Motorola Razr 40 (Razr 2023) Review In 2024 - I Was Wrong About Flip Phones
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- čas přidán 7. 09. 2024
- A whole month of using the Motorola Razr 40 completely changed my mind on flip foldable phones. I was entirely wrong about this form factor...
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Apologies for the lack of B roll in this video. Unfortunately a lot of it was corrupted along with the B roll for my upcoming Motorola G84 review.
All should be corrected for the Razr 40 Ultra review.
I agree, as I am a huge Samsung fan, but back in the day had a Motorola for business and loved it. What are you hearing on the new Razor+ this June 2024?
@cyclomanful nice one. This was my first ever Motorola weirdly. I haven't heard anything as yet, but judging by my current experience of last year's model (review incoming) I'm quite excited for it.
I'm really impressed by this review, it's one of the best I've seen on CZcams. I can tell you spent time using the phone and also put quite a lot of thought into how other people may use it, because you've picked up on some really important points that others typically overlook like the smaller second display actually being a positive (to date I have only seen one other reviewer mention this). I own this phone myself and you are 100% correct that it is a great choice for people who are trying to combat smartphone addiction and reduce their unnecessary use time. The second display does just enough to be useful without ever intruding into time you're trying to spend away from the phone. I can leave it on my desk in front of me closed and never feel the urge to randomly use it because the second screen has nothing addictive about it and the full screen requires an extra action to get to. Additionally, because it folds up so small I can carry it around in a pocket all day without using it and never feel like I'm needlessly carrying around a giant screen. The grippy texture on the outside means I never need a case because I'm never at risk of the phone slipping out of my hand.
You also correctly identified that the main weaknesses of the phone are the cameras (specifically the auto mode) and the software updates (both frequency and speed). The cameras are honestly fine for general use (most modern phones are) and I have taken some nice environmental shots with them but the software tends to over-sharpen most images to the point that certain portraits and close-up images can look quite ugly compared to other phones in this price bracket. I have a toy poodle and the phone really struggles with his curly hair, sharpening every individual curl so much that it almost adds a sort of soft cell-shaded look. The software updates have also been really bad - Motorola promised bi-monthly updates but have consistently failed to deliver that to me. I only moved up from the November 2023 security update in the middle of March 2024 (4 1/2 month gap) and even then it was only to the February security update, which I am still stuck on (coming up to a 4 month gap). Additionally, the phone is still stuck on Android 13, 8 months after Android 14 released. They are releasing a new razr model with Android 14 soon but still haven't bothered to update the older ones. Personally I think this is unacceptable and it has made me question whether I want to retain the phone long-term, though the hardware is so good that it's quite a difficult decision to make.
Thank you so much for this. The video didn't turn out quite as I wanted due to corrupted B roll but I'm glad you found the information to be good.
A greatly detailed comment and you're absolutely right in what you say.
That's a great piece of video, mate!
I won't lie - after seing the Razr 40 Ultra yesterday and watching this video, I really think that flip phones are going to get more and more popular, and not only in tech community.
Great video as well, Dan. Keep it up!
Thanks mate. Bit gutted about the B roll and messed up a lot that I ended up cutting out.
It's a minor blip though. Be back on track soon enough.
@@GroundedTech I wouldn't have noticed anything here, mate! Don't worry!
As an owner of the Flippy Dippy, this is a fair and balanced review. Yeah the cameras are a little bit weak but the rest of the functionality of the phone and the way it handles day-to-day tasks is awesome for a just regular phone using consumer. Another great review Dan keep up the good work my friend
The Ultra/+ is coming soon as well. Quite a different beast.
Thank you mate. Things have gone a bit wrong with the videos lately but comments like this make me feel better about it lol
I recently upgraded to the Motorola razr 40. I love this phone, and the fact I do not need the best phone on the market. Also, I do not buy a phone for the camera as long as the camera is decent enough is good for me.
Sounds perfect for you! Glad you like it. I'll have the Razr 50 tomorrow. Will be interesting to see how things compare.
Someone's selling the Razr 40 on ebay and I'm considering it... I currently have the nothing phone 2a which I've had for a few months. But I really like the flip and the wireless charge feature. I miss wireless charge. My last phone that had it was the Nokia Lumia 1520
Lumia 1520 👑
If you do get a Razr my honest advice would be to get the Razr 40 Ultra or either of the new 50 models. Will be much better and last much longer too.
@@GroundedTech I don't really care for the extra screen and less battery of the ultra version and 50/ultra. This is why I was looking at the 40 non + version
Fair enough.
Hey man, I like your review. I share the same feeling about the small outer screen to reduce distraction. But can you comfirm that if it's possible to do google pay while it's closed?
I used it closed on the Ultra. All you have to do is unlock it and tap.
I was considering the Samsung flip 4 but found out that has issues with the screens. That's what's making me think of the Razr 40.
My other half just had the Flip 5 and in all honesty I thought the front screen use and software was poor.
Thanks for the review written about things that many folks actually care about. I've had this phone since it was released as my iphone came up missing. My only concern was that I cannot open and close it with one hand like say back in 2008 I could easily do with the Nokia. The camera is not an issue for me because if I actually want to take quality pictures I have a very nice Olympus for that. I enjoyed your take on all aspects of the Razr and will look forward to more of your reviews.
