Latest news with #MotorolaRazr
Elle
a day ago
- Elle
Ditch Your iPhone, Grab Your Kodak: Here's How To Have An Offline Summer
Once upon a time, Instagram used to be the place where I'd connect with the people I loved. I was at university and, for the first time, many of my closest friends were living in different cities. The app was like a virtual pub – I could see what my friends were doing and share pictures that captured my own new life. Fast forward 15 years, and my feed began to look very different: a jarring mix of nihilistic memes, targeted ads and escapist celebrity news. Somewhere along the way, I had become too self-conscious to post and my friends' updates felt curated and calculated. I feel mean writing that, which is exactly what social media brought out in me: a cruel, bitter cynicism. Then, in January, Mark Zuckerberg removed fact checkers from Meta platforms in a thinly veiled attempt to win Donald Trump's approval. I'd had enough. Reader, I deleted Instagram. For the past decade, we've been sleepwalking into a digital dystopia. But from the mass exodus of X (formerly Twitter) after Elon Musk's takeover, to the proliferation of digital detoxes and anti-tech tech, people are starting to push back. Across generations, increasing numbers are taking a stand and actively trying to reduce their dependence on technology and social media. It's a movement that prioritises human connection and mental health, and holds Big Tech companies accountable. Cue the rise of 'offlining' or digital minimalism, the latter defined by Cal Newport, journalist and author of Digital Minimalism: Choosing a Focused Life in a Noisy World, as 'a philosophy that helps you question what digital-communication tools add the most value to your life'. For the majority of us, the thought of cutting tech out of our lives completely is unrealistic. Instead, it's about being more intentional with the technology we do use and finding sustainable ways to spend less time online. For some, it's an embrace of all things analogue. Recent figures show specialist- and independent-magazine sales thriving. There's been a return to point-and-shoot cameras, with Kodak reporting demand for film has roughly doubled in the past few years. The growing popularity of phone-free bedrooms has led to renewed interest in alarm clocks and radios, while sales of CDs, cassettes and vinyl are on the rise for the first time in 20 years, largely driven by Gen Z. 'There's definitely a lot more younger people interested,' says Kevyn Long, owner of Hackney records store Jelly Records. 'I always think buying a record is the most engaging way of discovering music, rather than an algorithm telling you what you might like. It's about ownership, too – people like having an item to hold.' For others, it's time to ditch smartphones. Internet searches for flip phones surged by 15,369% in 2023 among Gen Z and younger millennials, while cult Noughties models like the Nokia 3310 and Motorola Razr have been reissued for a modern audience. Of course, the resurgence of these models taps into a broader thirst for nostalgia. Nineties and Noughties aesthetics have been an enduring trend across fashion and culture, but perhaps they also reflect our collective longing for a simpler life that contains less tech. Kaiwei Tang is CEO and co-founder of Light, a start-up making phones 'designed to be used as little as possible'. 'We always have options,' he says of our relationship with tech. 'We know burgers and chips aren't healthy, so we might eat them now and again and try to make healthier choices. For some reason, when it comes to phones, we think we're tied to smartphones.' Light is one of the most popular styles of 'dumb phones' – devices with limited capabilities compared to smartphones. There's no email or apps. You can make and receive calls and texts, set alarms, get rudimental directions and listen to music. 'It's not about going back in time, deleting apps or adding one more app from a third party to try and minimise your smartphone use,' says Tang. 'We wanted to create an entirely new phone that's designed to be in the background. It's like a hammer: it's there when you need it. When you put it back, it disappears. We wanted to return technology to a more utilitarian format.' The first model had a waiting list of 50,000 people after a successful Kickstarter campaign in 2015. Tang says people from all walks of life are buying Light models. Some make it their only phone, while others use it in tandem with a smartphone. Again, it's Gen Z – the demographic with the highest average screen time – that is driving the demand. 