Motorola Razr 50 Ultra

Motorola Razr 50 Ultra Review: A Foldable That’s Finally Hitting Its Stride

I’ve spent the last few weeks with the Motorola Razr 50 Ultra, and I have to say, it’s a foldable that’s genuinely starting to make sense in today’s market. At a price point that sits comfortably in the premium mid-range, it’s clearly targeting users who are intrigued by the foldable form factor but aren't ready to shell out for the absolute top-tier devices. My testing involved daily use across various scenarios, from heavy media consumption and gaming to photography and typical work tasks. My initial impression is that Motorola has delivered a compelling blend of novelty and practicality here.

Carving Its Niche in a Maturing Market

The foldable market isn't the niche it once was, and the Razr 50 Ultra arrives at a time when consumers are more discerning and manufacturers are refining their designs. Motorola’s strategy seems clear: offer a well-rounded foldable experience without the sky-high price tag of some competitors. From my perspective, this is a smart move. The early adopter phase is over, and now it's about bringing this technology to a broader audience. The pricing feels competitive, especially considering the features on offer, and it positions the Razr 50 Ultra as a viable alternative for those considering a high-end conventional phone.

Design & Hardware: Style Meets Substance

My first interaction with the Razr 50 Ultra was undeniably positive. The “Peach Fuzz” color variant I tested is striking, offering a soft yet sophisticated look. When folded, it feels substantial without being overly bulky, a noticeable improvement over some earlier foldable iterations. The hinge mechanism feels smooth and robust, instilling confidence in its durability. Unfolded, the device feels surprisingly balanced in the hand. The quality of materials is evident; the smooth finish and tight tolerances give it a genuinely premium feel. While I haven’t put it through any drop tests (and wouldn’t recommend it!), the overall build suggests a level of resilience for daily wear and tear.

Display: Immersive Inside and Out

The internal 6.9-inch foldable LTPO AMOLED display is where the magic happens. In my testing, the colors were vibrant and accurate, making everything from browsing photos to watching videos a visually rich experience. The 165Hz refresh rate is a treat for the eyes, providing incredibly smooth scrolling and fluid animations. As a media enthusiast, I particularly appreciated the Dolby Vision support, which added depth and dynamism to compatible content. The peak brightness of 3000 nits is impressive, ensuring excellent visibility even under direct sunlight – a crucial factor for outdoor use.

The crease, a common concern with foldable devices, is present but minimal. In my experience, it's most noticeable when the screen is off or when viewing content against a bright background at certain angles. However, during normal use, it quickly fades into the background and doesn't detract from the overall viewing experience. The ability to partially fold the device, utilizing it in a “laptop” or “tent” mode, is genuinely useful for hands-free video calls and media consumption.

Performance: Smooth Sailing with Snapdragon

Under the hood, the Snapdragon 8s Gen 3 chipset paired with 12GB of RAM delivers a consistently smooth and responsive experience. In my testing, the phone handled everything I threw at it with ease, from demanding games to heavy multitasking. Gaming sessions were fluid, with no noticeable lag or dropped frames, even in graphically intensive titles. Switching between numerous apps was instantaneous, highlighting the ample RAM. I did observe a slight increase in temperature during extended gaming sessions, but it was well within acceptable limits and didn't impact performance. This chip strikes a great balance between power and efficiency.

Camera System: Capturing Impressive Moments

The camera system on the Razr 50 Ultra is a definite highlight. The 50MP main sensor, coupled with a 50MP telephoto lens, allows for versatile shooting capabilities. In my testing, I was particularly impressed with the image quality in various lighting conditions. The sunset shots I captured were rich in detail and color, showcasing the camera's ability to handle dynamic range effectively. Low-light performance was also commendable, producing clear and detailed images. The 32MP front-facing camera is more than capable for high-quality selfies and video calls. Video recording is smooth, thanks to the image stabilization, and the inclusion of 4K recording at up to 60fps provides ample options for capturing high-quality footage. Compared to other phones in this price range, the Razr 50 Ultra holds its own, offering a reliable and versatile camera system for everyday use.

Battery & Charging: Getting Through the Day

Battery life is always a key consideration, especially with a foldable device. The 4000mAh battery in the Razr 50 Ultra generally got me through a full day of moderate use. However, on days with heavy usage, including extended gaming or media streaming, I found myself needing a top-up in the late afternoon. The 45W fast charging is a welcome addition, quickly bringing the battery back to a usable level. In my tests, a quick 30-minute charge provided a significant boost. The inclusion of 15W wireless charging adds convenience for overnight charging or quick top-ups during the day. While not class-leading in terms of raw endurance, the battery performance is adequate for most users.

Software: A Clean and Functional Experience

The software experience on the Razr 50 Ultra is clean and intuitive, staying true to Motorola's approach of providing a near-stock Android experience with useful additions. Daily usage was smooth, and I appreciated the absence of excessive bloatware. The interface is responsive and easy to navigate. While Motorola's update policy of three years of OS updates and four years of security updates is decent, some competitors are offering longer support periods, which is something to consider.

Value Analysis: A Compelling Proposition

The Motorola Razr 50 Ultra strikes a compelling balance between innovation and value. For those intrigued by the foldable form factor but hesitant about the exorbitant prices of some competitors, this phone presents a strong case. It offers a premium design, capable performance, and a solid camera system at a price point that feels justifiable. I believe this phone is ideally suited for tech enthusiasts, early adopters who appreciate the novelty of a foldable, and anyone looking for a phone that stands out from the crowd without compromising on essential features. Those who prioritize absolute top-tier camera performance or the longest possible battery life might find better options elsewhere, but for a well-rounded foldable experience, the Razr 50 Ultra delivers.

Conclusion: A Foldable Worth Considering

Ultimately, the Motorola Razr 50 Ultra is a significant step forward for foldable phones. It's a device that not only looks and feels premium but also delivers a satisfying user experience. The foldable screen is no longer just a gimmick; it adds genuine functionality and a unique visual appeal. If you're looking to experience the future of smartphones without breaking the bank, the Razr 50 Ultra is a phone I can confidently recommend. It successfully blends innovation with practicality, making it a compelling choice in the evolving landscape of mobile technology.