I tested Motorola’s new Razr Plus (2024) and it makes the Samsung Galaxy Z Flip feel outdated
Smartphone release schedules usually look like this: New Top Android Phones launched at the beginning of the year, then mid range phone in the spring, followed by folding in the summer, and Iphone in the fall. Now we’re in phase three, with Motorola kicking things off this week by announcing two new flip phones, 2024 Razr and Razr Plus.
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These two phones look similar to last year’s models, and the Razr and Razr Plus also cost the same at $699 and $999, but three notable differences make them more worth your consideration in 2024.
1. Large external display on both models
Perhaps the most logical (and unsurprising) upgrade to this year’s Razr models is the larger external display, as the standard Razr goes from a 1.5-inch OLED to 3.6 inches, while the Razr Plus goes from a 3.6-inch OLED to 4 inches.
Both are bright enough to browse in the afternoon sun in Williamsburg, Brooklyn, and the smoothness of the 165Hz panel on the Razr Plus is particularly pleasing. I just wonder how the high-refresh-rate display will affect the phone’s battery, which is rated at 4,000mAh (Plus) and 4,200mAh (standard).
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The smaller battery on the Plus model can be explained by the larger 4-inch screen, making it the phone with the largest external display among flip phones, surpassing Samsung Galaxy Z Flip 5′s (and possibly the Z Flip 6’s 3.4-inch panel). Does 0.4 inches make a difference to user experience? Not much, but probably enough to motivate me to use the external monitor more often.
2. I’m cautiously optimistic about Moto AI
It wouldn’t be a 2024 phone without AI features. Both Motorola Razr models come pre-installed with the Google Gemini app, accessible via a long press of the power button. Consider how realistic this shortcut seemed to me when I tested it Pixel 8a just a month ago, I’m hoping this same integration will continue to help me expand my usage Mobile AI Tools.
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However, the AI features on the more expensive and more functional Razr Plus model go beyond what Google offers as Motorola rolls out new Moto AI capabilities in the coming months, including voice prompts like “Follow me” to summarize notifications, “Pay attention” to start a voice recording with transcription and summary, and “Remember this” to record what’s on the screen and store it for later review.
That last feature is like Microsoft recallTake a screenshot every few seconds so the system can grab any text or image information you might want in the future. However, with Microsoft delaying Recall privacy and security issuesSimilar concerns could affect Motorola’s “Remember this.” When asked about how to keep user information safe, the company said the Razr Plus will only store what’s on the screen when prompted by the user, and all information is stored on the device. We’ll have to see this feature for ourselves when it launches later this fall.
3. Textured base layer remains
Motorola seems to have doubled down on textured cases, and I’m not mad about it. Aside from the cool new colors the Razr comes in, including “Hot Pink” for the Plus model that’s reminiscent of the old Motorola Razr V3, they’re made of a grippy vegan leather (or suede). Combined with the phone’s rounded edges, I don’t expect these to slip out of your hand or pocket.
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If anything, both models feature Corning Gorilla Glass Victus and a 30% smaller hinge design that the company says will improve dust resistance (from last year’s IP54 to this year’s IPX8), reduce creases, and make the device more comfortable to use.
The Razr and Razr Plus 2024 will be available for pre-order starting July 10 and will officially hit stores on July 24.
Some interesting information…
- Both models have 256GB of base storage and configurable RAM (8GB or 12GB).
- The Razr Plus features a Qualcomm Snapdragon 8s Gen 3 chip (hence a Moto AI exclusive), while the Razr has a MediaTek Dimensity 7300X processor.
- New AI-powered camera features include a Photo Enhancer that automatically optimizes details, clarity, highlights, shadows, bokeh, etc.
- The Razr Plus no longer has an ultra-wide camera. Instead, it has a 50MP main lens and a 50MP telephoto lens, according to Motorola, the 50MP telephoto lens is more popular among Razr users.
- On the other hand, Razr do there’s an ultra-wide camera, although it only has a 13MP sensor.
- Both phones support 15W wireless charging.
- Motorola promises three operating system upgrades and four years of security updates.
- The outer display will now display an always-on image when the phone is folded at an angle.
- Motorola won’t include a charger in the box, just a USB-C to USB-C cable.
