Latest news with #MikeSorrentino
Daily Mail
4 days ago
- Entertainment
- Daily Mail
Jailed Jersey Shore star breaks silence on Todd and Julie Chrisley's prison release after Trump pardon
Jersey Shore star Mike 'The Situation' Sorrentino has broken his silence on Todd and Chrisley's Trump pardons - six years after he was also jailed for tax evasion. Sorrentino and his brother pleaded guilty to tax offenses related to nearly $9 million in income in 2018. Marc Sorrentino was sentenced to two years while the TV star served eight months. The TV personality revealed he has no sour grapes over the Chrisleys getting a pardon after he was forced to serve his entire sentence. He told TMZ: 'I can definitely relate to some of this story as I've spent eight months in prison for tax evasion. I also got two years of probation, 500 hours of community service and I completed everything including restitution. 'For them to get released early, for me, that is good for the families. I am not sure that anyone who hasn't been in these shoes can really relate. I can definitely see there might be a little bit of outrage. But for me — someone who actually did prison time — I am not mad at it. From A-list scandals and red carpet mishaps to exclusive pictures and viral moments, subscribe to the DailyMail's new showbiz newsletter to stay in the loop. 'I wouldn't go back and get a pardon because it made me a better man. [Still], you gotta stay in your own lane and run your own race. When you get sent away to prison, it is not a good situation for yourself but the families. They get sent away as well to a certain extent and it is so very sad.' At the time of his release in 2019: 'Sorrentino told 'We are elated to finally close this chapter of our life. Thank you to our family, friends and fans for the continuous love and support during this time, it brought us so much peace and comfort. 'We look forward to continuing our life as husband and wife and working on baby situations!' 'We truly believe that the comeback is ALWAYS greater than the setback and we can't wait to show the world ours.' He later tweeted: 'Turn up we free !!! #freesitch.' Early Wednesday evening, Todd was released from Federal Prison Camp Pensacola while Julie was set free from FMC Lexington, according to Fox5. The pair's elated daughter Savannah, 27, spoke to the press outside his Florida prison after campaigning for years for their release. While dressed in bright pink 'MAGA Barbie' attire, she lauded President Trump, who personally called her on Tuesday to inform her of his decision to give her parents 'a full, unconditional pardon.' After a nearly three-week jury trial, Todd and Julie were convicted in June 2022 of conspiring to defraud banks in the Atlanta, Georgia area out of more than $30 million in personal loans by submitting false documents. They were also found guilty of wire fraud and tax evasion, obscuring their earnings while showcasing a luxurious lifestyle with expensive cars and designer clothes. Wearing a hot pink MAGA hat, Savannah said she is 'so grateful that I'm going to leave here with my dad' after an 'insane' three years of her trying to get him and Julie freed. She confirmed that her brother Grayson Chrisley would be the one picking up their mother from her Kentucky prison facility. 'President Trump signed the pardons at around 3pm this afternoon and it's all due to President Trump, Alice Johnson, Ed Martin, all of them,' she told the crowd. 'They have truly just shown up and looked at [Todd and Julie's] case with a fine-tooth comb and they've seen the corruption.' After her call with Trump, Savannah said she arrived at her dad's prison in Pensacola at 2 in the morning on Wednesday and has been waiting there since. 'I have not gone to sleep. I did not bring any clothes with me. I did not bring a toothbrush with me. I brought absolutely nothing with me,' she revealed with a laugh. 'I'm just a daughter that wants to take my dad home with me.' When asked what Todd and Julie's reactions were to Trump's pardon, Savannah said that he was initially in total disbelief. 'They didn't believe it. [The pardon] literally came out of nowhere. As I said before, I was walking into the grocery store when I got the call from the president,' she explained. 'I was just in such shock and such awe that the president himself called me and took the time to let me know that my family's coming back together.' Savannah said that her and Trump's entire correspondence was captured 'on video' and that he had called to let her know that he was 'reuniting [her] family.'
