Motorola Razr Ultra 2025 review: An excellent flip phone

      Motorola Razr Ultra 2025 Review: An Exceptional Flip Phone

      MSRP: $1,299.00

      “The superb design, strong performance, satisfactory camera output, and impressive battery life (with fast charging) position the Motorola Razr Ultra 2025 as the top flip phone of the year.”

      Pros

      - Fantastic and practical external display

      - Beautiful and vibrant internal display

      - Reduced crease visibility

      - Reliable camera performance

      - Quick charging capabilities

      - Acceptable battery life

      - High-quality build

      - Distinct finish options

      - Smooth and fluid performance

      Cons

      - Limited to three years of Android OS updates

      - Moto AI still requires improvement

      The Razr Ultra 2025 stands as the flagship in Motorola’s trio of flip phones for this year, above the Razr 2025 and Razr Plus 2025. At first glance, it closely resembles the Razr Plus 2024 it replaces, but a deeper inspection reveals notable upgrades that place this flip phone among the best foldable options on the market.

      Since its announcement in New York on April 24, I have been using the Motorola Razr Ultra 2025, and here's why it's worth considering, as well as why it will attract attention from those around you.

      Motorola Razr Ultra 2025: Design

      At first glance, the Motorola Razr Ultra 2025 may appear just like the Razr Plus 2024. There are minimal differences in appearance unless you’re familiar with the season’s color palette, but this isn’t a negative. The Razr Plus 2024 was a fantastic flip phone in terms of aesthetics, and the same can definitely be said for the Razr Ultra 2025.

      My personal favorite of the four finishes available for the Razr Ultra 2025 is the Pantone Scarab model, which features Alcantara’s soft, suede-like material in a rich green. However, the model I reviewed was the Pantone Mountain Trail, which has a wood-effect finish; this adds a refreshing twist.

      The texture is smooth, so it won’t cause splinters, but offers enough grip to reduce the slippery feel often found on glass surfaces of other premium phones.

      The Razr Ultra 2025 has slightly rounded flat edges, balancing the current trend of sharp edges seen on devices like the Galaxy S25 and iPhone 16 with the comfort of more rounded designs. These edges, measuring 7.2mm when open and 15.7mm when closed, make the device comfortable to hold, and the overall finish of the aluminum casing exudes a premium feel.

      As with all flip phones, the Razr Ultra 2025 attract attention. Placing it on a restaurant table draws admiring gazes, as modern flip phones, despite their presence since 2020, remain less common than the latest iPhones or Galaxy devices.

      The expansive external display creatively utilizes available space, with dual camera lenses positioned in the bottom right corner once again. When opened, the Razr Ultra 2025 offers a larger internal display than its predecessor.

      On the right edge, you’ll find the power button featuring a built-in fingerprint sensor, paired with the volume buttons. The left edge introduces a new button for Moto AI—which contrasts with the previous model—and serves as a point of difference between this year's model and the Razr Plus 2024.

      The hinge has also been redesigned, incorporating titanium for added strength, allowing for IP48 dust and water resistance, surpassing the IPX8 rating of the Razr Plus 2024.

      Motorola Razr Ultra 2025: Displays

      Motorola has enhanced the displays on the Razr Ultra 2025. Let's start with the external display: while it remains at 4 inches—like the Razr Plus 2024—the brightness has increased from 2,400 nits to 3,000 nits, along with Gorilla Glass Ceramic protection. Although it lacks an anti-reflective coating, making it mirror-like when off and prone to fingerprints, the increased brightness effectively combats glare on sunny days.

      It functions as a nearly full-fledged display. Unlike the Samsung Galaxy Z Flip 6, which limits its external display primarily to quick settings, widgets, and notifications, the Razr Ultra 2025 allows most apps to run without needing third-party adjustments, from WhatsApp and Spotify to games like Marble Mayhem and Catch Moto Moo. Notifications are easily viewable, and customization options abound.

      Replying to messages on the external display can be a bit cumbersome, as the keyboard occupies much of the screen, regardless of whether you utilize the full-screen editor, although it is feasible without opening the phone. The calendar, weather apps, and even photo viewing are well-suited to the smaller format, presenting images sharply and vividly.

      Upon opening the Razr Ultra 2025, the 7-inch pOLED display is stunning. Various display settings allow you to tailor it