Highlights
- Large external display enhances user experience.
- Snapdragon 8+ Gen 1 ensures smooth performance.
- Sleek foldable design with minimal gap.
- Supports wireless charging for added convenience.
Nearly a year since its launch, the Motorola Razr 40 Ultra has carved its niche in the foldable smartphone market.
Priced at Rs 64,999 on Amazon, it represents a blend of nostalgic design and modern technology.
With its distinctive flip mechanism, enhanced display features, and solid performance, the Razr 40 Ultra appeals to those looking for a phone that stands out.
It certainly did for me.
Yet, as with any device, it brings a mix of highs and lows, challenging its place among the stiff competition from more conventional smartphones and other foldables alike.
In this review of the Moto Razr 40 Ultra, let’s try and figure out who the device is actually for.
Moto Razr 40 Ultra: Key Specs
- Snapdragon 8+ Gen 1 SoC
- 12GB LPDDR5 RAM
- 512GB UFS 3.1 storage
- 3,800mAh battery
- Main Display: 6.9″ pOLED, 22:9
- Cover Display: 3.6″ AMOLED
- Wireless Charging: 5W, Wired: 33W
Moto Razr 40 Ultra: Pros and Cons
| Pros | Cons |
| Looks quite good and exudes class | Cameras aren’t its strongest point |
| Cover screen is large | 5W wireless charging speeds are very slow |
| Performance is smooth and fluid |
Moto Razr 40 Ultra: Unboxing
Moto Razr 40 Ultra: Unboxing Video
Moto Razr 40 Ultra: Design and Display
Reviewing the design of the Motorola Razr 40 Ultra, I am immediately drawn to its rounded, slender profile which retains its thinness both when folded, at 15.1mm, and when opened, at just 6.99mm.
The way both halves of this foldable device sit perfectly flush against each other, leaving no gap, significantly contributes to its sleek appearance when closed.
This is a notable improvement over competitors like the Samsung Galaxy Z Flip 4, which appears bulkier by comparison.
One of the standout features of the Razr 40 Ultra for me is the absence of any visible gaps when the phone is folded.
Upon unfolding, the presence of a crease on the main display is minimal, enhancing the device’s premium feel.
Additionally, it boasts an IP52 rating, suggesting it can handle splashes. However, it’s wise to avoid exposing it to large volumes of liquid or using it in heavy rain.
The layout of buttons and ports remains consistent with the previous model, the Razr 2022.
On the right side, the power and volume buttons are conveniently placed, with the power button serving a dual function as a responsive and quick fingerprint scanner.
At the base of the phone, a USB-C port is situated alongside a bottom-firing loudspeaker, which forms part of a stereo audio system enhanced by Dolby tuning, rounding off its sophisticated design with functional elegance.
The display of the Motorola Razr 40 Ultra showcases a remarkable advancement in foldable technology, starting with its cover screen.
This is the largest cover screen I’ve encountered on any foldable flip phone to date, boasting a 3.6-inch display with a 1:1 aspect ratio.
During my use, I found it exceptionally responsive.
Although some applications felt a bit cramped due to the screen size, navigating through the interface was smooth, with minimal mistakes.
What’s more impressive is that this cover screen’s specifications rival or even surpass those of the main displays on many other smartphones.
It features an AMOLED panel and can reach up to 1100 nits in peak brightness.
While typing remains somewhat cumbersome, the experience has seen a considerable improvement over the previous year’s Razr model.
Upon unfolding the Razr 40 Ultra, I was greeted by its expansive main display, which adopts a tall 22:9 aspect ratio on a pOLED panel.
Measuring at 6.9 inches, it’s certainly a stretch for one-handed use.
However, its resolution, which exceeds 1080p, provides a crystal-clear viewing experience even under direct sunlight.
This display excels in delivering high levels of contrast, featuring deep blacks, and it supports Widevine L1 certification, enabling streaming of Full-HD content on platforms like Netflix.
The large screen size, combined with high refresh rates, enhances the user experience significantly, making activities like web browsing and scrolling through social media feeds exceptionally smooth and enjoyable.
