Motorola Razr (2023) Review: The $500 Foldable

The Motorola Razr 2023 (Razr 40) is a great phone, but is it worth buying? Is it better than other foldables on the market? Find out in this full review!
Click "show more" to view our time-stamped video chapters.
Video chapters:
00:00 - Introduction
00:45 - Sales and Retail Price
01:35 - Design overview
04:03 - Display overview
05:58 - Performance overview
08:09 - Camera overview
09:25 - Foldable comparison
09:59 - Extra features and battery life
10:45 - Pros and cons
13:16 - Ways to support!
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Where to buy:
Motorola Razr 2023 (Razr 40)
► Motorola: howl.me/cla1VSkS05O
► Best Buy: howl.me/cla1WwfPRtS
► Amazon: amzn.to/47NjHSh
Samsung Galaxy Z Flip 5
► Samsung: howl.me/cla1XLgaASF
► Best Buy: howl.me/cla1YUdE1A9
► Amazon: amzn.to/3Reujmo
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[@nsanevapez336]

I have this phone and I don't see anything wrong with it. Pics are fine performance is fine no issues at all

[@AndroidDigest]

Exactly. It's all about expectations. For $499 this is great

[@nsanevapez336]

@@AndroidDigest yeah I got this phone from cricket Wireless for 380$ out the door and so far I'm loving it. I don't need a big outter display or 165hz refresh rate 144hz is perfectly fine with me and my battery lasts for 2 days straight on a single charge. And pics turn out good to me there clear crisp and videos is good as well. Performance hasn't been bad either no issues on my end no slow downs or lags or anything

[@adnanaltafbinmurtazahussia18]

j ust few question and i will buy this phone how's the video quality and for the long run would you recommend it ? and can i use this phone as my primary device please help

[@nsanevapez336]

​@@adnanaltafbinmurtazahussia18video quality is good I am not complaining about it and I have been using the phone as my daily driver and have had no issues with it, so yeah I recommend the phone to anyone. You will be happy with it

[@CxClips]

@@nsanevapez336 Glad to see this review. I see a bunch of people just shitting on the phone. I just ordered it for $199 from cricket. Feel like I couldn't pass up the deal, switching from an Iphone 11, simply hoping it is an upgrade and not a downgrade.

[@vanbrown92]

I just got my Motorola Razr 2023 on Friday at cricket for 99.99 it's a great phone

[@AndroidDigest]

That's a crazy crazy deal

[@sg3971]

Well done review. I'm about to pull the trigger on one. Keep up the good work!

[@AndroidDigest]

Thanks so much! Means a lot! Use a link in the description if you remember. Ask any questions though. Happy to help

[@ListenToPumpkinMusic]

2:44 It's so refreshing to hear a general Android/tech reviewer who understands this point because it normally only gets recognition from digital minimalists who occupy a very niche space on KZbin. The cover display gets larger with every generation of these flip smartphones and the overwhelming majority of reviewers will try to tell you it's a good thing and a straight upgrade, but more is not always better. Smaller cover displays offer clear advantages in terms of durability and lifestyle and it's disappointing that Motorola is the only company currently offering this. Flip smartphones have a lot of potential as a modern practical alternative to the traditional slate form factor (which once made a lot of sense but has become ridiculously oversized in recent years). It would be a shame if flips also lost their practical design advantages in favour of the "MORE MORE MORE" approach.

[@AndroidDigest]

This is very important. The display on the Razr Plus for example is much bigger but so much easier to break and harder to protect. The biggest point of flip phones used to be to protect the screens. Not expose them on the outside. Plus a lot of people with this style of phone, they use them to avoid their phones, not access them easily

[@leath25]

I've had this phone over a month.great for popping in your pocket.fast response to opening apps.camera is great .front display is useful can open notifications and read them from the external display,can also make a call without opening phone.happy with it.

[@adnanaltafbinmurtazahussia18]

just few question and i will buy this phone how's the video quality and for the long run would you recommend it ? and can i use this phone as my primary device please help

[@stacyanderson1593]

Subbed... I will watch more of your reviews. I liked this honest review. That's what we as consumers want, honest non-biased reviews that tell us the good, bad and in between... We want value for our money in these tough times. Thank you.

