Motorola has launched the new Razr model, overhauling the historic flip brand phone with a state-of-the-art foldable display. It has redeemed its first foldable with Razr 2, which comes with an improved camera, better software, 5G-enabled connectivity and support, and more useful and powerful battery life. The overall design of the new phone is similar to the original one. It comprises a 6.2-inch, 21.9:9 foldable display, and a 2.7-inch OLED Quick View display on the outside for accessing notifications. With a spec bump and a more refined design, the Razr 5G is a decent upgrade over its predecessor.

Though the device is not tested hands-on to determine how effectively the phone maker has improved and adapted its foldable phone, from what we see, the new Razr is making a positive impression, showing its ready to challenge the Samsung Galaxy Z Flip Z. The modernized version of the foldable phone comes with a number of changes such as a faster processor which adds 5G support, 8GB RAM upgraded from the original 6GB, doubling of the internal storage, and most importantly, an increased battery life which can solve the major battery issues faced in the previous variant.

And guess what? It brings more with it. The most noticeable hardware upgrade includes shifting of the fingerprint sensor to the back of the phone and a complete upgrade of the cameras. If we put it out bluntly, the original Razr’s camera was poor with a 5MP front camera and 16 MP main camera only good for use in sunlight. But the updated version seems like Motorola took the feedback seriously and has upgraded on both fronts. The new model has a 20MP sensor which shoots quad-pixel 5MP stills and the rear camera is 48MP with laser autofocus and optical image stabilization. Thanks to the external display and foldable feature, which allows using the main camera for selfies too.

The other big addition is 5G, but there are a few disappointments here. It will only support sub-6GHz networks, not the faster mmWave variants. This is already available in the market with Razr’s most direct competition, Samsung Galaxy Z Flip Z and Motorola might have to figure a way around this. Also, in Motorola’s quest to make Razr 2 more accessible and lovable, it has not announced anything on the hinge system, which was amongst the biggest concerns in the original model. There is no mention of the durability of the hinge or display.

Motorola has emphasized on software improvements with expanded functionalities in the device. The new software works like the standard Android and offers a variety of applications for everyday use and ability to respond to text messages without having to open the phone. Motorola went back to designing for a foldable Razr sequel and though the new version looks similar to the older one, we can see some big and substantial overhauls this time around. In addition to addressing user complaints, it adds noteworthy features. We are hoping to see the second-generation Razr later this fall.

To sum it up, the current specifications can only help us develop a limited understanding of a foldable phone. We have to use it on a daily basis to see whether it can stand up to the regular use and if the design fits in with how an individual’s usage is. So, our hands are tied in just how much we can evaluate the new Razr 2 at the moment. But the changes indicate that Motorola had a fairly good idea on what it needed to do to fix the mistakes of its first foldable effort. The improved capabilities of Quick View indicate towards a more practical phone than before, strengthening the argument for a better foldable phone.