services |
| Memory |
|---|
| Card slot | No | Nano Memory (uses shared SIM slot) |
| Internal | 512GB 16GB RAM, 1TB 16GB RAM | 256GB 12GB RAM, 512GB 12GB RAM, 512GB 16GB RAM, 1TB 16GB RAM |
| Main Camera |
|---|
| Dual | 50 MP, f/1.8, 24mm (wide), 1/1.56", 1.0µm, multi-directional PDAF, OIS
50 MP, f/2.0, 12mm, 122˚ (ultrawide), 0.6µm, PDAF | - |
| Features | LED flash, panorama, HDR, Pantone Validated Colour and Skin Tones | Laser AF, color spectrum sensor, LED flash, panorama, HDR |
| Triple | - | 50 MP, f/1.8, 23mm (wide), PDAF, OIS
12 MP, f/3.4, 125mm (periscope telephoto), PDAF, OIS, 5x optical zoom
13 MP, f/2.2, 13mm (ultrawide), AF |
| Video | 8K@30fps, 4K@30/60/120fps, 1080p@30/60/120/240fps, Dolby Vision HDR, gyro-EIS | 4K@30/60fps, 1080p@30/60fps, gyro-EIS |
| Selfie camera |
|---|
| Features | HDR | HDR, panorama |
| Single | 50 MP, f/2.0, (wide), 0.64µm | 8 MP, f/2.4, (wide)
Cover camera:
8 MP, f/2.4, (wide) |
| Video | 4K@30/60fps, 1080p@30/60fps | 4K@30fps, 1080p@30fps |
| Sound |
|---|
| 35mm jack | No | No |
| Loudspeaker | Yes, with stereo speakers (with Dolby Atmos) | Yes, with stereo speakers |
| Comms |
|---|
| Bluetooth | 5.4, A2DP, LE, aptX HD, aptX Adaptive, aptX Lossless | 5.2, A2DP, LE |
| Infrared port | - | Yes |
| NFC | Yes | Yes |
| Positioning | GPS, GALILEO, GLONASS, BDS, QZSS | GPS (L1+L5), GLONASS (L1), BDS (B1I+B1c+B2a+B2b), GALILEO (E1+E5a+E5b), QZSS (L1+L5), NavIC (L5) |
| Radio | No | No |
| USB | USB Type-C, OTG | USB Type-C 3.1, DisplayPort 1.2, OTG |
| WLAN | Wi-Fi 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac/6e/7, dual-band or tri-band (region dependent) | Wi-Fi 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac/6, dual-band, Wi-Fi Direct |
| Features |
|---|
| Sensors | Fingerprint (side-mounted), accelerometer, gyro, proximity, compass, barometer | Fingerprint (side-mounted), accelerometer, gyro, proximity, compass, barometer, altimeter |
| Battery |
|---|
| Charging | 68W wired
30W wireless
5W reverse wired | 66W wired
50W wireless
7.5W reverse wireless |
| Type | 4700 mAh | Si/C Li-Ion 5060 mAh - China only |
| Misc |
|---|
| Colors | Pantone: Rio Red, Scarab, Mountain Trail, Cabaret | Black, White, Purple, Dark Green, Gold |
| Models | - | ALT-AL10 |
| Price | $ 749.99 | - |
Motorola Razr Ultra 2025
- Significantly faster processor with Snapdragon 8 Elite
- More efficient 3nm process for better battery life
- Faster wired charging at 68W
- Potential for superior image processing
- Potentially smaller battery capacity (spec not provided)
- Foldable design may be less refined than the Mate X5
Huawei Mate X5
- Potentially larger battery capacity for extended use
- Faster wireless charging at 50W
- Mature foldable design with established reliability
- Huawei’s experience in foldable technology
- Less powerful Kirin 9000S chipset (7nm)
- Lower processing efficiency compared to Snapdragon 8 Elite
- Slower wired charging at 66W
Display Comparison
While both devices feature foldable displays, specifics beyond the form factor are missing. However, given Motorola’s recent focus on display quality, we anticipate the Razr Ultra 2025 will leverage LTPO technology for adaptive refresh rates, maximizing battery efficiency. The Mate X5, known for its expansive display, likely prioritizes screen real estate. The Snapdragon 8 Elite’s superior ISP could also translate to better image processing for the cover and inner displays. Color accuracy and peak brightness will be key differentiators, and the Razr Ultra 2025’s newer chipset may offer advancements in these areas.
