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Motorola’s 2023 Razr+ and Razr shared a 6.9-inch folding screen, but the Razr+ was built to do much more while closed: its 3.6-inch cover display could run most Android apps, while the standard Razr’s 1.5-inch screen was aimed at notifications, status information, and a handful of widgets. The launch-era hands-on account below compares their hardware and design; it does not establish current prices, availability, battery life, or which camera takes better photos.
What was different when the phones were closed?
The cover display was the clearest distinction. On the Razr+, a 3.6-inch OLED screen covered most of the outer lid, and HotHardware said it could run most Android apps. That made the folded phone more than a device for checking alerts: users could interact with apps without opening it.
The Razr used a smaller 1.5-inch OLED cover screen for notifications, status information, and a handful of widgets. Its outer display offered a simpler experience rather than the Razr+’s broad app-capable interface.
| Cover-screen feature | Motorola Razr+ (2023) | Motorola Razr (2023) |
|---|---|---|
| Size and resolution | 3.6 inches; 1066 × 1056 | 1.5 inches; 368 × 194 |
| Refresh rate | 144Hz | 60Hz |
| Peak brightness listed by HotHardware | 1100 nits | 1000 nits |
| Role described in the hands-on account | Runs most Android apps | Notifications, status information, and a handful of widgets |
For the shared inner screen, both models had a 6.9-inch, 2640 × 1080 LTPO OLED panel with a 22:9 aspect ratio, HDR10+, and a listed peak brightness of 1400 nits. HotHardware gave the Razr+ a 165Hz refresh rate and the Razr a 144Hz rate.
#1 Best Overall
- Foldable AMOLED, Main display: 6.9" FHD+ 2640x1080 pOLED, External display: 3.6" 1066x1056 pOLED, 413ppi, 3800mAh Battery, Single SIM
- 256GB ROM, 8GB RAM, Qualcomm SM8475 Snapdragon 8+ Gen 1 (4 nm), Octa-core, Adreno 730, Android 13
- Rear Camera: 12MP, f/1.5 (wide) + 13MP, f/2.2 (ultrawide), Front Camera: 32MP, f/2.4 (wide)
- 3G: 850/900/1900/2100, 4G LTE: 1/2/3/4/5/7/8/12/14/20/28/29/30/38/39/40/41/48/66, 5G: 2/5/12/14/30/38/66/77/78 - NO ESIM Support
- AT&T Unlocked GSM Model, US 5G / Global 4G LTE. Compatible with Most GSM Carriers like T-Mobile, AT&T, MetroPCS, etc. Will ALSO work with CDMA Carriers Such as Verizon, Sprint.
How did their core hardware compare?
The Razr+ had the higher-tier processor and faster listed memory and storage standards. The Razr used a lower-tier chipset and had half the built-in storage. Neither model supported microSD expansion, according to HotHardware’s June 1, 2023 hands-on report.
| Specification | Motorola Razr+ (2023) | Motorola Razr (2023) |
|---|---|---|
| Processor | Snapdragon 8+ Gen 1 | Snapdragon 7 Gen 1 |
| RAM | 8GB LPDDR5 | 8GB LPDDR4x |
| Storage | 256GB UFS 3.1 | 128GB UFS 2.2 |
| microSD slot | No | No |
These are component specifications, not controlled performance results. The article did not provide comparative benchmarks, so the listed tiers alone do not quantify how much faster one phone would feel in a particular task.
What did the camera hardware offer?
The rear-camera specifications differed mainly in the primary camera’s resolution and aperture. Both phones also had a 13MP ultrawide/macro camera with autofocus and a 32MP selfie camera.
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- Compatible with T-Mobile 5G and Verizon 5G. Ready for 5G on other select networks dependent on availability; contact your service provider for details. Compatible with all major 4G U.S. carriers, including Verizon, ATandT, and T-Mobile. It also works with prepaid carriers, including Cricket Wireless, Metro by T-Mobile, Simple Mobile, Total Wireless, Tracfone, Net10, Mint, TracFone, and H2O.
- Unrivaled external display. Access everything that matters—without opening your phone—on the largest, most advanced external display for a flip phone.
- Iconic flip design, reimagined. Experience a fully interactive 3.6" external display, then flip open for an ultra-smooth, incredibly vivid 6.9" pOLED screen.
- Capture like never before. With Flex View, stand your phone on its own at multiple angles, giving you entirely new ways to interact, capture, and create.
