Motorola Razr 2023 Review: Nonplussed – Is It Worth the Hype?

The Motorola Razr 2023 is one of the most talked-about foldable phones of the year, offering a mix of nostalgia, modern technology, and affordability. But does it live up to expectations, or is it just a flip phone gimmick? Let’s dive into the details, from design to performance, and discover if the Razr 2023 is worth your attention.

Design and Build Quality

Motorola has always been known for its sturdy designs, and the Razr 2023 continues that trend. Sporting a durable aluminum chassis and hinge, the Razr feels robust in hand, with a vegan leather finish that gives it a premium feel. The foldable design is compact, and it feels almost armored when closed. The IP52 dust and water resistance rating ensures it can handle more abuse than you’d expect from a foldable device.

In fact, the Razr 2023 feels like a real “tank” compared to other foldables. However, there’s one drawback: dropping it while open could cause serious damage to the inner display, as demonstrated by a reviewer who accidentally destroyed their display from waist height. Fortunately, Motorola offers protection plans to safeguard against such accidents.

Display and Performance

When you flip open the Motorola Razr 2023, you’re greeted with an inner display that offers a solid experience. However, the outer display is only a tiny 1.5-inch OLED, which limits its functionality. While it’s designed to help you “unplug” from your messages, it’s more of a marketing strategy than a practical feature. But at an affordable price point of $499 (thanks to a holiday discount), the Razr offers great value for money considering its premium build and features.

The Snapdragon 7 Gen 1 chip inside the Razr 2023 is a bit outdated, making the phone feel choppy during use. Transitions can stutter, apps take longer to load, and the overall performance lags compared to more expensive foldable phones. Motorola’s software optimizations seem lacking, though a recent update did improve the speed a little.

Camera Quality: A Major Letdown

One of the biggest disappointments with the Motorola Razr 2023 is its camera performance. While most smartphones struggle in low light, the Razr takes it to another level, with blurry and slow shots even in optimal conditions. The phone’s dual cameras are slow to focus, and you won’t be able to rely on the shutter button to get good photos by chance. Video recording is even worse, with inconsistent frame rates, poor exposure control, and significant noise.

The Razr’s camera is undoubtedly its weakest link. If you’re looking for decent camera performance, the Razr Plus, which has a better camera setup, might be a better option, especially with its ongoing price cuts, bringing it down to $699.

Battery Life and Charging

The Motorola Razr 2023 impresses with its battery life. Thanks to a 10% larger battery compared to its predecessor, it can easily last a full day of use. The phone supports both wired and wireless charging, though it doesn’t break any records in terms of charging speed. Nevertheless, the battery life is a definite plus for those who want a foldable phone without worrying about constant recharging.

Unique Features: A Gateway to Foldables

Despite its compromises, the Motorola Razr 2023 offers some exciting features that make it a great entry point into the world of foldable phones. The device can wirelessly project its interface to a TV or PC, making it a potential laptop replacement in certain scenarios—although it can be laggy when used wirelessly. It’s a unique feature for such an affordable foldable, though it’s not something most users will frequently utilize.

Another great aspect of the Razr is its design, which feels more like a vintage foldable phone, but with modern features and durability. The idea behind the small outer screen is to help you disconnect and focus on the world around you instead of being constantly connected to your device.

Is the Motorola Razr 2023 Worth It?

While the Motorola Razr 2023 has several shortcomings, particularly with its camera and performance, it’s still a great value for the price. It offers a solid build, decent battery life, and a unique foldable experience that other, more expensive phones don’t provide at this price point. For those looking for an affordable foldable phone, the Razr 2023 is definitely worth considering.

However, if you prioritize camera quality and smoother performance, you might want to consider the Motorola Razr Plus, which offers better overall functionality for just a little more money. The Razr 2023 is a great introduction to foldables, but it’s clear that compromises were made to keep the cost low.

Final Thoughts

Motorola has done a fantastic job bringing foldable technology to the mid-range market. The Razr 2023 may not have the best performance or camera quality, but its sturdy build, unique design, and affordable price make it a solid choice for anyone curious about foldable phones. As foldables continue to evolve, the Razr 2023 is a step forward in making this technology accessible to the masses. The next challenge for Motorola will be reducing the number of compromises that come with such an affordable price tag.

So, will the Motorola Razr 2023 be the foldable phone that finally brings flip phones back into the mainstream? Maybe. But it’s certainly one worth keeping an eye on as foldable technology continues to improve.