Motorola Razr Ultra (2025) Review: Good, But Flipping Expensive

Editors’ Word: For $1,300 the Motorola Razr Extremely has rather a lot to dwell as much as. And largely, it does. The Razr Extremely is enjoyable to make use of, well-built, appears sharp and presents a recent expertise that is rooted in nostalgia. It handles all the same old telephone duties with ease, and its cowl display screen makes it really distinctive. The Motorola Razr Extremely is among the finest flip telephones out there, which is why it earned a CNET Editors’ Selection Award. The unique evaluate follows.

Once I first began testing the Motorola Razr Ultra, I had flashbacks to my authentic Motorola Razr evaluate. No, not the OG 2004 indestructible flip phone that Paris Hilton made modern. I am speaking in regards to the first Motorola foldable phone, which got here out within the early days of the pandemic. It had a $1,500 price ticket, a display screen that folded in half and loads of nostalgia. However it lacked the He-Man-like specs of its competitor, the unique Galaxy Z Flip. Some reviewers and Razr stans have been bummed as a result of the Moto foldable did not have the high-end specs and options that you just’d usually count on for such a excessive worth.

Motorola refined subsequent Razr fashions with higher specs and located success by imbuing them with a enjoyable and trendy spirit whereas decreasing the value and including creature comforts resembling all-day battery life. Quick ahead to now, and the Razr Extremely has as few compromises as attainable, with options together with a Snapdragon 8 Elite chip and a titanium hinge. The Razr Extremely is an absolute unit, and it is what we wished again in 2020.

The Extremely is a beefed-up model of final yr’s Razr Plus, which received a CNET Editor’s Choice Award. It is as if the Razr Plus employed a coach and nutritionist after which bought completely ripped — warranting its identify: Extremely. If you happen to had doubts a couple of foldable telephone’s sturdiness, the Razr Extremely is right here to show you flawed. (Understand that mud resistance continues to be a problem for all foldable telephones, so I nonetheless would not take the Razr Extremely to the seaside or on that salt manufacturing unit tour you have been dying to do.)

After per week of testing, I’ve come to adore the Razr Extremely. It does all of the “regular” non-folding telephone issues I would like, and presents me a very distinctive expertise due to its cowl display screen. I really feel like the good child within the espresso store when Google Pay-ing for my cortado with my Razr Extremely closed.

However in taking practically each side of the telephone to the acute, Motorola misplaced some of the vital elements of latest Razrs: the superb worth. The catch for all this ultra-ness: the Motorola Razr Extremely prices $1,300.

Tariffs or not, $1,300 is rather a lot for any telephone. The Extremely is $300 greater than the Razr Plus. Whereas in some methods the Razr Extremely justifies its larger price (it comes with 512GB of storage and an upgraded display screen), in different methods it does not (the Razr Plus nonetheless exists). 

Learn extra: Motorola Razr 2025 Review: It’s Got the Look

Watch this: Evaluation: We Take the $1,300 Razr Extremely for a Spin

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Motorola Razr Extremely: Must you purchase it?

You probably have a 2019 Razr or the 2020 Razr 5G, the Razr Extremely will likely be an improve in each manner. From the bigger 4-inch cowl display screen that has much more performance to the brighter, higher-resolution 7-inch show. If you happen to’re coming from the 2023 Razr Plus, nonetheless, I might solely improve in case your battery is not lasting as lengthy on a cost because it used to. And in case you have a 2024 Razr Plus; sit this one out.

If you happen to’re deciding between the Razr Extremely and Galaxy Z Flip 6, I might push you in direction of Motorola’s flip telephone when you can afford the $200 distinction. However for many, I might say wait. We’re possible getting a Galaxy Z Flip 7 this summer time.