Newsweek
5 days ago
- Entertainment
- Newsweek
Why Mike 'The Situation' Was Insecure About 'Jersey Shore: Family Vacation'
Based on facts, either observed and verified firsthand by the reporter, or reported and verified from knowledgeable sources. Jersey Shore, a reality television show that sparked backlash from politicians when it first aired, is celebrating its 15th anniversary with a new season of Jersey Shore: Family Vacation. And while Mike "The Situation" Sorrentino is a fan favorite, after a six-year hiatus from reality television, he wasn't sure people would like the person he had become. "I was definitely a little bit insecure because the fans had grown to love 'The Situation' and he had abs and was single and ready to mingle," Sorrentino told Newsweek. "And at this time in my life, I wasn't single. I was going through this giant court case...I didn't have a six pack." "I was America going to love me again?" When Jersey Shore premiered in 2009, the cast became overnight celebrities, drawing both massive fan followings and sharp criticism. The New Jersey Italian American Legislative Caucus called on Viacom, MTV's parent company, to pull the show off the air for perpetuating negative stereotypes of Italian Americans. Former New Jersey Governor Chris Christie stated that the cast misrepresented the state and went so far as to block a $420,000 tax credit for the show. Despite the strong backlash, the show's support was even stronger. Premiering the same year that Twitter exploded in popularity, actor Ashton Kutcher actually created some of the cast's social media handles, Sorrentino said, and they quickly gained millions of followers. "It was definitely gasoline to the fire," Sorrentino said. "I was the GQ sensation of the year. I was on Dancing With the Stars, so to say my stock was soaring." But, as "The Situation" gained fans for his partying and pot-stirring, what the cameras didn't pick up was his serious problem with drugs and alcohol. Mike Sorrentino attends the People's Choice Awards in Santa Monica, California, on February 18, 2024. Mike Sorrentino attends the People's Choice Awards in Santa Monica, California, on February 18, 2024. Axelle/Bauer-Griffin/FilmMagic In the years since the original Jersey Show wrapped, Sorrentino has opened up about his addiction and his road to recovery. He entered rehab in 2015 and has been sober ever since. At the same time, he was in the midst of a court case that would ultimately result in an eight-month jail sentence for tax evasion. So, when Jersey Shore: Family Vacation premiered in 2018, Sorrentino wasn't the same guy viewers knew when the show left the air in 2012. It forced Sorrentino to think about what actually made him a successful reality television personality, and he realized it wasn't his drinking or partying. It was his authenticity. "That's where I rebranded myself into Big Daddy Sitch and this person trying to find himself again and my love of food and my sobriety journey and all of those new things for me worked better than before," Sorrentino said. "It was more relatable to the viewer to be someone trying to grow up." Part of his sobriety journey has been helping to open the Archangel Centers in New Jersey, dedicated to helping people overcome their addiction. Launching this summer, Sorrentino views these centers as his legacy, and what once started as something to potentially save one person's life has transformed into something "really, really big." When the Jersey Shore cast returns to television for Season 8 of Family Vacation, viewers will see them travel to South Jersey and adopt a DTF lifestyle—although DTF now stands for "down to farm," as the cast will explore whether they can handle farm life. Sorrentino didn't reveal too many details about the new season, but he seemed confident that he does well on the farm because he actually has eight chickens at his house that provide him with fresh eggs every day. "Long story short, I think the producers got that creative and they were like let's throw these guidos and guidettes in that particular scenario," Sorrentino said. "And then a ton of comedy ensues from there." From the farm, the cast travels to Jamaica for their first international trip since visiting Italy, as Sorrentino has only recently gotten his passport back as part of his plea agreement. And while a lot has changed for the whole cast over the years, Family Vacation still features the stars drinking, partying, and being thrown back into that lifestyle, leaving Sorrentino feeling a bit nervous. "I remember thinking to myself, listen, I gotta do this for myself, I gotta do this for my future family. I gotta stay in my own lane and I gotta run my own race," Sorrentino said. "To be honest with you, I go to bars and clubs and I'm happier and dancing more than the people that are drinking." Part of still having fun in those environments and maintaining his sobriety was finding the new version of himself. He likened it to getting a new haircut. There could be an awkward period with the transition, but he urged people who are trying to socialize while staying sober to "stick with it, you're gonna find it." "I'm proof that you can rebrand yourself and be better than you were before," Sorrentino said. "You gotta believe in yourself that you can do this."