[@AndroidDigest]

Thank you so much. Means a lot!

[@Crashking14]

How's the casting?

[@titancheat]

I just ordered the edge 30 fusion bundle for 350. I noticed the razr at 500. Compared to 1k plus when the zfold came out etc. Props to motorola! 🎉

[@AndroidDigest]

For sure. A really good deal

[@warrenmcclure7819]

The cover display is nice for sure I love the way it looks but having a bigger one is great as well.

[@AndroidDigest]

Absolutely

[@TimothySlickback]

I just purchased this device for 265 through metro. I wanted the S23fe but was out of stock, still disappointed about that but this device is impressive for the price. I'm watching at 2160p with no hiccups. I must say I'm happy with it after 4 years of a worn out s10e.

[@AndroidDigest]

Great deal

[@mrincognito3746]

I got this phone on metro pcs for 200 dollars im surprised very thin very light it feels premium, the screen is a little weird to tall but its nice no problems so far

[@AndroidDigest]

Great phone for that price

[@rezzokii8080]

I just bought this phone yesterday and o my I am impressed, I had to get used to it, I kept feeling like I'm gonna break it every time I bend it when I'm so used to a regular phone that doesn't bend I had the regular moto Stylo 😅....over all everything about this video is definitely on point 🤩🥳TY hahaha I'm still getting used to seeing this phone being able to do bend like this 😲🤯😁 And the Dolby Atmos omg 🤯 spectacular 🤩

[@AndroidDigest]

It's great for sure!

[@jethroorhtej4126]

With the case I have that shuts over the cover screen I can have it in my pocket with my keys. I prefer the small outer screen for that reason alone.

[@AndroidDigest]

Exactly. I think that's a huge reason to prefer it. It's the same reason why flip phones used to be important. Because you can protect the screen when closing your phone. Having a completen second screen takes that away

[@dtowerz9489]

I got one friday from cricket for $200 its amazing so far

[@AndroidDigest]

An amazing deal for sure

[@stevennovakovich2525]

Have seen the Motorola Razr 2023 for as low as $199.99 if one doesn't mind getting it from and using it on the Cricket Wireless or Boost Mobile MVNOs. I bought my sage green one directly from Motorola (unlocked) for $378 plus a trade-in of my iPhone 11. Excellent phone.

[@AndroidDigest]

That's a great deal for $200 for sure. Even for $378

[@Pre-Expatriate]

It's $99 right now at Cricket

[@momfromnj911]

This phone at cricket is $99 I think I'm in

[@Pre-Expatriate]

@@momfromnj911 It's a good deal for $100. No way I'd pay $500 though. Battery life is really bad, even with the battery saver on.

[@kcguy8864]

​@@momfromnj911Boost also has it for $99 rn with a new unlimited line But u also get four $25 credits within the 1st 6 months so the phone is actually free

[@terrystokes7893]

Just bought mine Best phone I ever had 💯

[@AndroidDigest]

Awesome, enjoy it!

[@terrystokes7893]

@@AndroidDigest 💯😊

[@Omizuke]

For that price. And if you are coming from a 2-3+ years old phone. You might not even noticed that much of a difference in performance. Plus if you don't really use all those extras from the Samsung. Sometimes you don't need any of the extras, but a phone without those extra is usually also cripple in the hardware. Which is why I never recommend low end phones and would rather go for a last year higher end. What Motorola is doing here is good. It's a new phone, not at a ridiculous price and they didn't cripple it. It is still a decent phone. The "little bit slower" will only be noticeable when compare with phones with closer to twice it's price. With maybe one or two exceptions.

[@AndroidDigest]

Exactly. I think they did a really good job here.

[@bigshott9117]

​@@AndroidDigest I tried to fold my 2 year old phone and could only do it once.....so I like this alot 😂

[@itzremyzoo9247]

cricket just got rid of their holiday sale for $199 today price back to $599 but boost mobile still running promo $199 dont miss out on huge sale i plan to resell buy low sell high when price go back to normal

[@AndroidDigest]

That's such a steal

[@sparky6757]

I struggle to see the point of flips, just in general. I’ve got a Z Fold 4 - secondhand, got a good price on it 7 months ago. I like the extra screen space, it’s great and all, but I’ve found myself wondering if it’s really worth all the downsides that a hinge brings - worse durability and longevity, a crease in the middle of the screen, worse battery, thinner body requiring worse cameras, and of course, the fact that it costs a lot more than an equivalently-specced slab. So to go for a phone with the same limitations, except no giant screen? Where’s even the reason to consider it?

