Motorola is making a comeback in the US market with its latest foldable phones, and there are compelling reasons to consider them over Samsung’s rival Galaxy Z Flip series. The company has unveiled its 2023 Razr family, led by the flagship-level model Razr+ (known as Razr 40 Ultra in Europe). The standout feature of the Razr+ is its comparatively large 3.6-inch external display, running at up to 144Hz, which allows for quick access to panels and mini-games, including a dedicated Spotify panel.
The folding mechanism has also been improved, with the ability to open the device at different angles for hands-free recording and video viewing. Motorola claims that the redesigned hinge makes this the thinnest foldable phone on the market when closed. The internal display has been upgraded to a nearly creaseless 6.9-inch, 165Hz 1080p screen, offering an immersive viewing experience. The device also features spatial audio with Dolby Atmos support.
While the Razr+ doesn’t offer a significant performance boost over the 2022 model, Motorola has reimagined its camera system. The phone sports a 12MP main camera with dual-pixel autofocus and a wide f/1.5 aperture, making it suitable for capturing low-light shots. It also includes a 13MP ultra-wide camera that doubles as a macro shooter, as well as a 32MP selfie camera housed in a cutout on the main display. In terms of battery life, the Razr+ is equipped with a larger 3,800mAh battery, which reportedly lasts all day and night with wireless or 30W wired charging.
One of the most appealing aspects of the Razr+ is its price. The phone will be available for $1,000 with 256GB of storage starting June 23rd through various retailers and carriers, including Motorola’s website, AT&T, Google Fi, T-Mobile, Optimum Mobile, and Spectrum Mobile. In Europe, it is already available for €1,200. This competitive pricing places it well below previous US models and on par with the recently released Galaxy Z Flip 4. Ultimately, the decision to opt for the Razr+ or wait for the anticipated launch of the Galaxy Z Flip 5 will depend on individual preferences for Motorola’s hardware.
Additionally, Motorola is offering a budget-friendly option for those who want to limit distractions. The plain Motorola Razr (Razr 40 elsewhere) features a 6.9-inch, 144Hz 1080p main display with the same hinge technology as the higher-end model. However, it has a smaller 1.5-inch external screen that provides essential information, reminiscent of older Z Flip models.
The base Razr model is expected to arrive in North America in the coming months. Although Motorola hasn’t disclosed pricing details, company executives have stated that the device will be “meaningfully cheaper” than the Razr+. This could make it one of the first affordably priced foldable phones in the US market. Users will have the option to purchase a more pocketable handset without having to pay top-tier prices, even if it means sacrificing some performance.