- Ultra-flexible cameras. Capture more detail in any light or go ultrawide and fit more in the frame. Get the ultimate selfies with powerful cameras and the external display.
| Camera specification | Motorola Razr+ (2023) | Motorola Razr (2023) |
|---|---|---|
| Main rear camera | 12MP, f/1.5, optical image stabilization (OIS) | 64MP, f/1.7, OIS |
| Ultrawide/macro rear camera | 13MP, f/2.2, autofocus | 13MP, f/2.2, autofocus |
| Front camera | 32MP | 32MP |
HotHardware described using the cover display as a viewfinder for the rear cameras, letting users frame a shot while the phone was folded. It also noted Flex View positioning, a camcorder-style folded position, Horizon Lock video, and Photo Booth. These are described features, not evidence that one model produced better images: the report did not include a controlled camera comparison, and megapixel counts do not establish photo quality by themselves.
Did the larger screen mean a smaller battery?
The listed battery capacities ran in the opposite direction from the cover-screen sizes: the Razr+ had 3800mAh, while the Razr had 4200mAh. Both were listed with 30W wired and 5W wireless charging. HotHardware said the Razr+ would include a charger in the box; its account did not state that the Razr would.
Capacity figures do not show how long either phone lasts in everyday use. The hands-on article did not report measured battery life, so it cannot establish which model would run longer between charges.
Rank #3
- Largest External Display: Features the most expansive outer screen of any flip phone, allowing you to check notifications, respond to messages, take photos, and access apps without opening the device for ultimate convenience and efficiency
- Ultra-Compact Design: Folds to an incredibly pocketable size measuring 73.95x170.83x6.99mm when unfolded, combining modern smartphone capabilities with a space-saving form factor that easily slips into your pocket or small bag
- High-Resolution Camera: Equipped with a 32MP camera system that captures stunning, detailed photos and videos, perfect for social media sharing, video calls, and preserving your memorable moments with exceptional clarity
- Generous Storage: Comes with 8GB RAM and 256GB internal storage, providing ample space for thousands of photos, videos, apps, and files while ensuring smooth multitasking and responsive performance for all your daily tasks
- US Unlocked Compatibility: Fully unlocked for use with all major US carriers, giving you the freedom to choose your preferred network provider and switch between carriers without restrictions, plus includes renewed certification for quality assurance
What did HotHardware say about design and software?
HotHardware described both phones as folding without a gap, using a teardrop-style fold intended to reduce the visible crease. It also called out rounded edges and the absence of the older Razr’s prominent “chin.” Those are design observations from a hands-on preview, not durability findings or long-term crease testing.
The phones were described as running Android 13-based software close to stock Android, with Motorola gestures. The Razr+ also had cover-screen features for switching an app between full-screen and a smaller view. The report listed sub-6GHz 5G, Wi-Fi 6E, NFC, a physical SIM plus eSIM, stereo speakers, and Dolby Atmos for both models.
Independent reader supportYour contribution helps us test, update, and keep practical guides available for everyone.What were the U.S. launch prices and dates?
In its June 1, 2023 report, HotHardware listed the unlocked Razr+ at a U.S. launch price of $999.99. It said preorders were due to begin June 16, 2023, with unlocked retail availability on June 23, 2023. The article named Motorola, Amazon, and Best Buy as planned unlocked retailers, and AT&T and T-Mobile as additional sellers.
Rank #4
- Compatible with T-Mobile 5G and Verizon 5G. Ready for 5G on other select networks dependent on availability; contact your service provider for details. Compatible with all major 4G U.S. carriers, including Verizon, ATandT, and T-Mobile. It also works with prepaid carriers, including Cricket Wireless, Metro by T-Mobile, Simple Mobile, Total Wireless, Tracfone, Net10, Mint, TracFone, and H2O.
- Unrivaled external display. Access everything that matters—without opening your phone—on the largest, most advanced external display for a flip phone.
- Iconic flip design, reimagined. Experience a fully interactive 3.6" external display, then flip open for an ultra-smooth, incredibly vivid 6.9" pOLED screen.
- Capture like never before. With Flex View, stand your phone on its own at multiple angles, giving you entirely new ways to interact, capture, and create.
- Ultra-flexible cameras. Capture more detail in any light or go ultrawide and fit more in the frame. Get the ultimate selfies with powerful cameras and the external display.
At publication, HotHardware said Motorola had not announced the Razr (2023)’s price or availability, while expecting it to cost less than the Razr+. That expectation was a prediction, not a confirmed price. These are dated launch details and do not establish current pricing, stock, phone condition, or carrier availability.
Which 2023 Razr made more sense?
For someone who wanted to use apps on the outside screen and preferred the higher-listed processor and storage tier, the Razr+ was the more capable configuration on paper. Someone content with a small screen for alerts and widgets could consider the standard Razr’s simpler outer display; it also had a larger listed battery capacity and a higher-resolution main-camera specification. The article does not establish longer battery life or better camera results for that model, and its launch-era information is not a guide to current buying options.
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