[@AndroidDigest]

I think there are some perks to it. I think the problem is durability. When these cracks go down the middle of phones, manufacturers just aren't dealing with it. The policy forever has been. If there's a crack, it's always physical damage. But that's not always the case. With folding phones they sometimes crack because of durability issues along that crease. And no manufacturers are really taking ownership of that. Almost every company including Samsung and Motorola and OnePlus, they all seem to have issues with warranty when it comes to those cracks down the middle. So customers are left. Guessing when that ticking Time bomb is going to go off. And wondering if they are going to have to pay for it. Until they fix that. I don't see foldable phones as a viable option for everyone. Unless you get insurance and unless you're willing to buy it at a very good price used, it's just hard to recommend them without people being aware of those caveats

[@jasonhamilton1727]

$199 at boost and cricket and metro. Does it come with android 14? If not, will it get Android 14?

[@AndroidDigest]

Didn't come with it. But will eventually get it

[@jasonhamilton1727]

@@AndroidDigest ok hopefully

[@willissudweeks1050]

It is actually good to not have an outside screen but really that’s just the same as phones are now if you think about it

[@AndroidDigest]

For sure. I think it's good to keep you off your phone

[@adnanaltafbinmurtazahussia18]

just few question and i will buy this phone how's the video quality and for the long run would you recommend it ? and can i use this phone as my primary device please help

[@AndroidDigest]

It's complicated. In the US, at some prepaid carriers, they are selling this for $200. At that price it's an insane value. At that price, this will probably have equal or better video quality than other phones. The video quality is okay, it's not great. There are other $500 phones with better video quality. But for the performance, battery life, and the cool form factor, this is one of the better phones you can find for $400 or less. Long term it may not last more than a couple of years due to the hinge/it being a foldable. But I'm not sure it matters when you're paying $200 or $300, when this costs $700 at retail. I wouldn't pay $700 for it, no. If you don't care about the form factor, I'm sure some phones will have better video quality out there.

[@adnanaltafbinmurtazahussia18]

@@AndroidDigest thank you so much I am from India and here it costs around 500 dollars so i wanted to see if there is a genuine review for this phone and i found your channel thank you for the help and i think am gonna buy it once again thank you

[@AndroidDigest]

Awesome. Glad to help

[@buttercup5470]

How long will it receive security updates and os support?

[@DeepDishPizza]

24 months. So two years

[@AndroidDigest]

three years of Android updates and four years of security updates according to PC MAG

[@AndroidDigest]

three years of Android updates and four years of security updates according to PC MAG

[@DeepDishPizza]

@@AndroidDigest Wrong

[@user-fn2gl5mn2e]

Not sure how they can call it a 6.9 inch screen when I can lay this phone inside my Moto stylus 2021 version and it fits right inside the screen which is a 6.8!!

[@AndroidDigest]

It's because of the bezels. Also, the size is determined by width and height. It's the width and height not including bezels. So the Pixel 8a, which is smaller, 6.1" is actually larger in size than the Pixel 8, 6.2", because the 8a has bigger bezels

[@wut6922]

Seems to be a good foldable phone for people who want to try the folding market but don't care about all the fancy features in modern flagship phone. Or for people who don't solely rely on a phone and don't want pay a hefty price tag because they mainly use a tablet or PC.

[@AndroidDigest]

Exactly. A lot of people are getting these for $200 or less right now with prepaid carriers. It's a great introduction into folding phones

[@SurvivalSpec]

Oppo chose the 7 gen 1 processor for the upcoming new flip they are releasing so there must be something it

[@AndroidDigest]

It's a decent chip. Not the best, but not bad at all. I've seen better performing phones for $500, yes. But not with this form factor. If you take that into account it's pretty good!

[@PrincePalmUwU]

I need help I am stuck between samsung a54 and this phone of course I will get a phone case for it thats a plus help!

