Return of the Razr: Motorola releases the flashback we didn't know we needed
Mobile phones have developed astronomically in the last 20 years. Cameras capture the most minute details, all your files and data stored on one device and we can work, rest and play on a single gadget.
But now it might be time for a throwback.
Making waves back in 2005 was the iconic Motorola Razr – remember it? It was known at the time as the flip phone. But as phones became 'smarter' the Motorola Razr lost its appeal. That is until now.
Introducing the Motorola Razr 40 Ultra.
NOTE: Prices are accurate at time of publishing.
Motorola Razr 40 Ultra
Here is everything you need to know about the Motorola Razr 40 Ultra, its features, our honest thoughts and how you can get your hands on it ASAP.
How to purchase a Motorola Razr 40 Ultra
The Motorola Razr 40 Ultra was released in Australia on July 10, 2023. You can choose from three different colours: infinite black, glacier blue and viva magenta. Prices are currently set for each colour at $1,499 at The Good Guys and from $1,495 on Amazon.
Infinite Black
Viva Magenta
Glacier Blue
Also on offer is the Motorola Razr 40 – just like the Motorola Razr 40 Ultra but without the front screen. This was released on July 21, 2023 and is selling in vanilla cream, sage green and summer lilac for $999 on Amazon and $995 at The Good Guys.
The Motorola Razr 40 Ultra's best features
Displays
The Motorola Razr 40 Ultra is built with two displays: a 3.6-inch pOLED (a plastic OLED screen made by LG) front display and a 6.9-inch pOLED main display. While it may be small compared to the main display, the front display is the largest small screen on a modern smart flip phone to date.
The Hz refresh rate varies between displays – the front display is 144Hz while the main display is 165Hz. For those new to the tech world, Hz is the measurement of how many times the screen refreshes and updates the images in a second. This means that the front display refreshes 144 times a second and the main display 165 times.
The main display also has HDR10+ certification. This is the level of metadata used in modern technology that creates a more vivid and clearer image on the screen. With this, it is able to project and display over one billion colour shades on the screen.
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Build
As a flip phone, the Motorola Razr 40 Ultra has to be able to bend. This is achieved through a folding feature created with a patented teardrop hinge that helps disguise the crease in the main display to appear as a smooth screen like non-flip smartphones.
Whether you've flipped it open a crack or are yet to open your phone, you still have access to a wide range of features thanks to its Flex View feature. You will be able to stand and bend the phone at an angle, which converts the main display into a smaller screen to take photos and videos. On this smaller screen and front display, you can also play games, use apps, play music, receive notifications and send messages.
Cameras
The Motorola Razr 40 Ultra is built with two cameras – a 12MP rear camera and a 32MP front camera. While many other smartphones are typically built with more camera options, these two cameras are able to capture a range of shots including wide-angle and extreme close-ups.
Photography
There are several standout features you can explore and discover when taking photos and videos on the Motorola Razr 40 Ultra. When taking photos in low light settings, your images will be made sharper, brighter and clearer thanks to its Image Signal Processer (ISP). You are also able to blur the background on photos to create a greater focus on the subject.
Utilising both cameras, you can record videos on both cameras simultaneously using the Split Perspective feature. There is also a long exposure setting that is able to capture light trails and motion blurs for beautiful Instagram-worthy shots.
Audio
Built with Dolby Atmos sound and dual stereo speakers, the Motorola Razr 40 Ultra is able to play your favourite tunes clearly and as loud as you want. It also has three built-in microphones for greater clarity when on phone calls.
Like most modern smartphones, there is no built-in headphone jack.
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Functionality
The Motorola Razr 40 Ultra has 256GB of storage, 8GB of memory and a 3800mAH battery. This battery size is slightly smaller than other smartphones on the market (compared with the 3900mAH of the Samsung Galaxy S23 and the 5000mAH of the Samsung Galaxy S23 Ultra). To save battery power, the phone converts its Hz rate down to 1HZ when not actively using your phone or on an app that does not have a lot of moving visuals on the main display, like reading an e-book.
For security, the phone has a fingerprint reader and face unlock feature. It also has an IP52 water repellence which can provide protection against small sprays of water. What is arguably the most interesting feature of the Motorola Razr 40 Ultra is the UI interface settings. You can change your UI to recreate the general layout and design of the original Motorola Razr.
Is the Motorola Razr 40 Ultra worth the money?
While the Motorola Razr 40 Ultra is a standout phone, it is an expensive choice with prices starting at $1,488. However, if you are saving up for your next tech upgrade, this phone is definitely one I would recommend.
Its slick build, bold colouring and overall stylishness set it above many other top-tier phones. The features and apps are simple to access and make a great impact on how you use your phone. And of course, the folding just makes it worth every cent.
I'll be on the market for a new mobile phone upgrade in the coming months, and as of writing, the Motorola Razr 40 Ultra is at the top of my list.