The first thing you need to do with a flip phone is what I call the flip check. Slide your thumb into the crevice and flip the top half of the phone out. Is it satisfying? Do you feel like you’re an action star in a movie taking a Very Important™ call?
The new Motorola Razr+ gets close to providing that experience, although it does require some extra force when flipping, and the resulting sound is not as satisfying as one might hope. It’s more like cracking knuckles made of laminated paper. Nevertheless, this folding phone is a massive improvement over the original Razr, not the legendary original Razr from 2004, but the folding smartphone Motorola debuted in 2020.
In terms of aesthetics, the Razr+ looks cute, especially in the Viva Magenta color. The external display is a significant improvement from the previous model, adding practicality to its design. Additionally, it is compact enough to fit into the smallest pockets, making it an ideal choice for those who value portability.
Folding phones were initially introduced as an alternative to the monotonous rectangular slabs that smartphones had become. However, these flip-and-fold devices now bear a striking resemblance to each other. The new Motorola Razr+ abandons the iconic “chin” design and instead follows the trends set by Samsung’s Galaxy Z Flip4 and Oppo’s Find N2 Flip. This shift results in a cleaner and more functional design. The external display is the largest in its category, giving it an edge over its competitors. The ruby color option adds a touch of glamour, and the vegan leather back not only enhances the luxurious feel of the phone but also prevents it from sliding around on surfaces.
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One of the highlights of the Razr+ is its front 3.6-inch OLED screen. This screen is sufficiently large for using certain apps and reading notifications clearly. The user can customize the panels displayed on this screen by scrolling left or right, allowing for easy access to various functionalities such as the app tray, calendar, news, contacts, and weather. The Games panel is especially enjoyable, offering titles like Marble Mayhem and Astro Odyssey. These games take advantage of the phone’s physical rotation capabilities, providing an immersive experience that doesn’t require a large-screen device.
While some apps can be launched and expanded on the external screen, the limited space remains a constraint. However, certain apps, such as YouTube Music for selecting songs and Google Home for controlling smart home devices, prove to be useful even on the smaller screen. The external display is primarily utilized for checking the weather, managing the calendar, and keeping an eye on notifications. Although I occasionally replied to messages on this screen, the full-screen keyboard felt clunky to use. Once the phone is unfolded, apps seamlessly transition to the larger screen, and users have the option to choose which apps remain open on the smaller screen when it is closed.
One of the most impressive features of the external display is its integration with the camera. By twisting the phone twice, the camera app is launched, enabling users to take high-quality selfies with the superior 12-megapixel primary camera, rather than relying on the 32-MP selfie camera on the inside. The external screen acts as a viewfinder and offers a preview of the captured image. This feature is particularly useful when capturing photos of others since they can see themselves on the exterior screen, allowing for real-time adjustments and enhancing the overall photography experience.
In conclusion, the Motorola Razr+ represents a notable improvement over its predecessor. Its compact design, colorful options, and functional external display make it an appealing choice for those seeking a folding smartphone. While there are still some limitations in terms of app usage on the external screen and the overall user experience, the impressive camera capabilities and thoughtful design choices elevate the Razr+ above its competitors.