[@AndroidDigest]

Two very different phones. Very similar speeds. But the A54 should have a slightly better camera and water resistance. But those aren't significant gains. And having a foldable phone is a pretty big deal. I think it depends on how important the form factor is to you, and what prices you find. If you love the foldable form factor and you see it for a very cheap price. It's great. But you may prefer a longer term more durable phone that's slightly better. That's the A54 5G

[@1remjr]

@@AndroidDigest I personally don't think the A54 5G can be considered a more durable phone, and I am extremely easy on my phones. I now have the Razr 2023 and am quite pleased. The camera is a non issue for me because if I want to take pictures I have a couple high end cameras for that purpose. The Razr has some dazzling extra features that I thoroughly enjoy and I love the smaller front display. I haven't had a fold-able phone since 2008, a Nokia that I also thought was great at the time but of course texting was archaic back then. I look forward to your reviews with your honest opinions. Thank you very much for taking the time to help so many people.

[@PrincePalmUwU]

@@1remjr my only issue is that you need to be very very careful though they have their warranty for a certain amount of years I feel that that rzr needs better material design not leather not plastic but metal. it wears off through time but I got myself the a54 5g instead. I drop my phone and I'm traveling soon so this is the best choice for me. thank you for your input though I still love Motorola and Samsung both are great companies to be with.

[@1remjr]

@@PrincePalmUwU I have had both phones and I do prefer the Razr. The camera is a non issue for me. A friend picked the a54 up to look at it and he dropped it. It fell about eight feet down a stairwell onto carpet but it didn't survive. It's just a preference but I do like the Razr. Incidentally, it does have a metal body.

[@soulofachristian8704]

I heard the video quality is kind of weak, thats the only thing that's making me hesitant to get this... Oh and it's not water resistant 🤔

[@AndroidDigest]

Yeah, you're right on those two fronts. It's great for those people at prepaids finding it for like $200. But for $500 to $700, those points are pretty big, water resistance and video quality

[@shatyraboyd]

I’m getting this phone today so do you think I need a case for it ?

[@AndroidDigest]

Everyone is different. The phone being closed protects it a lot already, but a case may help give extra protection. It's hard to say. A personal preference

[@shatyraboyd]

@@AndroidDigest ok thanks I still got a case on the phone cause of where I work at thanks for the video

[@HioImMario]

I have a case I can recommend, I just got it today and it's PERFECT from the fit down to the hinge protection magnets

[@angiehughes9262]

Temu has cases cheap .

[@Mr.Gr0m]

Just bought it Coach Prime Special Boost Mobile $149

[@AndroidDigest]

That's awesome 😂😂. Really cool phone from what I saw

[@Cr7sui1762]

Same here

[@JenniferSawyer-sk8dt]

I want this phone so bad!

[@AndroidDigest]

I really did enjoy my time with it for sure! It's a great deal with prepaids too

[@chigginskeywest]

Boost right now. $199

[@dtowerz9489]

Cricket for 150

[@bassage13]

$150 right now.

[@Tumusica311]

Does this phone has bixby?

[@AndroidDigest]

No. It has Google assistant. Only Samsung phones have bixby

[@HioImMario]

For $99 at Metro at $40/ month with a 180 day unlock policy you'd be stupid not to buy

[@AndroidDigest]

That's a great deal

[@jeremyradcliff]

How much was tax if you don't mind me asking I'm going tomorrow to get it

[@HioImMario]

@@jeremyradcliff sorry I'm late as hell, with the plan i walked out paying 170 sumn

[@AndyKard84]

$200 on Boost Mobile ! (Current customers and new customers )

[@AndroidDigest]

Amazing deal

[@robrob1377]

I got mines for 200🎉

[@AndroidDigest]

That's a crazy deal

[@alexthec1677]

I got mines for $99.99 on number port in with metro pcs. 💅

[@michaelripley9224]

How many times can we say cover display...

