Motorola Razr 50: A Stylish Foldable Smartphone Challenging the Market

motorola razr 50 Review: Solid competitor

motorola launched the razr 50, the company's latest foldable razr series smartphone, in India earlier this month. The successor to last year's razr 40 get a bigger outer screen, faster processor, faster wireless charging and improved waterproof ratings. It this a good foldable phone for the price? Let us dive into the review to find out. Starting with the display, the moto razr 50 features a large 6.9-inch Full HD+ 120Hz LTPO pOLED screen with a pixel resolution of 2640 x 1080 pixels, 22:9 aspect ratio and a pixel density of about 413 PPI. The display is bright, since it has up to 3000 nits peak brightness, and the sunlight legibility is good as well. The colours are vibrant as well since it has 120% DCI-P3 color gamut. Even with a foldable screen, the crease is hardly visible, thanks to the enhanced hinge. During set up, motorola shows an alert asking not to remove the pre-installed screen protector or install third-party screen protector to the screen, doing so make the warranty void. This is also mentioned in a sticker on the phone. The 1-120Hz LPTO variable refresh rate compared to 144Hz variable refresh rate in the razr 40 offers a fluid user experience. It has 220Hz/300Hz touch sampling rate in gaming mode. It also has HDR+ support, which works for YouTube, and Amazon Prime Video, but not for Netflix. Under the display options there are different options to adjust colours from Natural, Radiant and Vivid colors. There is flicker prevention option in the settings. It doesn't have notification LED, but there is Always on display. The razr 50 has a 6000 series aluminum frame that is premium in looks and feel, and is solid to hold. The phone has a matte finish, and might be slipper at times. The volume rockers and the power button that houses the fingerprint scanner is present on the right side. The SIM slot is present on the left side. This has a single physical SIM and the secondary SIM is an eSIM. The phone is just 7.25mm thick when open, compared to 7.35mm in the predecessor. It weighs 188 grams, same as the razr 40. When closed, the phone is 15.85mm thick. The hinge feels sturdy and can be used in several angles, and the company says that it has been successfully tested for over 4 lakh folds. The phone has IPX8 ratings for water resistance. There are no gaps when closed. The screen can stay stable at different angles, which is good. However, the hinge is sturdier in the Samsung Z Flip phones. The front screen has been upgraded to 3.6-inches (1056 x 1066 pixel), making it way larger than the 1.47'' screen in the razr 40, and the pOLED display with 90Hz refresh rate is now brighter offering up to 1700 nits peak brightness compared to 1000 nits in the predecessor. This has Corning Gorilla Glass Victus protection. Unlike other flip phones, you can use any app on the outer screen, but all the apps might not be optimized. You can add Stocks, Spotify, and more widgets, in addition to the existing widgets like Calendar, weather and contacts. There are also playable mini-games for the outer screen. You can also access notifications, and directly reply to them and also access the quick settings panel from the outer screen. You can even use the speakerphone to attend a call. Overall, the razr 50's screen has seen a major improvement. All the models of the razr 50 features a vegan leather finish. In addition to Sand Beach colour that we have, the phone also comes in Spritz Orange, Sand Beach and Koala Grey colours. The camera UI is familiar with most Motorola smartphones that include a quick toggles between main camera and macro camera on the bottom, quick toggles for flash, timer, aspect ratio, and more. Other camera features include Night Vision, Portrait, Spot Colour, Panorama, Scan, Dual Capture, Ultra -res, Photo Booth, Slow motion, Time lapse and Dual capture. There is camcorder mode that lets you use the phone in 90° so it is more stable. Coming to the image quality, daylight shots came out well with good dynamic range, thanks to Quad Pixel technology that gives you get 12.5MP output. HDR shots are better with improved dynamic range, and it is recommended to enable auto HDR. The 13MP ultra-wide is decent, and the macro option with the ultra-wide is good as well, since this is an autofocus camera. The edge detection in portrait shots is good as well. The 32MP front camera does a good job. You can also use the front camera to shoot Check out the camera samples. The razr 50 offers 4K UHD video recording at 30 fps rear or FHD at 60 fps using main, ultra-wide and front cameras. There is slow motion 120 fps at 1080p and 240 fps at 720p resolution. Stabilization is decent. Coming to the software, the phone runs on Android 14 with August 2024 security patch. On the top of Android 