RAZR Fold Gripes
I do want to preface this review by saying that this is my own opinion and I am putting this out there to have a discussion rather than start an argument. This subreddit is really passionate about razr devices from what i've seen, so please remember this disclaimer.
Quick Note on Build Quality:
- Hinge is strong and not creaky at all
- Heavy in hand compared to N6
- It does spring open to 90^(o) very quickly but holds its position really well past that
- Fits into hand well, I do love rounded edges
- Surprisingly slim considering that's not a major selling point
- Double speakers aren't that bad
- Design is boring
- Call audio quality is very poor, translates to recorder app too (background audio is not filtered out and voice isn't clear)
- Camera is on par with N6 and Fold 7
- No OTG support (so no wired desktop mode or device connection)
Software Gripes:
I will be comparing the software with the likes of the Oneplus Open as ,even though almost 3 years old, the software on that device far exceeds the razr fold. Oneplus (or really oppo) really understand what the book-style fold user ACTUALLY needs on a phone. It may seem I am nit-picking in some of these examples, but when it comes to customisation, this is where android is supposed to shine compared to apple. I buy android devices because of the customisation and the granularity of it all, so if something is missing that I use regularly, it bothers me and puts me off.
Font inconsistencies throughout the device, this is one example. Can't be changed or fixed.
No always on displays settings customisations. This is a theme throughout. There is a real lack of customisation.
Probably a preferential thing, but i hate the fact that dark mode still has a coloured tint in the settings or other non themed apps but there are a few areas that are actually grey. It just bothers me so much the way they have designed the ui. Do you see how the 1+ is true black even in settings and is consistent in all native apps in OOS.
No way to customise the icons shown on the notification/status bar except displaying battery percentage
Limited app cloning capabilities. I can clone every app on the 1+ which is more helpful than you realise when it comes to multi-tasking. Think about it, you can create a clone of word and have 2 separate documents open and edited at the same time.
Limited screen recording settings options
Limited screenshot settings options
Ai key/button can not be remapped to be an alert key/button. It is dedicated to ai. What if a few years from now motorola decides to stop supporting moto ai, that button becomes useless. Its current function allows moto to catch you up on missed notifications or take notes (record audio, transcribe and summarise).
Again, ui issues. The top of this audio native app doesn't extend the whole screen making the whole experience feel cheap and tacky. Again dark mode not being fully dark. Overall the UI here is subpar and visually displeasing.
Transcribe and summary are very hit and miss. Also the audio playback is horrible, there's so much background noise being captured. 1+ handles both perfectly, even including a clear audio setting to filter for better noise reduction, being able to switch recording types is so helpful on the 1+. Again, no customisation.
This is more of a google gripe. I hate the fact there is no native app for files and other essentials (calculator, clock, photos). Look how nice the 1+ looks, how can I not miss that?
Home screen customisation options are poor.
App customisation options are poor and limited. Simply being able to uninstall an app from the home screen is such a small but extremely underrated feature i would be missing. Nit-picky yes, I can easily click app info and do it in there, but UI/UX is meant to make things more convenient.
More examples of lacking customisation options.
The good:
- Multi-tasking view on the device is decent, being able to have 4 apps open simultaneously is a standard now but some devices are still missing this (pixel)
- Smart connect is one of the best designed thing on this phone. Pairing devices and accessories is so easy and quick. Everything just works smoothly.
- Pen is seamless and smooth (I do miss the charging case though from the oppo n6)
Cross control is elite
Mobile desktop is great too
Additional Remarks:
Case availability for this device is honestly laughable. As of 10th may, there are only 3 different types of cases available. There may be more once the US pre-orders start, but I am skeptical of this. Motorola themselves don't have any hinge-protection style case available on their website. I just want a kickstand. Again, I miss the charging case that the n6 offered.
| Razr Fold | Oppo N6 | |
|---|---|---|
| Price | £1799 (£1421.99 w/ student discount) | £1300 |
| Chip | Gen 5 | Gen 5 Elite |
| IP rating | IP49 | IP59 |
Final Words:
Weighing all these things, I have come to the conclusion that the RAZR fold is not for me. There are a few animation bugs and jitters that I haven't shown that draw me even further away from this device. This and everything combined (poor UI/UX, poor customisation options, lack of cases, higher price tag in comparison to spec, lack of visual consistencies, average build quality) has pushed me to request a refund on the fold.