Motorola Razr 50

Design

The phone features a refined clamshell design that blends nostalgic style with modern functionality. It is coated in vegan leather, providing a distinctive look and a comfortable grip.

The Motorola Razr 50 has Gorilla Glass Victus on the front and feels high quality in hand, even when it is folded. Its solid hinge allows for easy one-handed operation, holding position at various angles.

Thanks to its IPX8 water resistance, you can confidently handle the phone near water. ‘The phone opens and closes with a satisfying snap,’ as noted by Tom’s Guide, ensuring durability and reliability in daily use.

Display(s)

Unlike its predecessor, this phone features an advanced cover screen displaying at 3.6 inches, making tasks more manageable without opening the phone. The external display surpasses the previous 1.5-inch version in visibility and function.

Its high-quality OLED screen bathes you in bright and vivid visuals. Experts highlight, “the external display is actually useful,” offering convenience and utility that wasn’t possible before.

This improvement solidifies its value as a functional foldable option.

Performance

The phone features the MediaTek Dimensity 7300X processor, offering decent performance for regular use. You’ll find basic apps run smoothly, but when pushed with resource-heavy tasks, the performance does not excel.

Reviewers note, “My time with the Razr 50 wasn’t without its instances of lag and stutter in regular and fairly low-intensity situations.” It’s comparable to last year’s model in general speed, offering no significant progress in this area.

The device’s storage speed also lags due to the use of outdated technology, leading to delays when handling larger files.

Software & Storage

The Motorola Razr 50 runs on Android 14, with its own Hello UX adding useful features like Moto Secure and Moto Unplugged for security and digital wellbeing. These are separate apps, allowing you to enjoy a streamlined Android experience.

Security updates promise stretches until June 2028, which gives peace of mind when it comes to safe device usage. Experts feel the three-year promise for interface updates could be more generous compared to some competitors.

Some pre-installed apps can be uninstalled, so you can customize your mobile experience to your preferences.

Cameras

The main camera captures vibrant and detailed images in good light, but can struggle in low-light conditions, often leading to blurry or noisy shots. Reviewers note that the Razr 50 delivers an inconsistent photo quality, especially under challenging lighting.

The 13MP ultrawide lens offers versatility for capturing wider scenes, although clarity can drop compared to the main sensor. Using the cover display for selfies with the main camera enhances quality, allowing for clearer and more detailed shots compared to the front-facing selfie camera.

Motorola’s clever design allows for innovative shooting modes, yet “Motorola could have done better with the selfie camera,” experts observed, suggesting the cameras satisfy average needs but won’t replace a standalone camera for demanding photographers.

Battery

With its 4,200mAh battery, users can expect the phone to last through a day and a half of moderate use, providing peace of mind for those always on the move. If you use your phone lightly, you’ll find it can last up to two days.

Charging is efficient with 30W wired options, though you’ll need to purchase a charger separately. Reviewers from PCMag noted, “The phone supports rapid wired charging at 30W and wireless charging at 15W.” This convenience ensures you’re quickly powered up and back to your tasks.

The phone’s wireless charging capability offers added flexibility with 15W support, improving the charging speed compared to last year’s models, making it a reliable option for the average user.

Audio

While the Motorola Razr 50 offers stereo speakers, reviews hint at a moderate audio performance overall. The sound profile is described as fairly balanced, but with a thin and tinny tone, particularly when at higher volumes.

During calls, the built-in microphone provides adequate clarity. However, conversations may feel less immersive compared to premium devices due to quieter maximum volume levels and somewhat hollow sound on hands-free calls.

Unfortunately, movie and music enthusiasts seeking rich audio may need external speakers for enhanced bass and sound quality. For everyday tasks and casual media use, though, it holds up well enough according to experts.

The Bottom Line

This device offers a practical alternative to more expensive foldable phones, featuring an impressive 3.6-inch cover display that enhances usability for tasks like checking notifications and taking selfies.

The hinge feels robust, providing a satisfying flip experience reminiscent of older phones. Its design, paired with vegan leather, ensures a comfortable grip and appealing look.

While the phone shines in terms of design and usability, performance and camera quality have room for improvement, with “PCMag” noting, “the cameras can certainly use a boost.”