The Motorola Razr Plus 2023, also known as the Razr 40 Ultra in some markets, is a compelling entry in the foldable smartphone arena, standing out with its remarkably large and highly functional external display.

While it doesn’t dethrone the likes of Samsung’s Z Flip series in every single category, its innovative cover screen functionality, sleek design, and competitive pricing make it a strong contender for those seeking a unique and practical foldable experience.

This device is less about raw spec sheet dominance and more about delivering a refined user experience through thoughtful design and software integration, particularly leveraging that expansive outer screen for everything from quick replies to gaming.

Product Name	Category	Key Feature Relevant to Razr Plus	Price Range Estimate
Motorola Razr Plus 2023	Foldable Smartphone	Largest, most functional external display	$700 – $1000
Samsung Galaxy Z Flip 5	Foldable Smartphone	Larger Flex Window, robust ecosystem	$800 – $1100
Google Pixel 8	Flagship Smartphone	Exceptional camera, clean Android experience	$500 – $700
Apple iPhone 15	Flagship Smartphone	Premium build, strong ecosystem, reliable performance	$700 – $900
JBL Flip 6 Portable Bluetooth Speaker	Portable Speaker	Compact, durable audio companion for mobile devices	$100 – $150
Anker Power Bank 737 PowerCore 24K	Portable Charger	High-capacity fast charging for phones on the go	$100 – $150
Spigen Thin Fit Designed for Motorola Razr Plus 2023 Case	Phone Case	Slim, protective case for the Razr Plus	$20 – $40

Table of Contents

The Game-Changing External Display: FlexView Deep Dive

Alright, let’s cut to the chase.

The Motorola Razr Plus 2023’s headline act, the undeniable showstopper, is its 3.6-inch external pOLED display, which Motorola aptly calls the FlexView. This isn’t just some glorified notification bar.

It’s a fully interactive, highly functional secondary screen that fundamentally changes how you interact with a flip phone.

Most other foldables have gone the route of smaller, less versatile outer screens, but Motorola went all-in, and it largely paid off.

What Makes FlexView Different?

Unlike competitors that often restrict external display functionality to a handful of widgets or specific apps, the FlexView display on the Razr Plus 2023 is designed to run almost any app you want. Think about that for a second. K7 Antivirus Premium Review

You can browse Google Maps for directions, scroll through TikTok, reply to WhatsApp messages, or even play games – all without ever flipping open the phone. This isn’t just a gimmick.

It’s a genuine time-saver and a convenience multiplier.

Full App Support: Motorola has optimized a range of apps for the FlexView display, making them easily navigable. Even unoptimized apps often work surprisingly well, though some might require a bit of scrolling or pinch-to-zoom due to the aspect ratio.
Contextual Panels: The display features customizable “panels” for quick access to essentials like weather, calendar, contacts, and controls for Spotify. Swiping through these is fluid and intuitive.
Selfie Powerhouse: The FlexView display also serves as a fantastic viewfinder for selfies, allowing you to use the superior main cameras instead of the internal selfie camera. This is a huge win for photo quality.

Practicality and Use Cases

The real genius of the FlexView display comes down to its practical applications.

Imagine you’re on a busy street, and you get a quick text. Motorola Moto G Power 5G 2023 Review

Instead of fumbling to open your phone, you just glance at the cover screen, type a quick reply, and keep moving.

Or you’re at the gym, want to change a song on your JBL Flip 6 Portable Bluetooth Speaker, and the controls are right there.

Use Case	Benefit	Example Apps/Actions
Quick Replies	Respond without opening	Messaging apps, emails
Navigation	At-a-glance directions	Google Maps, Waze
Podcast Control	Playback management	Spotify, YouTube Podcast
Camera Viewfinder	High-quality selfies	Main camera usage for selfies
Information Glance	Stay updated quickly	Weather, calendar, notifications
Mini-Gaming	Casual entertainment	Optimized small games, Candy Crush

This level of functionality on an external display is arguably the Razr Plus 2023’s biggest differentiator against the Samsung Galaxy Z Flip 5, whose own Flex Window, while larger than previous generations, still feels more restrictive in its app support and overall interactivity.