CNET
15-05-2025
- CNET
Motorola Razr 2025 Review: It's Got the Look
CNET's expert staff reviews and rates dozens of new products and services each month, building on more than a quarter century of expertise. 8.2 / 10 SCORE Motorola Razr (2025) Pros Style Cover screen for knocking out quick tasks Photo processing Cons Less power than comparably priced phones Moto AI is developing Shorter software update timeline Motorola Razr (2025) 8.2/10 CNET Score The $700 Motorola Razr's standout feature is its most obvious: how cute it looks sitting folded on a table when you are out dining with friends at a restaurant. While everyone else places their traditional rectangle phones facedown on the table to disconnect -- and then occasionally flip them over to sneak peeks at the display -- the Razr can sit folded into a more compact square with its cover screen facing up for quick glances at notifications. The unfolded Razr works more like a traditional Android phone, with certain enhancements when folded like a stand. Mike Sorrentino/CNET And indeed, the Razr served as a talking point at nearly any activity I went to over the long weekend. From an outdoor dinner with friends to a concert at a brewery, my companions were impressed that a mini phone with a 3.6-inch display exists when every other flat smartphone has a screen that's double the size. And even though this smaller display isn't nearly as functional as the unfolded 6.9-inch one inside, I received way more "That's so cool" remarks when texting on the more diminutive screen. This says a lot about how Motorola has refined the Razr flip phone design, which is now strengthened by a titanium hinge and made even flashier with a variety of Pantone-certified colors. The leather-inspired finish on my Spring Bud green review unit has a tactile texture that's an even nicer touch than the metal and glass on most handsets. The back of this Razr has a leather-like finish that feels grippy. Mike Sorrentino/CNET So in a showroom with other phones that cost about $700, it's without question that the Razr would stand out in the looks department. But for power, it's clear that lower-priced options from Google and Samsung run circles around the Razr in performance and software support. And if having the best of either is a priority, the Razr is simply not for you. Rather, the Razr's value comes from the flexibility that its two screens provide and the substantially lower price you can get it compared with more expensive alternatives from Motorola itself and Samsung, like the $1,300 Motorola Razr Ultra, $1,000 Razr Plus and $1,100 Galaxy Z Flip 6. If it's the look you want most, the new Motorola Razr is certainly functional enough to make it a fun option rather than a powerful one. Motorola Razr's music controls on the cover screen. Mike Sorrentino/CNET Motorola Razr design and hardware A lot of my feelings about this year's Razr match up with the 2024 model, and it would be quite understandable if you felt like they were interchangeable. The new 2025 Razr has a similar 3.6-inch cover screen with a 90Hz refresh rate, 6.9-inch internal display with a 120Hz refresh rate and seemingly identical cameras, dimensions and weight. And similarly to how my colleague Abrar Al-Heeti felt about last year's Razr, I found the cover screen to be great for quickly checking texts, map directions and playing music, but it simply isn't big enough for more tasks beyond that. Motorola does allow you to run any Android app on this display, but your mileage will vary regarding their functionality with less screen real estate. For instance, using Meta's Messenger app was great for sending quick texts during my commuting on the cover screen, but Instagram scrolling is nearly impossible without unfolding the phone to use the larger inner display. The Libby library app for books and audiobooks won't open at all, but YouTube videos play just fine. I got Sonic Mania Plus to run rather well, giving me Game Boy Advance SP vibes. Playing Sonic Mania Plus on the cover screen feels like using Nintendo's Game Boy. Mike Sorrentino/CNET The Razr's body durability has improved with an IP48 rating for water and dust resistance compared with last year's IPX8 rating, which means it can survive being submerged in at least 1 meter of water for 30 minutes and can resist solid particles greater than one millimeter. This matches the Galaxy Z Flip 6's rating and, even though smaller particles can still get in, it's good to see that Motorola's cheaper foldable phone can now match up on durability. That rating comes with an improved hinge design, and its corresponding crease on the interior screen feels like such a small indentation that I barely notice it. The Razr's MediaTek Dimensity 7400X processor provides a small increase of power over last year's Razr, with the phone scoring just slightly higher in the Geekbench 6.0 test for computational performance. But across both Geekbench 6.0 and the more graphics-intensive 3DMark Wild Life Extreme test, the Razr also scores well below similarly priced non-folding phones, including the $499 Google Pixel 9A and the $650 Samsung Galaxy S24 FE. In real-life use, I found the Razr capable of running most apps and even multitasked quite well between them. Light gaming is also fine, but the Razr won't be the best option for running games at higher graphics settings. Motorola Razr (2025) vs. Samsung Galaxy S24 FE vs. Google Pixel 