Moto Razr 40 Ultra: Cameras
The Motorola Razr 40 Ultra’s cameras perform pretty decently but they do not stand out,as many slab phones in the same price range.
The device sports two rear-facing cameras, a 12MP primary and a 13MP ultra-wide, which also serve as selfie cameras via the cover display.
In daylight, the images are decent, though the dynamic range could be better, and the primary camera is noticeably sharper than the ultra-wide.
The camera app is packed with modes like portrait, slow-mo, and macro, plus additional options such as timelapse and dual capture.
However, the lack of a telephoto sensor limits versatility. Daylight photos look good, albeit with slightly muted colors and average dynamic range.
The ultra-wide lens is adequate but doesn’t offer a much broader perspective.
That said, the 32MP front camera impresses with sharp, well-exposed selfies in most situations.
Yet, for the best selfie results, I found using the rear cameras with the cover display unbeatable.
In low light, maintaining detail and color consistency becomes challenging, especially handheld.
Stabilising the phone does improve sharpness, but overall, while the Razr 40 Ultra’s cameras might not be its strongest feature, they still fulfill the basic needs of a foldable smartphone camera setup effectively.
Moto Razr 40 Ultra: Day Samples
Moto Razr 40 Ultra: day Video
Moto Razr 40 Ultra: Performance and Features
Diving into the performance and features of the Motorola Razr 40 Ultra, it’s powered by a Qualcomm Snapdragon 8+ Gen 1 SoC, accompanied by up to 12GB of LPDDR5 RAM and up to 512GB of UFS 3.1 storage.
Despite some opinions that the processor is slightly behind the curve, in my usage, it proved more than capable for everyday tasks and even gaming at nearly top-tier levels.
During my time with the device, heat management impressed me, remaining under control except during intensive gaming combined with hotspot usage.
Connectivity is another strong suit, with Wi-Fi 6E, Bluetooth 5.3, NFC, and comprehensive 5G support ensuring that I was always connected.
It also features a side-mounted fingerprint sensor that operates flawlessly and a dual-speaker setup that delivers impressively loud sound.
Benchmark tests hinted at the device’s speed, and my real-life experience aligned with these results.
Although not designed primarily as a gaming phone, it handled graphics-heavy games well.
However, the slim design and the relatively modest battery life suggest it might not be the first choice for prolonged gaming sessions.
Overall, the Razr 40 Ultra stands out for its performance and features, accommodating a wide range of uses without compromising on its sleek form factor.
Moto Razr 40 Ultra: Software
Motorola’s Razr 40 Ultra comes with Android 13, featuring a mix of custom UI tweaks that enhance the user experience without overwhelming it.
The inclusion of gestures to quickly launch the camera or activate the flashlight, alongside a highly customizable always-on display, showcases Motorola’s knack for blending simplicity with practical features.
The software experience stays true to Motorola’s reputation for a clean, bloatware-free approach to Android.
Yet, during my time with the device, I encountered some minor issues.
Certain apps seemed less optimized for the device, leading to occasional discontinuities between the cover screen and the main folding screen.
MyUX, Motorola’s software suite, impressively bridges the functionality gap, allowing notifications and full apps to run smoothly on the external display.
The Moto app brings valuable additions to this experience, offering gestures and features like an attentive display.
The ability to quickly launch the camera with a twist or activate the flashlight with a chopping motion are intuitive gestures that have become signature Motorola features, enhancing the overall usability of the Razr 40 Ultra.
Moto Razr 40 Ultra: Battery Life
The 3,800mAh battery of the Motorola Razr 40 Ultra, while modest compared to many smartphones on the market, actually holds up pretty well for a flip foldable.
In my usage, with lighter tasks, I managed to stretch the battery life across a full day.
However, heavier usage did see me reaching for the charger by day’s end.
The convenience of the outer display played a significant role in this efficiency, as it minimized the need to constantly open the phone, thereby saving battery.
One of the highlights for me was Motorola’s inclusion of wireless charging in the Razr lineup, a welcome feature even though it’s limited to a slower 5W charging compared to the faster 15W options available in some competing models.
