Galaxy Z Flip 4 (left), Galaxy Z Flip 5 (center), Motorola Razr Plus (right)
We test every phone in real-world scenarios, focusing on features, design, performance, camera, battery life and overall value. We document our findings in a first-time review, which is updated regularly when there is a new software update or when we compare it to new phones from competitors like Apple, Samsung, Google and OnePlus. Below is our general smartphone testing methodology, which also applies to flip phones.
photograph
Photography is an important feature for most phones, so we take photos and videos of different subjects in different settings and lighting scenarios. We try out new camera modes, such as the improved Action mode on the iPhone 15 series and the Magic Editor photo tool released on the Google Pixel 8 series.
Take photos with the Galaxy Z Flip 5.
Battery life
Battery testing is performed in a variety of ways. We assess how long the phone lasts over a typical day of use, and record its performance during intensive sessions of video calling, media streaming and gaming. We also perform a video playback test as a simple, repeatable measurement of pure battery life. This test is not always included in the initial review and may be added in a later update.
Performance Measurement
We measure each phone’s performance using benchmarking apps, as well as our own experience using the phones for our reviews. What we look at is how graphics and animations look: are they smooth, or do they lag or stutter? We also look at how quickly the phone switches between horizontal and vertical orientation, and how quickly the camera app opens and is ready to take a photo.
Perform processor-intensive tasks like editing photos, exporting videos, playing games, etc. Evaluate whether the new version of a particular phone contains enough features to make it worth upgrading from an older model.
read more: How we test mobile phones