9A benchmarks Geekbench 6.0 3DMark Wild Life Extreme Motorola Razr (2025) Single: 1,069; Multi: 2,995 1,023; 6.13fps Samsung Galaxy S24 FE Single: 2,065 ; Multi: 6,109 3,823; 22.89fps Google Pixel 9A Single: 1,678; Multi: 4,294 2,636; 15.79 fps The interior 6.9-inch display runs at a 120Hz refresh rate. Mike Sorrentino/CNET The Razr's 4,500-mAh battery and 30-watt wired charging speed do fare quite well though. Most of my testing days included about 4 hours of screen time with the phone, and the battery would still have about 30% left. When running our wired charging test, the Razr recharged from 0% to 68% in 30 minutes. The Razr also includes wireless charging at 15 watts, roughly half the wired speed. The battery also held steady with the Galaxy S24 FE in our YouTube streaming drain test, diminishing from 100% to 81% after three hours of streaming a test video with the display at maximum brightness and refresh rate. Motorola Razr (2025) vs. Samsung Galaxy S24 FE, Google Pixel 9A battery tests 30 min. fast charging test (charging speed/result) YouTube streaming drain test starting at 100% Motorola Razr (2025) 30W; 0% to 68% 1 hr: 96%; 2 hr: 89%; 3 hr: 81% (120Hz) Samsung Galaxy S24 FE 25W; 0% to 56% 1 hr: 96%; 2 hr: 90%; 3 hr: 83% (120Hz) Google Pixel 9A 45W; 0% to 46% 1 hr: 96%; 2 hr: 85%; 3 hr: 78% (60 - 120Hz) The Razr has a 50-megapixel wide camera and a 13-megapixel ultrawide camera embedded within the cover screen. Mike Sorrentino/CNET Motorola Razr cameras A major perk of Motorola's Razr phones is the ability to use the 50-megapixel wide camera and 13-megapixel ultrawide camera to take photos of myself in their folded configuration and pictures of others while unfolded. A 32-megapixel camera on the internal screen also takes photos, but is best for video calls. I found the photography capability to match up with what I expect from pictures taken by other phones in the $500 to $700 price range. This means the shots the Razr takes do look good, and the processor is capable of smoothing out low-light photography, but there are definitely moments where you can see some missing details. For instance, I photographed this chicken curry dish as the sun was setting above my outdoor dining table. Despite the diminishing light, the 50-megapixel wide camera captured a reasonable amount of detail in the fading light, including flecks of spice and some of the thick texture of the curry sauce around the edges of the bowl. Enlarge Image Chicken curry dish photographed on the Motorola Razr. Mike Sorrentino/CNET I took a few photos of the twilight street corner from our table, using the wide lens for a standard shot, the ultrawide for a 0.5x wide angle and a 2x zoom shot that uses digital zoom because the phone lacks a telephoto lens. Motorola's AI is doing some work on these low-light photos, which for the wide and ultrawide helps cut down on image noise for each. The 2x isn't so lucky, but it's still serviceable. Enlarge Image Street corner taken on the wide camera on the Motorola Razr. Mike Sorrentino/CNET The wide-lens photo balances several different light sources, reducing their glare while also smoothing out the lettering of the signs across the street from me, which is quite good in low light. Enlarge Image Street corner taken on the Motorola Razr's wide camera at 2x zoom. Mike Sorrentino/CNET The 2x photo -- taken on the wide lens and cropped -- is consistent with this section of the frame in the 1x. The colors are balanced, but we're not going to get additional detail apart from enhancements from the photo processing software. Enlarge Image Street view taken on the Motorola Razr's 13-megapixel ultrawide camera. Mike Sorrentino/CNET The ultrawide photo is noticeably dimmer than the wide lens, with more pronounced glare and blurrier textures. But you could also say the image is more accurate to the darkened setting than the wide lens. Like many phones, the Razr can get more details in environments with better lighting. For instance, this photo was taken in the back of a crowded brewery during a concert and, despite there being a lot of movement in real life, there is very little -- if any -- motion blur. Enlarge Image Crowd photo taken on the Motorola Razr's wide camera. Mike Sorrentino/CNET I also did a selfie test with the internal 32-megapixel camera while unfolded and the external camera while folded. Both photos look fine, but there's a pronounced difference in the colors -- whether that's provided by the higher-megapixel lens or the processing software -- that makes the external camera's photo pop more. A self-taken photo using the 32-megapixel camera on the internal screen at CNET's New York office. Mike Sorrentino/CNET A self-taken photo using the 50-megapixel wide camera while the Razr is folded closed. Mike Sorrentino/CNET Motorola's AI scene detection is turned on by default, which applies enhancements and color tuning assisted by the company's Photo Enhancement Engine. I'm quite impressed by Moto AI's photo processing work, as several of these environments often create image noise. Motorola's Signature Style, which allows for more manual control of the look of a photo, wasn't available during my review period but is coming in a future update. You can activate Moto AI by waving your hand in front of the screen while the Razr is folded over like a tent. Mike Sorrentino/CNET Motorola AI and software support The 2025 Razr phones are