The Motorola Razr Fold Hands-On: A Brilliant Comeback for the Iconic Flip Phone

There was an odd atmosphere in the room as I entered the first hands-on session with the new Motorola Razr Fold; it was a mix of skepticism and nostalgia. After all, flip phones used to define an era. They snapped shut with confidence. They lived in handbags and pockets. Then everything was reduced to glass slabs by smartphones. For many years, it appeared that the previous Razr moniker would stay a thing of the mid-2000s.

And yet here it is once more, looking strangely contemporary as it folds in half with a soft mechanical click and sits on a grey sofa under studio lights.

In many markets, Motorola’s most recent Razr Fold—officially called the Razr 40 Ultra—feels more like a company attempting to recover some of its identity than a gimmick. There is a discernible pause when people pick it up for the first time. Opening a flip phone is still a muscle memory. All it needed was the appropriate time to come back.

The massive exterior display is the first thing that draws attention. When closed, it covers almost the whole front of the phone at 3.6 inches, encircling the camera lenses in a somewhat rebellious manner. The external display on the majority of flip phones functions as a small notification window. It is handled like a second smartphone by Motorola.

There, you can respond to messages. Launch applications. Watch a video, even. It is possible to navigate for longer than anticipated when the phone is completely closed. The device’s everyday rhythm is altered by that tiny change. Sometimes you just choose not to flip open the phone dozens of times.

Practicality and spectacle are, of course, two different things. Furthermore, it’s still unclear if users will get used to utilizing apps on such a tiny screen. Opening Instagram on the cover display feels cramped, almost like squeezing a full conversation into a hallway. Still, it’s a clever idea.

The phone’s larger 6.9-inch AMOLED display smoothly expands when you flip it open. The foldable phone’s inevitable scar, the crease, is surprisingly subtle. A slight dip can be seen when running a finger across the center, but unless the light strikes at the incorrect angle, it virtually vanishes. It’s difficult to ignore how far foldable phones have come in a matter of years.

Compared to expectations, the hinge is quieter. Controlled and fluid. The phone closes flat without the awkward gap that afflicted early foldables, and it is obvious that Motorola spent time honing the mechanics. It can operate almost like a tiny laptop when held half-open on a table, which is surprisingly helpful when taking pictures or videos.

Although not revolutionary, that camera system is capable. While the ultrawide lens is passable but obviously secondary, the 12-megapixel primary sensor produces bright, detailed images in good light. It took several tries to get a clear picture of a dog running across a room in one brief test. The system appears to be confused by motion.

However, the foldable design generates new techniques for photography. The phone becomes its own tripod because it can stand on its own hinge. Suddenly, balancing and awkward book stacks are less necessary for group photos.

Qualcomm’s Snapdragon 8+ Gen 1 processor is located inside the gadget. On paper, the newest flagship chips are already a generation behind. And that begs the silent question of longevity. Newer processors are being pushed by Samsung’s most recent flip phones, and benchmarks indicate that they outperform them in terms of raw speed. But during casual use — scrolling, switching apps, watching videos — the Razr rarely feels slow. In any case, performance isn’t the main focus here. It’s design.

It appears that Motorola recognizes the emotional component of foldable phones. The Razr brand has cultural significance. The original Razr V3 was ubiquitous in the early 2000s, appearing on Hollywood sets, nightclub tables, and airport lounges. It was more than a phone. It was a piece of gear. This updated version makes an effort to convey some of that mindset.

The hues are beneficial. One model has a vegan-leather back that feels softer than the chilly glass on the majority of contemporary smartphones, and it comes in a vivid Viva Magenta finish. Another version has muted blue and black glass finishes that reflect light in a manner reminiscent of flagship phones. It’s a peculiar fusion of modern and vintage design elements.

The foldable pack’s battery life falls somewhere in the middle. Although heavy users might find themselves reaching for a charger by evening, the Razr Fold’s 3,800mAh battery usually provides a full day of moderate use. Folding hardware reduces battery space, which is common for flip phones. However, it’s possible that this will be improved in later iterations.

Competition is the more significant issue surrounding the gadget. With its Galaxy Z Flip series, Samsung has dominated the market for foldable flip phones. Although Motorola is obviously vying for that throne, the battle is still ongoing.

Stronger water resistance and extended software support are common features of Samsung phones. However, compared to earlier, the gap feels smaller.

As people engage with the Razr Fold, it appears that Motorola has at last established itself in the foldable market. Previous attempts felt cautious, almost experimental. This one seems intentional. It might not overthrow Samsung right away. However, something intriguing is taking place here.

The Razr isn’t merely making a comeback out of nostalgia. It’s developing back into a serious gadget that makes people remember why flip phones were so enjoyable in the first place.

There’s a quiet realization as you watch that hinge close with a gentle snap. Certain concepts never truly go away. They simply await the advancement of technology.