The short version
Key points
- The cover screen supports much of the Android experience, including messages, notifications, Maps, Gmail and Google Photos.
- The refined hinge folds flat, feels smooth and leaves the internal display almost crease-free from normal viewing angles.
- The 6.9-inch internal display offers a 120Hz adaptive refresh rate, HDR10+ and a wide colour gamut.
- The 50-megapixel main camera takes detailed daylight photos, but image processing can produce heavy sharpening.
- Battery life generally lasts a day, although heavy use can require a recharge before the day is over.
Design and hinge
The razr 50 folds into a compact shape that fits comfortably in the palm, then opens into something closer to a conventional large smartphone. Its rounded metal edges, vegan leather rear panel and slim form factor give it a premium feel. The leather is comfortable to hold, although it can attract lint in a pocket. One slightly sharp area is where the top of the hinge meets the frame.
The hinge is one of the phone’s strongest physical features. It feels smooth and refined, allows the phone to close flat without a visible gap, and supports several hands-free positions. The partially folded design can be used for group video calls, selfies and watching media without propping the phone against another object.
Displays and cover screen
The internal display is a 6.9-inch Full HD+ panel with HDR10+, 10-bit colour and an adaptive refresh rate that reaches 120Hz. It provides a large, smooth viewing area for video, browsing and general Android use. The crease is difficult to see in normal use, although it can be felt when a finger passes over the centre of the screen.
The external cover display is the standout feature. It supports much of the Android operating system, including notifications, quick settings, messages, Maps, Gmail and Google Photos. It can be used to reply to messages with a full-screen keyboard, check email, skip songs, view reminders, check the weather and perform other tasks without opening the phone. Not every app works natively, although some can operate in widget mode.
Cameras and artificial intelligence
The rear camera system includes a 50-megapixel main camera and an ultra-wide camera, but there is no telephoto lens. In daylight, the main camera captures plenty of detail, solid dynamic range and vibrant colours. People generally look natural, but some images show heavy sharpening that can make lines and textures appear artificial. The review suggests this processing could potentially be improved through a future software update.
The razr 50 also includes a 32-megapixel internal selfie camera. The foldable design makes it possible to use the external main camera with the cover display acting as a viewfinder, which can provide a more practical way to take selfies.
Google Gemini is integrated through a voice command and works with services including Maps, Gmail and YouTube. It can help draft emails, offer navigation assistance, organise tasks, set timers, create reminders and draft notes. The review found its conversational understanding more natural than earlier voice assistant interactions.
Performance, connectivity and audio
The phone uses a MediaTek Dimensity 7300X processor with 8GB of RAM and 256GB of storage. It supports Wi-Fi 6E and delivered a generally smooth Android experience for everyday tasks and gaming. More demanding multitasking can cause occasional lag, but the phone stayed cool and benefited from efficient thermal management.
Testing on the Telstra network produced strong signal performance and clear call quality. The stereo speakers were lively and full even at maximum volume, although bass was limited, likely because of the tightly packed foldable design.
Battery and software support
The 4,200mAh battery supports 30W TurboPower wired charging and 15W wireless charging. On a typical day, it lasted through the full day. Heavy use, including hotspot use during a day trip to Melbourne, drained the battery quickly enough to require charging by halfway through the day.
Motorola promises three Android operating system updates and four years of security patches. The review considers this shorter than the support offered by some competitors.
TechManPat’s conclusion
If I had to buy an Android phone today, I would choose the razr 50, and I think it would sit in my top three. The hinge and especially the useful cover screen make the phone better to use, while the battery, performance and software support concerns are minor in the overall experience. I have become a convert to foldables and would miss using it.
This knowledge-centre summary is based on the linked TechManPat video and reflects the information available when it was published. Check current pricing, availability and policies before acting.