debuting the Moto AI assistant, which has an appealing idea on paper: Motorola partnered with Perplexity, Meta's Llama AI and Microsoft Copilot to power an assortment of features. But it's clear that these features are early in their integration and, in some cases, will require a longer period of use to fully evaluate how helpful they'll be for the average Razer owner. I do like how easy Motorola has made it to access Moto AI. It can be summoned in a few ways: by double-tapping the power button, found from the app drawer's search box, or you can wave your hand in front of the phone when it's folded into a tent or a stand. At this stage, when using it as a voice assistant, it's able to handle the summarization of search results, but it's not great at making them actionable. For instance, Moto AI was great for answering a variety of questions I had about the new Doom: The Dark Ages game, including my follow-ups about the release date, how to cloud stream it over Xbox Game Pass, and even described for me the early release window for those who preorder that access. Text-based advice works best with Moto AI, including citing where the data comes from. Mike Sorrentino/CNET But when I want something that cannot be answered via text, Moto AI appears to be limited at this stage. For instance, when my friends began discussing actor Jonathan Bailey, and one person didn't know what he looked like, asking Moto AI to pull up a photo instead led the AI to produce a long written dialog about how there are so many photos of Jonathan Bailey available on the internet. Google's Gemini AI is also available by pressing and holding the power button, and the same request resulted in Gemini pulling up a single photo of the actor that I can show my friend. Moto AI's other features are about saving and organizing data. Remember This lets you save information that's on your screen for review later, which I used to save highlights of my research for an apartment cleaning service as well as air fryer recipes. The Pay Attention feature serves as a combination voice recorder and transcriber. And Catch Me Up -- the feature I used the most of these -- summarizes text notifications from apps like Meta's Messenger and WhatsApp. The search box in the app drawer doubles up as a way to use Moto AI. Mike Sorrentino/CNET Moving away from AI, the Razr otherwise features a fairly clean edition of Android 15, with the usual Moto customizations like gestures for turning on the flashlight with a chop motion or twisting the phone to open the camera. Motorola does include some junk software, such as an additional news feed in the app drawer. But all of that is easy to turn off or delete. As is my usual complaint with Motorola, the Razr falls short against similarly priced devices in software support. It will only get three years of major software updates and four years of security updates, which is far short of the seven years that Samsung and Google provide to phones in this price range. While the equivalent phones from Samsung and Google don't fold, it's an important trade-off to be aware of. And even though Samsung's Z Flip 6 is substantially more expensive, it is getting seven years of software updates. It's largely up to your preference. If you see yourself wanting a new phone after four years, then the Razr could still be fine. However, if you want to use your next phone until it's truly broken and you want it for about $700, you might want to consider one of the non-folding alternatives. The Moto AI menu on the Razr. Mike Sorrentino/CNET Motorola Razr: Bottom line The $700 Motorola Razr easily gets by on its looks and its novelty factor. With bold Pantone colors, improved durability and the convenience of being able to use its cover screen for quick tasks, this edition of the Razr will be great for essential tasks. Plus its camera can capture a lot of detail in most lighting environments and Moto AI's photo processing can lend an assist in more challenging lowlight locations. But by putting style first, this Razr does fall short against comparably priced phones when it comes to processing power and even shorter in software longevity. The Razr simply won't be for you if you value these elements of a brand-new phone, and you'd be better off with the $499 Google Pixel 9A or the $650 Samsung Galaxy S24 FE. However, the Razr is undeniably fun to use, and its $700 price is the lowest currently available for a brand-new flip-style foldable phone in the US. So if it's that style and flexibility you're after most, it's then easy to recommend the Razr as a way to get it. Motorola Razr (2025) specs vs. Motorola Razr Plus (2025), Motorola Razr Ultra Motorola Razr (2025) Motorola Razr Plus (2025) Motorola Razr Ultra Cover display size, tech, resolution, refresh rate 3.6-inch pOLED; up to 90Hz variable refresh rate 4-inch pOLED; 1,272 x 1,080 pixels; up to 165Hz variable refresh rate 4-inch pOLED; up to 165Hz variable refresh rate Internal display size, tech, resolution, refresh rate 6.9-inch AMOLED; FHD+; up to 120Hz variable refresh rate 6.9-inch pOLED; FHD+; 2,640 x 1,080 pixels; up to 165Hz variable refresh rate 7-inch AMOLED; up to 165Hz variable refresh rate Pixel density Cover: 413 ppi; Internal: 413 ppi Cover: 417 ppi; Internal: 413 ppi Cover: 417 ppi; 464 ppi Dimensions (inches) Open: 2.91 x 6.74 x 0.29 inches Closed: 2.91 x 3.47 x 0.62 inches Open: 2.91 x 6.75 x 0.28 inches Closed: 2.91 x 