14, it has Hello UI, which is stock with added moto features. The company has promised 3 years OS updates, and 4 years security updates for the phone. Google Gemini can be used directly from the outer screen. razr users will also receive Gemini Advanced for 3 months with access to Google's most capable AI models, at no extra cost. They'll also get 2 TB of cloud storage and Gemini in their favorite Google apps like Gmail, Docs, and more -- all included in the Google One AI Premium plan - worth approximately Rs. 1950/month. As usual, it is stock with added Moto features. There is nothing to mention regarding the software in specific, since it offers stock Android 14 experience with added features. There is Smart Connect, gestures such as Quick capture, Fast flashlight, Three-finger screenshot, Sidebar, Double press power key, Press and hold power button. Apart from the usual set of utility apps, Google apps, there are some apps such as Facebook, LinkedIn, and Spotify, but you can install them easily. It has 8GB of LPDDR4X RAM, out of which 7.45GB of RAM is free. It also has a RAM booster option to add up to 8GB of virtual RAM, and the AI auto RAM boost option is enabled by default. Out of 256GB UFS 2.2 storage, 214.5GB is usable. The phone has a fingerprint sensor on the side. It immediately unlocks the phone just by keeping your finger so that you don't have to press it, and it is obviously faster than the in-display fingerprint scanner. You can add up to 5 fingerprints. You can also use the fingerprint for app local and payments in apps. The phone also has face unlock, but it is not as secure as fingerprint. YouTube Music is the default music player. It also has Dolby Atmos. Audio through earphones, is good as well. It has Widevine L1 support, so you can play HD content on Netflix, Amazon Prime Video and other streaming apps without any issues. HDR works for YouTube and Amazon Prime Video, but doesn't work with Netflix. It has the usual set of connectivity features such as 5G with several (N1/2/3/5/7/8/20/26/28/38/40/41/66/71/77/78) bands. Jio and Airtel 5G work out of the box. It also has dual 4G VoLTE, 4G carrier aggregation or 4G+, Wi-Fi 802.11 ac (2.4 + 5GHz), Bluetooth 5.4 and GPS, A-GPS, GLONASS, GALILEO and QZSS and NFC. Since the secondary SIM is eSIM, which it between devices is not an easy task. The moto razr 50's body SAR is 1.17W/Kg, and the head SAR is at 1.09W/Kg, well under the limit in India which is 1.6 W/kg (over 1 g). This is the first flip phone to be powered by MediaTek Dimensity 7300X SoC, which is the optimized version of the Dimensity 7300 for foldables with dual screens. Otherwise, the specifications are similar, including 4X Arm Cortex-A78 cores at up to 2.5GHz paired with 4X Arm Cortex-A55 cores. There is MediaTek NPU 655. There is no mention of cooling. It has Arm Mali-G615 GPU and MediaTek HyperEngine for gaming. It can handle graphic-intensive games like COD, BGMI and Genshin Impact, but not in max graphics. In 3D Mark wild life stress test, it scored 98.9% which is good. The temperature increased from 30 to 33 degrees, which is not much. That said, check out some synthetic benchmark scores below. This is not a powerful SoC, so compared to other foldables the scores are less. Even compared to other phones powered by the same chip, the scores are less in AnTuTu, but it manages decent scores in Geekbench. Coming to the battery life, the phone packs the same, 4200mAh (typical) built-in battery as the razr 40. It lasts for a whole day with 5G and heavy multimedia use. I got over 4 and half hours of screen on time with one and half days of use with mostly on Wi-Fi, and occasional 5G use in 120Hz, which is good for the flip phone. It still has the 33W fast charging. It takes one hour to charge the phone fully using a bundled 33W charger, and 0 to 50% takes less than 30 minutes. The razr 50 has faster 15W wireless charging compared to 5W in the razr 40. There is also reverse wireless charging. Overall, the motorola razr 50 is a good upgrade to the razr 40, thanks to the improved inner and outer screens, better hinge design, even though there is not much change in the camera or the battery. Even though the SoC upgrade is decent, wish it had a faster SoC for a better gaming experience. It is a stylish flip phone with a more versatile cover screen compared to the competitors. motorola's own razr 40 Ultra with a powerful Snapdragon 8+ Gen 1 SoC is now available for under Rs. 45,000. Older Galaxy Z Flip5 in second hand is also a good alternative since the first hand units are still costly. The motorola razr 50 is priced at Rs. 64,999 for the single 8GB + 256GB model. With all the offers, the effective price of the phone is Rs. 49,999. It will be available from Amazon.in, Reliance Digital, Motorola.in and leading retail stores across India starting from September 20th.

