Technology
Motorola Razr 50 Ultra: a nostalgic practical reflection
When I was in primary school, I had a hobby of circling my dream purchases in the seasonal Argos catalog – even if my parents had no intention of buying them. These include Furbies, Lego sets and giant inflatable swimming pools that are about twice the size of our garden.
But one item that I kept coming back to again and again was the original Motorola Razr V3, in all its bright pink glory.
From Doctor Who to The Devil Wears Prada, this iconic flip phone – magenta or otherwise – was featured in all my favorite TV shows and movies, and was a staple for all the popular kids. I really wanted one because the iconic construction stood out from the crowd.
Unfortunately, the high price tag at the time (cries of inflation) meant I was never able to realize the dream of using a Motorola Razr flip phone… until now.
Motorola revived the legendary model in 2019, and the fifth-generation line of this series has just launched in the US and UK with two models, the Razr 50 and Razr 50 Ultra (the latter will be known in America as the Razr 50+). I got my hands on the premium model for review, on behalf of Tech Advisor.
Users can grab that bold and hot pink colorway in this redesigned 2024 flip model
Motorola
Motorola
Motorola
Users can grab that bold and bright pink colorway in this redesigned 2024 Flip model (last year’s Razr 40 came in a purple hue), but there are three other options available: Forest Green, Peach Fuzz, and Midnight Blue, the version which I am testing. They all start from £999/$999.
We have come a long way since the 1990s in terms of technological advancements. The 50 Ultra’s external display is the largest ever on a flip phone at 4 inches and can be used for many purposes, with support for apps like Google Maps, Gmail, Slack and more – including a dedicated page for Spotify playback.
It’s not just for pretty backgrounds, like the original Razr V3 used to be.
Keeping the screen closed feels much safer when I’m walking around in public because I hold the phone securely and can still read notifications and reply to messages without unfolding anything. Moreover, there are customization options such as fonts, colors and wallpapers to give this phone personality.
Just unfolding the 6.9-inch pOLED screen to answer a phone call gives me a little hit of nostalgic dopamine
Hannah Cowton / Foundry
Hannah Cowton / Foundry
Hannah Cowton / Foundry
Despite these improvements, there are still plenty of throwback nods with this latest phone. The new camcorder mode can be activated by folding the phone 90 degrees horizontally, which automatically starts stabilized video recording when the camera app is open.
The matching strap with the leather case also feels like an updated take on the phone charms we’d see people attaching to the classic Razr model. The press team mentioned wearing it as a lanyard, but I enjoyed carrying it around the house as a small crossbody bag. Even without the strap, the folded size allows me to store it neatly in my pocket.
Just unfolding the 6.9-inch pOLED screen to answer a phone call gives me a little hit of nostalgic dopamine, especially when paired with the iconic “Hello Moto” ringtone that accompanied the tech brand’s old ads .
Hannah Cowton / Foundry
Hannah Cowton / Foundry
Hannah Cowton / Foundry
Motorola has revamped the hinge on this phone and claims it makes it easier to open the phone with one hand. It’s possible, but still not as easy as the old model – maybe give it a few generations.
Of course, the Razr 50 series aren’t the only clamshell phones on the market. There is the Oppo Find N2 Flip, the Nubia Flip 5G and the Samsung Galaxy Z Flip series, which is expected to receive a new installment in the coming weeks.
But none of these phones have the brand recognition of the original Motorola Razr V3. It is perhaps one of the biggest technology symbols of the 2000s, with the exception of the Blackberry (RIP). And that, my friends, is something that can’t be topped by great camera technology or AI software.
I will always defend what I stood for when I was younger: I will still buy Sonic games (whether they’re bad or not) because those were the titles I played on my Gameboy Advance SP. I’ve watched every episode of the Gladiators reboot on BBC One, as there were always reruns of the ’90s classic on our televisions growing up.
Hannah Cowton / Foundry
Hannah Cowton / Foundry
Hannah Cowton / Foundry
That same kind of enthusiasm flows through me for this particular phone series. As I dig into the details of the tech specs for a full review in the coming weeks, I’m giving that young girl in me permission to feel giddy that she’s finally gotten her hands on a real, physical device. Razr, instead of a printed version scruffily marked in ink.
The Razr 50 Ultra will be available to purchase from tomorrow, June 26, for £999 via sites such as Motorola’s official store, John Lewis, Argos and Amazon in Britain. You get a free pair of Motobuds+.
It will be followed by the regular Razr 50, which will arrive in the UK in early July for £799, again with a free pair of Motobuds+ from Motorola, Car telephone warehouse, Curries, Vodafone, John Lewis, Argos and Amazon.
US readers can pre-order the Razr 50 (starting at $699) and 50+ (starting at $999) starting July 10, with the phones hitting shelves on July 24.
