If 2025 was the year of the ultra-thin phone, then 2026 is the year of the foldable phone. And the new Motorola Razr line arrives with a big head start. Motorola has been making flip-style foldables since 2020, and it also has the first foldables on the scene this year.
Of course, being first isn’t always the wisest strategy. Just look at Apple, which has been building monumental hype around the first folding iPhone.
But we’re not here to talk about Apple. This one’s for Android users (and the Android-curious).
I put the new Motorola Razr Ultra and Motorola Razr+ to the test, and while the Razr+ has some problems, I’m loving the Razr Ultra so far.
The verdict: The Motorola Razr Ultra is a pricey but impressive flip phone
Motorola Razr+ (left) and Motorola Razr Ultra (right). Credit: René Ramos / Mashable
What I loved: The flagship Razr Ultra has a gorgeous display, a killer battery life, and a true smorgasburg of AI features. I love that it fits in my pocket, and I love the phone’s design.
What I hated: This phone costs an obscene $1,499.99. The less-capable Razr+ had some sluggishness.
By the numbers:
– Processor: Snapdragon 8 Elite Mobile Platform
– Battery: 5000mAh battery / 36 hours
– Display: 4-inch pOLED cover display / 7-inch AMOLED inner display
– Cameras: 50MP wide, 50MP ultrawide, 50MP inner camera
– Charging: 68W charging, reverse charging, 24 hours battery in 8 minutes
– Special features: Pantone Validated display, HDR peak brightness of 5,000 nits, 10-bit color, Corning Gorilla Glass Ceramic 3
SEE ALSO: Motorola Razr Fold hands-on: I liked the Fold, but it doesn’t stand out against tough competition
The Motorola Razr Ultra is a true flagship device
Credit: René Ramos / Mashable
Now, I still need to spend more time with the Razr Ultra before we lock in its review score. I plan to update this review twice. First, a couple of weeks after spending more time with the device, and again in July or August, after the Samsung Galaxy Flip 8 arrives.
But if you need a new phone now, I think you can purchase this phone with confidence. I’ve said repeatedly that the Motorola Razr Ultra (2025) was the most underrated phone of the year, and the new model is even better.
When I first picked it up, I thought it was thinner than last year’s version, but my eyes told me otherwise. The dimensions proved me right, however. Motorola shaved off a few millimeters from the design, and the phone is just a smidge thinner than last year. The phone also has a new textured back panel, which I think was a smart upgrade for both visual appeal and security in your hand.
The screens are also a little bigger and have a slightly higher resolution. The HDR10+ AMOLED displays offer 10-bit color and look incredible. Both the main and external displays now offer 165Hz refresh rates and deliver significant brightness upgrades. The main display has 5,000 nits, and the rear display has 3,000 (a 2,000 increase and a 1,300 increase, respectively).
Credit: René Ramos / Mashable
Finally, the battery has been upgraded from 4,500 mAh to 5,000 mAh. The battery was a standout feature last year, easily offering more than 24 hours on our video playback test. This year’s battery is rated for a mighty 36 hours.
But here’s the big question: Are all those improvements worth a $200 price increase? Last year’s excellent Razr Ultra was already pricey at $1,299, but this year’s arrives with a RAM-ageddon price hike to $1,499.99.
Let’s talk about that price
Most U.S. phone shoppers don’t pay full retail price. Typically, we get a trade-in offer, or you take advantage of carrier deals that can drop the price to $0 (with conditions, of course).
Motorola has raised prices across the board because of the AI-fueled memory shortage. I strongly recommend taking advantage of every deal and launch offer you can.
It’s not that the phone isn’t worth it. The $1,500 price tag is likely going to be the new standard in this category. But it still hurts.
The Motorola Razr Ultra is a joy to use
Credit: René Ramos / Mashable
Here’s what I really like about this phone: It’s fun to use.
There’s just something satisfying about a flip phone, especially one that can pull off so many neat tricks. I love lining up the perfect selfie