Thank you so much. I really appreciate this and glad you like it so much.
I recently released a review on the Razr 40 Ultra. All being well ill have the 50 series in soon to cover as well.
@@GroundedTech I just read a review of the 2024 and I guess I should have waited and bought it from Consumer Cellular for their sell price of just 399. They will give me almost nothing for my 2023 even though I bought it in October. The new one has a better hinge and display and some other features. Oh well, I'm okay with this 2023. Take care.
@1remjr you can definitely run this for a while if you're happy with it then upgrade in a year or so. Should be some really good 50 Ultra deals by then.
All the best.
I've had the Motorola Razr Plus since it dropped and it's held up really well and I love it. and would recommend it to anyone who wants a clam style folding phone. Thanks for the video keep up the good work 👍🏽
Appreciate the comment. And thanks, the Razr+ review is in progress 👍🏻
It's a great phone to me
@Deion-ph9kc 👍🏻
I originally got the Magenta Razr+ when it released last year but returned it to get the Flip 5 cause they were having a really good trade in deal on the website (plus I always have had Samsung phones and still do with the S22U and Fold 5). I very much regretted sending back my Razr. Fortunately I was able to sell my Flip recently and took the opportunity to order the Magenta Razr+ again and Im definitely happy with it. I rarely used my Flip 5 since I had the Fold 5 but this Razr has gotten me off my Fold at least for the past week so we'll see how long it lasts
That's good. I'm currently working on my review of the Magenta Razr+ 👀
for me I think it is good to offer these lower prices phones, but downside for me when it comes to this one is the tiny outside screen.
Don't worry mate, I've got the Ultra in now 😉
I love the smaller outer screen. isn't kinda the whole point of a flip...
@anthonylawson518 I like it but it's just not that practical if you want to do anything. The Ultra/Razr+ is far more practical in this respect.
i really love the phone i wanted to plus for the better outer screen but honestly the smaller screen has kept me from using it as much i can read texts decide if i want to respond if i need to i can speaker phone call which is great and the weather all i really need
That's great. Sounds perfect for your use case!
How do you sync the contacts or message when closed ? Can’t figure that out
@@supslumps1592 you notifications you just swipe up on the small screen on the clock screen then you can read all your notifications and for the contacts go to settings in the search bar type panels and you should be able to add a contacts panel once you do that go to your contacts and star the ones you want on your small screen then when you close the phone you should be able to swipe over and see the contacts that you starred and then you just click on who you want to call and then use your fingerprint to unlock the phone and it will call them on speaker
I like this review of yours.. thanks! 🙏❤
Thank you so much Vivek 🙏🏻 I'll have this year's model in tomorrow!
so no screen issues? i seen some horrible review of a white crack in the middle and or top screen stoped working... for the razr 40...
No issues with my unit but I only had it for around a month. There's definitely a possibility of an issue occurring due to the technology being used so if you're really worried about that I would avoid any folding phones.
@@GroundedTech yeah, i saw one on amazon warehouse for 337€ but after some reviews on amazon and other on google... i think its not the right time for a heavy user like me, who used to flip his old motorola for hours cause i was bored just flip open close etc, knowing my self probably gonna do that with them flips phones again. i guess i will wait i got a poco f5 taht is fine, but just love flips phone, memories :)
What does it mean when the razr 2023 gets a white line across the screen i was watching Tubi and all of a sudden it got this line
It's likely a fault if it doesn't go away. Get in touch with Motorola and see if it can be fixed. Hope it's in warranty.
@@GroundedTech Yes good thing I had warranty my new flip phone arrived today. hope I don't go through this again I tried resetting it still didn't work. so I got in touch with Motorola good thing. What is your option should I stay with it or resell it?
@StySaeBePitive there's a risk of it happening with many phones unfortunately. Folding screens are more prone to failing though.
@@GroundedTech That's true because even the flip phone that arrived today is faulty. This cell phone unfortunately has a huge black dot where the front camera is located. So I'm going to have to go back to the store for the second time
@StySaeBePitive yeah so maybe get it sold off once you get a proper replacement.
Moto RAZR... outrageous you have to open the phone to use Google Assistant... since Jan '24 - still that way in May. Great idea, but someone dropped the ball on this critical function.
That's a shame.
Yeah that's the only thing I hate about the phone.. it's my secondary phone to my Google Pixel 8 Pro
For me the Google Assitant was always annoying. So a big plus imo.
I think I’m gonna go back to android I like this phone
It's pretty cool, but you'll like the big brother more 👀 stay tuned.
the reviews on this phone is under 3 stars....
i wonder why?
Not sure tbh. I think maybe for the original price it wasn't worth it. At the time of review I think it would have been a decent buy. New models out now though.
I love it.
🙂
Vegan leather? da f*ck. Just say synthetic.
Chill. That's just the term they use. Means the same thing. Strange thing to get rattled about.
@@GroundedTech not rattled, just baffled. Synthetic sounds more technical, but I guess they need to cater to the vegan masses. Just thinking, what next? vegan frames, vegan processors etc, putting a big sticker of a lamb on the front saying "we don't condone animal cruelty, BUY THE PHONE" lol
@Nevergiveuponyourself 🤣 I know what you mean.