MOTO Razr (2020) Review

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In this article, I give you my Moto Razr (2020) review with specs included. Presenting the Moto Razr (2020), a nostalgic revival of the iconic Razr brand that takes a bold leap into the realm of foldable smartphones. As a seasoned phone reviewer, I couldn’t resist the opportunity to revisit one of the original Razr devices, a testament to Motorola’s enduring legacy in the mobile industry.

However, despite my extensive experience with phone reviews, I found myself without a Moto Razr 2020 in-house for review, as Motorola had not provided one for evaluation at the time of its official release on February 6 in the United States.

Exclusive to Verizon in the United States, the Moto Razr 2020 comes with a hefty price tag of $1,500, a figure that may vary depending on the country and carrier. In the UK, for instance, it is available through EE. Unlike traditional smartphones, the Moto Razr 2020 introduces a novel form factor characterized by its tall, narrow design and folding mechanism. This distinguishes it from devices like the Samsung Galaxy Fold, which unfolds into a tablet-like form factor.

Moto Razr 2020 Sides
Moto Razr (2020) Sides

The primary allure of the Moto Razr 2020 lies in its ability to transform from a compact, square-shaped device into a 6.2-inch smartphone when unfolded. This unique design caters to users who desire a large-screen experience without the bulkiness associated with traditional big-screen phones. For individuals who find devices like the Samsung Galaxy S10+ too unwieldy for their pockets or hands, the Moto Razr 2020 offers a compelling alternative.

Motorola’s promotional materials tout the durability of the Moto Razr 2020, reassuring users that they need not handle it with kid gloves. However, it is worth noting that the device lacks IP water and dust resistance certification, relying instead on Motorola’s proprietary water-resistant coating. While this coating provides some level of protection against minor spills and splashes, it may not withstand more extreme conditions, such as heavy rainfall or exposure to dust and dirt.

Moto Razr 2020 Bumper Cover
Moto Razr (2020) Bumper Cover

During my visit to a local Verizon store to examine the Moto Razr 2020 firsthand, I observed an interesting design choice in the mounting of the display. Unlike the Samsung Galaxy Fold, which features a frame around its display and end caps on the hinges for added protection, the Moto Razr 2020’s display is more exposed, with a noticeable gap that could potentially accumulate dust and debris over time. Additionally, the display itself is made of plastic OLED, a departure from traditional glass displays.

The front display of the Moto Razr 2020 is relatively small and primarily serves as a notification panel, although Moto Actions can leverage its touch functionality for additional features. For instance, users can view notifications and launch the front selfie camera by performing a double twist of the wrist. Speaking of cameras, the Moto Razr 2020 features a 16-megapixel rear camera and a 5-megapixel front-facing camera. While Motorola’s forte may not lie in camera technology, the performance of these cameras left much to be desired during my testing.

In terms of specifications, the Moto Razr 2020 falls short compared to flagship smartphones like the Samsung Galaxy Fold, despite its premium price point. Equipped with a Snapdragon 710 processor, 6GB of RAM, and 128GB of storage, the Moto Razr 2020 lacks the raw power and performance of its more expensive counterparts. This discrepancy raises concerns about the value proposition of the Moto Razr 2020, especially considering the competitive landscape of foldable smartphones.

During day-to-day usage, I found the Moto Razr 2020 to be adequate for routine tasks, such as navigating the user interface and accessing apps. However, performance issues became more apparent when launching games, with occasional stuttering and lag detracting from the overall experience. While the device runs on Android 9 with an upgrade to Android 10 planned, its mid-range specifications may limit its long-term viability compared to more powerful flagship devices.

The Moto Razr 2020 represents a nostalgic homage to Motorola’s iconic Razr brand, offering a novel take on foldable smartphones. However, its premium price tag and mid-range specifications raise questions about its value proposition in a market dominated by flagship devices. While its unique design and compact form factor may appeal to certain users, the Moto Razr 2020 faces stiff competition from more powerful and feature-rich alternatives. Ultimately, its success will hinge on its ability to deliver a compelling user experience that justifies its premium price point.

At a price point of $1,500, consumers understandably expect a certain level of performance from the Moto Razr (2020). While the device boasts a unique folding screen, it’s crucial for it to deliver reliable performance to justify its premium price tag. Weighing in at 205 grams, the device strikes a balance between being lightweight and substantial. However, there’s a slight concern that its lightness may give it a plastic-like feel, despite its metal and glass construction. Nonetheless, the sleek design and placement of the fingerprint scanner beneath the chin contribute to its overall appeal.

Even the packaging of the Moto Razr (2020) exudes sophistication, doubling as a speaker amplifier to enhance the audio experience. This feature is particularly useful given the device’s underwhelming speaker performance. While initial impressions of the Moto Razr (2020) are mixed, further testing will provide a more comprehensive understanding of its capabilities.

