If you’ve followed my channel for any length of time, you already know where I stand on smartphones: bar phones bore me. I moved on from them a long time ago and went all-in on foldables. Book-style folds became my daily drivers, and honestly, I never looked back. Somewhere along the way, though, I developed a blind spot — flip phones.
I’ll admit it upfront: I dismissed them as gimmicks. Nostalgia devices. A modern take on the old Razr flip phones many of us carried years ago. I owned one back then and loved it — but in my mind, the modern flip felt like a step backward. Two cameras instead of three. Limited screen space. Less “serious” than a book-style fold. So I ignored them completely.
That turned out to be a mistake.
Why I Finally Gave the Flip a Chance
The turning point came when rumors started circulating about Motorola entering the book-style foldable market. That immediately caught my attention. If Motorola was serious enough to challenge Samsung and others in the book-fold space, I needed to understand what their software experience was really like — not just rely on comments claiming “Motorola software is junk.”
Instead of speculating, I did what I usually do: I tested it myself.
I picked up a Motorola Razr flip (2025 model) — the standard version — and went in expecting compromises. What I found instead was a surprisingly refined, well-thought-out device that completely changed my perspective on flip phones.
Flip Phones vs Foldables: The Reality Check
Let’s get one thing straight: foldables still represent a tiny slice of the smartphone market. In 2024, traditional bar phones accounted for roughly 98.5% of sales, while all foldables — including flips — made up just 1.5%. In 2025, that number barely moved.
But here’s the interesting part: within the foldable category, flip phones have consistently outsold book-style folds.
In 2024, flip phones held roughly 67% of foldable sales, compared to 33% for book-style folds. Even in 2025, after devices like the Z Fold 7 boosted book-fold adoption, flips still held a strong presence. That explains why Motorola stayed focused on flips for so long — and why my own move from a book fold back to a flip suddenly made sense.
First Impressions: This Doesn’t Feel Cheap
The moment I took the Razr out of the box, my assumptions fell apart. This phone doesn’t feel cheap. At all.
The hinge is solid. The screen opens flat — no bowing, no flex. The crease is minimal to the point where you barely notice it unless the light hits at just the right angle. It snaps open with confidence and closes with a satisfying click that reminds you why flip phones were fun in the first place.
And yes — hanging up a call by snapping the phone shut still feels great.
The Cover Screen Changed Everything
The real revelation is the external display. This isn’t a novelty screen anymore — it’s functional.
You can:
- Run full apps
- Read and respond to messages
- View emails
- Use face unlock or fingerprint unlock
- Take selfies with the main camera
- Even prop the phone up and watch videos
Is watching YouTube on the cover screen ideal? Not really. But having the option matters — and for quick interactions, it’s incredibly convenient.
This is where the flip starts to make sense. You don’t need to open the phone for everything. And when you do open it, you’re greeted with a 6.9-inch internal display that’s taller than even phones like the Galaxy S25 Ultra.
Big Screen When You Need It, Tiny When You Don’t
Here’s the magic of the flip: when it’s open, it’s a large phone. When it’s closed, it’s shockingly portable.
Compared to slab phones — and especially large devices like the S25 Ultra — the difference in pocket comfort is huge. It doesn’t fill your pocket. It doesn’t feel awkward when you sit down. And that portability alone explains why flip phones have remained popular.
I finally get it.
Cameras: Not the Point — And That’s Okay
Yes, this model only has two rear cameras:
- 50MP main
- Basic secondary lens
- 32MP internal selfie camera
These aren’t flagship photography tools — and that’s fine. Flip phones aren’t bought to replace pro camera systems. They’re lifestyle devices. For video calls, casual photos, vlogging, and daily use, they’re more than capable.
If you want top-tier cameras, Motorola offers the Razr Ultra with higher-end specs. The base model is about balance, not excess.
Performance, Charging, and Practicality
The base Razr uses a MediaTek chip, optimized for AI and multitasking rather than raw power. It’s smooth, responsive, and perfectly suited for this form factor. You also get:
- 30W wired charging
- 15W wireless charging
- Reliable day-to-day performance
And yes — wireless charging on a flip phone still feels like a win.
My Final Take: I Was Wrong
I’ll say it clearly: I was wrong about flip phones.
They’re not gimmicks anymore. They’re not cheap-feeling compromises. They solve real problems — portability, convenience, and usability — in ways book-style folds and slab phones simply don’t.
I’m not giving up my book fold. But I finally understand why flip phones continue to thrive — and why so many people swear by them.
Now I want to hear from you.
Are you using a flip phone today? Did you come from a fold — or a slab phone? And if you’re a Motorola Razr user, does the upcoming Motorola book fold interest you at all?