The foldable phone market, once dominated by Samsung, is seeing fierce competition. Motorola's Razr line continues its evolution, and the 2025 base model presents a fascinating proposition: flagship-inspired design and utility at a significantly lower price point, currently discounted to $700.

Design & Build: Style Meets Substance
Motorola retains the successful clamshell design of its predecessor but introduces meaningful refinements. The standout is the new titanium-reinforced hinge, delivering a satisfyingly sturdy feel with minimal screen wobble and a distinct 'thud' upon closing. Visually, the phone offers four Pantone-validated colors, including the eye-catching Spring Bud green, complemented by a soft-touch "nylon-inspired" back finish. It maintains a manageable footprint at 73.99 x 88.08 x 15.85 mm and 188g.

Article illustration 1

The Motorola Razr (2025) sports Pantone colors and a unique soft-touch back. (Source: ZDNET)

Display: Big Screen, Small Screen
The internal 6.9-inch pOLED display shines with Full HD+ resolution (2640 x 1080) and a smooth 120Hz refresh rate. Testing revealed excellent color reproduction and detail handling, crucial for media consumption, with the added immersion of Dolby Atmos speakers. Crucially, the crease is remarkably subtle, visible only at extreme angles. The external 3.6-inch pOLED panel (1056 x 1056, 90Hz) is highly functional beyond notifications, supporting apps like YouTube and games, though its size naturally limits immersion.

Camera: Where Form Factor Fuels Function
The hardware – a 50MP main, 13MP ultrawide/macro, and 32MP selfie camera – is competent but not class-leading. Where the Razr excels is through software and its foldable design leveraging Moto AI:
* Photo Enhancing Engine: Enhances image quality in real-time.
* Adaptive Stabilization: Improves video smoothness (though some choppiness was noted).
* Camcorder Mode: The killer feature. Partially fold the phone at 45 degrees, and it automatically starts recording. The bottom screen becomes a control panel for zoom and pause functions. This unique utility directly stems from the foldable form.

Article illustration 2

Sample image from the Motorola Razr (2025) camera. (Source: ZDNET)

Performance & Value: The Trade-Off
Powering the device is the MediaTek Dimensity 7400X with 8GB RAM. While adequate for daily tasks and browsing, it struggles under sustained load. Gaming (e.g., Honkai Star Rail) induced stuttering, and Camcorder Mode caused noticeable heating. Geekbench 6 scores (~2992) place it below phones from several years ago, confirming it's not a performance powerhouse.

The Verdict: A Calculated Gamble for Foldable Enthusiasts
The Motorola Razr (2025) isn't about raw power. It's about delivering a polished foldable experience with standout features like Camcorder Mode and a superb main display at an accessible price point ($700, currently $100 off). Its stylish design and robust build add to the appeal. The performance limitations of the MediaTek chipset are a real consideration for power users. However, for those prioritizing the unique foldable form factor, creative camera utility, and value over absolute peak performance, the Razr (2025) presents a highly compelling alternative to pricier flagships like the Galaxy Z Flip 6. Motorola also offers a $999 Swarovski edition bundle and the higher-performance Razr Ultra for those seeking more premium options. This device signals that compelling foldable experiences are moving beyond the ultra-premium segment.