Motorola Razr 50 Ultra/razr+ (2024) review

Competition

The Razr 50 Ultra continues in the footsteps of what was already quite the capable 40 Ultra and does even more things right. The global market for foldables (whether clamshell or large-size) isn't all too packed with alternatives though there still are a few names to mention.

The most obvious contender must come from the Galaxy lineup, though comparisons are more than a little tricky. The still-current Z Flip5 is due to be replaced in just a couple of weeks - so does the Razr compete against the old one or the new one? One thing appears clear though, and that's the zoom vs. ultrawide debate - the Galaxy (whether old or new) has an ultrawide camera, but no telephoto, while the Moto is the other way around.

The Moto wins for cover screen (hardware specs, but also coolness factor and software features) and charging speed, though the Galaxy counters with higher performance chipset (even the old one). The Flip5 is cheaper than the Moto, the Flip6 will likely be pricier.

There's some internal competition for the Razr 50 Ultra too. The brand-new Razr 50 proper will cater to the ultrawide-loving folk, at the expense of a handful of other concessions elsewhere - smaller cover display and lesser chipset, for example. The IPX8 rating remains though, plus there are savings to be had if you opt for the non-Ultra.

Technically, you could get both the savings and an Ultra moniker on your Razr if you choose the 40 Ultra - we're not sure if losing the water resistance is worth it though.

The Oppo Find N3 Flip is sort of global, though it's still fairly limited in its availability. It's not as water-resitant as the Moto, and has a smaller display that you can't do a whole lot on. It does have an ultrawide and a telephoto, so it's probably a better cameraphone, though the Razr is the overall more complete package, we reckon.

Other options in the field include the Huawei Pocket 2, which also comes with a triple camera setup, but no Google services. The recently announced Honor Magic V Flip is still China-only, and will forever be telephoto-less, while the vivo X Flip is more than a year old now and not entirely competitive.

Samsung Galaxy Z Flip5 • Motorola Razr 50 • Motorola Razr 40 Ultra • Oppo Find N3 Flip

Verdict

The Razr 40 Ultra was a very capable clamshell foldable with just a few minor imperfections. This new generation addresses some of those complaints and brings yet other improvements. Most notable, perhaps, is the introduction of a proper IPX8-rating, which brings the Razr's water resistance up to the Galaxy Z Flip level.

The Moto is without competition in its market segment when it comes to charging speed, its displays are likely the best in its class, and its speakers are better than most (foldables or otherwise). The software implementation on the cover screen is one 2x button in the camera UI short of perfection, and Hello UI is easy to like in its entirety as well.

Motorola is taking a bit of gamble with the camera setup - or is it a calculated strategy? Either way, we do like the main+tele combo, and if you're more into ultrawide shots, there's always the non-Ultra. In any case, this Razr does a solid job as a cameraphone.

All things considered, as small-size foldables go, the Motorola Razr 50 Ultra is quite the enticing proposition.

Pros

• Large, bright, high-RR cover display.
• Nearly creaseless internal display, great in all metrics too.
• IPX8 is a most welcome addition.
• Fastest-charging clamshell foldable we've tested.
• Superb speakers.
• Hello UI is both clean and full-featured, the cover screen functionality is wide-ranging.
• Overall solid camera system, possibly the best telephoto in this form factor.

Cons

• No ultrawide camera.
• No close-up shooting capability.
• Heavy thermal throttling.