Final Verdict
The Motorola Razr 40 Ultra, despite being nearly a year old, holds its ground with a unique blend of style and functionality.
It boasts impressive features like a large cover display and near-stock Android experience but falls short in areas like camera performance and battery life.
For those enchanted by the flip design and looking for a competent daily driver, it’s a worthy contender.
However, for power users seeking the utmost in camera technology or extended battery life, it might not hit the mark.
5 Reasons to Buy
- Large External Display: Offers convenience and enhances usability without needing to unfold the device.
- Solid Performance: Handles everyday tasks and gaming with ease, thanks to the Snapdragon 8+ Gen 1 chipset.
- Sleek Design: Slim and stylish, it stands out with a seamless fold that minimizes gaps.
- Wireless Charging: Adds a layer of modern convenience, despite the slower charge rate.
- Near-Stock Android: Provides a clean, intuitive software experience with minimal bloatware.
3 Reasons Not to Buy
- Average Camera Performance: Falls behind competitors, especially in low-light conditions.
- Modest Battery Life: May not last through a day of heavy usage without reaching for the charger.
- Price: While competitive, may still be steep for some, considering the compromises.
Samsung Galaxy Z Flip4
- Price: Around Rs 85,999
- Snapdragon 8+ Gen 1 SoC
- 8GB RAM
- 128GB/256GB storage options
- 6.7-inch Foldable Dynamic AMOLED 2X display
- Dual Rear Cameras: 12MP Wide, 12MP Ultra-wide
- 3,700mAh battery with 25W fast charging
OPPO Find N2 Flip
- Price: Around Rs 80,999
- MediaTek Dimensity 9000+ SoC
- 8GB/12GB RAM
- 256GB storage
- 6.8-inch Foldable AMOLED display
- Dual Rear Cameras: 50MP Wide, 8MP Ultra-wide
- 4,300mAh battery with 44W fast charging
Google Pixel Fold
- Price: Around Rs 1,29,999
- Google Tensor G2 SoC
- 12GB RAM
- 256GB/512GB storage options
- 7.6-inch Foldable LTPO OLED display
- Triple Rear Cameras: 50MP Wide, 12MP Ultra-wide, 48MP Telephoto
- 4,720mAh battery with 30W fast charging
Xiaomi Mix Fold 2
- Price: Around Rs 1,11,999
- Snapdragon 8+ Gen 1 SoC
- 12GB RAM
- 256GB/512GB/1TB storage options
- 8.02-inch Foldable AMOLED display
- Triple Rear Cameras: 50MP Wide, 13MP Ultra-wide, 8MP Telephoto
- 4,500mAh battery with 67W fast charging
Huawei Mate Xs 2
- Price: Around Rs 1,99,999
- Qualcomm Snapdragon 888 4G SoC
- 8GB/12GB RAM
- 256GB/512GB storage
- 7.8-inch Foldable OLED display
- Triple Rear Cameras: 50MP Wide, 13MP Ultra-wide, 8MP Telephoto
- 4,600mAh battery with 66W fast charging
MOTOROLA RAZR 40 ULTRA SPECIFICATIONS
Key Specs
| RAM | 12 GB |
| Processor | Qualcomm Snapdragon 8 Plus Gen 1 |
| Rear Camera | 50 MP + 50 MP + 12 MP |
| Front Camera | 60 MP |
| Battery | 3640 mAh |
| Display | 6.73 inches (17.09 cm) |
General
| Launch Date | July 18, 2023 (Unofficial) |
| Operating System | Android v13 |
Performance
| Chipset | Qualcomm Snapdragon 8 Plus Gen 1 |
| CPU | Octa core (3.2 GHz, Single core, Cortex X2 + 2.75 GHz, Tri core, Cortex A710 + 2 GHz, Cortex A510) |
| Architecture | 64 bit |
| Fabrication | 4 nm |
| Graphics | Adreno 730 |
| RAM | 12 GB |
Display
| Display Type | P-OLED |
| Screen Size | 6.73 inches (17.09 cm) |
| Resolution | 1080 x 2400 pixels |
