Motorola Razr 50 Ultra Review: A Modern Flip Phone Marvel

Motorola has made a triumphant return to the flip phone market with the Motorola Razr 50 Ultra, a device that merges nostalgic design with cutting-edge technology. After a week of using it as my primary device, I’m excited to share an in-depth review of this modern flip phone marvel. Let’s explore the Motorola Razr 50 Ultra in every detail, highlighting key features and performance metrics that matter to today’s users.

Sleek and Sturdy Design

Compact Elegance

The Motorola Razr 50 Ultra captures attention with its sleek and compact design. Unlike the bulky smartphones that dominate the market, the Razr 50 Ultra offers refreshing portability without compromising on functionality.

Key Design Features:

• Front Display: The 4-inch front screen, safeguarded by Gorilla Glass Victus, is highly durable and scratch-resistant, ensuring longevity.
• Color Options: Available in green, blue, peach, and hot pink, with the green option featuring a premium soft-touch finish.
• Water Resistance: With an IPX8 rating, it can handle accidental water exposure, though the hinge is sensitive to grit and sand.
• Durable Construction: Built with a 6000 series aluminum frame that complements the vegan leather back, the phone feels solid and well-crafted.

Front Display Versatility

One of the standout features of the Razr 50 Ultra is its 4-inch front display, which covers the entire front end of the phone.

Customization:

• App Menu: Fully customizable with the ability to add, remove, and rearrange apps easily.
• Widgets: Supports easy addition or removal of widgets for quick access to essential information.
• Full Screen Mode: While possible, the large camera lenses can obstruct the view, making compact mode more practical.

User Experience

The front display proves highly convenient for quick tasks and subtle navigation, ideal for avoiding theft in crowded areas. However, some apps like Maps and Spotify may feel cramped or overly sensitive due to the small screen size. Messaging can also be challenging as the keyboard occupies the entire screen.

Always-On Display

An always-on display for the cover screen allows for quick checks on notifications and media control without opening the phone. However, it doesn’t automatically hibernate when closed, which can lead to accidental media activations.

Internal Display

The internal display is a 6.9-inch OLED panel with a 2640 x 1080 pixel resolution and a refresh rate of up to 165Hz, making it perfect for gaming, movies, and multitasking.

Display Highlights:

• HDR Support: Both screens support HDR 10+ for enhanced viewing with better color and contrast (though not recognized by Netflix).
• Brightness: Bright enough for outdoor use but highly reflective.
• Stereo Speakers: Loud and of respectable quality, enhancing media consumption.

Performance in Daily Use

The 165Hz refresh rate ensures fluid visuals, making the internal display ideal for gaming, movies, and multitasking. The long and thin aspect ratio is excellent for cinematic content, although some TV shows and YouTube videos may display with pillar boxing.

Ease of Use

Opening the Razr 50 Ultra is straightforward, even for those with weaker thumbs. With practice, accidental presses of the volume buttons can be minimized.

Powerful Performance

Processor and Everyday Use

Powered by Qualcomm’s Snapdragon 8 Gen 3, the Razr 50 Ultra delivers smooth everyday performance, handling gaming and video chatting with ease, though it may warm up during intensive tasks.

Gaming Performance:

• Genshin Impact: Runs smoothly at max graphics settings and 60fps, with minimal frame rate drops even during extended playtime.
• Heat Management: The phone does warm up during heavy gaming, but performance remains stable without noticeable throttling.

Software Experience

Motorola’s stock Android experience is enhanced with its own apps like Moto and Moto Secure, allowing extensive customization.

Software Features:

• Customization: Includes options for lock screen, external display, icons, and gestures.
• Gesture Support: Features such as fast flashlight and flip for Do Not Disturb.
• Moto Secure: Includes a pin pad scramble feature and Smart Connector for external display sharing.

Storage

With 512GB of internal storage and no expandable microSD slot, the Razr 50 Ultra offers ample space for apps, media, and games.

Benchmark Performance

In terms of benchmarks, the Motorola Razr 50 Ultra scores impressively:

• AnTuTu Score: Over 900,000, showcasing its capability to handle demanding applications and multitasking with ease.

Reliable Battery Life

Capacity and Usage

The 4000mAh battery provides 5-6 hours of screen-on time with mixed usage of both the cover and internal displays.

Charging Options:

• Wired Charging: Supports 45W wired charging, offering quick top-ups.
• Wireless Charging: 15W wireless charging is also supported for convenience.

Real-World Performance

During my week of use, the battery life was generally adequate for a full day. Heavy users might need to top up during the day, but the fast charging options mitigate this issue.

Impressive Camera System

Main Camera Performance

The Razr 50 Ultra features a 50MP primary camera with optical image stabilization and a 50MP telephoto lens with 2x optical zoom.

Camera Highlights:

• Primary Camera: Produces crisp, clear photos with accurate colors.
• Telephoto Lens: Great for portraits and distant subjects, though it can exhibit some AI sharpening and light issues.
• Low Light Performance: Effective in low light, though focus can be tricky without manual adjustment.

Video Recording

Capable of capturing 4K video with smooth panning and good stabilization. Audio quality is excellent, even in windy conditions.

Video Highlights:

• 4K Resolution: High-quality video capture with smooth stabilization.
• Audio: Clear and intelligible, even in challenging conditions.
• Zoom: The secondary lens allows closer shots without quality loss.

Selfie Camera

The internal 32MP selfie camera is complemented by the dual-lens setup on the front, allowing the cover screen to serve as a viewfinder.

Selfie Tips:

• Viewfinder: Use the cover screen for selfies.
• Volume Keys: Can be used as a shutter button.
• Palm Gesture: Activate the camera with a palm gesture for easy selfies.

Innovative Features

Tent Mode

The Razr 50 Ultra can be set up in tent mode, turning it into a clock, digital photo frame, or album art display. Motion activation allows you to wake the phone by waving your hand.

Tent Mode Highlights:

• Clock Display: Use the phone as a clock on your desk.
• Digital Photo Frame: Showcase your favorite photos.
• Motion Activation: Wake the phone with a wave.

Moto Secure

Moto Secure offers features to keep you safe online, including a pin pad scramble feature and Smart Connector for content sharing.

Security Features:

• Pin Pad Scramble: Adds an extra layer of security.
• Smart Connector: Easy sharing with external displays.

The Motorola Razr 50 Ultra is a compact, versatile, and stylish flip phone that packs a lot of features into a small frame. While it has some quirks, like sensitivity issues with certain apps on the front display and the need to lock the phone properly to avoid accidental media controls, it offers a refreshing change from the typical large smartphones. The Razr 50 Ultra proves that flip phones are not just a nostalgic throwback but can compete in the modern tech landscape.

Highlights:

• Compact and Durable Design: Sleek, water-resistant, and available in multiple colors.
• Versatile Front Display: Customizable and functional for quick tasks.
• Powerful Internal Display: Great for gaming and media consumption with high refresh rates.
• Decent Camera Performance: Good for various lighting conditions with both primary and telephoto lenses.
• Adequate Battery Life: Supports fast wired and wireless charging.

If you’re looking for a flip phone that combines the best of old-school charm with modern technology, the Motorola Razr 50 Ultra is definitely worth considering. With its compact size, versatile screens, and powerful performance, it’s set to give the competition a run for their money.

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