Motorola has just dropped its latest clamshell lineup, but before you rush to pre-order, consider this: the new Razr, Razr+, and Razr Ultra are barely different from their predecessors, and in some cases, they take a step backward. With last year’s Razr Ultra now available for nearly 50% off, you can get a flagship foldable for less than the price of a mid-range phone. Here’s why skipping the upgrade is the smartest move you’ll make this year.
1. Minimal Upgrades: A Refresh, Not a Revolution
Let’s face it: the new Razr Ultra doesn’t bring anything groundbreaking to the table. The processor gets a modest bump, the camera software gets a few tweaks, and the hinge design sees a slight refinement. But none of these changes affect day‑to‑day use in a meaningful way. In fact, some changes actually make the experience worse. When you compare side‑by‑side, the 2025 model performs identically in real‑world tasks like app loading, gaming, and multitasking. So why pay double for essentially the same phone?
2. Key Downgrades Hidden in Plain Sight
Motorola quietly removed a few features that users loved in the previous generation. The new Razr Ultra ditches the headphone jack—a loss for anyone who still uses wired audio. The IP rating dropped from IP68 to just IP52 splash resistance, meaning less protection against dust and water. And the selfie camera aperture is narrower, resulting in dimmer photos in low light. These are not just compromises; they’re outright downgrades. Last year’s model offers better water resistance, a headphone jack, and a brighter front camera—all for half the money.
3. Virtually Identical Display and Design
Put the two phones side‑by‑side and you’ll be hard‑pressed to tell them apart. Both sport a 6.9‑inch pOLED main display with the same resolution, refresh rate, and peak brightness. The cover screen remains 3.6 inches on both models, with identical functionality for quick replies, widgets, and notifications. The hinge opens with the same satisfying click, and the folding mechanism feels equally sturdy. Why would you pay a premium for a design that’s been recycled? The color options are similar too, so no one will know you’re carrying last year’s model.
4. Battery Life That’s Actually Better on the Older Model
Here’s a shocker: the 2025 Razr Ultra packs a 3,800mAh battery, while the 2026 version shrinks to 3,650mAh to make room for a marginally slimmer profile. That 150mAh difference may not sound huge, but it translates to about an hour less screen‑on time. With the same power‑hungry processor and display, the newer phone actually struggles to last through a full day of heavy use. Last year’s model gives you that extra cushion, and with the massive price cut, it’s a clear victory for the older generation.
5. Camera Performance: Same Sensors, Same Results
Motorola didn’t change the camera hardware between generations. Both the new and old Razr Ultra feature a 50MP main sensor, a 13MP ultrawide, and a 32MP selfie camera. The only difference is a software tweak to HDR processing, which in early reviews produces identical or even slightly worse shots on the new model—especially in natural lighting. The narrower aperture mentioned earlier actually makes the new phone worse in low light. Unless you’re a pixel‑peeper, you’ll never notice a difference. And since the old model already takes excellent photos, there’s zero reason to upgrade.
6. Software Support Is Practically the Same
Both phones launch with Android 15, and Motorola has committed to three major OS updates and four years of security patches for both. That means the 2025 Razr Ultra will receive updates through Android 18, same as the 2026 model. The only difference is a handful of minor software features that will inevitably come to the older device via an update within a few months. Want the new AI photo editor? It’s already rolling out to last year’s phone. Don’t fall for the “buy new for longer support” trap. The battery will degrade faster on the new model anyway, so you might end up replacing it sooner.
7. The Price Gap Is Insane
Let’s talk money. The new Razr Ultra launches at $1,099. Meanwhile, last year’s model can be found for as low as $549 during sales—less than half the price. That’s $550 you can spend on a high‑quality case, wireless earbuds, or a year of cloud storage. For that kind of savings, you get a phone that’s virtually identical in every way that matters, with a few features that are actually better. There’s no contest here. Unless you absolutely need the latest model number, the smart choice is to grab last year’s Razr Ultra while the deal lasts.
Conclusion
Motorola’s new Razr lineup is a textbook example of an incremental refresh that doesn’t justify a full‑price purchase. With minor benefits and real trade‑offs like reduced battery capacity and a weaker water‑resistance rating, the 2026 model is a step backward in several key areas. Meanwhile, last year’s Razr Ultra is sitting on shelves at nearly half off, offering the same core experience with better longevity and value. If you’re in the market for a foldable phone, save your money and grab the 2025 version—your wallet (and your daily battery life) will thank you.