Motorola Razr 50 Review: A phone that makes a statement

If you are looking for a stylish flip phone at a comparatively lower price, then Motorola has you covered. The addition of the new Razr 50 is offering users the feel of a flagship phone at a price of ₹64,999. A successor to the Razr 40, the new model comes with some changes like - a bigger cover display, a main camera of 50 MP instead of 64 MP, Dimensity 7300X processor in place of Snapdragon 7 Gen 1. Design The Razr 50 is a head-turner, no doubt about it. Our review unit came in the eye-catching Spritz Orange colourway, which is bound to draw attention. The company has evidently paid attention to details. The frame is crafted from 6000 series aluminium, while the outer hinge cover boasts stainless steel construction. Both sport a sleek satin finish that exudes premium quality. The vegan leather adorning the bottom half of the back panel not only feels pleasant to the touch but also adds a touch of luxury. Motorola Razr 50 | Photo Credit: Haider Ali Khan When it comes to ports and buttons, Motorola keeps things minimal yet functional. The bottom edge houses a USB Type-C port, flanked by a speaker grille and a couple of microphones. The power button, which doubles as a fingerprint sensor, and volume rocker are positioned on the right side of the device when unfolded, easily accessible whether the phone is open or closed. On the left side, you will find the SIM tray. Around 188 grams, the Razr 50 is a featherweight champion. Its curved edges and compact form factor make it a joy to carry around all day. The included two-part hard case offers additional protection without adding bulk, featuring a textured matte finish that repels fingerprints and provides a secure grip. The phone also comes with an IPX8 water resistance rating - a significant improvement over its predecessor. While it's not dustproof, this added protection offers peace of mind for everyday use. (For top technology news of the day, subscribe to our tech newsletter Today's Cache) Display The phone comes with a main display of a 6.9-inch LTPO pOLED panel and a 3.63-inch cover screen. The main display has a Full HD+ resolution (1080x2640 pixels) with a 120 Hz refresh rate. The screen supports HDR10+ but lacks Dolby Vision, a feature reserved for the more expensive Razr 50 Ultra. The display brightness peaks at an impressive 3,000 nits, ensuring that it remains visible even in bright outdoor settings. While there is a slight crease at the fold, it's not very noticeable during regular usage. Motorola Razr 50 cover display | Photo Credit: Haider Ali Khan For viewing content, the tall 22:9 aspect ratio is great for vertical scrolling, but horizontal content, like videos, can feel less immersive due to grey or white borders. However, the display delivers excellent colour accuracy, and users can tweak the colour profile in the settings to their liking. Streaming on Netflix or other platforms is a treat, thanks to FHD+ support and the rich visuals brought by HDR10+. The cover display is another highlight, offering a 90 Hz refresh rate and 1,700 nits of brightness. While slightly smaller than the one on the Razr 50 Ultra, it still provides ample functionality. You can check notifications, use productivity apps, or even type responses to messages without flipping the phone open. It's a convenient feature for those quick tasks on the go. OS The Razr 50 runs on Android 14, layered with Motorola's Hello UI. This skin strikes a nice balance, offering a near-stock Android look with thoughtful additions. Motorola promises three years of OS updates and four years of security patches. Where the Razr 50 truly shines is in its smart use of the cover display. The quick settings panel and notification tiles are fully functional, allowing you to manage your device without flipping it open. A wide array of apps, including Google Maps, Gmail, and even Google Photos, can be accessed directly from the outer screen. Motorola has embraced the AI trend, integrating Google's Gemini AI assistant right on the cover display. This allows for quick queries and AI-powered interactions without the need to unfold the device. Processor The new Motorola Razr 50 is powered by the MediaTek Dimensity 7300X SoC, a chipset specifically designed for dual-screen phones. This octa-core processor is built on a 4nm process and features four Cortex-A510 efficiency cores and four Cortex-A78 