If you value efficiency and minimal interaction with the main screen, the FlexView is a total game-changer.

Design and Build Quality: A Premium Flip

Motorola clearly put a lot of thought into the aesthetics and tactile feel of the Razr Plus 2023. This isn’t just a gadget. it’s a fashion statement. Acer Chromebook 315 2023 Review

The overall design language is sleek, modern, and undeniably premium.

Form Factor and Materials

The Razr Plus 2023 boasts an aluminum frame and Gorilla Glass Victus on the back, giving it a solid, durable feel.

It’s noticeably thinner than its predecessor, the Razr 2022, and also slimmer than the Samsung Galaxy Z Flip 5 when folded, making it more pocketable.

Colors and Finishes: The phone comes in striking color options, including Infinite Black, Glacier Blue, and a vibrant Viva Magenta, which features a vegan leather finish. That vegan leather option not only looks fantastic but also adds a pleasing tactile grip.
Hinge Mechanism: Motorola has refined its “tear-drop” hinge, which allows the screen to fold with a minimal crease. When fully unfolded, the crease is still faintly visible, but it’s significantly less noticeable than on some other foldables and largely disappears during everyday use. The hinge feels sturdy and inspires confidence, holding its position at various angles for “Flex View” use cases like tripod-less video calls.

Portability and Durability

One of the main draws of a flip phone is its compact nature when folded. The Razr Plus 2023 excels here. Lucidchart Review

It genuinely slips into small pockets or purses with ease.

Closed Dimensions: The device measures a mere 7.0 x 88.4 x 15.1mm when closed, making it incredibly compact.
IP52 Rating: It carries an IP52 rating for water and dust resistance. While not as robust as the IPX8 rating found on Samsung’s foldables which means submersion protection, IP52 offers protection against splashes and light dust, which is better than nothing for a foldable. You wouldn’t want to drop it in a pool, but a light rain shower won’t be the end of the world.
Display Durability: The internal folding display, made of ultra-thin glass, is still the most delicate part of any foldable. While Motorola has improved its hinge design to minimize crease stress, it’s still wise to treat it with care. Using a protective case like the Spigen Thin Fit Designed for Motorola Razr Plus 2023 Case is a no-brainer for added peace of mind.

Performance: Snappy Enough for Daily Drivers

Under the hood, the Motorola Razr Plus 2023 is powered by the Snapdragon 8+ Gen 1 chipset.

Now, some folks might raise an eyebrow, as newer flagships like the Samsung Galaxy Z Flip 5 and Google Pixel 8 are sporting the newer Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 or Google’s Tensor G3. However, let’s be real: the Snapdragon 8+ Gen 1 is still an incredibly powerful and efficient chip, more than capable of handling just about anything you throw at it.

Everyday Usability

For daily tasks, the Razr Plus 2023 feels incredibly smooth and responsive. Amazon Echo Frames 2Nd Gen Review

App Switching and Multitasking: Swapping between apps is fluid, and even with multiple applications open, there’s no noticeable lag. Whether you’re browsing the web, scrolling through social media, or managing your emails, the phone keeps up without a hitch.
Gaming Performance: While it’s not marketed as a hardcore gaming phone, the Razr Plus can handle graphically intensive games like Genshin Impact or Call of Duty Mobile at respectable frame rates, especially if you dial down some settings. Casual games, of course, run flawlessly. The smaller internal display might not be ideal for competitive gaming, but for a quick session, it’s perfectly fine.

Software Optimization

Motorola’s near-stock Android experience, coupled with thoughtful optimizations for the foldable form factor, contributes significantly to the smooth performance.

There’s minimal bloatware, and the interface is clean and intuitive.

The “Ready For” platform, which allows you to extend your phone’s experience to larger screens, also runs smoothly, turning your Razr Plus into a mini-desktop or a gaming console.

Flex View Optimizations: A lot of the performance is dedicated to ensuring the FlexView display is as snappy and responsive as the main screen. This is critical for the phone’s unique selling proposition.
Updates: Motorola has committed to three OS upgrades and four years of security updates, which is decent for an Android phone, though not quite on par with Google Pixel or Samsung Galaxy flagship policies.