3.47 x 0.6 inches Open: 2.91 x 6.75 x 0.28 inches Closed: 2.91 x 3.47 x 0.62 inches Dimensions (millimeters) Open: 73.99 x 171.30 x 7.25mm Closed: 73.99 x 88.08 x 15.85mm Open: 73.99 x 171.42 x 7.09mm Closed: 73.99 x 88.09 x 15.32mm Open: 73.99 x 171.48 x 7.19mm Closed: 73.99 x 88.12 x 15.69mm Weight (grams, ounces) 188g (6.63 oz) 189g (6.67 oz) 199g (7 oz) Mobile software Android 15 Android 15 Android 15 Cameras 50-megapixel (wide), 13-megapixel (ultrawide) 50-megapixel (wide), 50-megapixel telephoto 50-megapixel (wide), 50-megapixel (ultrawide) Internal screen camera 32-megapixel 32-megapixel 50-megapixel Video capture 4K 4K 4K Processor MediaTek Dimensity 7400X Snapdragon 8s Gen 3 Snapdragon 8 Elite RAM/storage 8GB + 256GB 12GB + 256GB 16GB + 512GB, 1TB Expandable storage None None None Battery 4500 mAh 4,000 mAh 4,700 mAh Fingerprint sensor Side Side Side Connector USB-C USB-C USB-C Headphone jack None None None Special features IP48 rating, dual stereo speakers, 30-watt wired charging, 15-watt wireless charging, 1,700 nit peak brightness on cover display, 3,000 nit peak brightness on main display, 5G. IP48 rating, Corning Gorilla Glass Victus on front, titanium-reinforced hinge, 2,400 peak brightness on cover display; 3,000 nit peak brightness on main display, 5G, Wi-Fi 6/6E, Wi-Fi 7, 45-watt wired charging, 15-watt wireless charging, 5-watt reverse charging. IP48 rating, 68-watt wired charging, 30-watt wireless charging, 5-watt reverse charging, dual stereo speakers, Corning Gorilla Glass Ceramic cover dispaly, 3,000 nits peak brightness on cover display, 4,500 nits peak brightness on main display, 5G. US price starts at $700 $1,000 $1,300 How we test phones Every phone tested by CNET's reviews team was actually used in the real world. We test a phone's features, play games and take photos. We examine the display to see if it's bright, sharp and vibrant. We analyze the design and build to see how it is to hold and whether it has an IP-rating for water resistance. We push the processor's performance to the extremes using standardized benchmark tools like GeekBench and 3DMark, along with our own anecdotal observations navigating the interface, recording high-resolution videos and playing graphically intense games at high refresh rates. All the cameras are tested in a variety of conditions, from bright sunlight to dark indoor scenes. We try out special features like night mode and portrait mode and compare our findings against similarly priced competing phones. We also check out the battery life by using it daily as well as running a series of battery drain tests. We take into account additional features like support for 5G, satellite connectivity, fingerprint and face sensors, stylus support, fast charging speeds and foldable displays, among others that can be useful. We balance all of this against the price to give you the verdict on whether that phone, whatever price it is, actually represents good value. While these tests may not always be reflected in CNET's initial review, we conduct follow-up and long-term testing in most circumstances.
CNET
14-05-2025
- CNET
My First Day with the Motorola Razr: A Vibrant, Fun Phone with Style
It's amazing what a nice shade of green can do for your mood. After unboxing the 2025 edition of Motorola's Razr, I was immediately struck by the $700 flip phone's vivid shade of green -- specifically Pantone's Spring Bud. It's somewhere between the lightness of mint and the medium shade of flower leaves. Even though I usually put my phone in a case, the Razr's "leather-inspired" textured back makes me not want to. That "fun to hold" feeling may be the most notable thing about Motorola's new Razr line, which gets even more unique with Alcantara fabric and wood options on the $1,300 Razr Ultra. But thanks to the bold color, a cover screen that's just big enough to knock out the essentials, and a variety of half-folded modes, even this lower-cost edition of the phone feels expressive. The Motorola Razr is a breath of fresh air compared to standard rectangular phones that are typically in the $700 price range. Motorola is quite aware that the Razr's striking looks are a selling point to new customers. The company cited during the Razr's unveiling that 25% of its customers are coming from an iPhone. Since this Razr costs $700, its price is just above value-oriented flagships like the $650 Samsung Galaxy S24 FE -- yet lower than an $800 iPhone 16. And even though this year's base Razr is a refinement of last year's Razr design, it's one that remains eye-catching. I still have a lot of testing to do, but I wanted to share some of my early impressions of the Motorola Razr 2025, after using it for a day. When the Razr is folded like a stand, certain apps will display information like a video on the top half and the controls on the bottom half. Mike Sorrentino/CNET My day with the Razr The Razr is easy to grip whether it's open or closed, and having the rest of the phone's body match the green shade makes it feel fun from the start. The Razr also comes in a Parfait Pink color with a similar leather finish, Gibraltar Sea (blue) with what Motorola describes as a "nylon-inspired" finish, and Lightest Sky (silver) that is "acetate-inspired." The Razr's style and shape made it a fun companion for a dinner out with friends. I kept it folded on the train and used the cover screen to manage my subway directions to a restaurant in