📱 Motorola Razr+ (2023) Review: The Flip Phone Reimagined
The foldable phone market is heating up, and Motorola has thrown down a serious gauntlet with the Motorola Razr+ (2023). This device, specifically the Unlocked, Made for US model with 8GB RAM and 256GB storage in the elegant Blue finish, aims to blend nostalgia with cutting-edge technology. With its sleek dimensions of 73.95 x 170.83 x 6.99mm (unfolded), this phone is a true pocket powerhouse. But does its performance match its striking design? Let's dive into a comprehensive review.
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| Motorola Razr+ (2023) Review: The Flip Phone Reimagined |
✨ Design and Aesthetics: Style Meets Functionality
The Razr+ (2023) is a masterclass in foldable design. When closed, it evokes the iconic clamshell form factor, being incredibly compact and pocketable. The quoted dimensions are particularly impressive when unfolded, showing how slim the device is. The Glacier Blue color option is sophisticated and eye-catching, often complemented by a premium finish (sometimes described as 'vegan leather' or a blend of glass/aluminum, depending on the variant) that feels excellent in hand.
Crucially, Motorola has engineered a gapless fold and a nearly invisible internal screen crease. This is a significant advantage over many competitors, offering a more seamless user experience on the main display.
💻 Dual Displays: A Game-Changer
The External (Cover) Display
This is arguably the Razr+'s biggest selling point. The 3.6-inch pOLED external display is not just a glorified notification panel—it’s fully interactive and capable of running full Android applications, widgets, and acting as an expansive viewfinder for the cameras.
Size & Usability: It’s the largest external display on a flip phone at its release, significantly enhancing its usability while closed. You can reply to messages, check maps, or even watch videos without having to flip the phone open.
Refresh Rate: With a high 144Hz refresh rate, the external screen is incredibly fluid and responsive, making interactions feel fast and natural.
The Internal (Folding) Display
Flipping the phone open reveals a magnificent 6.9-inch pOLED display.
Quality: It boasts a high resolution (1080 x 2640 pixels) and a mind-blowingly fast 165Hz refresh rate. This makes for an exceptionally smooth experience, whether scrolling through social media or engaging in high-frame-rate gaming. It also supports HDR10+, ensuring deep blacks and vibrant colors.
Crease: As mentioned, the crease is minimal, both visually and tactilely, making the main screen experience truly immersive.
🚀 Performance and Software: Power Under the Hood
The US-unlocked variant comes equipped with the Qualcomm Snapdragon 8+ Gen 1 processor. While not the absolute newest chip available, it remains a flagship-tier powerhouse that offers a superb balance of performance and power efficiency.
| Feature | Specification |
| Processor | Snapdragon 8+ Gen 1 |
| RAM/Storage | 8GB RAM / 256GB UFS 3.1 Storage |
| Operating System | Android 13 (with promised upgrades) |
The 8GB of RAM ensures smooth multitasking, and the 256GB of fast UFS 3.1 storage provides ample space for apps and media. In day-to-day use, the Razr+ is snappy and handles demanding games and applications with ease.
Motorola utilizes a relatively clean version of Android with helpful additions like their 'Moto actions' and software optimizations for the foldable form factor. However, a common critique across the Motorola lineup is that their promise for major OS updates often lags behind competitors.
📸 Camera System: The Standard Foldable Compromise
The camera system is where most flip phones traditionally make a concession, and the Razr+ (2023) is no exception, though it compensates with flexibility.
Rear Camera: The primary dual-camera setup typically includes a 12MP main lens with OIS and a 13MP ultrawide/Macro Vision lens. The ultrawide lens also pulls double duty for extreme close-ups.
Selfie Camera: The specifications mention a 32MP Front Camera. This lens, along with the main rear cameras, can be utilized for high-quality selfies, especially when leveraging the external display as a brilliant viewfinder.
While the Razr+ can take great photos in well-lit conditions, the camera quality may fall slightly short when compared head-to-head with traditional slab flagships at a similar price point. Its real strength, however, is Flex View, allowing the phone to be propped open at various angles for hands-free photography and video, using the superior main cameras for selfies.
🔋 Battery Life and Charging
The Razr+ (2023) is powered by a 3800mAh battery. Paired with the power-efficient Snapdragon 8+ Gen 1 chip and the ability to handle most quick tasks on the small external screen, the battery life is generally considered all-day adequate. It also supports 30W TurboPower wired charging and wireless charging, offering convenience when topping up.
✅ Conclusion: A Highly Desirable Clamshell
The Motorola Razr+ (2023) successfully elevates the flip phone concept from a novelty to a genuine competitor in the premium smartphone space.
| Pros | Cons |
| Revolutionary 3.6" External Display (fully functional, 144Hz) | Camera performance is good, but not best-in-class for the price. |
| Virtually Invisible Crease on the main 6.9" 165Hz screen. | Motorola's slower software update track record. |
| Premium, Gapless Design and pocketable form factor. | Battery life is "adequate," not class-leading. |
| Strong Performance from the Snapdragon 8+ Gen 1. |
For users looking for a foldable phone that perfectly marries style, performance, and an incredibly useful external display, the Motorola Razr+ (2023) is an outstanding choice. It's the best foldable for those who want to minimize their main-screen usage without sacrificing smartphone functionality.