Camera System: Decent, But Not Class-Leading

Here’s where the Razr Plus 2023 takes a slight step back compared to its competitors. Blink Outdoor Review

The camera system, while capable, isn’t going to rival the likes of the Google Pixel 8 or Apple iPhone 15 in terms of raw photographic prowess. It’s good, but not great.

Hardware Specifications

The Razr Plus 2023 features a dual-camera setup on the exterior:

Main Camera: 12MP, f/1.5 aperture, OIS Optical Image Stabilization
Ultrawide Camera: 13MP, f/2.2 aperture, also functions as a macro lens

On the inside, there’s a 32MP selfie camera, but frankly, you’ll rarely need it thanks to the excellent external display and main cameras.

Image Quality

In good lighting conditions, the main 12MP sensor can capture detailed and vibrant photos with accurate colors. Msi Cyborg 15 2023 Review

Motorola’s image processing tends to produce slightly more natural-looking shots compared to some competitors that might oversaturate.

Low Light: This is where the camera struggles a bit. While the f/1.5 aperture helps gather light, images in very dim conditions can show more noise and less detail compared to top-tier flagships. Night Vision mode does improve things, but it requires patience and a steady hand.
Video: Video recording goes up to 4K at 60fps. The stabilization is decent, but not on par with the gimbal-like smoothness of some other flagships.

Leveraging the FlexView for Photography

The most significant advantage of the Razr Plus 2023’s camera system isn’t the megapixels, but how the FlexView display enhances the shooting experience.

Best Selfies: Using the main 12MP camera for selfies, with the FlexView display as your viewfinder, results in vastly superior self-portraits compared to any internal selfie camera. This alone is a huge selling point for selfie enthusiasts.
Dual-View Photos: You can show your subject a live preview on the external screen while you frame the shot on the internal screen, making it easier to capture great reactions.
Tabletop Mode: Folding the phone at 90 degrees allows you to place it on a flat surface, turning it into its own tripod for stable shots or video calls, eliminating the need for accessories.

In summary, if photography is your absolute top priority, you might lean towards a dedicated camera phone like the Google Pixel 8 or Apple iPhone 15. But for everyday shots, social media, and especially selfies, the Razr Plus 2023 delivers a perfectly acceptable, and often very clever, camera experience.

Battery Life and Charging: Keeping the Fold Open

Battery life on foldables has historically been a point of contention, primarily due to the compact designs and the power draw of dual displays.

The Motorola Razr Plus 2023 packs a 3800mAh battery, which is a decent size for a flip phone, larger than the 3700mAh in the Samsung Galaxy Z Flip 5.

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Real-World Endurance

In my experience, the Razr Plus 2023 typically offers a full day of moderate use.

This means a mix of browsing, social media, messaging, some camera use, and occasional interaction with the external display.

Moderate Use: You’re looking at around 4-5 hours of screen-on time, which should get most users from morning to evening.
Heavy Use: If you’re constantly gaming, streaming video, or relying heavily on the internal display, you might find yourself reaching for a charger by late afternoon or early evening.
FlexView Impact: Interestingly, significant use of the external FlexView display for quick tasks can sometimes extend overall battery life, as it uses less power than the larger internal screen. This is a subtle but important benefit.

Charging Speeds

The Razr Plus 2023 supports 30W wired charging and 5W wireless charging. Montech Air 903 Max Review

While 30W isn’t the fastest in the Android world, it’s respectable and gets the job done.

Wired Charging: You can expect to go from 0% to around 50% in roughly 30 minutes, and a full charge typically takes just over an hour. Motorola includes a 30W charger in the box, which is a nice touch, as many manufacturers have stopped doing so.
Wireless Charging: The 5W wireless charging is quite slow, primarily meant for overnight top-ups rather than quick power boosts. It’s a convenient feature to have, but don’t expect rapid charging without a cable.
On-the-Go Charging: For those times when you’re out and about and need a quick jolt, a high-capacity portable charger like the Anker Power Bank 737 PowerCore 24K is an invaluable accessory. It can fully recharge the Razr Plus multiple times, ensuring you never run out of juice.