'Our customers are aware of how many hours they spend on smartphones and they are stressed and anxious. I think we all feel like, 'What happened? I just went to the toilet [with my phone]! Why can't I stop swiping?!'' Attracted to the idea of a background phone that wouldn't encourage doomscrolling, I ordered a Light Phone III. The first thing I notice when it arrives is how chunky and uncomfortable it is to hold. I realise it's not just what's on the screen: even the physical design of a smartphone promotes constant use. Once I'm set up, I text a friend, try out the camera and then… put it away. Without the option of endless scrolling and the pull of notifications, it becomes easy to put my phone down. Tang argues that exercising self-control on a regular smartphone is virtually impossible. 'Every social-media browser is thinking about the attention economy. They don't charge you, they track you. That's the business model: they collect your information, categorise you and give it to advertisers to target customers. Companies relying on that model want you to be online as much as possible. If you don't pay for the product, you are the product.' I have a newfound respect for the people who refuse to be 'the product'. Anna Burzlaff, 33, director of global research and insights at international fashion brand Highsnobiety, has never had social media. 'I've been told it's my green flag,' she says. 'At the start, I wasn't consciously opposing it – it just didn't interest me. I wouldn't join now for a lot of reasons. Anytime I have gone on friends' accounts, I find it impacts my mood negatively. And I still don't find it particularly interesting. What is actually happening there? What is exciting or new? No one has really shown me anything compelling that I can only discover through Instagram. I don't feel like there's much on there that I can't get from legacy publishers or going to an art gallery.' The average daily screen time for UK adults has been steadily rising and now stands at 5 hours and 36 minutes. By this point, we're all aware of the addictive nature of technology and its impact on our mental health; the dangers of digital worlds is a huge theme across popular culture. Charlie Brooker's Black Mirror, now in its seventh season, warns of a grim future if we continue being this online, while Netflix's Adolescence became one of the most talked-about shows of the year, with the first episode drawing in 6.45 million viewers. Set during the aftermath of a young girl's violent murder, it follows a group of teenagers whose lives are increasingly shaped by social media. While Adolescence doesn't explicitly point to a clear motive for the murder, it does highlight the radicalisation of young people through online spaces. So huge was its impact that Keir Starmer met the creators to discuss the issues it raised, with screenwriter Jack Thorne urging the Prime Minister to consider banning smartphones in schools. The increasing call for policy change around tech use feels like a rebellion rising. 'There's a growing attention to the mental and emotional impact of constant connectivity,' says Dr Pamela Rutledge, director of the Media Psychology Centre in California. 'There is a concern that too much digital stimulation can come at the cost of meaningful, in-person experiences and deeper relationships.' While many of us fear slipping into 'digital dementia', a shorthand for the brain fog and reduced attention span associated with excessive phone use, Rutledge is more optimistic. 'There is no conclusive evidence that digital technology causes neurodegeneration or long-term dementia-like symptoms. The most frequently cited effects of 'heavy' digital use are short- to medium-term memory issues, however they are reversible with behaviour change.' While improving our mental health and reclaiming our attention span are huge drivers, there's also a creeping discomfort with Big Tech. Silicon Valley was once the heart of creativity and innovation; Sheryl Sandberg told us to lean in, and with couples such as Grimes and Elon Musk, or Serena Williams and Reddit co-founder Alexis Ohanian, dating a tech mogul was practically a status symbol. But, somewhere along the way, through unchecked growth and a disregard for the broader societal consequences, companies became monopolies, and the ecological toll reached new extremes: Amazon, Google and Microsoft all plan to build massive data centers in the world's driest