Motorola Razr 2024: A Significant Leap Forward?
Motorola's latest iteration of its iconic flip phone, the Razr 2024, brings some notable improvements over its predecessor. But are these changes enough to justify an upgrade? Let's dive into the details.
Key Upgrades
The most striking change in the Razr 2024 is its external display. At 3.6 inches, it's more than twice the size of the 2023 model's 1.5-inch screen. This larger display allows for greater functionality without opening the phone, including:
- Controlling music playback
- Taking selfies with a preview
- Accessing various apps
Other improvements include:
- 15W wireless charging (up from 5W)
- IPX8 water resistance (submersible up to 1.5m for 30 minutes)
- A more compact hinge, resulting in a less noticeable crease
Performance and Specifications
The Razr 2024 is powered by a MediaTek Dimensity 7300X processor, which should provide smooth performance for most tasks. It comes with:
- 8GB of RAM
- 256GB of storage (non-expandable)
- 4,200mAh battery
- Android 14 with Motorola's new Hello UX interface
Camera Changes
Interestingly, the main camera has seen a downgrade in megapixels:
- 50MP main camera (down from 64MP)
- 12.6MP ultrawide (slightly down from 13MP)
However, megapixels aren't everything, and real-world performance remains to be seen.
Software and AI Features
The Razr 2024 introduces several AI-powered features:
- Catch me up for summarizing notifications
- Pay attention for launching recording features
- Remember this for quick screen captures
Additionally, it includes some capabilities powered by Google's Gemini Nano AI.
Price and Availability
The Motorola Razr 2024 will be available for $699, launching on:
- July 10th: T-Mobile
- July 24th: Best Buy, Amazon, Motorola.com, Consumer Cellular, and Xfinity Mobile
Is It Worth Upgrading?
If you're coming from the Razr 2023 (currently available for $449), the decision isn't straightforward. The larger external display and improved water resistance are significant upgrades. However, the camera specs are slightly lower, and the core internals remain similar.
For new buyers or those with older phones, the Razr 2024 offers an intriguing package. Its blend of nostalgia and modern features, coupled with a competitive price point, makes it a compelling option in the foldable market.
Ultimately, the value proposition will depend on how much you'll utilize the expanded external display functionality and whether the water resistance is a must-have feature for your lifestyle.
