Having made a remarkable return in 2019, we delve into the evolution of Motorola’s iconic Razr flip phone and how it has transformed over the years.
This year witnessed a surge in the launch of flip phones, with Motorola taking the spotlight by unveiling two Razr flip phones in 2023. These additions not only set new standards for clamshell-style phones but also marked a significant evolution in the popular phone series of the company.
The standout among the duo is the Razr Plus, priced at $1,000, which captivates attention with its expansive front cover, essentially composed entirely of a screen. Boasting a generous size of 3.6 inches, it currently holds the title for the largest cover screen on any commercially available flip phone. This marks a notable upgrade from its predecessor, the Razr 2022, which featured a smaller 2.6-inch panel. According to Lisa Eadicicco of CNET, who had a hands-on experience with the Razr Plus, its cover screen serves a multi-functional purpose beyond time-checking and notifications – users can interact with apps and even engage in typing using a full keyboard.
In addition to the noticeable increase in the size of the cover screen, it’s noteworthy how Motorola has enhanced its device over the years. Notably, the price has gradually decreased, as anticipated. The 2019 Razr, marking Motorola’s return to the flip phone scene, was priced at $1,499 but lacked an IP rating, wireless charging, and featured only 6GB of RAM. It also housed a total of two cameras. Fast forward to 2023, and the Motorola Razr Plus is now priced at $1,000, accompanied by several new features, including the larger front screen, an IP52 durability rating, wireless charging, and an additional camera. The device has seen incremental improvements such as increased storage capacity, a larger battery, reduced weight, and a faster processor.
On the other hand, the Motorola Razr 2023 comes with a starting price of $700. This is not only $300 less than its more expensive counterpart but also less than half the price of the Razr 2019. To achieve this lower price point, Motorola made certain compromises, such as incorporating a smaller front display and less advanced specifications compared to its pricier counterparts. Nevertheless, users can still enjoy a robust 64-megapixel main camera, wireless charging, and other notable features.
For a more in-depth look, you can refer to CNET’s specifications chart below. It’s worth noting that the Razr 2022 did not see a release in the United States.
Motorola Razr Plus specs vs. Razr 2023, Razr 2022, Razr 2020
| Razr Plus | Razr 2023 | Razr (2022) China Version | Razr (2020) | |
| Display Size, Resolution | Cover: 3.6-inch (1,066 x 1,056 pixels); main: 6.9-inch (2,640 x 1,080) | Cover: 1.5-inch (194 x 368 pixels); main: 6.9-inch (2,640 x 1,080 pixels) | Cover: 2.7-inch (573 x 800 pixels); main: 6.7-inch (2,400 x 1,080 pixels) | Cover: 2.7-inch (800 x 600 pixels); main: 6.2-inch (2,142 x 876 pixels) |
| Pixel density | External: 413 ppi | External: 282 ppi | External: 393 ppi | External: 393 ppi |
| Dimensions (millimeters) | Open: 73.95 x 170.83 x 6.99 mm; closed: 73.95 x 88.42 x 15.1 mm | Open: 73.95 x 170.82 x 7.35 mm; closed: 73.95 x 88.24 x 15.8 mm | Open: 167.0 x 79.8 x 7.6 mm; closed: 86.5 x 79.8 x 17 mm | Open: 72.6 x 91.7 x 16 mm; closed: 72.6 x 169.2 x 7.9 mm |
| Mobile software | Android 13 | Android 13 | Android 12 | Android 10 |
| Weight (ounces, grams) | 188.5 g, 6.64 oz | 188.6 g, 6.65 oz | 200 g, 7.05 oz | 192 g, 6.77 oz |
| Front-facing camera | 32-megapixel | 32-megapixel | 32-megapixel | 20-megapixel |
| Expandable storage | None | None | None | None |
| Battery | 3,800 mAh | 4,200 mAh | 3,500 mAh | 2,800 mAh |
| Fingerprint sensor | Side | Side | Side | Back |
| Headphone jack | None | None | None | None |
| Connector | USB-C | USB-C | USB-C | USB-C |
| Special Feature | IP52, 5G enabled, foldable display, 30W wired charging, wireless charging | IP52, 5G enabled, foldable display, 30W wired charging, 5W wireless charging | 5G enabled, 30W wired charging | 5G enabled, time of flight sensor, OIS exterior camera |
| Video Caoture | 4k | 4k | 4k | 4k |
| Camera | 12-megapixel (main), 13-megapixel (wide) | 64-megapixel (main), 13-megapixel (wide) | 50-megapixel (main), 13-megapixel (wide) | 48-megapixel (main) |
| Processor | Snapdragon 8 Gen 1 | Snapdragon 7 Gen 1 | Snapdragon 8 +1 Gen 1 | Qualcomm Snapdragon 765G |
| Ram Storage | 8GB + 256GB | 8GB + 128GB | 8GB + 128GB; 8GB + 256GB; 12GB + 512GB | 8GB + 256GB |