regions, threatening communities already battling water shortages. Meanwhile, the pervasive power of algorithms has left privacy unprotected, with personal data being mined and manipulated in ways that feel less like innovation and more like exploitation. Not to mention news of data breaches breaking every other week. For many, participating in the great tech rebellion is an act of self-care. Ever since the Industrial Revolution, every generation has experienced the birth of a technology so profound it changes the way we live. When television sets became mainstream in the 1970s, allowing audiences to get global news and entertainment in real time, the way people interacted with the world changed fundamentally. By the time the internet became a mainstay in the late Nineties and early Noughties, we no longer needed to leave the comfort of our own homes for entertainment or socialising. As Andy Warhol put it: 'When I got my first television set, I stopped caring so much about having close relationships.' Today, the speed of digital innovation is so rapid that we've stopped getting excited about it. What is more thrilling is revelling in the joy and social connection of less tech dependence. 'Reducing time online can give people a greater sense of control over their attention and decisions, increasing satisfaction with life,' Rutledge says. Tang tells me about an annual survey of Light Phone users; customers report feeling happier and less stressed, and notice improved relationships with family: 'One man with a chronic health condition said his heart rate reduced.' For Burzlaff, 'the biggest thing is that I save an incredible amount of time. Every day, I'm probably saving an hour at least, and that's massive.' Embracing digital minimalism doesn't have to be daunting. 'Even small wins – like reclaiming 15 minutes in the morning – can help you build momentum,' says Rutledge. 'You're not breaking up with tech, you're just renegotiating the relationship.' There's also no one-size-fits-all approach. I couldn't quite hack the Light Phone as my only mobile device and, as a friend pointed out – via WhatsApp – I haven't totally managed to extricate myself from Zuckerberg's grip. While I ditched the platform that encourages endless scrolling, I kept the one that helps me feel connected to friends and family. The great tech rebellion is simmering, gaining momentum among the people who rely on it the most. This time, perhaps, the revolution will not be televised. ELLE Collective is a new community of fashion, beauty and culture lovers. For access to exclusive content, events, inspiring advice from our Editors and industry experts, as well the opportunity to meet designers, thought-leaders and stylists, become a member today HERE.
Phone Arena
2 days ago
- Business
- Phone Arena
Samsung Galaxy Z Flip 7 Review: The Flip in its prime
Let's be honest: Samsung has been sleepwalking the whole foldable phone thing, lulled to sleep by the lack of real competition. The evolution of the Flip series in particular has been painfully slow. However, in the past couple of years, the competition finally showed up in the face of the Motorola Razr series. With edge-to-edge screens and sleek designs, Motorola showed that a better flip phone was possible. It has taken Samsung a while to wake up from that sleep, but awake it is with the new Flip 7 , which is everything flip phone users wanted. It's the Flip in its prime, and it would have been perfect, if not for this one little detail. $720 off (59%) Pre-order the Galaxy Z Flip 7 at Samsung and save $120 as a free storage upgrade on the 512GB variant. On top of that, you'll save up to $600 with eligible device trade-ins. Alternatively, you can get it with a $150 Samsung Instant Credit. Pre-order at Samsung $560 off (58%) For the first time, Samsung launched a Galaxy Z Flip 7 FE alongside the flagship flip phone. Pre-order the budget flip phone at the Samsung Store and save up to $500 with eligible trade-ins. On top of that, the 256GB model is $60 off before trade-ins. Pre-order at Samsung At the moment of publishing this review, the Flip 7 scores second on our Flip phone ranking, falling behind the Motorola Razr Ultra (2025). The main reason for that are the lower performance scores, as the Razr uses the much more powerful Snapdragon 8 Elite chipset. The Galaxy holds its own in other aspects and beats the Motorola when it comes to software. Keep in mind that there is a big gap in the price of these two flip phones — $1,100 for the Flip 7 and $1,300 for