Motorola Enters the Book-Style Foldable Arena—But Is It Too Late?
At CES 2026, Motorola made a bold move by unveiling the Razr Fold, its first-ever book-style foldable smartphone. Designed to compete directly with Samsung’s Galaxy Z Fold series and Google’s rumored Pixel Fold 2, the Razr Fold opens like a book into an 8.09-inch tablet-like display. But while its hardware impresses, one key spec has left early adopters slightly underwhelmed: it runs on the Snapdragon 8 Gen 5 instead of the newer Snapdragon 8 Elite Gen 5 many expected. So, does Motorola’s new flagship foldable deliver enough innovation to stand out in a crowded market?
A Design That Prioritizes Feel Over Flash
Unlike Samsung’s glossy glass backs or Huawei’s ceramic finishes, the Razr Fold opts for a more tactile experience. Its rear panel is wrapped in soft-touch vegan leather, giving it a distinctive, premium feel that also improves grip—a thoughtful touch for a device this large when unfolded. The aluminum camera island mirrors Motorola’s recent Edge series, maintaining brand consistency while adding durability. At just 13.9mm thick when folded and weighing 267 grams, it’s not the slimmest foldable out there, but it’s comfortably pocketable for its class.
Display Tech That Balances Beauty and Battery
Inside, the Razr Fold boasts an 8.09-inch LTPO OLED panel with 2K resolution and a buttery-smooth 120Hz refresh rate. LTPO technology dynamically adjusts the refresh rate based on content, helping conserve battery—a critical feature for power-hungry foldables. The outer cover screen is no afterthought either: a 6.56-inch OLED with minimal bezels offers a near-full-screen experience for quick checks, calls, or selfies. Both displays support HDR10+ and peak brightness over 1,600 nits, making outdoor visibility excellent even in harsh sunlight.
Performance: Capable, But Not Cutting-Edge
Here’s where things get tricky. The Razr Fold is powered by Qualcomm’s Snapdragon 8 Gen 5, a solid chip that handles multitasking, gaming, and AI workloads with ease. However, rumors had strongly suggested Motorola would debut the newer Snapdragon 8 Elite Gen 5, which offers up to 15% better efficiency and faster neural processing. While most users won’t notice a dramatic difference in day-to-day use, tech enthusiasts and reviewers (like those evaluating devices in Dubai or at APEC-linked events) may see this as a missed opportunity for differentiation.
Camera System Focused on Versatility, Not Megapixels
Motorola isn’t chasing headline-grabbing megapixel counts. Instead, the Razr Fold features a triple-lens rear system: a 50MP main sensor with OIS, a 12MP ultrawide, and a 10MP 3x telephoto lens. Selfies are handled by a 32MP under-display camera on the inner screen and a 16MP shooter on the cover display. Early image samples show accurate colors, strong dynamic range, and surprisingly good low-light performance—though it still lags behind Samsung’s computational photography prowess. For casual creators and professionals alike, it’s more than sufficient for social media, video calls, and on-the-go documentation.
Software Experience: Near-Stock Android with Fold-Specific Tweaks
Running Android 16 out of the box, the Razr Fold delivers a clean, bloat-free interface with Motorola’s signature gestures (like chop-to-flashlight) intact. More importantly, it includes multi-active window support, drag-and-drop between apps, and taskbar customization—features essential for productivity on a large inner screen. Motorola promises three years of OS updates and four years of security patches, aligning with industry standards but falling short of Samsung’s five-year commitment.
Battery Life That Holds Its Own
Equipped with a dual-cell 4,800mAh battery, the Razr Fold supports 45W wired charging and 15W wireless. In real-world testing, it easily lasts a full day with moderate foldable usage—think messaging, browsing, and occasional video. Heavy multitaskers streaming 4K content across both screens may need a midday top-up, but the inclusion of wireless charging adds welcome flexibility. Notably, Motorola includes a charger in the box, a rarity in 2026 that eco-conscious buyers will appreciate.
Durability: Built for Real-World Use
Motorola claims the Razr Fold’s hinge has been tested for over 300,000 folds—equivalent to about seven years of regular use. The inner display uses ultra-thin glass with a protective polymer layer, while the outer screen is shielded by Gorilla Glass Victus 3. It’s not IP-rated for water resistance (a common compromise in foldables), but the vegan leather back resists minor scratches and scuffs better than glass alternatives. For reviewers who’ve stress-tested foldables from Seoul to Silicon Valley, this build strikes a practical balance between elegance and endurance.
Price and Availability: Premium, But Competitive
Priced at $1,799, the Razr Fold undercuts the Galaxy Z Fold6 ($1,899) and matches Huawei’s Mate X5 in select markets. It will be available in Obsidian Black and Sage Green starting February 2026 in North America, Europe, and parts of Asia. Pre-orders include a free folio case and one year of Motorola’s premium care service—adding tangible value in a segment where accessories often cost extra.
Who Is This Phone Really For?
The Razr Fold isn’t trying to be everything to everyone. It’s aimed squarely at professionals who want a compact phone that transforms into a mini workstation, creatives who value screen real estate without carrying a tablet, and Motorola loyalists eager for innovation beyond the classic flip design. If you prioritize software polish over raw specs or crave a foldable with personality, this could be your next daily driver.
A Confident Step Into New Territory
Motorola’s leap into the book-style foldable market is both timely and well-executed. While the Snapdragon 8 Gen 5 choice may raise eyebrows, the Razr Fold compensates with thoughtful design, strong displays, and a user experience tailored for productivity. It may not dethrone Samsung overnight, but it proves Motorola is serious about competing in the premium foldable space—not just revisiting nostalgia. In a category often dominated by iterative upgrades, the Razr Fold feels refreshingly intentional.