Overall, the battery life is competitive within the flip phone category.

It’s not going to set any records, but it’s generally sufficient for most users, especially if you leverage the efficiency of the external display.

Software Experience: Near-Stock Android with Useful Additions

Motorola has consistently impressed with its approach to Android: a near-stock experience with thoughtful, useful additions rather than heavy, bloated skins.

The Razr Plus 2023 runs Android 13 out of the box, with Motorola’s My UX enhancements. Sony Fe 70 200Mm F4 Macro G Oss Ii Review

Clean and Intuitive Interface

One of the greatest strengths of Motorola phones is their software.

The interface is clean, uncluttered, and highly intuitive.

This makes it easy for anyone, whether a long-time Android user or someone switching from an Apple iPhone 15, to pick up and use immediately.

Minimal Bloatware: You won’t find a ton of pre-installed, unnecessary apps. What’s there is mostly Google’s suite of applications, along with Motorola’s own helpful tools.
Smooth Performance: The lightweight software contributes significantly to the device’s snappy performance, even with the Snapdragon 8+ Gen 1. It feels optimized and responsive.

Motorola’s Thoughtful Additions My UX

While “near-stock” implies simplicity, Motorola doesn’t shy away from adding genuinely useful features that enhance the user experience, especially for a foldable. Guardio Review

Moto Gestures: These are a fan favorite for a reason. Actions like a quick “chop” to turn on the flashlight or a “twist” to launch the camera become second nature and are incredibly convenient.
Ready For: This platform allows you to connect your Razr Plus to a larger display like a monitor or TV to get a desktop-like experience, play games, or make video calls. It’s a powerful tool for productivity on the go.
Flex View Optimizations: Motorola has done an excellent job integrating the external display into the software. The “panels” are customizable, and there’s a dedicated “Apps” section to choose which applications you want quick access to on the cover screen.
Personalization Options: My UX offers extensive customization for themes, fonts, icon shapes, and more, allowing users to truly make the phone their own without overwhelming them.

Software Updates and Longevity

Motorola promises three major Android OS updates and four years of security updates for the Razr Plus 2023. While this is better than some budget Android phones, it still trails behind Samsung and Google, which offer longer support windows for their flagship devices.

This is something to consider if long-term software support is a high priority for you.

Android 14: The Razr Plus 2023 is expected to receive the Android 14 update, which will bring further refinements and new features.
Security Patches: Regular security patches are crucial for keeping your device protected from vulnerabilities. Four years of patches provide a reasonable window of security.

Overall, the software experience on the Razr Plus 2023 is a definite highlight.

It’s clean, efficient, and packed with practical features that genuinely improve how you interact with the phone, especially the unique foldable aspects.

The Foldable Market Landscape: Razr Plus vs. Competition

Motorola Razr Plus 2023 vs. Samsung Galaxy Z Flip 5

This is the main event in the flip phone category. Crime Boss Rockay City Review

Both offer a compact, stylish foldable experience, but they approach it with different philosophies.

Who Wins? It depends on your priorities.

Choose Razr Plus if: The highly functional external display is your top priority, you prefer a more subtle crease, and you appreciate a slightly lower price point with a clean Android experience.
Choose Z Flip 5 if: You want the absolute latest processor, superior water resistance, longer software support, and are deeply integrated into Samsung’s ecosystem.

Foldables vs. Traditional Flagships e.g., Google Pixel 8, Apple iPhone 15

Comparing a foldable to a traditional slab phone is a bit like comparing apples to oranges, but it’s important to set expectations.

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Form Factor: The primary appeal of the Razr Plus is its unique, compact form factor when folded. No traditional phone can match this portability.
Durability: Traditional phones with an IP68 rating and solid glass backs generally offer greater durability against drops and water immersion than current foldables.
Camera: Flagship traditional phones like the Google Pixel 8 and Apple iPhone 15 typically offer more advanced camera systems, often with better low-light performance, telephoto lenses, and more sophisticated computational photography.
Battery Life: Due to larger batteries, many traditional flagships offer longer battery life than current foldables.
Price: Foldables generally command a premium price tag over similarly specced traditional phones.