the Razr Ultra. For more detail, we have our direct Galaxy Z Flip 7 vs Razr Ultra comparison. Table of Contents: The Flip 7 has everything you expect to see in a flagship flip phone. Well, almost everything: Yep, the exception is that Samsung Exynos 2500 chip inside it, not a Snapdragon chip! Why? And really? But also, does it really matter? We explain more in the performance section. Samsung has been on a mission of its own in the world: make phones thinner and lighter. And while many people might criticize it for not including bigger batteries, we think that there is a lot of value in slimmer devices. In the case of the Flip 7 , it's about a millimeter thinner and a tiny bit lighter. Those might seem like small details, but they matter. Samsung also brings colors back, especially with that saturated blue color on the Flip 7 , and have you seen the Coral Red version? It's time we moved away from boring phones indeed. You also have a fourth option, the mint colorway, only available via There is nothing remarkable in the box of the Galaxy Z Flip 7. You'd find the standard USB-C charging cable, a SIM tool, the user manuals, but no charger, no pre-applied screen protector and nothing else really. There are two screens to discuss here and both have received some welcome upgrades. The 4.1-inch size of the "Flex Window" aka the cover screen is the big highlight, and it's such a massive difference that you don't fully appreciate until you start using the phone. And did we mention this is now a 120Hz screen, a big upgrade from the 60Hz refresh rate on the cover screen of the Flip 6? Nice. The other difference is the slightly wider 21:9 aspect ratio of the main screen, a change from the taller 22:9 aspect ratio Samsung used before. Again, a small detail that helps a lot with usability. Our display lab tests that we run diligently for every phone show good numbers for peak brightness (look at the 20% number for the best reference). The Flip 7 can also get very dim for comfortable use at night, a trick that not many other phones can do. When it comes to biometrics, you have a fingerprint scanner embedded in the power key, and it works as you'd expect — fast and accurate. There are no changes in the camera hardware on the Flip 7 . It's the same 50MP main camera paired with a 12MP ultra-wide one. In our camera benchmark, the Flip 7 scored roughly on par with the Flip 6 with some slight differences when it comes to detail resolution and exposure a direct sample photo comparison with the Flip 6, we noticed the quality has improved in some photos, in particular, look much more detailed. In lower light, detail used to be very soft on the Flip 6, which is not the case on the newer model. When taking pictures with the main camera, the Flip 7 exposes the shadows more and has a slightly different look. One issue that Samsung has eliminated is HDR artifacts, which were occasionally visible on the Flip 6, and you practically don't have them on the 7. In photos taken with the ultra-wide camera, the excessive sharpening on the Flip 6 is finally fixed too for a cleaner detail. All those changes are subtle things but they do make for better photos. Video recording quality has not changed much between the Flip 7 and Flip 6, but thanks to the much bigger cover screen, recording your vlogs now looks so much better. This is, honestly, the most fun part of owning a flip phone, and I think it's a really big selling point. One option missing when you are recording from the cover screen, however, is LOG video recording. You can only access that when you open the Flip and go into the Pro video mode. Compared to rival phones, it's noticeable that there is more noise (even in daylight) on the Flip 7 footage, while the Razr Ultra videos look much cleaner. Remember we told you there was one little detail that spoils the picture for the Flip 7 ? Well, here it is: the Samsung Exynos 2500 chip inside it, coupled with 12GB of RAM. This is the first Flip phone not launching with a Snapdragon processor, and the benchmark results immediately show that this new Exynos chip is a compromise. But is it a deal-breaker? We don't think so. The Flip 7 runs buttery smooth in daily use and you don't notice the lack of a true flagship processor. However, it's also fair to ask for a high-end chip considering the high-end price you pay for the Flip 7 . In CPU tests, we see a noticeable gap between the Flip 7 and the Snapdragon 8 Elite-powered Razr Ultra. GPU Performance The gap is even bigger when you look at gaming performance, with