Motorola razr 2023 Phone Review

Iconic Flip Design Meets Modern Functionality

Published October 24, 2023 at 10:00 AM
When you purchase through links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission. Here’s how it works.

The Motorola razr 2023 brings back the iconic flip phone design with a modern twist, combining nostalgia with cutting-edge technology. This foldable smartphone features a compact and pocketable form factor when closed, making it easy to slip into a pocket or small bag. When unfolded, it reveals a spacious 6.9-inch pOLED display, offering an immersive viewing experience for multimedia content and everyday tasks. Building on its predecessor, the razr 2023 introduces the versatile Flex View feature, allowing users to position the phone at multiple angles for hands-free video calls, photography, and content creation. While it maintains the essence of the original RAZR, this latest iteration incorporates modern smartphone capabilities, including 5G connectivity, high-resolution cameras, and a Snapdragon 7 Gen 1 processor. However, it's worth noting that the device offers limited water resistance and mid-range performance compared to flagship models.

Motorola razr 2023 Phone Review: Verdict

Pros

  • Iconic flip phone design with modern features
  • Compact and pocketable form factor
  • Large 6.9-inch internal display
  • Versatile Flex View functionality
  • Decent camera system for the price

Cons

  • Mid-range processor performance
  • Limited water resistance
  • Battery life could be better

The Motorola razr 2023 successfully blends nostalgia with modern smartphone technology, offering a unique experience in the foldable phone market. Its iconic flip design not only turns heads but also provides practical benefits, making it incredibly pocket-friendly when closed while still offering a spacious 6.9-inch pOLED display when opened.

Performance-wise, the Snapdragon 7 Gen 1 processor delivers adequate power for everyday tasks, though it may not satisfy the most demanding users or hardcore gamers. The camera system, featuring a 64MP main sensor and a 32MP selfie camera, produces good quality photos in most conditions, especially considering the price point.

One of the standout features is the Flex View functionality, which allows users to position the phone at multiple angles for hands-free video calls, photography, and content creation. This versatility, combined with the external display for quick notifications and selfies, enhances the overall user experience.

However, the razr 2023 does have its limitations. The 4200mAh battery provides all-day usage for most users, but heavy users might find themselves reaching for the charger before the day ends. Additionally, while the phone offers some water resistance, it’s not as robust as some flagship models, which may be a concern for some potential buyers.

In conclusion, the Motorola razr 2023 is a compelling option for those seeking a unique, stylish smartphone that doesn’t compromise too much on modern features. It successfully captures the essence of the original RAZR while providing a contemporary user experience, making it an attractive choice in the mid-range foldable market.

Check Price

Color Model Number
Summer Lilac PAY80012US
Beach Sand PB250014US
Cherry Blossom PAY80022US
Koala Gray PB250007US
Sage Green PAY80010US
Spritz Orange PB250016US
Vanilla Cream PAY80011US

Motorola razr 2023 Phone Review: Differences Between Color Variants

Pros

  • Wide range of trendy color options
  • Vegan leather finish on some variants
  • Color extends to frame for seamless look

Cons

  • Limited availability of certain colors

The Motorola razr 2023 offers a diverse palette of color options to suit various tastes. Available in Summer Lilac, Sage Green, Vanilla Cream, and Cherry Blossom, each variant brings its own unique flair to the iconic flip phone design. Some models feature a vegan leather finish, adding both style and texture to the device. The color treatment extends beyond the back panel to the frame, creating a cohesive and premium look. While the range of choices allows for personal expression, availability may vary depending on the region and retailer.

Motorola razr 2023 Phone Review: Compared To Other Flip Phones

Pros

  • Larger external display than many competitors
  • Versatile Flex View functionality
  • Competitive camera system for the price

Cons

  • Mid-range processor compared to some flagship flip phones
  • Limited water resistance

The Motorola razr 2023 stands out in the flip phone market with its larger 1.5-inch external display, offering more functionality without opening the device. Its Flex View feature allows for versatile usage angles, setting it apart from competitors. The 64MP main camera with OIS competes well with other flip phones in this price range, though it may not match the performance of some higher-end models.

While the Snapdragon 7 Gen 1 processor provides adequate performance for most tasks, it falls short of the flagship processors found in some competing flip phones. The razr 2023 offers some water resistance, but it’s not as robust as the protection found on some premium alternatives. Despite these trade-offs, the razr 2023 presents a compelling option for those seeking a stylish, functional flip phone at a more accessible price point.