| Aspect Ratio | 20:9 |
| Pixel Density | 391 ppi |
| Bezel-less display | Yes with punch-hole display |
| Touch Screen | Yes, Capacitive Touchscreen, Multi-touch |
| Refresh Rate | 120 Hz |
| Screen to Body Ratio (claimed by the brand) | 70.7 % |
Camera
| MAIN CAMERA | ||
| Camera Setup | Triple | |
| Resolution | 50 MP f/1.88, Primary Camera 50 MP, Ultra-Wide Angle Camera 12 MP f/2.2, Depth Camera |
|
| Autofocus | Yes | |
| Flash | Yes, LED Flash | |
| Image Resolution | 8150 x 6150 Pixels | |
| Settings | Exposure compensation | |
| Shooting Modes | Continuous Shooting High Dynamic Range mode (HDR) |
|
| Camera Features | Digital Zoom Auto Flash Face detection Touch to focus |
|
| Video Recording | 1920×1080 @ 30 fps | |
| FRONT CAMERA | ||
| Camera Setup | Single | |
| Resolution | 60 MP, Primary Camera | |
| Video Recording | 1920×1080 @ 30 fps | |
Battery
| Capacity | 3640 mAh |
| Type | Li-Polymer |
| Removable | No |
| Quick Charging | Yes, Rapid, 33W |
| USB Type-C | Yes |
Storage
| Internal Memory | 512 GB |
| Expandable Memory | No |
| Storage Type | UFS 3.1 |
Network & Connectivity
| SIM Slot(s) | Dual SIM, GSM+GSM |
| SIM Size | SIM1: Nano, SIM2: eSIM |
| Network Support | 5G Not Supported in India, 4G Supported in India, 3G, 2G |
| VoLTE | Yes |
| SIM 1 |
4G Bands:
TD-LTE 2300(band 40)
FD-LTE 1800(band 3) 3G Bands:
UMTS 1900 / 2100 / 850 / 900 MHz
2G Bands:
GSM 1800 / 1900 / 850 / 900 MHz
GPRS:
Available
EDGE:
Available
|
| SIM 2 |
4G Bands:
TD-LTE 2300(band 40)
FD-LTE 1800(band 3) 3G Bands:
UMTS 1900 / 2100 / 850 / 900 MHz
2G Bands:
GSM 1800 / 1900 / 850 / 900 MHz
GPRS:
Available
EDGE:
Available
|
| Wi-Fi | Yes, Wi-Fi 4 (802.11 b/g/n) |
| Wi-Fi Features | Mobile Hotspot |
| Bluetooth | Yes, v5.1 |
| GPS | Yes with A-GPS, Glonass |
| NFC | Yes |
| USB Connectivity | Mass storage device, USB charging |
Multimedia
| Loudspeaker | Yes |
| Audio Jack | USB Type-C |
Sensors
| Fingerprint Sensor | Yes |
| Fingerprint Sensor Position | Rear |
| Other Sensors | Light sensor, Proximity sensor, Accelerometer, Compass, Gyroscope |
FAQs
What makes the Motorola Razr 40 Ultra stand out in the foldable market?
The Motorola Razr 40 Ultra distinguishes itself with a large external display, a seamless foldable design, and solid performance thanks to its Snapdragon 8+ Gen 1 chipset.
How does the camera performance of the Motorola Razr 40 Ultra compare to other smartphones?
While the Razr 40 Ultra offers versatility with its rear and selfie cameras, its performance in low-light conditions and dynamic range may not match up to those of its competitors.
Is the Motorola Razr 40 Ultra good for gaming?
Yes, powered by the Snapdragon 8+ Gen 1 SoC and with 12GB of RAM, it handles most games well, though its slim form factor and battery size may not be ideal for prolonged gaming sessions.
Can the Motorola Razr 40 Ultra last a full day on a single charge?
With light to moderate use, the 3,800mAh battery can last a day. However, intensive use may require a recharge before the day ends.
Does the Motorola Razr 40 Ultra support wireless charging?
Yes, it supports wireless charging, albeit at a slower 5W rate, but also includes a 33W wired charger for quicker charging.
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