ZDNET Picks Samsung Over Motorola in 2026 Phone Test, Citing 7 Years of Support

3 articles · Updated · ZDNet · May 15

Samsung emerged as ZDNET’s overall 2026 winner after extensive testing, with the analyst favoring Galaxy flagships for longer software support, stronger ecosystem integration and more reliable cameras.
Seven years of Android and security updates now cover Samsung’s premium phones, while even a $450 Galaxy A37 5G gets at least six years; Motorola still limits many lower-end and Razr 2026 models to three years.
Motorola was judged stronger on value, design and battery life, offering options from under $250 to over $1,800, including sub-$500 Razr models and a Razr Fold with a 6,000mAh battery.
Carrier deals also tilt toward Samsung, with Counterpoint saying U.S. carriers boosted top-tier Galaxy S26 promotions even after price increases, making Galaxy phones more attractive at checkout.
The comparison ultimately frames the choice by budget: Samsung for buyers prioritizing longevity and ecosystem perks, Motorola for shoppers seeking cheaper hardware, bolder styling and longer battery life.

With Motorola catching up on software and battery tech, could it soon outshine Samsung in both value and innovation for US buyers?

How will rising component costs and aggressive carrier bundles reshape the future of affordable smartphones in the US market?

As AI-driven features become central to smartphones, will device choice hinge more on ecosystem integration or on-device intelligence?