Motorola Razr (2023) review: A mid-range foldable that disappoints

While Motorola's more expensive Razr+ beat out Samsung's Galaxy Z Flip 5 with its large external display, the Razr (named Razr 40 in other regions like the UK) was touted as a more foldable economic. As of now, pricing and availability in the US has not been confirmed, but in the UK the price is £800 (around $1025) while the Razr+ retails for £1050 in the UK. UK and $999 in the US.

The new Razr is cheaper, but it's also more limited. In terms of screen, it's comparable to foldable phones from a few years ago. But it has a bigger battery and seemingly better cameras. As Samsung's Unpacked reveal fanfare dies down (and we get to know the Z Flip 5), the Moto Razr begs the question: what do you really get from a cheaper foldable phone?

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Motorola Razr (2023) 71

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Benefits A cheaper foldable phone Decent battery life soft touch finish The inconvenients Unremarkable external screen Disappointing cameras

Let's start with some similarities to the Razr family. The Razr and Razr+ both have the same flexible 6.9-inch body and internal display, and there's no longer a Razr "chin" on either device. No corners have been cut on the foldable display, with 413 pixels per inch sharpness and up to 1,400 nits of brightness. This is a flagship display. Internally, at least.

However, the cheapest Razr has a much smaller 1.5-inch external panel, which puts it somewhere between Samsung's original Z Flip and the Z Flip 3. You know it will be binding if it is smaller than the first two flip smartphones from Samsung. All of this is exacerbated by the fact that its own sibling, the Razr+, has a 3.6-inch external display.

The Razr's panel takes up about 20% of the bottom front of the device, with a duo of 64-megapixel, 8-MP cameras to its right. It has an IP52 rating, which is better than nothing, but doesn't protect more than a light splash or light rain.

I love the vegan faux leather texture of the Razr, so much so that despite my fear of breaking or damaging foldable devices, I risked using the phone without the hard case that came in the box . I particularly liked the gray-sage green colorway too. Like the Razr+, Moto's mid-weight phone folds completely closed, with no gaps when viewed from the side.

Photo by Mat Smith / Engadget

The small external display is limited to basic phone functions. You can swipe sideways on your calendar, weather forecast, while a swipe up from the clock will show all your notifications. Swiping down quickly toggles for things like WiFi and Bluetooth. It's functional, but a bit...