Foldable Smartphones: Motorola Makes Them More Accessible with New Razr Lineup

Foldable smartphones have been a luxury item for most buyers, with a steep price tag exceeding $1000. However, Motorola aims to change that with its latest range of flip phones. The new Razr lineup includes the Razr+ priced at $999 and the more affordable Motorola Razr, expected to be a couple of hundred dollars cheaper when it hits the market in the United States.

Trading Specs for Affordability

Motorola has made compromises in the specifications of the Motorola Razr compared to its flagship model, the Razr+. It features a mid-range processor, a smaller camera sensor, and a plastic exterior. One noticeable difference is the smaller 1.5-inch OLED strip on the Motorola Razr’s front, replacing the 3.6-inch outer screen found in the Razr+. Despite these downgrades, the Motorola Razr proves to be a promising step towards making foldable smartphones more affordable and accessible.

Premium Design and Durability

The Motorola Razr’s design is refined and eye-catching. While it may not have the shiny glass look of its pricier sibling, it is encased in faux leather, providing a comfortable grip and making it the first flip phone that feels secure to hold without a case. Its curved metallic frame adds to its ergonomic design and premium feel. Weighing in at 188 grams, it is relatively light and easily fits in pockets. The only downside to the white model is that it tends to pick up stains and dirt, so opting for the other color options like Sage Green may be a better choice.

The Motorola Razr folds seamlessly without any gaps, and its stainless steel hinge lays flat, creating the perception of two mini phones stitched together. The hinge features strong magnets and provides enough resistance to hold the screen at various angles for activities like taking selfies. However, flipping it open single-handedly might be challenging for those with small hands, although it becomes manageable with practice.

Showcasing a Compact Cover Screen

Unlike its competitors, the Motorola Razr’s outer shell does not have a dominant screen. Its compact 1.5-inch OLED cover screen is nestled within an elevated glass panel that also houses the dual-camera array. Despite the limitations imposed by the compact size, the cover screen is surprisingly practical. It offers quick access to information like time, battery life, weather, and even features an interactive character named Moo. With additional swipes, users can control media playback, set timers, and access quick settings. The cover screen doubles as a camera viewfinder, making it ideal for capturing selfies using the superior rear cameras.

Internally, the Motorola Razr features a tall 6.9-inch OLED screen with a resolution of 1080 x 2640 pixels, similar to the Razr+ model. The screen delivers vibrant colors, a peak brightness of 1400 nits, and a smooth viewing experience. While the tall screen may pose some challenges for one-handed usage, Motorola has included tools to assist in reaching all corners of the display.

Impressive Performance and Battery Life

The Motorola Razr lacks a comprehensive water-proof rating but is equipped with a water-repellent coating suitable for occasional splashes. Its fingerprint sensor, integrated into the power button, offers a convenient unlocking experience. The stereo speakers provide decent audio quality for casual use, although dedicated earphones are recommended for a more immersive audio experience. Unfortunately, the device does not include a 3.5mm headphone jack.

Running on the latest version of Android, the Motorola Razr offers a clean and user-friendly experience. It includes Moto-specific additions such as customizable gestures and a sidebar for quick access to favorite apps. However, it is worth noting that the device was on a three-month-old security patch at the time of review.

Performance-wise, the Motorola Razr has made compromises to achieve a lower price point. However, it still provides smooth and satisfactory everyday usage. The device’s battery life is adequate for a day of typical use, but heavy users may need to recharge before the day ends.

In conclusion, the Motorola Razr offers an affordable option for those interested in foldable smartphones. While it may lack some high-end features found in its flagship counterpart, it presents a promising step towards the democratization of foldable technology. Its premium design, practical cover screen, and impressive main display make it a noteworthy option for users looking to explore the world of foldable smartphones without breaking the bank.