the Razr Ultra achieving nearly double the scores after all the throttling that usually comes with an intense gaming session. Will gamers rush to buy this phone? Probably not. And for most people, we don't think this would be much of an issue, but it is something to keep in mind. We do like that Samsung has at least not cheapened out on the storage front. You get 256GB UFS 4.0 storage in the base version, as it should be. Galaxy Z Flip 7 Software With Android 16 on board and One UI 8, the Galaxy Z Flip 7 has the most modern software you can get. Couple this with Samsung's awesome promise for seven years of OS upgrades, and you are looking at a device that will last you far more than other rivals. In case you are wondering, One UI 8 does not look much different than One UI 7. We like Samsung's little design tweaks that make the interface look a bit more modern (and a bit more iOS-like). What we don't like is that Samsung still treats the cover screen as a place for widgets, and not a fully operational screen. Instead of giving you free reign to place apps, Samsung forces you to use geeky apps like GoodLock with the MultiStar module just to use all of your apps on the cover screen. For some reason, Samsung insists on preloading a bunch of useless widgets on the cover screen. That's in stark contrast to Motorola's approach with the Razr where you can fully customize the cover screen from the get go. On the flipside, we have a long awaited addition to the Flip 7 — DeX! Samsung's desktop software was previously only available on the traditional candybar phones and the Fold series, but not on the Flip. Thankfully, the Flip 7 fixes that and while DeX is still not perfect, it can be a life-saver and I know many enthusiasts who absolutely love the feature. We have used it with a cable and a hub connecting to a 1440p Dell monitor and the trick is to enable the "High resolutions for external display" option in GoodLock (the MultiStar module). The Flip 7 upgrades to a 4,300 mAh battery, nearly 8% bigger than the 4,000 mAh one on the Flip 7 . It's not the biggest upgrade and this is still a 10% smaller battery size than on the Razr Ultra, but it's a step in the right direction (while keeping the form factor slim). We have run our in-house battery lab tests, so let's see the results. On our lightest web browsing test, the Flip 7 scores nearly 19 hours, a cool three hours better than the Flip 6. On our second test, YouTube video streaming, the Flip 7 lasts for 9 hours and a half, which is half an hour more than the Flip 6. Overall, we estimate the Flip 7 to last around 7 hours with mixed use, a slight improvement over the 6 hours and 45 minutes we estimated for the Flip 6. Unfortunately, charging speeds have not improved at all. With 25W wired charging, it still takes around 1 hour and a half to fully top up the Flip 7 , and a 30-minute charge gives you around 50% of your battery back. Wireless charging is 15W, so expect to wait around three hours for a full wireless charge. One area where Flip phones fall behind most other flagships is loudspeaker quality. The Flip 7 is, unfortunately, not great at this either. Compared to a Galaxy S25 Ultra or iPhone 16 Pro Max, it lacks the boom and the volume. We guess the reason is the limited space for a speaker in a flip form factor, but the result is clearly speakers that lack significantly in the lower frequencies. Still, compared to the Flip 6, the Flip 7 offers slightly better and cleaner sound. The volume is about the same (on the quiet side), but the sound is a bit cleaner. You notice this especially in busy parts of songs, where the Flip 6 can sound muddy, mixing all instruments into one bigger mess, while the Flip 7 maintains better separation. Haptics have not changed much and are still quite decent, but not more than that. While the Flip 7 is not quite the generational leap as the Fold 7, it's still a very big improvement. The larger cover screen feels downright luxurious compared to the teeny one used on the previous models. Coupled with a slightly bigger battery and a slimmer design, the Flip 7 is a looker. Summarizing the downsides, there are two things that stand out. One is how Samsung treats the cover screen as some sort of a widget center rather than allowing users to fully customize it, and the other is the Exynos 2500 chipset, which is not flagship-grade. But those are not dealbreakers and with its long software support and many other little improvements, the Flip 7 regains the crown as the go-to Flip phone for buyers.
