After two first generations with incomprehensible positioning, will the third edition save the honor?
According to the specialized site Android Authority, Motorola has returned to work on a new version of its foldable smartphone stamped Razr. Will it finally be a well-made device after the first two very expensive devices and far from convincing?
The information comes initially from Chen Lin, the head of mobile operations at Lenovo who himself manages the mobile branch of Motorola. In a tweet, the leader suggests that the new edition will benefit from a Higher end SoC. The interface would also have been improved, as well as the general appearance of the device.
Good news, sure, but this list nevertheless ignores the real problem of its predecessor: the price. Indeed, the device struggles to justify its initial price above 1350 €. And the picture has darkened further with the arrival of the very good Samsung Z Flip 3. This one simply boxes a category above while being considerably cheaper. The positioning of the Razr is therefore at the limit of the incomprehensible; a finding that leaves little hope for the future of the product. Unless Lenovo goes to great lengths to improve it.
In the end, we will follow the arrival of this new Razr with some interest, but not too much hope. It is all the more unfortunate that by continuing to position themselves in the same segment as Samsung, Motorola and Lenovo are shooting each other in the foot even though they would have had a real card to play.
The segment is still waiting for its champion
Indeed, it has been a few years since we have seen a strong comeback of “old-fashioned” hinged smartphones. But the majority of devices in this segment are smartphones clearly positioned at the extremes of this ecosystem; they are either fairly high-end devices like the Samsung Flip or, on the contrary, entry-level phones bordering on disposable.
But between the two, it’s simply a sidereal void. At present, no one has succeeded in proposing a really convincing mid-range clamshell smartphone. Too bad, because it seems more and more obvious that more and more buyers are would throw on a good folding smartphone with no frills or gimmicks.
Will this new Razr be the chosen one who will come resurrect the mainstream flip phone ? It seems compromised, because there is little chance that Motorola will decide to change direction entirely. Otherwise, it will be interesting to see if the new version can at least justify its price by fighting on equal terms with Samsung’s Z Flip. A case to follow!