The Razr Plus 2023 is a niche device.

It’s for someone who values innovation, portability, and the unique interaction possibilities of a foldable, especially that fantastic external display.

It’s a statement piece that also delivers practical benefits, even if it makes some compromises in areas like ultimate camera performance or extreme durability compared to non-folding flagships.

Value Proposition: Is the Razr Plus 2023 Worth It?

This is the million-dollar question, isn’t it? When you’re dropping a significant chunk of change on a smartphone, especially one as unique as a foldable, you want to know if it’s genuinely worth the investment.

The Motorola Razr Plus 2023 carves out a compelling niche for itself, offering a blend of style, innovation, and practical utility. Nothing Phone 2 Review

Who is the Razr Plus 2023 For?

The Fashion-Forward Tech Enthusiast: If you love having the latest and greatest tech, but also want something that stands out and looks good, the Razr Plus is undeniably stylish. The Viva Magenta vegan leather finish is a particular head-turner.
The Compactness Seeker: For those who miss the days of genuinely pocketable phones, or who have smaller bags/pockets, the flip form factor is a dream. It genuinely disappears when folded.
The Efficiency Pro via FlexView: If the idea of doing more without fully opening your phone excites you – quick replies, directions, podcast control, even video calls – the Razr Plus’s external display is unmatched. It’s a workflow enhancer.
The Selfie Aficionado: Using the main camera for selfies via the FlexView display delivers significantly better results than typical internal selfie cameras.
The Motorola Fan: If you appreciate Motorola’s near-stock Android experience, thoughtful gestures, and “Ready For” platform, you’ll feel right at home.

Where It Might Not Be the Best Fit

The Absolute Camera King/Queen: If you need the absolute best camera performance for every scenario, especially low light or zoom capabilities, phones like the Google Pixel 8 or Apple iPhone 15 will serve you better.
The Extreme Durability Seeker: While improved, foldables are inherently less durable than slab phones. If you’re prone to dropping your phone in water or on hard surfaces frequently, a robust traditional phone might be a safer bet.
The Long-Term Software Update Obsessed: While Motorola offers decent update longevity, Samsung and Google provide longer software support.
The Budget-Conscious Buyer: Even with its competitive pricing among foldables, it’s still a premium device. If your budget is tighter, there are many excellent traditional smartphones available at lower price points.

The Verdict

The Motorola Razr Plus 2023 is more than just a nostalgic flip phone.

It’s a modern, well-executed foldable that brings genuine innovation with its industry-leading external display.

It’s a strong contender in the flip phone segment, offering a compelling alternative to Samsung’s offerings, particularly for those who value style, a clean software experience, and maximum external screen utility.

It’s not perfect, no phone is, but its strengths significantly outweigh its minor drawbacks for the right user. Kodak Flik Hd10 Review

If you’re ready to embrace the foldable future and want a device that truly stands out, the Razr Plus 2023 is absolutely worth considering.

It’s an investment in a unique and increasingly practical smartphone experience.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the Motorola Razr Plus 2023?

The Motorola Razr Plus 2023 is a foldable smartphone, also known as the Motorola Razr 40 Ultra in some regions, featuring a large, highly functional external display and a compact clamshell design.

What is the main highlight of the Motorola Razr Plus 2023?

The main highlight is its 3.6-inch external pOLED display, called FlexView, which allows users to run almost any app and perform tasks without opening the phone.

How does the Motorola Razr Plus 2023 compare to the Samsung Galaxy Z Flip 5?

The Razr Plus 2023 boasts a more versatile external display and a slightly less noticeable crease, while the Samsung Galaxy Z Flip 5 offers a newer processor Snapdragon 8 Gen 2, better water resistance IPX8, and longer software support.

Is the Motorola Razr Plus 2023 good for selfies?

Yes, it is excellent for selfies because its large external display acts as a viewfinder, allowing you to use the superior main rear cameras for high-quality self-portraits.

What processor does the Motorola Razr Plus 2023 use?

