Motorola Razr 50 review
The Motorola Razr 50 is a foldable flip phone that boasts a mid-range level chipset, making it an affordable alternative to other high-end models on the market. The device has a sleek design with a vegan leather cover and a stainless steel hinge that allows it to be folded flat without any gaps. One of the notable upgrades from its predecessor is the larger 3.6-inch display on the cover screen, which offers all sorts of functionality, including a dedicated camera for taking selfies. The phone also features improved water resistance compared to last year's model. In terms of performance, the Razr 50 uses a mid-range Mediatek Dimensity 7300 chipset, which may not be as powerful as some other foldables on the market. However, it still manages to deliver respectable battery life, with an overall active use score of 11 hours and 46 minutes in our tests. The camera performance is decent but not outstanding, with some issues such as excessive sharpening and jagged lines in daylight photos. The ultra-wide camera struggles with dynamic range and produces results that are too cold or greenish at times. However, the main camera performs relatively well in low light conditions. Video recording quality is also decent, with good detail and contrasty footage from the main camera, but soft and high-contrast 4K footage from the ultra-wide camera. The phone does not come with a charger in the box, and instead supports 33W wired charging and 15W wireless charging. Overall, the Motorola Razr 50 is an affordable option for those looking to try out a foldable design without breaking the bank. While it may not offer the same level of performance as other high-end models, it still has some notable features that make it worth considering.
Build Quality and Design
The Motorola Razr 50 is a foldable flip phone that boasts a sleek and premium design. The device's build quality is top-notch, with a vegan leather exterior that looks quite snazzy in the orange color way we have here. The frame of the phone is made of glossy 6000 series aluminum, adding to its luxurious feel. One of the standout features of the Razr 50 is its ability to fold and unfold seamlessly, thanks to its compact design. When closed, the device measures just 6.5mm in thickness, making it one of the thinnest flip phones on the market. The cover screen is another notable feature of the Razr 50, providing a wealth of functionality even when the phone is folded shut. It's perfect for checking notifications, taking selfies, or using as a viewfinder for the rear camera. In terms of design, the Razr 50 is a masterclass in minimalism. The device's simple yet elegant design makes it feel premium and well-crafted. The buttons are tactile and responsive, while the screen is bright and vibrant. One area where the Razr 50 excels is its durability. The device's build quality is robust and resilient, able to withstand the rigors of daily use. It's clear that Motorola has put a lot of thought into designing a phone that can take a beating, without sacrificing style or functionality. Overall, the Motorola Razr 50 is a beautifully designed phone that excels in terms of build quality and design. Its compact size, premium materials, and attention to detail make it a true standout in the world of flip phones.
Battery Life
One of the standout features of the Motorola Razr 50 is its impressive battery life. Powered by a 4200mAh battery, this device has consistently delivered an overall active use score of 11 hours and 46 minutes in our tests. This performance puts it ahead of many other foldable phones on the market. In video playback and web browsing tests, the Razr 50 outclassed its competitors, showcasing its efficiency in handling everyday tasks. We also observed less throttling during stress tests compared to other foldables, such as the Galaxy Z Flip 6. This suggests that the device's mid-range level Mediatek Dimensity 7300 chipset is not overly taxing on the battery. Another notable change from last year's model is the addition of support for 15W wireless charging. While this feature is convenient, it's worth noting that a charger is no longer included in the box. However, with a compatible adapter, we were able to charge the phone from 0 to 59% in just half an hour and achieve a full charge in over an hour. In conclusion, the Motorola Razr 50's battery life is a significant selling point for this device. Its ability to last through a day of moderate use makes it an attractive option for those looking for a reliable foldable phone. However, as with any device, your actual experience may vary depending on individual usage patterns and habits.
Display
The Motorola Razr 50 boasts an impressive foldable design with a mid-range level chipset, making it a more affordable alternative to its Ultra counterpart. One of the standout features of this phone is its display. The cover screen is nearly edge-to-edge and measures around 3.6 inches, offering a higher resolution than last year's model. With a 90Hz refresh rate, scrolling through menus and apps feels smooth and responsive. Additionally, the screen has improved water resistance, withstanding splashes and light rain without issue. When folded, the Razr 50 reveals its main display, which is quite large and vibrant. The 6.7-inch screen offers excellent color accuracy, making it ideal for watching movies or browsing through social media feeds. However, some users may find the resolution to be slightly below par compared to flagship devices. The display's brightness is satisfactory, but not exceptional. Indoors, it can get quite dim in brightly lit environments, requiring adjustments to compensate. Outdoor use is where the screen truly shines, providing clear visibility even under direct sunlight. In terms of viewing angles, the Razr 50 performs admirably, retaining its color accuracy and vibrancy when viewed from different perspectives. Overall, the display on the Motorola Razr 50 is a significant improvement over last year's model, offering a great balance between functionality, durability, and visual appeal.