Samsung Galaxy Z Flip 5
512GB Cream Graphite Lavender Mint T-Mobile
The Galaxy Z Flip 5 offers a larger external display and a more powerful processor compared to the Motorola razr 2023. However, the razr counters with a more nostalgic design and a potentially more attractive price point. Both offer similar main display sizes and quality.
OPPO Find N2 Flip
Black Purple
The OPPO Find N2 Flip features a larger external display and a higher resolution main camera than the Motorola razr 2023. The razr, however, offers a more refined software experience and wider availability in the US market. Both phones have comparable battery capacities.
Motorola razr+ (2023)
Black Blue Hot Pink Magenta Midnight Blue Peach Fuzz Spring Green
The Motorola razr+ 2023 is the higher-end sibling of the razr 2023, offering a significantly larger external display and a more powerful processor. The standard razr 2023 maintains a more compact form factor and a lower price point, making it a more accessible option.
Huawei P50 Pocket
Gold
The Huawei P50 Pocket boasts a higher resolution main camera and a unique circular external display. The Motorola razr 2023 offers better software support and 5G connectivity in the US. The razr also maintains a more traditional flip phone aesthetic that may appeal to some users.

Motorola razr 2023 Phone Review: Design and Build Quality

Pros

  • Compact and pocket-friendly flip design
  • Premium vegan leather finish
  • Durable aluminum frame construction
  • Versatile Flex View functionality
  • Sleek and modern aesthetic

Cons

  • Slightly thicker than some competitors when folded
  • Limited water resistance (IPX2 rating)

The Motorola razr 2023 brings a fresh take on the iconic flip phone design, blending nostalgia with modern functionality. Its compact form factor makes it incredibly pocket-friendly, measuring just 73.95 x 170.82 x 7.35mm when unfolded. The device features a premium vegan leather finish, available in trendy colors like Summer Lilac, which not only looks stylish but also provides a comfortable grip.

Build quality is impressive, with a durable aluminum frame that feels solid in hand. The hinge mechanism allows for smooth opening and closing, though some users may notice a slight sound when unfolding the device. The razr 2023 introduces the versatile Flex View feature, enabling users to position the phone at multiple angles for hands-free video calls, photography, and content creation.

While the razr 2023 boasts a sleek and modern aesthetic, it is slightly thicker than some competitors when folded, measuring just over 15mm. The device offers some water resistance with an IPX2 rating, providing protection against light splashes, though it falls short of the more robust water protection found in some flagship models. Despite these minor drawbacks, the overall design and build quality of the Motorola razr 2023 successfully combines style, functionality, and durability.

Motorola razr 2023 Phone Review: Display and User Experience

Pros

  • Vibrant 6.9-inch pOLED main display
  • Smooth 144Hz refresh rate
  • Useful 1.5-inch external display
  • Flex View feature for versatile usage

Cons

  • Small external display with limited functionality
  • Visible crease on main display

The Motorola razr 2023 boasts an impressive 6.9-inch pOLED main display that delivers vibrant colors and deep blacks. With a resolution of 2640 x 1080 pixels, the screen offers crisp visuals and excellent clarity. The standout feature is the smooth 144Hz refresh rate, which provides fluid scrolling and enhances the overall user experience, especially when gaming or watching fast-paced content.

The device’s external display, while compact at 1.5 inches, serves its purpose by allowing users to check notifications, control music, and even take selfies without opening the phone. However, its functionality is somewhat limited compared to larger external displays found on some competitors. The Flex View feature adds versatility, enabling users to position the phone at various angles for hands-free video calls, photography, and content creation.

In terms of user experience, the razr 2023 generally performs well. The transition between the external and main displays is seamless, and the interface is intuitive. The phone’s compact form factor when folded makes it highly pocketable, appealing to those who prefer smaller devices. However, some users may notice a visible crease on the main display, which is a common issue with foldable phones but can be distracting to discerning eyes.

Motorola razr 2023 Phone Review: Performance and Software

Pros

  • Smooth performance for everyday tasks
  • Clean Android 13 interface with useful Motorola features
  • Flex View enables versatile usage angles
  • Adequate gaming performance for casual games

Cons

  • Mid-range processor may struggle with demanding tasks
  • Some apps don't stay active in background

The Motorola razr 2023 delivers smooth performance for everyday tasks, powered by the Snapdragon 7 Gen 1 processor and 8GB of RAM. While not a flagship chipset, it handles common applications, web browsing, and social media without noticeable lag. The phone runs on a clean version of Android 13, enhanced with Motorola’s My UX interface, providing a user-friendly experience with helpful features like Moto gestures and Peek Display.

