ZDNET's key takeaways The $1,300 Motorola Razr Ultra is a high-performance flip phone with a unique design.
Key upgrades make it a compelling option for foldable (and compact) phone enthusiasts, such as the 65W charging speed and 50MP ultrawide lens.
The 4,700mAh battery looks great on paper, but yields average endurance from our testing. View now at Amazon View now at Best Buy View now at Motorola more buying choices
The Motorola Razr Ultra is one of the most interesting phones I've tested this year. It's not just because it folds in half and fits comfortably in my pocket, or that there's a Retro Razr mode that transforms the UI into a nostalgia trip back to the Razr's golden days.
Also: Android 16 totally changes how notifications work on your phone, thanks to two new features
Instead, it's the fact that this is arguably one of the closest things we've gotten to a true flagship flip phone, with no obvious compromises to the performance, display, camera, and durability. At $1,300, you'll really have to pay to play with the Razr Ultra, and I'm curious to see how customers will react now that they can finally take one home.
Until then, here's my verdict after testing the handset over the past week, including where Motorola misses the mark, and where it wins big.
By appearances alone, the Razr Ultra doesn't look all that different from the Razr Plus model of past years. It's just as pocketable, flips open and close with a flick of the wrist, and comes in an assortment of Pantone-validated finishes. If none of that "moves you," that's because the Razr's full-display outer screen is arguably the peak of flip phone design. So, most of the changes Motorola implemented are rooted in the internal structure and material choices.
Also: My first 24 hours with the Galaxy Z Fold 7 left me completely mesmerized
The most significant yet subtle change is the new titanium-reinforced hinge plate, which Motorola says is four times stronger than surgical-grade stainless steel and can withstand up to 35% more folds than last year's models. The company isn't lying here. Having flipped open dozens of foldable phones over the past few years, I can tell you that the Razr Ultra is noticeably sturdier than other models, with a confident thump when you snap it shut.
... continue reading