# Motorola Razr (2023) Review: Making Foldables Mainstream
## Introduction
Foldable phones have come a long way, but they have always had their drawbacks, including high prices, compromised battery life, inferior cameras, and display creases. However, the Motorola Razr (2023) manages to overcome some of these issues, offering a budget-friendly alternative that doesn’t sacrifice on quality.
## Design and Build
The Motorola Razr (2023) features a compact and sleek design when closed, easily fitting into pockets or bags. The hinge feels smooth and stable, providing a more secure feel when the phone is open. The device is covered in “vegan leather,” a plastic-based material that resembles leather, offering a stylish and secure grip.
## Waterproof Rating
The Razr (2023) has an IP52 rating, making it partially waterproof and suitable for use in the rain. While most high-end smartphones opt for metal and glass constructions, the more affordable materials used in the Razr’s design actually benefit foldable devices. The soft faux leather provides a grippy surface, reducing the risk of accidental slips and drops.
## Battery Life
Foldable phones often compromise on battery life due to the presence of a hinge, but Motorola managed to fit a generous 4,200mAh cell into the Razr (2023). This larger battery capacity surpasses that of the Samsung Galaxy Z Flip 5, offering a longer-lasting device that can easily make it through a whole day of use.
## Performance
The Razr (2023) runs on the Snapdragon 7 Gen 1 chip, which may not be as powerful as other flagship processors. However, in daily use, the slight decrease in performance is minimal. The phone is snappy in opening apps, browsing the web, and performing regular smartphone tasks. Additionally, the budget chip consumes less power, contributing to improved battery life.
## Display and Hinge
Motorola’s teardrop-style hinge design reduces the appearance of the display crease, setting it apart from other foldable devices. The OLED panel of the Razr (2023) offers vibrant colors, deep blacks, and a good peak brightness. While it may not match the brightness of Samsung and Google phones, it still provides a satisfactory viewing experience.
## External Display
In contrast to other high-end foldables that prioritize larger external displays, the Razr (2023) features a modest 1.5-inch screen. This smaller display reduces distractions when the phone is closed, offering just enough information at a glance, including the time, date, notifications, and music control. Opening the phone provides access to a larger screen.
## Camera Quality
Foldable phones often compromise on camera quality due to space limitations. Although the Razr (2023) doesn’t have the best cameras in its price range, it offers a camera experience that fits its mid-range status. The 64MP primary camera and 13MP wide-angle lens produce decent photos. However, the main camera sometimes captures fuzzy and dim images and takes longer to capture photos in low light conditions. Selfies taken with the main camera offer better quality thanks to the external OLED screen.
## Software and Updates
The Razr (2023) comes with Android 13 out of the box and is expected to receive three years of OS updates. While the software experience is decent, it lacks custom Moto features and optimizations for the folding form factor. Motorola’s update policy is not known for its speed, but it offers a reasonable timeframe for software support.
## Specifications
– Display: 6.9-inch LTPO pOLED, 2,640 x 1,080 resolution, 144Hz refresh rate
– Processor: Snapdragon 7 Gen 1
– RAM: 8GB LPDDR4X
– Storage: 128GB UFS 2.2
– Battery: 4,200mAh with 30W TurboPower wired charging and 5W wireless charging
– Cameras: 64MP wide, 13MP ultrawide, 32MP selfie
– Durability: Vegan leather back, IP52 rating
## Conclusion
The Motorola Razr (2023) offers a compelling foldable phone experience at a budget-friendly price. It addresses some of the issues that have plagued previous foldables, such as compromised battery life, inferior cameras, and display creases. While it may not have the most powerful processor or the highest camera quality, it provides a solid performance for daily smartphone use. With its stylish design, reliable build, and affordable price point, the Razr (2023) is definitely worth considering for those looking to embrace the world of foldable phones.
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