One notable drawback is the vulnerability of the folding screen, which can be lifted up from the middle, potentially allowing debris to accumulate underneath. This design flaw may detract from the device’s durability and longevity. Additionally, the mid-range specifications of the Moto Razr (2020) may limit its performance compared to flagship devices, such as the Samsung Galaxy Fold.

Having used the Samsung Galaxy Fold for several months, I’ve come to appreciate its robust build and impressive features. If there’s interest, I’m open to providing an update on the Galaxy Fold’s performance and whether it continues to meet expectations.

Moto Razr (2020) Pros:

  1. Iconic Design: The Moto Razr (2020) pays homage to the iconic Razr brand with its nostalgic flip phone design, offering a unique and stylish aesthetic that sets it apart from traditional smartphones.
  2. Compact Form Factor: When folded, the Moto Razr (2020) is compact and pocketable, making it convenient for on-the-go use. Its slim profile and lightweight construction contribute to its portability.
  3. Innovative Folding Display: The folding OLED display is a standout feature of the Moto Razr (2020), allowing users to enjoy a larger screen when unfolded while maintaining a compact form factor when folded. This offers versatility and convenience for multimedia consumption and multitasking.
  4. Dual-Screen Functionality: In addition to the main folding display, the Moto Razr (2020) features a secondary external display that provides quick access to notifications, calls, and other essential information without the need to unfold the device.
  5. Fingerprint Scanner: The placement of the fingerprint scanner beneath the chin of the device offers convenient and secure biometric authentication for unlocking the Moto Razr (2020) and accessing sensitive information.
  6. Motorola Gestures: The Moto Razr (2020) includes intuitive Motorola gestures that enhance the user experience, such as the double twist of the wrist to launch the camera or Moto Actions for quick access to features and functions.
  7. Premium Materials: Despite its lightweight construction, the Moto Razr (2020) features premium materials, including metal and glass, that lend durability and a premium feel to the device.
  8. Unique Packaging: The packaging of the Moto Razr (2020) doubles as a speaker amplifier, demonstrating Motorola’s attention to detail and commitment to providing an enhanced audio experience for users.
  9. Exclusive Features: Motorola offers exclusive features and optimizations tailored to the Moto Razr (2020), ensuring a seamless and optimized user experience that maximizes the potential of the unique folding design.
  10. Brand Legacy: As a revival of the iconic Razr brand, the Moto Razr (2020) carries with it the legacy and heritage of Motorola’s past, evoking nostalgia among longtime fans while introducing new innovations for the modern era.

Moto Razr (2020) Cons:

  1. High Price: The Moto Razr (2020) commands a premium price tag, making it inaccessible to budget-conscious consumers and placing it in direct competition with flagship smartphones that offer superior performance and features.
  2. Mid-Range Specifications: Despite its premium price, the Moto Razr (2020) is equipped with mid-range specifications, including a Snapdragon 710 processor and 6GB of RAM, which may not offer the same level of performance as flagship devices.
  3. Limited Availability: The Moto Razr (2020) is currently exclusive to Verizon in the United States, limiting its availability and accessibility to consumers who are not subscribers of the carrier.
  4. Susceptibility to Damage: The folding display of the Moto Razr (2020) may be susceptible to damage from dust, debris, and other foreign objects that could accumulate underneath the screen, potentially compromising its functionality and longevity.
  5. Underwhelming Speaker Performance: Despite its premium price, the Moto Razr (2020) features speakers that are considered to be underwhelming in terms of sound quality and volume, detracting from the overall multimedia experience.
  6. Limited Camera Capabilities: While the Moto Razr (2020) features a 16-megapixel rear camera and a 5-megapixel front-facing camera, its camera capabilities may not meet the expectations of users who prioritize photography and videography.
  7. Lack of Water and Dust Resistance: Unlike some flagship smartphones, the Moto Razr (2020) does not feature IP water and dust resistance certification, which may limit its durability and reliability in challenging environmental conditions.
  8. Reliance on Carrier Exclusivity: The exclusive partnership with Verizon in the United States may limit consumer choice and restrict access to the Moto Razr (2020) for users who prefer alternative carriers or purchasing options.
  9. Limited Software Support: The Moto Razr (2020) may receive limited software support and updates compared to flagship devices, potentially impacting its long-term usability and compatibility with future applications and features.
  10. Questionable Value Proposition: Despite its innovative design and premium materials, the Moto Razr (2020) faces stiff competition from flagship smartphones that offer superior performance, features, and value for the price, raising questions about its overall value proposition for consumers.
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