Queens. I flipped it open to take a few food and street photos. And I used Moto AI on both screens to look up quick facts as they came up over dinner. All in all, though, one of my friends found the new Razr so cute that she said she wanted to steal it -- but because it's such a pocketable size, she won't get the chance. I've also enjoyed using the Razr in ways that I simply can't use similarly priced phones from Samsung and Apple. I often attach kickstands to phones for video calls, but with the hinge, I can instead use the phone half-folded like a stand and (in supported apps like Meta's Messenger and Google Meet) have the video call on the upper half with call controls on the lower half. When in this stand mode or partly folded like a tent, the cover screen can be set to show ambient information like the time, while a wave of my hand in front of the phone can activate Moto AI for quick questions. The back of this Razr has a leather-like finish that feels grippy. Mike Sorrentino/CNET More to come with the Razr As I continue to test this Motorola Razr, I'm focusing on how functional the smaller 3.6-inch cover screen is. That display is like a "mini" phone and is one of the biggest ways the Razr sets itself apart from other sub-$800 phones. You can set it up to run nearly every Android app, as with prior Razr phones. The Razr is also the entry-level device for Moto AI, which highlights Motorola's own efforts alongside features built in partnership with Perplexity, Meta's Llama AI and Microsoft Copilot. Moto AI deeply integrates these services into the phone so it can make suggestions based on what's on your screen. Separately, you can still summon Google's Gemini to access the AI services built directly into Android 15. You can activate Moto AI by waving your hand in front of the screen while the Razr is folded over like a tent. Mike Sorrentino/CNET There are a lot of different ideas inside Moto AI for conducting quick research or organizing data. AI is a particularly competitive space right now, and I hope to see if Moto AI's features will help me get the most out of the phone's cover screen. As a result, this year's $700 Razr gets to dance on two different stages of interest. It could be a nice minimalist phone, thanks to its cover screen that can do more functions than the $800 Light Phone 3. And it could also serve as a refreshing alternative to buying the $800 iPhone 16 while saving significant money over the $1,100 Samsung Galaxy Z Flip 6. I'll be seeing how the Razr fits each method as I continue testing it out.
CNET
05-05-2025
- CNET
You Can Find a Great $300 Phone as Long as You Make One Choice
If you need a new phone for less than $300, there are a plenty of options that could fulfill your most important needs. But there's a big trade-off when it comes to phones in this more affordable range. A phone with modern specs like an eye-catching design, improved multitasking and wireless charging might still only receive one or two major software updates and three years of security patches. Some sub-$300 phones have a longer timeline of four years for software updates and five years of security updates. But those devices skimp on certain features, possibly leaving you wanting to upgrade sooner anyway. This is the dilemma I've been weighing after testing a variety of phones that cost less than $300. We take software and security timelines seriously in our reviews because these updates can dictate whether devices get new software features and critical fixes. Now that premium phones like the Samsung Galaxy S25 and the Pixel 9 are promised seven years of software and security updates, we'd like to see more affordable phones step up to at least four to five years. But we're not there just yet. Most phones that cost $300 or less are shipping with a promise of one additional software update and three years of security updates. Though Samsung is taking the opposite approach with its $200 Galaxy A15 5G and $300 Galaxy A25 5G, both of which get four years of software updates and five years of security updates, both have a dated design and lack features found on comparable phones. Samsung's new $200 Galaxy A16 is upping its software and security commitment to six years, but I haven't had the chance to test this phone yet. That means shoppers have to contend with the very same decision I've been pondering during the last few months: Do you go with a more feature-packed phone, such as the $300 OnePlus Nord N30 5G, which has extremely fast wired charging and a 108-megapixel main camera? Or is it better to choose a more bare-bones phone like those in Samsung's Galaxy A series, which will get crucial software updates for years to come. And to make matters more confusing, what about an older device that's now available at a discount, such as the Google Pixel 6A? Left to right: The Samsung Galaxy A25 5G, Motorola's Moto G Power 5G, Google's Pixel 6A and the OnePlus Nord N30 5G. Mike Sorrentino/CNET More features, but shorter updates Motorola and OnePlus both offer $300 phones that are worthy of your time and attention. This 2024 Moto G Power 5G is a looker, starting with its Pale Lilac vegan leather design. The entire Moto G line now makes use of this material, which results in an easier grip should you choose not to use the phone with a case. Motorola has also thrown 15-watt wireless charging into the mix, making it one of the cheapest phones to include this