The Motorola Razr Plus 2023 is powered by the Snapdragon 8+ Gen 1 chipset.

What is the battery capacity of the Motorola Razr Plus 2023?

It has a 3800mAh battery.

Does the Motorola Razr Plus 2023 support wireless charging?

Yes, it supports 5W wireless charging.

How fast is the wired charging on the Motorola Razr Plus 2023?

It supports 30W wired charging and includes a 30W charger in the box.

Is the Motorola Razr Plus 2023 water resistant?

Yes, it has an IP52 rating for splash and dust resistance, meaning it’s protected against light splashes and dust.

What Android version does the Motorola Razr Plus 2023 run?

It runs Android 13 out of the box with Motorola’s My UX enhancements.

How many OS updates will the Motorola Razr Plus 2023 receive?

Motorola has committed to three major Android OS updates for the Razr Plus 2023.

How long will the Motorola Razr Plus 2023 receive security updates?

It will receive four years of security updates.

Is the crease on the Motorola Razr Plus 2023 noticeable?

The crease is minimal due to Motorola’s tear-drop hinge design and is significantly less noticeable than on some other foldables, largely disappearing during everyday use.

Can I run any app on the Razr Plus 2023’s external display?

Motorola has optimized many apps for the FlexView display, and many unoptimized apps can also run, though some might require adjustments due to the screen’s aspect ratio.

What is “Ready For” on the Motorola Razr Plus 2023?

“Ready For” is Motorola’s platform that allows you to extend your phone’s experience to larger screens, transforming it into a desktop-like interface or a gaming console.

What are Motorola’s “Moto Gestures”?

Moto Gestures are convenient physical shortcuts like a quick “chop” motion to turn on the flashlight or a “twist” motion to launch the camera.

What are the camera specifications of the Motorola Razr Plus 2023?

It features a 12MP main camera with OIS and a 13MP ultrawide camera which also functions as a macro lens on the exterior, and a 32MP internal selfie camera.

How good is the camera in low light on the Razr Plus 2023?

While the f/1.5 aperture helps, low-light performance is decent but not class-leading compared to top-tier traditional flagships like the Google Pixel 8.

Does the Motorola Razr Plus 2023 come with a charger in the box?

Yes, it includes a 30W charger in the box.

Is the Motorola Razr Plus 2023 good for gaming?

Yes, the Snapdragon 8+ Gen 1 can handle graphically intensive games well, though the internal folding screen size might not be ideal for competitive gaming.

What are the color options for the Motorola Razr Plus 2023?

It comes in Infinite Black, Glacier Blue, and a vibrant Viva Magenta with a vegan leather finish.

What is the benefit of the tear-drop hinge design?

The tear-drop hinge allows the screen to fold with a minimal crease and enables the phone to close completely flat without a gap.

Can the Razr Plus 2023 be used hands-free for video calls?

Yes, it can be folded at a 90-degree angle and placed on a surface, allowing for hands-free video calls or content viewing.

Is the external display always on?

You can configure the external display for always-on functionality to show time, notifications, and widgets.

What accessories are recommended for the Motorola Razr Plus 2023?

A protective case like the Spigen Thin Fit Designed for Motorola Razr Plus 2023 Case and a portable charger like the Anker Power Bank 737 PowerCore 24K are highly recommended.

How does the Razr Plus 2023’s portability compare to traditional smartphones?

When folded, the Razr Plus 2023 is significantly more compact and pocketable than traditional slab smartphones, making it highly portable.

Does the Motorola Razr Plus 2023 have a headphone jack?

No, like most modern flagship smartphones, the Motorola Razr Plus 2023 does not include a 3.5mm headphone jack.

What kind of display is on the inside of the Razr Plus 2023?

The internal display is a 6.9-inch pOLED folding screen with a 165Hz refresh rate.

What is the price range of the Motorola Razr Plus 2023?

The price typically ranges from $700 to $1000, depending on sales, promotions, and retailers.

Is the Motorola Razr Plus 2023 a good value for a foldable phone?

Yes, it offers excellent value for a foldable, especially considering its highly functional external display and competitive pricing compared to its main rival.

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