Motorola Razr 70 Plus Review: External Display Elevates Foldable Utility, But Lacks Top-Tier Performance

The Motorola Razr 70 Plus enters the premium foldable segment with a compelling proposition: a significantly larger external display for enhanced usability and a unique design. Priced around €1,200, it aims to challenge established players like the Samsung Galaxy Z Flip7 by offering a more functional experience when the device is closed.

Design and Display

Motorola has opted for a vegan leather finish on the back of the Razr 70 Plus, which provides a premium feel, improved grip, and better resistance to fingerprints compared to glass. Weighing 189 grams, the device feels comfortable in hand, though its 22:9 aspect ratio when unfolded can make one-handed reach to the top of the 6.9-inch internal AMOLED display challenging. This internal screen boasts a 165Hz refresh rate and a peak brightness of 3,000 nits, offering vibrant visuals with minimal crease visibility.

The standout feature is the 4-inch external OLED display, also with a 165Hz refresh rate and 2,400 nits peak brightness. This larger external screen allows for more versatile interaction with apps before unfolding the device. However, the cutout for the rear cameras on this external display can sometimes interfere with full-screen content, a partial software workaround notwithstanding. The side-mounted fingerprint sensor, integrated into the power button, is fast and accurate, though the volume buttons are positioned a bit high for easy access.

Performance and Software

Under the hood, the Razr 70 Plus is powered by the Qualcomm Snapdragon 8s Gen 3 processor, paired with 12GB of LPDDR5X RAM. This chipset offers robust performance for everyday tasks, including social media, web browsing, and general multitasking. While it handles daily operations smoothly, it falls short of the absolute cutting-edge flagship processors, which may be noticeable in graphically intensive gaming or when heavily pushing the device. The phone exhibits some performance dips when battery saver is active and can experience noticeable heat buildup during extended gaming sessions due to its compact design.

The device runs Android 16 with Motorola’s Hello UI. The interface is generally user-friendly, with Motorola’s signature gestures proving particularly useful on a foldable form factor. However, occasional stutters and animation hitches suggest that software optimization could be improved. The inclusion of pre-installed third-party apps, though uninstallable, slightly detracts from the premium out-of-the-box experience. Motorola promises three years of Android OS updates and five years of security patches, a support window that might be considered short for a device in this price bracket.

AI features are integrated through Moto AI and Gemini, with tools like Perplexity pre-installed. The cloud-based Moto AI assistant provides decent query responses, though the AI’s voice is noted as unnatural. Reports indicate issues with the Moto AI settings for managing local AI models, which could hinder users looking to leverage on-device AI capabilities.

Camera and Battery Life

The camera system comprises a 50MP main sensor with OIS and a 50MP ultrawide/macro lens. A significant omission for a phone in this price range is the lack of a dedicated optical telephoto lens, even considering industry component constraints. Daytime photos from the main sensor offer good sharpness and vibrant colors, though Motorola’s processing tends towards oversaturation. Digital zoom beyond 2x results in a noticeable decline in image quality. The ultrawide camera provides decent detail but exhibits color and exposure inconsistencies compared to the main sensor, along with noticeable distortion at the edges.

The foldable design truly shines for selfies, allowing users to utilize the higher-quality rear cameras with the external display as a viewfinder. This makes the 32MP internal front-facing camera largely redundant, primarily serving video calls. Video recording is competent, offering good stabilization and color reproduction.

A 4,500 mAh battery powers the Razr 70 Plus. It is sufficient for moderate daily use, typically yielding five to six hours of screen-on time. However, heavy usage involving GPS or extensive camera work can strain its endurance, making it a struggle to last a full day. The 45W fast charging is a strong point, capable of charging the device from 0 to 100% in about 55 minutes, with a 15-minute boost providing significant power for a few hours. 15W wireless charging is also included, though the absence of Qi2 support is a minor drawback.

Conclusion

The Motorola Razr 70 Plus is a visually appealing foldable with a standout 4-inch external display and a premium vegan leather finish. Its compact design and functional external screen offer a unique user experience. However, its premium price tag is somewhat challenged by compromises such as the use of a slightly older generation processor, a camera system lacking optical zoom versatility, and battery life that may not satisfy power users. For those prioritizing distinctive design, portability, and an enhanced external screen experience, the Razr 70 Plus is a compelling, albeit imperfect, choice. Users who demand absolute peak performance, extensive camera flexibility, and longer battery life might find conventional high-end smartphones a more reliable option.

Key facts:
| Feature | Specification |
|—|—|
| Internal Display | 6.9″ AMOLED LTPO (165Hz) |
| External Display | 4″ OLED (165Hz) |
| Processor | Qualcomm Snapdragon 8s Gen 3 |
| RAM | 12GB LPDDR5X |
| Rear Cameras | 50MP Main (OIS), 50MP Ultrawide/Macro |
| Battery | 4,500 mAh |
| Charging | 45W Wired, 15W Wireless |
| Operating System | Android 16 with Hello UI |

Source: Motorola Razr 70 Plus, análisis: creíamos que los plegables eran para abrirlos. Su pantalla externa lo cambia todo – Xataka (https://www.xataka.com/analisis/motorola-razr-70-plus-analisis-caracteristicas-precio-especificaciones)

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