Phone Arena
7 days ago
- Business
- Phone Arena
Prime Day's over, but the Razr+ (2024) just got a massive 34% discount
Missed your chance to score a massive $400 off the Motorola Razr+ (2024) in the final hours of last week's Prime Day? Don't worry, Amazon is now giving you another chance to save big on this high-end flip phone. Right now, the Midnight Blue model is 34% off, saving you an impressive $335. $335 off (34%) Amazon is now giving you an exclusive $335 price cut on the Motorola Razr+ (2024) in Midnight Blue. That makes the stylish flip phone a much more affordable choice. You might want to hurry up and save while this sale lasts. Buy at Amazon There's no denying that Prime Day's offer was more attractive. However, that was a Prime member-exclusive sale, while the current one is open to everyone. On top of that, you won't find a more significant price cut on last year's flagship Razr. We checked and found a more modest $250 price cut at the official store. Over at Best Buy, you'd have to cough up the model's full retail price of nearly $1, the Razr+ (2025) has arrived, it doesn't offer significant improvements to make it a more compelling pick over last year's model, especially at its current price. But what does the 2024 Razr+ offer? First of all, it features a large 4-inch cover screen with vivid colors and excellent brightness levels. The main 6.9-inch OLED display is just as impressive, boasting an ultra-snappy 165Hz refresh rate and crisp resolution. Beyond the two lovely displays, the Razr+ (2024) impresses with its design. Featuring vegan leather back and modern colors, this Android phone is designed to captivate. On top of that, Motorola has significantly improved the hinge, making the phone feel sturdier than its predecessor. Add to that a Snapdragon 8s Gen 3 performance and a capable 50MP main camera, and you've got a very well-rounded and stylish phone. Sure, it's not as impressive as the Galaxy Z Flip 6, but it's hard to ignore at its current asking price. So, if you like what the Motorola Razr+ (2024) brings to the table, now's your chance to save 34% on it. And if you're on the fence, don't forget to check out our Motorola Razr+ (2024) review for more insights into camera capabilities, daily performance, and more. Secure your connection now at a bargain price! We may earn a commission if you make a purchase Check Out The Offer
Phone Arena
16-07-2025
- Business
- Phone Arena
Motorola slashes the price of the Razr (2024), making it a no-brainer for foldable fans
The 1TB Razr Ultra (2025) may be selling at a hefty discount right now, but it's still quite expensive. So, what do you do if you want to score a capable clamshell foldable at a price that won't break the bank? You go for the Razr (2024) instead. We know, we know, it's an older phone—and we, the tech-savvy, don't usually like those. However, Motorola is currently selling it at a sweet $200 discount, bringing the price down to just $499.99. Furthermore, you can trade in your old phone for an extra $100 in savings. And if that's not enough, the manufacturer is tossing in a free case that would usually set you back about $50. Trade-in Gift $399 99 $699 99 $300 off (43%) Act fast and get the Motorola Razr (2024) for $200 off its price. Trade in your old phone for an additional $100 discount. In addition, Motorola is tossing in a free case (a $50 value). Don't hesitate! Buy at Motorola The Razr (2024) may no longer be the latest Razr phone, but don't let that stop you from taking advantage of this deal. This bad boy still packs a punch, courtesy of its MediaTek Dimensity 7300X chipset and 8GB of RAM. It can easily handle most tasks without breaking a sweat. On top of that, it rocks a gorgeous 6.9-inch AMOLED display with a 2640 x 1080 resolution and HDR10+ support, delivering stunning visuals. It also takes pretty decent photos with its 50 MP main camera, though you might notice occasional oversharpening, some loss of detail in bright areas, and a slight blue or green tint in certain pictures. Of course, given that this is a mid-ranger and that it's also a foldable — and those aren't among the best camera phones — we believe the camera performance is satisfactory, especially given the current price. All in all, the Razr (2024) is still worth getting, and we encourage you to act fast and grab one now if you want a speedy clamshell foldable at a bargain price. Don't miss out! Secure your connection now at a bargain price! We may earn a commission if you make a purchase Check Out The Offer
Mint
16-07-2025
- Business
- Mint
The evolution of foldable phones in eight devices
