The 2023 Motorola Razr family consists of two foldable smartphones: the Motorola Razr (2023) and the all-new Motorola Razr+. Although the two devices share similar design language and certain specifications, there are some significant differences.
For example, the Motorola Razr+ has a versatile 3.6-inch external screen – the largest of any foldable display. Meanwhile, the regular Razr has a 1.5-inch external screen, which looks small by comparison. As a result, the way someone uses each phone is different.
Motorola Razr+ costs $999 but the regular Motorola Razr price is yet to be revealed. Motorola said the entry-level device would be “measurably cheaper,” though. If true, the Razr could be the most affordable foldable phone yet.
Until we’ve done full reviews of the Razr and Razr+, it’s hard to say which phone is the best overall value, or the best phone for you. However, we did spend some time with the two devices, so here’s how the Motorola Razr+ stacks up against the Motorola Razr (2023).
Motorola Razr+ vs Motorola Razr (2023): Specifications
| Row 0 – cell 0 | Motorola Razr + | Motorola Razr |
| price | $999 | Unavailable |
| Colors | Infinite Black, Ice Blue, Viva Magenta | Green Sage, Vanilla Cream, Summer Lilac |
| internal width | 6.9-inch OLED, FHD +, 165 Hz | 6.9-inch OLED, FHD +, 144 Hz |
| external display | 3.6-inch OLED, 144 Hz | 1.5 inch OLED, 120 Hz |
| back camera | 12MP main (f/1.5), 13MP ultra-wide (f/2,2) | 64MP main (f/1.7), 13MP ultra-wide (f/2,2) |
| front camera | 32MP (f/2.4) | 32MP (f/2.4) |
| Slices | Snapdragon 8 Plus Gen1 | Snapdragon 7 of the first generation |
| ram | 8 GB | 8 GB |
| storage | 256 GB | 128 GB |
| battery | 3800 mAh | 4200 mAh |
| Wired charging | 30 watts | 30 watts |
| wireless charging | 5 watts | 5 watts |
| Dimensions | 6.7 x 2.9 x 0.27 in (open), 3.48 x 2.9 x 0.59 in (closed) | 6.7 x 2.9 x 0.27 in (open), 3.48 x 2.9 x 0.59 in (closed) |
| Weight | 6.63 oz | 6.65 oz |
Motorola Razr + vs Motorola Razr (2023): Price and Release Date
Motorola Razr+ costs $999 and will be available for pre-order through Motorola starting June 16, 2023. It will be available for purchase through various carriers and retailers from June 23, 2023.
Although Motorola announced the Razr along with the Razr+, the company did not share the price of the device or the release date. All they told us was that the Razr would be “reasonably cheaper” and would come later this year. If we were to speculate, we’d put the phone’s price in the $750-$800 ballpark.
Motorola Razr+ vs Motorola Razr (2023): Design and Display
Although the Motorola Razr+ and Motorola Razr (2023) share a similar design language, right down to the body measurements, you’ll notice a distinct difference — the external displays.
The Razr+’s 3.6-inch external OLED display is extremely versatile, allowing you to take selfies, control music, follow the map, launch apps, play games, and even swipe TikTok. Motorola’s Continuity features make it easy to keep using the same app while also switching between open and folded orientations.
The Razr’s 1.5-inch screen occupies only a small portion of the front exterior, providing a quick look at the time (with customizable watch faces) or notifications. It’s much more discreet, and requires you to use the bare phone more often.
Inside, both phones have a 6.9-inch HDR 10+ certified OLED screen. The main difference is that the Razr+ offers a display refresh rate of up to 165Hz, while the Razr has a maximum refresh rate of 144Hz.
Both phones come in three colors, all of which are true Pantone color matching. The Razr+ range features two glass-backed devices and one leather-backed vegan version, while all three Razr devices are dressed in soft vegan leather. And although the skin can absorb water, the devices are splash-proof to the IP52 standard so they cannot be submerged.
Motorola Razr+ vs Motorola Razr (2023): Cameras
Motorola Razr+ and Razr (2023) have two external cameras along with a selfie snapper on the internal display. The Razr+’s main camera is a 12-megapixel sensor with an f/1.5 aperture, and there’s a 13-megapixel (f/2.2) ultra-wide camera that can also take macro shots.
The Razr has a 64MP main sensor with f/1.7 aperture along with the same 13MP ultra-wide and macro lens. Both phones skip optical zoom, which is a trade-off for having a foldable phone. However, we’ll have to run a full imaging test of both phones to see how their photo quality compares.
Besides the flexible placement that allows you to prop up or hold the phones like a camcorder, there are a number of content capture features built into the Razr family. Hand gestures, auto smile, photo booth, double capture, dual view are among those that will make the Razr stand out.
Motorola Razr+ vs Motorola Razr (2023): Battery Life
An improvement over the previous generation Razr, both new devices have larger battery capacities. Motorola Razr+ offers a capacity of 3,800mAh, while the Razr has a 4,200mAh battery thanks to space saved with a smaller screen.
We have some concerns about the stamina we’re getting from the hardware, especially with the Razr+’s demanding external screen, but we’ll have to run a constant web surfing battery test before we know if they stand a chance at the best phone battery life on our list.
Charging the Razr+ and Razr shouldn’t be a problem, in the least. Both support 30W TurboPower charging and 5W wireless charging.
Motorola Razr+ vs Motorola Razr (2023): Outlook
Assuming that the Motorola Razr is, in fact, significantly cheaper than the Razr+, it will be important to weigh the trade-offs during our in-depth testing. It may also be the case that each phone is for a different customer, with the Razr+ providing ultimate ease of use and the regular Razr providing a less varied experience.