[@AndroidDigest]

As many times as I *insert yo mama joke here*

[@samuelbook1120]

I just got mine for $99 at cricket

[@AndroidDigest]

An absolutely insane deal

[@momfromnj911]

Me too 🎉

[@slvalive]

saw one...had crease issues on the screen....very expensive,,,,

[@AndroidDigest]

Yeah there are issues with the creases at times

[@frankallen3634]

I use my phone as a phone and only a phone. Use my tablet for everything else. My Samsung has always just sat there and been a occasional camera but 99% phone only

[@AndroidDigest]

That sounds like this would be a decent option for you then. A small thing to fit in your pocket to use as a phone

[@gingerbreadzak]

00:00 📱 The Motorola Razr 2023 offers a foldable design at an affordable price, making it a compelling option for those interested in foldable smartphones. 02:23 📏 The compact design of the Motorola Razr, with its small cover display, can serve as a barrier against excessive smartphone usage, appealing to those seeking to limit screen time. 04:41 🌈 The Motorola Razr 2023 features a stunning 6.9-inch AMOLED display with a 144Hz refresh rate and 1400 nits peak brightness, providing an immersive viewing experience. 06:07 ⚙ Despite minor compromises in performance compared to flagship models, the Snapdragon 7 gen 1 processor ensures smooth multitasking and everyday usage on the Motorola Razr 2023. 08:00 📸 While the camera performance is slightly inferior to pricier foldable phones, the Motorola Razr 2023 still delivers decent picture quality, making it a viable option for casual photography. 10:50 🔋 With a 4200mAh battery, the Motorola Razr 2023 offers impressive battery life, providing around 7 hours of screen-on time, making it suitable for prolonged usage throughout the day. 12:54 💡 The Motorola Razr 2023 is recommended for those seeking an entry into the foldable smartphone market, offering practical features and a reasonable compromise between price and performance.

[@AndroidDigest]

Good summary

[@foundpancake3451]

At t mobile, I got my z flip 5 for 400 dollars brand new. 💀

[@AndroidDigest]

Awesome deal

[@foundpancake3451]

@@AndroidDigest I know. I got super lucky

[@user-dl9rl2dy2j]

the phone is at metro for$100 but you have to be on the $60 plan

[@AndroidDigest]

Still it's a crazy good deal. Especially if they let you switch plans the next month

[@reazulhasan2046]

And it won't have a purple line after 6 months like a pixel 8.

[@AndroidDigest]

Yeah, I've never had any of those issues on my pixels, but I know there have been some complaints on Reddit and things like that. Sorry if you had an experience like that. Generally speaking, I still find slab phones are more durable

[@lesterfernandes9625]

I got this one for $375

[@AndroidDigest]

That's a great deal

[@HadesMiscreant]

Just got one for 200 bucks.

[@AndroidDigest]

That is literally the most amazing sensational deal. Incredible device.

[@crumbcake11]

The idea is great, however the phone degrades rapidly. Initially the phone connection was terrible. At first I thought it was a problem with my service provider verizon but switching the sim card back to my old device I discovered that the phone itself was to blame. At 1 month the crease where the phone folds created a white line in the middle of the screen. The "vegan leather" began to peel off. At 2 months the screen would randomly show only gray scale- no color. at 3 months the phone screen went entirely black- resetting the device did not correct it. At this point the phone was completely unusable. I contacted motorola for a refund and was told the window for a refund is only within 14 days of purchase. They advised me to send them the phone for repair and attempt to sell it myself on ebay... DO NOT BUY!

[@AndroidDigest]

You hit the nail on the head. Some people don't have any of these issues for years. But it's a little more Hit or Miss and sometimes people do on foldable phones. They are just more likely to have issues.

[@DieselTrucker-oi7jv]

Today the Motorola Razr plus is 999. I don't care for the regular razr.

[@AndroidDigest]

It's been on sale, the plus model, for $699 pretty consistently in the US. The Plus model I reviewed on my channel too. It's pretty nice

[@conspicuousrod4910]

For $499, its a good phone. For $699, get something else.

[@AndroidDigest]

I'm with you

[@kjvwarrior777]

It's a Meh..... whatever. Had to send mine back because the screen started going out at the fold. Now it's turning off by itself, and it even a yr old. Going back to Samsung soon........

[@AndroidDigest]

Yeah. Phones like this are just more likely to have that happen. It's still rare. But it is awful when it happens to you. 😔 Sorry