And when you’re coming from an everyday sweet bar type Android phone or iPhone, I recommend trying on the whole 2025 Razr lineup. For individuals with a price range telephone or common outdated iPhone, the $700 Motorola Razr is perhaps a greater match. For these wanting extra of a premium expertise, check out final yr’s Razr Plus — on the time I am penning this, it has been discounted to $800 ($200 off). 

If you’d like the very best expertise you possibly can have on a flip telephone in 2025, go for the Razr Extremely. However do search for offers and trade-in reductions to make that $1,300 sting a bit much less.

Motorola Razr Extremely design

This is perhaps probably the greatest constructed telephones Motorola has launched in years. I understand this sounds cliché however pictures and movies simply do not do the Razr Extremely justice. It’s so strong and dense. I had another CNETers choose it up and practically everybody was shocked by how a lot it weighed (and never in a foul manner). At 199 grams, the Extremely is similar weight because the iPhone 16 Professional and one gram greater than the Samsung Galaxy A56 5G.

The Razr Extremely has a titanium hinge that Motorola says is 4x stronger than final yr’s Razr and Razr Plus. The again of my evaluate unit is the pantone cabaret coloration — aka scorching pink — and the textured material on the again feels even higher than the vegan leather-based on final yr’s Razr Plus. This is not like Apple’s FiveWoven cases for the iPhone 15 household, which simply collected marks and stains. Although I’ll admit that the Extremely’s material does give off some seatbelt vibes. Complementing the material is Corning Gorilla Glass Ceramic for the quilt display screen, which Motorola says is the primary time it has been used on a flip telephone. After per week of intensive use, each the material again and canopy display screen look clear and haven’t any scratches or nicks.

The Razr Extremely has an IP48 score for water and mud resistance. The eight within the score means it may be submerged in 1.5 meters of water for as much as half-hour. The 4 means it could possibly face up to particles 1mm or bigger. That is nearly as good because it will get, people, by way of mud resistance for foldables in 2025, so preserve that in thoughts when you work or journey in tough environments. And it is nice to see Motorola max out the Razr Extremely’s water and mud resistance to be the identical because the Galaxy Z Flip 6.

The crease is hardly noticeable on the tall 7-inch show. Clearly within the picture above, we took it at an angle that makes it appear like the Grand Canyon, however in actuality, I neglect in regards to the crease when there’s content material on the display screen. It is spectacular how a lot Motorola was capable of cut back the crease in comparison with earlier fashions. When enjoying video games or scrolling information and social feeds, I can barely really feel it.

Motorola Razr shows

The shining star of the Razr Extremely is its 4-inch cowl display screen. The show is brilliant, and has a excessive decision with a 417ppi density. It is an AMOLED LTPO display screen with an adaptive refresh charge that tops out at 165Hz. You should utilize the quilt display screen for just about something you want. Most apps run on it, together with video games. I like utilizing Spotify on the quilt display screen with the highest half of the telephone pointing up at a jaunty angle.

Motorola made it straightforward to handle the quilt display screen’s panels and customise widgets. I like to recommend utilizing widgets in your favourite apps on the quilt display screen as some really feel extra optimized for the show. And when you’ve by no means used a foldable flip telephone earlier than, simply know that having a canopy display screen as versatile and customizable because the one on the Razr Extremely will change the way in which you employ your telephone. The quilt show is like my private shortcut display screen and interacting with it feels purposeful. I am not as tempted to scroll by means of Instagram or discover different distractions like I do on an everyday telephone.

One of many odd sensations when utilizing the Razr Extremely goes from that small sq. 4-inch cowl display screen to the tall slim interior 7-inch show. It may be jarring as every display screen appears at odds with what you expertise. The quilt display screen is petite and private and the interior show is lengthy, tall and brilliant. It is like having a small telephone and a giant one on the similar time. And when you not acquainted with foldable telephones, you’ll be able to choose up the place you left off so to talk. So when you’re viewing pictures within the Google Pictures on the quilt display screen after which open the telephone up, you will be in the identical spot within the app on the interior show.