Gaming performance is adequate for casual titles, though more demanding games may require lower graphics settings. The 144Hz refresh rate of the main display contributes to fluid scrolling and responsive touch input. However, some users may notice that apps don’t always stay active in the background, requiring reloads when multitasking.

Motorola’s software optimizations take advantage of the foldable form factor. The Flex View feature allows users to partially fold the device, enabling hands-free video calls, photography, and content consumption at various angles. While the Snapdragon 7 Gen 1 may not match the processing power of flagship devices, it strikes a balance between performance and energy efficiency for most users.

Motorola razr 2023 Phone Review: Camera Capabilities

Pros

  • Versatile 64MP main camera with OIS
  • 13MP ultra-wide lens for macro shots
  • 32MP front camera for high-quality selfies
  • Flex View enables creative photo angles

Cons

  • Camera performance struggles in low light
  • Image quality lags behind flagship competitors

The Motorola razr 2023 comes equipped with a versatile camera system that aims to provide users with a range of photography options. The main 64MP sensor, featuring optical image stabilization (OIS), delivers sharp and detailed images in well-lit conditions. Complementing this is a 13MP ultra-wide lens that doubles as a macro camera, offering flexibility for various shooting scenarios.

For selfie enthusiasts, the 32MP front-facing camera utilizes Quad Pixel technology to produce bright and clear self-portraits. The unique Flex View feature of the razr allows users to position the phone at multiple angles, opening up creative possibilities for hands-free photography and video calls.

While the camera system shows promise in good lighting, it struggles to maintain image quality in low-light situations. Photos taken in dimly lit environments often exhibit noise and loss of detail. Additionally, when compared to flagship devices in a similar price range, the overall image quality falls short, particularly in terms of color accuracy and dynamic range.

Motorola razr 2023 Phone Review: Battery Life and Charging

Pros

  • Impressive 4,200mAh battery capacity
  • All-day battery life for most users
  • 30W TurboPower fast charging support
  • Wireless charging capability

Cons

  • Wireless charging limited to 5W
  • No charger included in the box

The Motorola razr 2023 impresses with its 4,200mAh battery capacity, a significant upgrade from its predecessors. This larger battery, combined with the energy-efficient Snapdragon 7 Gen 1 processor and adaptive refresh rate display, delivers robust all-day performance for most users. In typical usage scenarios, the device easily lasts through a full day and night, with some users reporting up to two days of battery life on a single charge.

When it comes to charging, the razr 2023 supports 30W TurboPower fast charging, allowing users to quickly replenish the battery when needed. In tests, the device reaches approximately 61% charge in just 30 minutes, with a full charge taking less than an hour. This rapid charging capability ensures minimal downtime and maximum convenience for users on the go.

The inclusion of wireless charging is a welcome feature, although it’s limited to 5W speeds. While this may not be the fastest wireless charging available, it’s a convenient option for overnight charging or when speed isn’t a priority. It’s worth noting that Motorola has managed to incorporate wireless charging into the slim 7.35mm body, a feat that adds versatility to the charging options without compromising the phone’s sleek design.

Motorola razr 2023 Phone Review: Conclusion

The Motorola razr 2023 successfully blends nostalgia with modern smartphone technology, offering a unique experience in the foldable phone market. Its iconic flip design not only turns heads but also provides practical benefits, making it incredibly pocket-friendly when closed while still offering a spacious 6.9-inch pOLED display when opened. The Flex View feature adds versatility, enabling users to position the phone at various angles for hands-free video calls, photography, and content creation.

While the Snapdragon 7 Gen 1 processor delivers adequate power for everyday tasks, it may not satisfy the most demanding users. The camera system, featuring a 64MP main sensor and a 32MP selfie camera, produces good quality photos in most conditions, especially considering the price point. However, the device does have limitations, such as limited water resistance and mid-range performance compared to flagship models. Despite these trade-offs, the Motorola razr 2023 remains a compelling option for those seeking a unique, stylish smartphone that doesn’t compromise too much on modern features.

                                 

Scroll to Top