Camera
The camera on the Motorola Razr 50 is a mixed bag. The main 50-megapixel sensor takes decent daylight photos with enough resolve detail, but excessive sharpening and jagged lines are notable drawbacks. Daylight shots of people look relatively good, but in outdoor settings, there's sometimes an unnatural color tone. In low light, the main camera performs reasonably well, producing images with well-balanced exposures, preserved highlights, and acceptable shadow development. However, color saturation is good only when the shadows aren't too dark. The detail level isn't impressive, but the shots are usable. The ultra-wide 13-megapixel camera has decent detail in its photos, but struggles with dynamic range limitations, often producing results that are too cold or greenish. While it's nice to have autofocus, using the ultra-wide for close-ups can be tricky due to these issues. Selfies taken with the dedicated camera within the inner screen look okay, with good-looking colors and skin tones, although detail is a bit lacking. Using the rear cameras with the cover screen as a viewfinder produces better results, with more saturated colors, natural bokeh, and improved detail. Video recording at up to 4K resolution at 30 FPS is possible with all cameras, but quality varies. The main camera's video quality is decent for its class, but processing is not mature, leading to some artifacts. Contrast levels are quite high, making shadows look artificially brightened. Low-light videos from the main camera are noisy and have limited dynamic range. Electronic video stabilization does a good job smoothing out pans, but walking shots can be a bit shaky. The ultra-wide 4K footage is soft, with continued high contrast approach that might not please everyone. Overall, while the camera on the Motorola Razr 50 has its moments, it's not the best around. Daylight and low-light performance have their issues, and video quality could use some improvement.
Price and Value
In a crowded market of high-end flip phones, the Motorola Razr 50 offers an intriguing alternative: a mid-range device with a lower price point. Priced similarly to other foldables on the market, the Razr 50 is a solid choice for those who don't need top-of-the-line specs. The phone's value proposition lies in its ability to offer a large cover screen with all sorts of functionality, better water resistance than its predecessors, and good battery life. The mid-range level Mediatek Dimensity 7300 chipset may not be the most powerful, but it delivers respectable performance during regular use. While benchmark scores may be lower than those of flagship devices, the Razr 50 doesn't feel underpowered in daily use. However, there are some notable caveats to consider. The lack of a charger in the box is a minor annoyance, and the mid-range chipset means that camera quality isn't quite up to par with other top-tier flip phones. While daylight photos from the main camera are acceptable, low-light shots can be disappointing, and video quality, although good for its class, may not impress. In terms of value, the Razr 50's pricing is competitive with other mid-range devices on the market. While it may not be the best choice for those who want top-of-the-line specs, it offers a compelling option for those who prioritize price and don't mind a slightly lower level of performance. If you're looking for an affordable flip phone that still delivers a solid experience, the Razr 50 is worth considering. Ultimately, the Motorola Razr 50's value lies in its ability to offer a mid-range alternative to the high-end foldables on the market. While it may not be perfect, it provides a reliable and feature-rich option for those who don't need top-tier specs.
Performance
The Motorola Razr 50's performance is an interesting aspect to consider, especially given its mid-range chipset and competitive price point. Unlike most other flip phones, this device packs the MediaTek Dimensity 7300, which provides decent performance in everyday use. While benchmark scores indicate that the Razr 50 lags behind flagship devices like the Galaxy Z Flip 6 and the Moto Razer 50 Ultra, our stress tests revealed minimal throttling during intensive tasks. This suggests that the chipset is not pushing too hard, resulting in better thermals compared to other foldables. In our testing, the device delivered respectable results with an overall active use score of 11 hours and 46 minutes, outperforming some competitors in video playback and web browsing tests. The 4200mAh battery capacity remains unchanged from last year's model, but with efficient power management, it provides adequate juice for a flip foldable. One notable change is the absence of a charger in the box, with only wired charging capabilities included this time around. However, we found that charging the phone from 0 to 59% took just half an hour, and a full charge was completed within an hour using a compatible adapter. Wireless charging remains an option at up to 15W. The mid-range chipset is unlikely to disappoint in regular use, but enthusiasts may find it lacking compared to flagship-grade processors. While we wouldn't say the device feels underpowered, those accustomed to top-tier performance might notice some limitations. Ultimately, the Razr 50's performance is a double-edged sword: it provides sufficient power for everyday tasks and decent battery life without breaking the bank. However, it may not be the best choice for those seeking uncompromising performance or expecting high-end features from their phone.
Pros
1. Large Cover Screen
2. Good Battery Life
3. Better Water Resistance
4. Good Camera Quality
5. Video Recording Capability
6. Wireless Charging
7. Decent Performance
8. Good Thermals
Cons
1. Mid-Range Level Chipset
2. No Charger in the Box
3. Camera Quality Not the Best
4. Limited Camera Features