The $1,000 Motorola Razr Plus felt like a turning point for foldable phones when it launched in June 2023. Modern flip phones, such as the Razr and Samsung Galaxy Z Flip, have always offered some level of convenience compared to standard phones, thanks to their more portable design. But the overall experience didn’t feel much different from a regular phone, since flip phones are still primarily meant to be used while open.Â
The Razr Plus proved that’s changing, all thanks to its large cover screen. Having a roomier external display might not sound like a big deal, but spending time with the Razr Plus has shown me how much that extra screen space matters. You can use it for more than just checking the time or notifications; you have a miniature screen that fits in the palm of your hand. After years of phones getting larger and more cumbersome, having the option to fold my phone in half and use it in that state feels much more useful than I would have thought.
Returning to the Razr Plus has reinforced my initial impressions of the device, which I detail in my review from June. But it’s also important to note that a lot has changed since then. In August, Samsung launched the $1,000 Galaxy Z Flip 5, which — like the Razr Plus — has a significantly larger cover screen than its predecessor. Motorola also released its more affordable $700 Razr 2023, making it the cheapest foldable phone yet.Â
These releases raise questions about the Razr Plus’ place in a market that’s only getting more competitive. If you just want a phone that can fold in half to fit in your pocket more easily, the $700 Razr should suffice. But if you want something that truly feels different than the phone you have today, splurging on a device like the Razr Plus or Galaxy Z Flip 5 may be worth it.
Samsung’s flip phone is still my top pick because of its sturdier design, longer update cycle, superior camera and additional software features. But the Razr Plus still holds a lot of potential, and it…
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