Motorola Razr 40 hands-on

02 June 2023
Ultra got all the attention, but the Razr 40 may be Motorola's more important foldable.

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+ Cheaper (but how much cheaper?)
+ 4200 mAh (10.5% larger than the Razr+/40 Ultra)
+ Faux-leather panels

I think this Razr 40 is a nicer-looking Z Flip 3 & 4 but the specs are only above the Razr 2019 and 5G. The faux-leather feel is probably more "p-leather" as Michael Fisher called it. It's similar to the feel of the Nexus One or many HTC phones prior to 2013. It's plastic but it has almost a suede-like feel. A soft touch.

I personally don't need either of them. Getting the cheaper Razr would make it redundant if I already own a Z Flip 3 that looks like it. Then the 40 Ultra would make having my Razr 5G seem redundant. But I still think these are solid releases from LeMoto. Better than last year. It does feel more Lenovo than Motorola. More Chinese than American. More Lenorola than Motonova.

The foldable I really want is the Pixel Fold but not for $1800. I'll probably wait 2-3 more years when Google goes back using TSMC. Google is never great with first generation products. The Razr 40 can at least make other OEMs consider creating a more budget-friendly foldable. We may finally get foldables for under $500.

This Razr 40 looks to be a battery champ among foldable clamshells. I expect it to be at least 10% better than the Flip 4 and Razr+. More savings if you have an app like SamSprung or CoverScreen OS and plan to stream videos from that tiny 1.5". I generally listen to my favorite movies or TV shows when I stream, so I personally don't mind the tiny cover display.

My favorite movies to listen to in the background while I browse the web on my other phones or play my PS Vita...

Once Upon A Time... In Hollywood (2019)
Air (2023)
Elvis (2022)
The Big Lebowski (1998)
Dazed And Confused (1993)
The Hateful Eight (2015)

^ Great dialogue, great soundtrack. I love the hangout movies.

This is why a big cover display doesn't really excite me. I have the screen off when I'm listening to my movies or streaming I Love Lucy and Three's Company on Pluto TV.

The Razr 40 looks like a winner. Can be the most popular Razr since the original V3 in 2004. The V3 did not become popular until 2005-2006 when you can get them for $100, $50, or for free with contract. Price decides the popularity for most phones.

    • ?
    • Anonymous
    • XWg
    • 02 Jun 2023

    7 gen 1 is garbage, look at xiaomi 13 lite review

      • ?
      • Anonymous
      • SdF
      • 02 Jun 2023

      SomeRandomGoose, 02 Jun 2023Honestly prefer the smaller outside screen and faux leather... moreAgreed

        • ?
        • Anonymous
        • SdF
        • 02 Jun 2023

        I think Motorola might have a winner here.
        Classic look. Nice grip instead of soap-bar glass.
        Good specs for a cheaper entry to the fold world.
        Kinda beaten Samsung to an A-Series foldable.
        Fair play.

          If I were to buy this kind if phone, this would be it. I'm still thinking if I'm not going to buy it when it's available so I am waiting for full review 😊

            I hope the Razr has a meaningful discount like $400 instead of $200. It only uses a Snapdragon 7 Gen 1. Pixel 7 is $300 cheaper than the 7 Pro but uses the same chip.

            The truth about having a bigger cover display on a foldable flip phone is you're still getting a square. A half of a slab. Trust me, I've tried using many different apps on my Razr 5G from there and it's not an ideal experience. Try replying texts from it or browsing the web. Best use for my case is GMaps and streaming apps like YouTube and Netflix.

            The best cover displays from foldables comes from the book-style ones like an Oppo Find N and N2 or the upcoming Pixel Fold. Who wants to browse from a square-shaped cover display? The keyboard will take up most of the screen. People who use foldable flips long enough will open their phones more. With a Z Fold, it's not as required since the outer display is like using a normal slab.

            The point of having a clamshell is to protect the inner display and make it smaller when you put it in your pocket. A big cover display is great and all, but it still won't exactly prevent you from opening the phone more since 3.6" is still too tiny to do stuff with most apps.

              Honestly prefer the smaller outside screen and faux leather, looks much better

                I'm somewhat disappointed this didn't get 7+ Gen 2 or anything snappier than 7 Gen 1, but meh. I'm not buying so who cares

                  • ?
                  • Anonymous
                  • 0p}
                  • 02 Jun 2023

                  "Leather" on chinese phones are not same you got from LG G4.
                  This is just texturized plastic.
                  It is so easy to scratch.

                  More phones above $$600 will be having it instead glass.

                    Motorola Ought to Prive it right internationally too... Especially in India..
                    Around 45K Indian Rupees, And we might have a Hot Cake in Sales.

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