Shouvik Das Foldables have transitioned from novelty prototypes into advanced, mainstream devices in 2025. We trace their journey and evolution in terms of both design and technology over the past decade The Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 7 is only the latest in a long line of modern foldables that have improved with every iteration to become mainstream and much-anticipated devices Gift this article Over the past seven years, foldable smartphones have seen several waves of evolution in the way they look, feel and work. The early foldable designs in 2018 were all about showcasing the technology. Now, as Samsung unveiled the seventh generation of its foldable phones last week, consumer tech brands are looking to make these premium devices more pocketable and palatable too. Case in point: the new Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 7, which measures only 4mm in thickness when unfolded—and under 9mm even when folded. Mint takes a look at the evolution of the technology. Over the past seven years, foldable smartphones have seen several waves of evolution in the way they look, feel and work. The early foldable designs in 2018 were all about showcasing the technology. Now, as Samsung unveiled the seventh generation of its foldable phones last week, consumer tech brands are looking to make these premium devices more pocketable and palatable too. Case in point: the new Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 7, which measures only 4mm in thickness when unfolded—and under 9mm even when folded. Mint takes a look at the evolution of the technology. Royole FlexPai: The first commercial foldable October 2018 In October 2018, little-known Chinese electronics firm Royole, with a California-registered office, became the first in the world to showcase a commercial foldable smartphone that was eventually sold to consumers. Then a feat of engineering, the FlexPai didn't shut flat—with a large U-shaped gap in the middle. Still, it showcased a future for a tablet-sized display—the FlexPai had a 7.8-inch Amoled screen—and still fit in pockets. It was understandably not a commercial success, but was the base format that many eventually adopted. Samsung Galaxy Fold: The first mainstream foldable February 2019 Interestingly, Samsung was long expected to be the first to launch a foldable, and four months after Royole, it became so. It had two displays—a large 7.3-inch one that opened when folded out, and a 4.6-inch one on the outside. The Galaxy Fold's launch was marred by early reviews flagging durability discrepancies, and criticism over Samsung overstating its sales figures. These delayed its launch until September 2019, but it still reportedly sold nearly 400,000 units—not bad for a first-generation near-concept device. Motorola Razr: The first clamshell flip phone November 2019 The Motorola Razr sought to replicate the once-iconic super-slim flip phone from 2004. This resulted in a device that got mixed reviews because of mid-level performance specifications, but won plaudits from many for a device that brought a much-beloved form factor back to the market. The new Razr had a 6.2-inch display on the inside that could be folded to smaller than the size of a palm—with a tiny 2.7-inch external screen for basic information. It wasn't very durable, but made a splash for its design innovation. LG's rollable concept phone January 2021 At the 2021 Consumer Electronics Show in Las Vegas, LG showcased a smartphone that, at the push of a button, had a phone that could roll open and assume the size of a tablet. Unfortunately, it was never to be, and by July 2021, the Korean firm announced that it is shutting its mobile phone business. Leaked videos showed a surprising amount of finesse and sophisticated engineering, but the rollable phone idea died with LG—and no one to date has made another attempt. Google Pixel 9 Pro Fold: Google's first serious attempt August 2024 In June 2023, Google made its first Pixel Fold. But, it felt antiquated from launch itself primarily due to its thick black borders around the screen. A year later, though, the company delivered what to date is one of the most premium foldable smartphone designs to date. The displays are crisp, with a premium matte glass back and dimensions suitable for most streaming apps. The Pixel 9 Pro Fold also showed that foldable phones can be durable, premium and large, all at once. Huawei Mate XT: The first commercial tri-fold September 2024 Though no longer a global brand, China's Huawei made waves when it launched its triple-folding Mate XT smartphone. It had a Z-shaped folding mechanism, with three folding steps of display that could be as slim as 4.8mm. When opened, the full display is larger than 10 inches—truly replacing a tablet within pockets. The feat of technology, unfortunately, cannot be bought anywhere outside of China, although it inspired other brands to follow suit. Samsung, for instance, is expected to be working on a tri-fold phone for later this year. Moto Razr 60 Ultra: The newest flip design May 2025 Two months ago, the Moto Razr 60 Ultra showed a super-premium take on its latest device design that had premium leather on its back, and a size smaller than most palms when folded. Even when shut, the Razr 60 Ultra has cameras within its display, and the 4-inch outer display lets users access most features of the phone. When unfolded, it is a full-scale flagship with a 7-inch display—and is today pretty much the only flagship phone that can also be compact and easy to fit in pockets. Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 7: The slimmest foldable design July 2025 Samsung's launch from last week, with the Galaxy Z Fold 7, showcased a foldable smartphone that is only 4mm thick. In fact, when opened, it is the slimmest in-production smartphone right now—even though it has all the features of a flagship. This includes an 8-inch Amoled display, up to 1TB storage, a 200-megapixel main camera, a stabilized 3x-zoom second camera, and even a desktop mode that turns it into a compact computer format, when paired with a wireless pointer device. Does it improve usage? That remains to be seen. Topics You May Be Interested In
