Motorola overnight revealed a second generation take on its reinvented RAZR foldable smartphone, touting 5G and better hardware as major improvement, but has said little when it comes to durability.
The new Motorola RAZR 5G is still a distinctly midrange affair, despite an expected price-tag of over $2,000. The star of the show is a Snapdragon 765G processor, an upper mid-tier chipset that enables 5G connectivity and has been popular in sub-$1,000 devices like the LG Velvet and OPPO Find X2 Neo. On the plus side, the RAZR 5G has a larger battery, more RAM, twice the internal storage, and a higher resolution camera than its predecessor.
Both the internal and external displays are the same size, measuring in at 2.7-inch and 6.2-inch respectively. However, the external display should be more useful this time around. Rather than just being able to run specific apps, the external display should work more like traditional Android and let you do more without having to open the phone, such as respond to messages and check Maps.
Key specifications for the Motorola RAZR 5G include a 6.2-inch 1080p+ internal display, a Snapdragon 765G processor, 8GB of RAM, 256GB of storage, a 48MP primary camera, and 2,800mAh battery.
While Motorola has seemingly made some much needed hardware improvements, we don't know as much about durability. This is concerning as the first generation RAZR had a number of issues. US-based tech publication Input reported that the screen on its devices started peeling at the fold, while CNET found the phone broke after 27,000 folds. For comparison, the original Galaxy Fold lasted 120,000 in the same experiment. And in an initial hands on of the RAZR, we found the hinge was unusually creaky and the display had an uncomfortable amount of flex. Motorola declined to provide local media with review units, so we weren't able to get any extended time with the original device.
There's every chance Motorola has iterated on its design, but we don't know how much. The hinge is meant to have been improved, but we don't know specifics. The only claim Motorola has made is the model should last up to 200,000 folds - the equivalent of just over 100 a day for five years. Considering a key pillar of Samsung's Galaxy Z Fold 2 announcement was concrete details around durability improvements, the fact Motorola has not done the same certainly raises eyebrows. We're hoping for the best, but Motorola needs to provide more assurance.
Local pricing and availability for the Motorola RAZR 5G have yet to be confirmed. Internationally, the RAZR 5G will sell for USD$1,399 - $100 less than the original. Given the RAZR launched at $2,699 locally, it wouldn't be surprising to see the second generation model come down to around $2,499 if it makes it here.
If the RAZR 5G ends up coming to Australia, it will once again be going face-to-face with Samsung's Galaxy Z Flip. A 5G version of the Galaxy Z Flip will be hitting local shelves on October 9, priced at $2,199 outright. While the Z Flip 5G has a smaller outward facing display than the RAZR, it outclasses Motorola's foldable in almost every other way thanks to a flagship grade processor and a more durable flexible display.
Alex Choros
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