On the “inside” of the telephone is a 7-inch pOLED (the “p” stands for plastic) LTPO that additionally has an adaptive refresh charge as excessive as 165Hz. It additionally has a 2,992×1,224-pixel decision and a peak brightness of 4,500 nits. In use, the primary display screen is fantastic indoors, and outside each in dim lighting and below direct daylight.

The interior 7-inch display screen has a tall 22:9 side ratio. Most movies have area to the left or proper once I watch them in panorama orientation. However vertical movies look implausible. TikTok movies fill the display screen from high to backside. One odd use for such a protracted display screen is viewing motion pictures and trailers shot in a 185:1 side ratio, as they practically replenish the display screen completely like once I watched the trailer for No one 2 on the Extremely.

Motorola Razr Extremely Moto AI

The Razr Extremely has a devoted {hardware} AI button on the facet that triggers Moto AI. Motorola did one thing sort of good and took among the main AI platforms and built-in them into the Razr. There’s Perplexity, Google’s Gemini, Microsoft’s Copilot and Meta’s Llama AI. Consider Moto AI as a strip mall housing varied AI outlets, every with their very own specialities. Motorola neatly curates how every AI is carried out, which means you possibly can entry them from the button or use Circle to Search in your display screen by urgent on the underside of the show.

One of many options I see potential with is Keep in mind This. I can take a photograph or display screen seize after which ask the AI extra about it later. It is sort of like increase my very own library of knowledge for AI to reference. It appears just like what Nothing did with its 3A and 3A Professional telephones or the Journal app on the iPhone.

There’s additionally Pay Consideration, which is like Keep in mind This however for audio (it is primarily an audio recorder and transcriber). And there is Catch Me Up for notifications. These Moto AI options could possibly be helpful, however I really feel like I am going to want greater than six days with them to essentially make the most of them.

I do not assume Moto AI is the rationale to purchase the Razr Extremely, however this telephone and the way in which it integrates completely different AI providers is perhaps some of the versatile for AI that you would be able to get right now. And it factors to at least one approach to handle the a number of AI providers competing for our consideration.

Motorola Razr Extremely cameras

The Razr Extremely has a trio of lenses: wide-angle, ultrawide and a selfie. All have 50-megapixel sensors, which is unimaginable. Check out a few of my favourite pictures from the Razr Extremely.

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I do wish to acknowledge that Motorola has made enhancements with the cameras in comparison with earlier Razrs. Cellphone cameras, particularly on foldables, are all the time at a drawback as a result of there’s so little room for larger sensors and lenses. However I feel individuals who do not think about themselves photographers will likely be tremendous with pictures from the Razr Extremely — it is a lot enjoyable for group pictures and it is a surprisingly nice telephone for video calls. However I want the corporate went additional. Pictures from the Razr Extremely are B+ at finest and that is respectable for a flip telephone like this. I get the very best leads to locations with a number of mild. However the telephone depends on a protracted shutter velocity for snaps, which ends up in loads of movement blur. 

And that simply will get worse while you’re in a dim setting. I am not a giant fan of pictures that use Night time Imaginative and prescient, Motorola’s identify for evening mode. They give the impression of being over-processed — you possibly can see that the digital camera is struggling and overcompensating.

Not solely does the Razr Extremely help capturing video like a ’90s camcorder, the Camcorder mode works for each panorama and portrait movies. Additionally, I like that the Razr Extremely has Moto Actions on it so I can double-twist my wrist to open the digital camera. Check out my Razr Ultra review video to see Camcorder mode in motion.

Motorola Razr Extremely battery and processor

On the precise within the telephone, is a Snapdragon 8 Elite chip, and 16GB of RAM. In my time with the telephone thus far it has carried out nicely; animations appeared easy, apps opened rapidly. I performed video games starting from Name of Responsibility and PUBG Cellular to Mario Kart and Alto’s Odyssey with none points. Having this processor and all that RAM ought to assist preserve the Razr Extremely operating quick for years.