option. You'll get faster, 30-watt speeds when plugging in the phone and charging it the old-fashioned way, but the flexibility to charge it without a cable is quite helpful -- and rare at this price. Motorola has also announced 2025 editions of the $200 Moto G and $300 Moto G Power that continue this trend of a colorful vegan leather design, durability and quick charging speeds. The OnePlus Nord N30 5G has an attractive reflective design, which emphasizes its 108-megapixel main camera. It took decent photos when I reviewed it last year, but the real value feature was its 50-watt SuperVooc charger. Even though it's proprietary (meaning only the included charger achieves these speeds), it replenishes the battery up to 75% in 30 minutes -- a speed that most other phones do not achieve. Both Motorola's and OnePlus' cheaper phones include a super smooth 120Hz refresh rate, NFC for contactless payments, and processors that are fast enough for multitasking along with playing games. But unfortunately, both these phones also have shorter update schedules. Though the N30 is still on sale, it's now nearly two years into its three-year security support commitment. Meanwhile, Motorola's 2025 Moto G phones are getting two years of software updates and three years of security updates, a slight uptick from the single software update the Moto G line received in prior years alongside the same security commitment. Samsung's Galaxy A25 (bottom) puts its selfie camera into a bezel-adjacent notch, while the Moto G Power 5G, Pixel 6A and OnePlus Nord N30 5G use a sleeker display cutout for the camera. Mike Sorrentino/CNET Long lifespan, but a phone that's less fun Samsung deserves recognition for extending the lifespan of its cheaper Galaxy A series phones. It's absolutely wonderful that both the $200 Galaxy A15 and the $300 Galaxy A25 are receiving four years of software updates and five years of security updates. And it's even better that the Galaxy A16 is receiving six years of each. No competitor even comes close to that promise. Samsung nailed the basics for both of these phones, with high-refresh displays, NFC contactless payments and powerful enough processors. But compared with other similarly priced phones, Samsung's Galaxy A devices feel dull. The A15 and A25 are made of plastic and have a blocky notch rather than the sleeker cutout for the selfie camera found on most other competing phones. While Samsung's cheaper phones can handle essentials without issue, they struggle with simple multitasking. The A15 in particular consistently loads slowly. Though the A25 fared better with most tasks, it occasionally stutters when loading games or playing music while using a web browser and password manager simultaneously. I look forward to testing the A16 to see if Samsung was able to improve phone performance for its lower-priced option. This makes the Galaxy A15 and Galaxy A25 completely adequate if all you want is a phone for communication that won't need replacing anytime soon. But I worry that you'll run into dead ends as apps and services develop over the coming years, especially if these phones are already easily overwhelmed. While the OnePlus Nord N30 5G released in 2023 and Google's Pixel 6A in 2022, both phones are still available for under $300 with features worth considering. Mike Sorrentino/CNET Could Google's Pixel 6A be the low-budget champion? You may have noticed that I didn't discuss the cameras on any of the previously mentioned phones. That's because while all of them feature at least 50-megapixel main cameras, none of them take particularly impressive photos. Yet Google's Pixel 6A remains available for sale and often gets priced under $300. Thanks to a recent extension given to the Pixel 6 and later, the Pixel 6A will now get software updates until July 2027 along with security updates for the same amount of time. This is a major boost to this cheaper phone's usability, especially considering that Google originally planned to sunset the Pixel 6A's software updates in 2025. The Pixel 6A's 12.2-megapixel main camera is still impressive for the price. It runs on Google's first generation Tensor processor and comes with many of the Pixel's flagship features like Magic Eraser for editing photos, Live Translate and other long-standing Pixel exclusives like Call Screening and Hold for Me. The Pixel 6A also includes the AI-powered Circle to Search. Even though the Pixel 6A will miss out on Google's newer and more advanced Gemini AI features, it's still a promising option even two years after its release. However, you won't get wireless charging or a headphone jack on the Pixel 6A, and its screen is smaller and dimmer than other phones mentioned in this story. The Moto G Power 5G (left) includes wireless charging while the Samsung Galaxy A25 5G (right) gets more years of software and security updates. Mike Sorrentino/CNET How to decide the best option? Your priorities matter most when choosing a budget phone. If you want the most features for an affordable price wrapped in an eye-catching design, consider phones from Motorola, Google and OnePlus. However, if the most important reason for buying a cheaper phone is to avoid upgrading for as long as possible, you should consider Samsung's Galaxy A phones. The irony is that you can't have both. The phone that gets updated for four years may not necessarily be the one you want to hang on to for four years.