performance cores. The GPU is a Mali-G610 MC4. This setup is paired with 8 GB of LPDDR4X RAM and 256 GB of UFS 2.2 storage. On paper, these specifications promise decent performance for everyday tasks. However, for power-seeking users, the processor choice might feel somewhat average. In our Geekbench 6 tests, the Razr 50 managed a score of 1,016 in single-core performance and 3,004 in multi-core performance. To put this into perspective, these scores are more in line with what we've seen from phones in the 20k -25k segment. In day-to-day use, the Razr 50 handles most tasks with aplomb. Apps launch quickly, and multitasking is generally smooth, thanks in part to the efficient use of the cover display for quick interactions. When it comes to gaming, the Razr 50 is capable of running graphically demanding titles. During our testing, these games maintained decent frame rates, though you may need to adjust graphics settings for the smoothest experience in more intensive titles. Camera The Motorola Razr 50 comes equipped with a dual-camera setup featuring a 50 MP primary sensor with Optical Image Stabilization (OIS) and a 13 MP ultra-wide/macro lens. The addition of OIS in the primary sensor ensures that your shots remain steady, particularly in low-light or fast-moving scenarios, enhancing the overall sharpness and clarity of your photos. Motorola Razr 50 camera sample | Photo Credit: Haider Ali Khan In well-lit environments, the 50 MP main camera delivers vibrant and detailed photos with a good dynamic range. Colours appear natural without being overly saturated, and the level of detail captured is commendable. Portrait shots are particularly impressive, with the camera accurately separating the subject from the background, producing a pleasing bokeh effect. The 24mm portrait mode is great for capturing close-up shots, while the 35mm mode provides a bit more flexibility in framing. Motorola Razr 50 camera sample | Photo Credit: Haider Ali Khan The 13 MP ultra-wide camera does its job well, offering a broader field of view for landscape shots or large group photos. While the ultra-wide lens isn't the most exceptional performer in challenging lighting conditions, it does offer versatility, especially with the added macro functionality for close-up photography. However, in some cases, the ultra-wide lens may struggle with white balance and dynamic range, leaning slightly toward cooler tones. Motorola Razr 50 camera sample | Photo Credit: Haider Ali Khan In low-light conditions, the Razr 50's main camera holds up fairly well. The night mode produces images with decent brightness and colour accuracy, although there can be a slight warm hue in some scenes. Shadows and highlights are generally well balanced, and noise is kept to a minimum, thanks to the OIS and software optimisations. Motorola Razr 50 camera sample | Photo Credit: Haider Ali Khan Selfies are handled by the 32 MP front-facing camera, which performs adequately for social media-worthy shots. The colours are natural, skin tones are lifelike, and the dynamic range is good for a front camera. You can also use the primary 50 MP rear camera for selfies, thanks to the cover display, which allows for higher-quality self-portraits with more detail. Battery The Razr 50 packs a 4,200 mAh battery, which might seem small on paper, but proves adequate for a full day of typical use. The efficient processor and smart use of the cover display for quick tasks help extend battery life. Charging options are plentiful, with 30W wired charging and 15W wireless charging support. The included 30W charger can top up the phone from 10% to 100% in around 1:25 hours - not the fastest we've seen, but certainly respectable. Verdict The Motorola Razr 50 is undoubtedly a phone that makes a statement. With its stylish clamshell design, premium materials, and eye-catching colour options, it stands out as a fashionable device that's sure to turn heads. Its larger cover display, foldable form factor, and overall build quality give it a unique edge, especially for users seeking something different from the standard smartphone design. However, while it excels in style and design, the performance may leave power users wanting more. The processor, while adequate for everyday tasks, is simply average compared to the more powerful chipsets found in similarly priced competitors. Published - September 19, 2024 07:00 am IST Read Comments