Motorola has launched its newest take on a foldable handset, the Razr Flip 40-Ultra fit with high-end features and a distinctive bright 'Viva Magenta' colourway, a new rival for Samsung's original Galaxy Z Flip 4.
Flip phones have made a quick comeback this 2023 and a host of brands have launched new models of the 90's-style foldable handsets, from Google's latest Pixel Fold device to Samsung's Galaxy Z Flip 4 and Z Fold 4 sets to Nokia's budget relaunch of the 2660 Flip.
This month Motorola added its name to the line-up of flip phone brands with its launch of the Razr 40-Ultra and after a quick glimpse at the new 2023 device it's not hard to see the similarities to Samsung's 2022 Galaxy Flip 4, but which one is the best to go for.
The Motorola Razr 40-Ultra now joins the likes of the Pixel Fold and Galaxy Z Fold 4 as being the 'top' flip phones on the market, all released by brands with a high-end reputation for their tech features, design and quality. All also happen to have a rather high price point in common too, all of which cost more than £1,000.
The 2023 Google Pixel Fold is the most expensive at £1,749 despite its flying reviews its high prices have put a lot of tech users off the new handset. Following behind is the Galaxy Fold 4 at £1,649 and lastly the Motorola Razr 40-Ultra at the lowest £1,049.
Samsung wins first place when it comes to its second foldable (or flippable) device, the Z Flip 4 priced at the lowest £899, and although more similar in look to the new Motorola Razr 40-Ultra, its fellow Galaxy, the Z Fold 4 is more suited when it comes to performance.
Samsung has often been seen as the brand that 'sets the bar' when it comes to new foldable smartphones but as Motorola launches a similar product and a much more competitive price, is there room for it to overtake Samsung's pull?
The best deal we've spotted on the Motorola Razr 40-Ultra
As the newest foldable device on the market, there aren't a load of deals to choose from, especially as Motorola is relatively new to the UK market, after more success in the US.
Nevertheless, one deal from Mobiles.co.uk has caught our eye as the cheapest at £46 a month. It's available through Vodafone's network for those who buy the deal online at Mobiles.co.uk. The plan costs £46 a month for the handset as well as unlimited data, calls and texts which comes to £1,179 in total.
The total price includes a £75 upfront fee, but it still works out nearly £300 cheaper than rival providers.
Like EE who are offering the Razr 40 Ultra handset with the same unlimited data for £60 a month (with an upfront cost of £30) for a 24-month contract. This comes to a total of £1,470.
Features of the new Motorola Razr 40-Ultra
Alongside the bigger Razr 40-Ultra, Motorola released the Razr 40, a cheaper version thanks to its smaller screen size and Snapdragon 7 processor as opposed to the 40-Ultra's Snapdragon 8 Gen 1. Like the majority of foldable handsets hitting the market both models open out from a smaller inner display into a larger split screen.
The Razr 40-Ultra opens out from a 3.6-inch screen (like a mini square tablet) to a full 6.9 inches which is done through its 'teardrop hinge'. When compared to both of Samsung's foldable devices the Razr 40-Ultra seemingly fits in between the two.
Flipping up into a 6.9-inch screen it's smaller than the Samsung Z Fold 4 screen (7.3 inches) but still bigger than the Z Flip 4 (6.7 inches), which it looks most similar to in terms of design.
The aim is for the larger folded-out screen to be sleek, but unlike Samsung's devices, some users have reported feeling the split in the screen.
Like Mirror Tech Editor, Dave Snelling, who says it's 'definitely noticeable'. He said: "Although Motorola says it's almost impossible to see, you definitely can still notice and feel it when you stroke your finger across the main panel.
"We guess that's just one of the compromises of owning a device with a screen that bends."
