Once a die-hard Motorola enthusiast, always a die-hard Motorola enthusiast? Not exactly. However, after years of seeing the brand languish, Motorola’s recent advancements in the foldable phone arena — especially with the Razr line — have me reevaluating my views on clamshell foldables. While I’ve traditionally favored the book-style designs like the Galaxy Z Fold or OnePlus Open, the new Razr Ultra could be the device to reel me back in.
Motorola used to be at the forefront of mobile innovation. From the customizable Moto X to the pioneering Nexus 6, the brand epitomized Android greatness. Even the Moto Z line, with its modular add-ons, held great potential — even if it was ahead of its time. However, after Google offloaded Motorola to Lenovo, the focus shifted to budget models, prompting me, like many, to move on.
Things took a turn when Motorola relaunched the Razr as a foldable clamshell. Setting nostalgia aside, it was a daring step, reviving the flip phone concept in a modern touchscreen form. I tried it out, but eventually leaned towards book-style foldables, which provided greater screen space and productivity options.
Fast forward to 2024, and Motorola is shaking things up again with the Razr Ultra. This isn’t merely a nostalgic reference to the past — it’s a formidable player in the foldable arena. With a notably larger and more functional cover display, high-end specifications, and a sleek design, the Razr Ultra could very well be the best clamshell foldable available today.
Here’s what sets it apart:
It’s simple to write off clamshell foldables as fads — after all, they are essentially regular phones that fold in half. Yet for many users, that convenience is revolutionary. Whether sliding into a small pocket or minimizing screen time by utilizing the cover display for quick tasks, this form factor has its advantages.
Even for someone like me, who typically doesn’t venture out, the attraction lies in the enhanced user experience. The Razr Ultra’s cover screen isn’t just a simple notification display — it’s a comprehensive interface that accommodates messaging, navigation, and more. It’s a novel way to engage with your phone that feels both cutting-edge and intuitive.
While I find the Razr Ultra fascinating, I still yearn for a Motorola book-style foldable. The Galaxy Z Fold 6 and Pixel Fold 2 are outstanding, and the OnePlus Open remains a leading productivity device. However, Motorola has yet to venture into this territory, feeling like a missed chance.
Considering Motorola’s expertise with foldables and its knack for budget-friendly innovation, a book-style foldable could be a transformative device — particularly if it undercuts competitors on pricing while offering a premium experience.
So what prompts this change? Why take a fresh look at clamshell foldables now after all this time?
