Too much of a good thing? Motorola Razr 2025 impresses, but AI features overwhelm

Motorola‘s 2025 Razr lineup resurrects an iconic design with impressive hardware innovation but stumbles with its AI implementation. The new foldable phones combine nostalgic appeal with modern technology through spectacular displays, pocket-friendly form factors, and distinctive design elements. While the phones excel in style and usability, Motorola’s excessive AI features and limited long-term support policy detract from an otherwise compelling package that might just be the coolest option on the market despite its compromises.

The big picture: Motorola has refined its foldable Razr series into stylish, functional devices that balance nostalgia with cutting-edge technology.

• The 2025 Razr models feature large foldable OLED screens complemented by external displays that provide practical functionality.
• Motorola has partnered with Pantone to create distinctive color options with unique materials and textures including textured plastics, wood, vegan leather, and synthetic fabrics.

Hardware highlights: The 2025 Razrs showcase exceptional industrial design with attention to tactile experiences and aesthetic details.

• Aluminum frames are color-matched to the back panels and feature a smooth matte finish that complements the various material choices.
• The phones are designed to be remarkably compact when folded, “just about disappear[ing]” in pockets while maintaining full smartphone functionality.

AI overload: Despite industry trends embracing artificial intelligence, Motorola’s approach to AI integration appears excessive and unfocused.

• The 2025 models incorporate multiple AI systems including Google Gemini, Meta Llama, Perplexity, and Microsoft Copilot without a clear strategy for integration.
• There’s too much AI on the devices, suggesting Motorola has prioritized quantity over quality in its AI features.

Performance strengths: The Razr Ultra delivers exceptional processing power and adequate battery performance.

• The Snapdragon chipset makes the Razr Ultra “one of the fastest Android phones tested,” handling complex games and multitasking without performance issues.
• Battery life is described as “just this side of acceptable,” with both models likely lasting a full day on a charge.

Camera capabilities: The Razr Ultra offers solid photography performance despite the typical compromises found in foldable devices.

• The $1,300 Razr Ultra features a dual-camera system with 50 MP primary and 50 MP ultrawide sensors.
• Motorola’s partnership with Pantone appears to benefit the camera system’s color accuracy, producing “bright and accurate colors.”

The bottom line: The 2025 Razr lineup prioritizes style and unique user experience over pure value proposition.

• While “objectively not the best value,” the phones offer distinctive appeal through their pocket-friendly design and stylish aesthetics.
• The devices make “the usual foldable compromises” but remain capable flip phones for users who prioritize form factor and design innovation.