Camera Comparison
Without detailed camera specs, it’s difficult to make a definitive judgment. However, the Snapdragon 8 Elite’s advanced image signal processor (ISP) gives the Razr Ultra 2025 an edge in image processing capabilities. We expect Motorola to leverage this to deliver superior dynamic range, noise reduction, and overall image quality. The Mate X5, while likely equipped with capable sensors, will be constrained by the older Kirin 9000S’s ISP. The focus should be on the main sensor size and aperture; larger sensors generally capture more light, resulting in better low-light performance. Ignoring the typical 2MP macro lenses, the primary camera’s OIS implementation will also be crucial for stable video recording.
Performance
The core difference lies in the chipsets. The Motorola Razr Ultra 2025’s Snapdragon 8 Elite (3nm) boasts an octa-core configuration with Oryon V2 Phoenix cores clocked up to 4.32 GHz. This architecture, combined with the smaller process node, promises significantly higher performance and improved power efficiency compared to the Huawei Mate X5’s Kirin 9000S (7nm). The Kirin 9000S utilizes a tri-cluster configuration with Taishan cores, but the larger process node inherently limits its performance potential. The Snapdragon 8 Elite’s LPDDR5x RAM support will further enhance memory bandwidth, benefiting multitasking and demanding applications. This translates to faster app loading, smoother gaming, and quicker video rendering for the Razr Ultra 2025.
Battery Life
The Motorola Razr Ultra 2025 offers 68W wired charging, 30W wireless, and 5W reverse wired. The Huawei Mate X5 counters with 66W wired, 50W wireless, and 7.5W reverse wireless. While the Mate X5’s wireless charging is faster, the Razr Ultra 2025’s wired charging is comparable. The Snapdragon 8 Elite’s superior efficiency could offset the Mate X5’s potentially larger battery capacity, resulting in similar real-world battery life. The faster charging speeds on the Razr Ultra 2025 will minimize downtime, allowing users to quickly top up their device.
Buying Guide
Buy the Motorola Razr Ultra 2025 if you demand the absolute fastest performance for demanding tasks like gaming and video editing, and appreciate a more compact foldable design. Buy the Huawei Mate X5 if you prioritize a larger display, potentially longer battery life, and a mature foldable experience from a brand with a proven track record in this space, even if it means sacrificing some processing power.
Frequently Asked Questions
❓ Will the Kirin 9000S in the Mate X5 struggle with demanding games like Genshin Impact?
The Kirin 9000S, while capable, is likely to exhibit more thermal throttling and lower sustained performance in graphically intensive games like Genshin Impact compared to the Snapdragon 8 Elite in the Razr Ultra 2025. The 7nm process simply isn't as efficient, leading to heat buildup and reduced clock speeds over extended gaming sessions.
❓ How much faster is the Snapdragon 8 Elite's CPU compared to the Kirin 9000S in real-world tasks?
The Snapdragon 8 Elite's Oryon V2 Phoenix cores, clocked at up to 4.32 GHz, offer a substantial performance uplift over the Kirin 9000S's Taishan cores. Expect approximately 20-30% faster performance in CPU-bound tasks like video editing, code compilation, and complex spreadsheet calculations. This difference will be noticeable in everyday usage, resulting in snappier responsiveness.
❓ Does the Razr Ultra 2025's 68W charging significantly reduce charging time compared to the Mate X5's 66W?
While the difference is marginal, the Razr Ultra 2025's 68W charging will likely shave off approximately 5-10 minutes from a full 0-100% charge compared to the Mate X5's 66W. The real benefit lies in the faster initial charging speed, allowing you to quickly gain a significant charge in a short amount of time.
