I tested Motorola’s new Razr Plus (2024) and the Samsung Galaxy Z Flip felt outdated

The smartphone release schedule typically goes something like this: New Android flagships come out early in the year, then mid-range phones in the spring, followed by foldables in the summer and the iPhone in the fall. Right now, we’re in the third phase, with Motorola kicking things off this week by announcing two new flip phones, the Razr and Razr Plus 2024.

Also see: What to expect from Samsung Unpacked Summer 2024: Galaxy Z Fold 6, Watch 7, Smart Ring, and more

Both phones look similar to last year’s models, and the Razr and Razr Plus also have the same price tag, $699 and $999, respectively, but three notable differences make them even more worthy of your consideration in 2024.

See at Motorola

1. Large external displays on both models

Perhaps the most logical (and unsurprising) upgrade to this year’s Razr models is the larger external displays, with the standard Razr going from a 1.5-inch OLED to 3.6-inch, while the Razr Plus goes from a 3.6-inch OLED to 4 inches.

They were both just bright enough to glide under the afternoon sun in Williamsburg, Brooklyn, and the smoothness of the Razr Plus’ 165Hz panel was particularly pleasing. I just wonder what impact the high refresh rate display will have on the phones’ batteries, which are rated at 4,000mAh (Plus) and 4,200mAh (standard).

Also: Motorola Razr Plus (2023) review: The best folding foldable of the moment

The Plus model’s smaller battery can be explained by its larger 4-inch display, which gives it the title of having the largest external display of any flip phone, surpassing the 3.4-inch panel on the Samsung Galaxy Z Flip 5 (and possibly the Z Flip 6). Does 0.4 inches make a difference to the user experience? Not significantly, but perhaps enough to motivate me to use the external display more often.

2. I am cautiously optimistic about Moto AI

It can’t be a 2024 phone without AI features. Both Motorola Razr models come with the Google Gemini app pre-installed, accessible via a long press of the power button. Considering how handy I found this shortcut when I tested the Pixel 8a just a month ago, I expect this similar integration to continue to help me expand my use of the tools. Mobile AI.

Also: Google reveals new artificial intelligence features for Android phones. Here’s what you can expect

The AI ​​features of the more expensive and more capable Razr Plus model go beyond what Google has to offer. Motorola will roll out new Moto AI features in the coming months, including voice prompts such as “Catch me up” to summarize notifications, “Pay attention” to start a voice recording with transcriptions and summary, and “Remember this” to capture what’s on the screen and store it for later recall.

The latter feature is similar to Microsoft’s Recall, which captures screenshots every few seconds so the system can extract any textual or visual information you might need in the future. However, with Microsoft delaying Recall over privacy and security concerns, the same concerns could affect Motorola’s “Remember this” feature. When asked how it protects user information, the company says that the Razr Plus will only store what is on the screen when the user asks it to, and that all information is stored on the device. We’ll have to see the feature for ourselves when it rolls out later this fall.

3. Textured backing is here to stay

Motorola seems to have focused on textured back covers, and I don’t blame them. Along with the Razr phones’ flashy new colors, including a “hot pink” for the Plus model that’s reminiscent of the old Motorola Razr V3, they’re made from a grippy vegan leather (or suede) material. Paired with the phone’s contoured edges, I wouldn’t expect these devices to slip out of your hand or pocket.

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If that’s the case, both models now feature Corning Gorilla Glass Victus and a 30% smaller hinge design that the company says improves dust protection (from last year’s IP54 to this year’s IPX8), reduces creases, and makes the devices more comfortable to use.

The Razr and Razr Plus 2024 will be available for pre-order starting July 10 and will officially arrive in stores on July 24.

Some anecdotes…

• Both models come with 256GB base storage and configurable RAM (8GB or 12GB).
• The Razr Plus is powered by a Qualcomm Snapdragon 8s Gen 3 (hence the Moto AI exclusivity), while the Razr has a MediaTek Dimensity 7300X processor.
• New AI-powered camera features include a photo enhancement engine that automatically optimizes details, clarity, highlights, shadows, bokeh effects, and more.
• The Razr Plus no longer has an ultra-wide-angle camera. It now has a 50 MP main lens and a 50 MP telephoto lens, the latter of which Motorola says is more popular among Razr users.
• On the other hand, the Razr do have an ultra-wide camera, even if it’s only a 13MP sensor.
• Both phones support 15W wireless charging.
• Motorola promises three operating system upgrades and four years of security updates.
• The external display will now show an always-on graphic when phones are folded at an angle.
• Motorola won’t include a charging brick in the box – just a USB-C to USB-C cable.