Motorola has entered the book-style foldable phone market with the launch of the Razr Fold, a device aimed at users who need more than a standard smartphone experience. What sets it apart immediately is its support for a dedicated stylus, a feature currently absent from competing foldables in the US market.
Book-style foldables are designed to function as both a phone and a tablet. When closed, the Razr Fold features a 6.6-inch display. When opened, it expands into an 8.1-inch screen, offering significantly more workspace. This larger format positions the device as a potential all-in-one tool for productivity, creative work, and media consumption.
Stylus support as a differentiator:
The Razr Fold stands out primarily because of its stylus integration. While Samsung and Google both offer foldable phones, Samsung has removed stylus support from its latest Galaxy Z Fold 7. As a result, Motorola is currently the only major US manufacturer offering a flagship foldable with dedicated stylus functionality.
The device supports Motorola’s Moto Pen Ultra, which provides 4,096 levels of pressure sensitivity and a 5.3-millisecond latency. In practical terms, this allows for precise and responsive input. The stylus connects via Bluetooth, includes its own charging case, and carries an IP55 rating for resistance to dust and water.
Practical benefits for photographers:
For photographers, stylus support adds a layer of control that touch input alone cannot offer.
Mobile photo editing often requires fine adjustments that are difficult to achieve using a finger. A stylus enables more accurate masking, selective edits, and detailed retouching, tasks that typically require a desktop environment.
The stylus also enhances image annotation. During client shoots or collaborative sessions, images can be marked directly on screen. Problem areas can be highlighted, notes added, and feedback shared visually, making on-location collaboration more efficient.
For pre-production planning, the larger display allows for sketching lighting diagrams, framing ideas, or shot layouts. These workflows can be handled directly on the same device used for capturing and reviewing images.
Improved image review in the field:
The expanded screen size changes how images can be reviewed on location. Instead of relying on a small phone display, the tablet-sized screen offers a clearer view for assessing focus, composition, and detail. Combined with stylus input, it becomes easier to rate images, make selections, and add notes during a shoot.
Camera system and video capabilities:
The Razr Fold includes a triple rear camera setup, each with a 50MP sensor. This includes a Sony main sensor, an ultra-wide lens that also supports macro photography, and a telephoto lens with three-times optical zoom. Additional cameras include a 32MP external selfie camera and a 20MP internal camera.
Video recording is supported in Dolby Vision, allowing for enhanced dynamic range and improved color accuracy, particularly useful for users producing video content alongside still photography.
Entering a competitive market:
Motorola is entering a market already dominated by established competitors. Samsung is now on its seventh-generation Galaxy Z Fold, while Google has released three versions of the Pixel Fold. However, Motorola brings experience from its Razr flip phone lineup, which has been in production since 2019.
The Razr Fold is expected to launch this summer, with pricing yet to be announced. Its success will depend on performance, software optimization, and overall value.
On paper, the combination of a large foldable display, precision stylus support, and a capable camera system presents a compelling option. For professionals who need to review, edit, and annotate images while working on location, the Razr Fold addresses a gap that current foldable devices have largely left unfilled.
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