I know as a tech reviewer, I’m supposed to maintain a level of impartiality — and I do.
I never keep one device in my pocket for too long, as constantly getting a feel for different phones helps me do my job.
However, I make no secret about which device is my favorite. If I could only carry around one smartphone, it would be the Motorola Razr Ultra.
It’s not a phone I’d recommend for most buyers at $1,300. Its initial MSRP was excessive, especially since you could pick up the phenomenal base Motorola Razr 2025 for significantly less.
Thankfully, Black Friday sales make the Razr Ultra more accessible, with discounts dropping the price to $900.
It’s still a significant investment, but if you love flagship performance in a sleek form factor, the Razr Ultra should top your list.
A fun design that you’ll love
The Motorola Razr Ultra is a conversation starter
It’s hard to deny that the Motorola Razr Ultra is a sleek-looking phone. Style is important for clamshell foldables, and Motorola nails it with the Razr Ultra.
I love the different colorways offered, and it’s an attractive device. You still don’t see many people carrying folding phones, so it always draws attention whenever I flip them open.
I appreciate that Motorola kept a more rounded design, as I believe it feels better in the hand than the Galaxy Z Flip 7.
It’s hard to explain why I enjoy the Motorola Razr Ultra significantly more than the Galaxy Z Flip 7.
Samsung’s flagship clamshell phone undoubtedly features a better overall software experience. One UI 8 is full-featured and snappy on the Galaxy Z Flip 7, but there’s one area where it falls short.
Despite the advantages for Samsung, the Motorola Razr Ultra offers a superior cover screen experience.
I don’t need Good Lock or Multistar on my Razr Ultra to get the apps I want up and running on the external display. The setup is much easier, and I prefer the cover display on the Razr Ultra to that on the Galaxy Z Flip 7.
I buy a clamshell foldable so I don’t always have to unfold my phone, and the Razr Ultra helps me see and do more on the cover display without using the internal display.
Stellar performance from a folding phone
Motorola gave us a flagship chipset
It feels like Motorola designed the Razr Ultra to placate reviewers like me who wanted a Razr with a flagship chipset. It’s not practical for most users, and the Razr Ultra’s spec sheet is premium.
The Snapdragon 8 Elite handles everything I throw at it easily, including AAA mobile games. Moto paired it with 16GB of RAM on the Razr Ultra, a spec Samsung doesn’t even match with the Galaxy S25 Ultra in the US.
I don’t have to compromise on battery life, despite the Razr Ultra’s compact form factor. Its 4,700mAh battery gets me through an entire day of use with room to spare, especially if I use the cover screen instead of the internal display.
The Razr Ultra also features fast charging worthy of a flagship phone, with 68W wired and 30W wireless charging. It’s my go-to device for holidays and special occasions, and the Razr Ultra has never let me down.
I never worried about the durability of folding phones, even at the beginning. I’m always careful with my devices, and if I’m concerned, I’ll slap on a case.
Even still, I appreciate that Motorola improved durability for 2025. The Razr Ultra hinge feels solid, and it’s held up so far. Even my Razr+ from 2023 still feels sturdy.
It’s excellent, but not for everyone
Limited cameras and software support
Even though the Razr Ultra feels tailored to my needs, it’s definitely not a phone for everyone.
Its two 50MP camera sensors are good enough for Instagram photos, but you’ll feel limited if you’re used to the versatility of flagship cameras. There’s no telephoto lens, and while that’s a compromise I’m willing to make, shutterbugs might not agree.
Motorola also isn’t known for its timely software updates. I’m sure Motorola will eventually deliver new versions of Android, but I can’t tell you when.
If you’re someone who loves the latest and greatest Android features, Motorola isn’t the smartphone company for you.
In addition, four years of software support might be acceptable on midrange phones, but for an expensive flagship, it’s inadequate — especially when paired with the spotty update timelines.
I still want the Razr Ultra in my pocket for $900
Despite its flaws, I highly recommend picking up a Razr Ultra for $900. It’s a powerful device with a sleek form factor that’ll make smartphones fun again for you.
If you’ve been yearning for something different, the Razr Ultra should be the phone you put in your pocket next.
7/10
- SoC
-
Qualcomm Snapdragon 8 Elite
- RAM
-
16GB
- Storage
-
512GB, 1TB
The Moto Razr Ultra is the foldable you’ve been waiting for. With a new camera system, top-tier specs, and a larger, brighter display, this is a Razr designed to go head-to-head with Samsung — for a price, of course.