By way of the Geekbench 6 CPU benchmark take a look at, the Razr Extremely performs near different Snapdragon 8 Elite telephones we have examined this yr, however the scores are decrease. When in comparison with the Razr (2025), the Razr Plus (2024) and the Galaxy Z Flip 6, the Razr Extremely got here out on high. Once I ran the graphics take a look at, 3D Mark Wildlife Excessive, it was an identical story.

Over my six days of testing, the battery life from the Razr Extremely’s 4,700mAh battery has been good. I simply get by means of a day on a single cost. My most demanding day with the Razr Extremely began at 6:30 a.m. with a full cost. Throughout the day, we have been filming and photographing the Extremely and had the screens at full brightness and at 165Hz. In that point I used to be additionally taking pictures, recording movies and utilizing Moto AI. I ended the day at 11 p.m. with 22% left.

I ought to observe that I observed that the Razr Extremely will get heat once I’m utilizing the digital camera rather a lot or after I’ve had a protracted Gemini Dwell session. I would not say it was burn-your-hand scorching, however it was shocking.

In CNET’s 3-hour video streaming battery take a look at, the Razr Extremely went from a full cost to 85%. Evaluate that to the Razr (2025) and the Galaxy Z Flip 6 which each ended up at 81% — and bear in mind the Razr Extremely’s display screen is bigger and was set at 165Hz in comparison with the 120Hz on the opposite two telephones.

The Razr Extremely helps 68W charging. Nevertheless, a quick charger just isn’t included — even for $1,300. In CNET’s 30-minute wired charging take a look at, the Razr Extremely’s battery gained 55%. The telephone additionally helps 30W wi-fi charging, however you want a charger that helps that velocity.

Motorola Razr Extremely software program help and closing ideas

The Razr Extremely comes with three years of software program help and 4 years for safety updates. And that’s disappointing, particularly for the value. The Galaxy Z Flip 6 that prices $1,100 has seven years help for each. I understand that most individuals preserve their telephones for a median of two and a half years, however while you’re paying $1,300 for a telephone, you need to be capable to use it previous 2029 with out points.

I actually just like the Motorola Razr Extremely, however it’s arduous to suggest for $1,300. If you happen to’re snug with the restricted software program help and serviceable cameras, then go for the telephone. It is enjoyable to make use of, appears sharp, constructed nicely and possibly some of the distinctive telephones you should purchase as we speak. However I feel most individuals on the lookout for a Razr foldable will likely be tremendous with the Motorola Razr Plus. It is nonetheless $1,000, and at present on sale, and is essentially the identical as when it got here out in 2024.

How we take a look at telephones

Every phone CNET’s reviews team tests is utilized in the true world. We take a look at a telephone’s options, play video games and take pictures. We study the show to see if it is brilliant, sharp and vibrant. We analyze the design and construct to see how it’s to carry and whether or not it has an IP score for water resistance. We push the processor’s efficiency to the extremes utilizing standardized benchmark instruments like GeekBench and 3DMark, together with our personal anecdotal observations navigating the interface, recording high-resolution movies and enjoying graphically intense video games at excessive refresh charges.

All of the cameras are examined in a wide range of situations, from brilliant daylight to darkish indoor scenes. We check out particular options like evening mode and portrait mode, and examine our findings towards equally priced competing telephones. We additionally take a look at the battery life by utilizing it each day in addition to operating a collection of battery drain assessments.

We keep in mind extra options like help for 5G, satellite tv for pc connectivity, fingerprint and face sensors, stylus help, quick charging speeds and foldable shows, amongst others that may be helpful. We steadiness all of this towards the value to provide the verdict on whether or not that telephone, no matter worth it’s, truly represents good worth. Whereas these assessments might not all the time be mirrored in CNET’s preliminary evaluate, we conduct follow-up and long-term testing in most circumstances.