The Motorola Razr 2025 is a compelling option for those seeking the best folding phones without the hefty price tag of the Razr Ultra 2025. While the Ultra represents a no-compromise approach to flip phones, the Razr 2025 delivers a remarkably similar experience at a significantly more accessible price point. This review explores why the Razr 2025 stands out as the ideal flip phone for the majority of users.
Design and Display: Familiar Yet Refined
The Razr 2025 maintains the classic Razr design, instantly recognizable to anyone familiar with the series. The key difference lies in the 3.5-inch Cover Display, smaller than the 4-inch screen found on the Razr Plus and Ultra. While it lacks Dolby Vision and boasts a lower peak brightness of 1,700 nits, the display quality remains impressive.
Despite its smaller size, the Cover Display functions identically to its larger counterparts, offering the same optimized Razr experience. The 90Hz refresh rate, though lower than the 165Hz on the premium models, still surpasses the 60Hz of competitors like the Galaxy Z Flip 6.
Unfolding the Razr 2025 reveals a 6.9-inch main display, identical to the Razr Plus, with a 120Hz refresh rate. While its 3000 nits peak brightness is lower than its siblings, it still outshines the Galaxy Z Flip 6.
The Razr 2025 feels remarkably light at 188 grams, despite its dimensions. The eco-leather finish, made from a silicone polymer blend, replaces the premium leather and wood finishes of the Ultra. Gorilla Glass Victus protects the Cover Display, while the frame and hinge are constructed from aluminum and stainless steel, respectively. IP48 dust and water resistance adds to the phone’s premium feel.
Performance and Hardware: Balancing Power and Price
The Razr 2025 utilizes the MediaTek Dimensity 7400X processor, a step down from the flagship chips found in top-tier phones. While generally performant, occasional lag can occur during demanding tasks or rapid app switching. The 8GB of RAM and UFS 2.2 storage contribute to slower loading times for resource-intensive applications.
The Razr 2025 includes essential hardware features like Wi-Fi 6/6e and Bluetooth 5.4, but omits certain extras like Wi-Fi 7 and aptX Lossless. However, these omissions are unlikely to be deal-breakers for most users.
Battery Life: A Notable Improvement
The Razr 2025 features a 4,500 mAh battery, a significant upgrade over the previous generation. This larger battery, combined with the smaller displays and less power-hungry processor, translates to impressive battery life, often lasting two full days on a single charge.
30W wired charging and 15W wireless charging are supported, with a full charge taking approximately 75 minutes. This charging speed is comparable to other foldable phones, even those with smaller batteries and slower charging speeds.
Cameras: Capable and Convenient
The Razr 2025 boasts a dual-camera system, featuring a 50MP wide camera and a 13MP ultrawide lens. The main camera offers good performance in well-lit conditions but struggles in low light. A noticeable shutter lag can sometimes result in blurry images. The ultrawide camera, while useful for group photos, can occasionally capture unwanted elements in the frame due to its wide field of view and placement.
The Razr’s form factor enhances the photo-taking experience, particularly for capturing spontaneous moments. The double-twist gesture to launch the camera, while slightly slower than on the Ultra, remains convenient.
Software and AI: A Seamless Experience
Motorola’s software builds upon the core Android experience with helpful additions like Moto Actions, including the double-twist camera launch and double-chop flashlight. The Cover Display software is a standout feature, offering a unique panel-based system for quick access to various functions, apps, and widgets.
The Razr 2025 integrates several AI features, including Gemini, Perplexity, and Microsoft CoPilot with Recall. Moto AI offers helpful features like Remember This, Pay Attention, and Next Move, further enhancing the user experience.
Price and Availability: An Affordable Flip Phone
The Razr 2025 is priced at $700 for the 8GB/256GB model, significantly less than the $1,000 Razr Plus and $1,300 Razr Ultra. It’s available in various colors, including Gibraltar Sea (blue), Lightest Sky (white), Parfait Pink, and Spring Bud (green).
Verdict: The Best Flip for Most
The Motorola Razr 2025 offers a compelling blend of premium features and affordability. While not a flagship device, it provides a near-flagship foldable experience at a fraction of the cost. For those seeking a stylish and functional flip phone without emptying their wallets, the Razr 2025 is an excellent choice.
