Motorola has unveiled its first book-style foldable smartphone, the Razr Fold, marking a significant entry into a market dominated by larger, premium devices from competitors like Samsung and Google. The announcement came during CES 2026 in Las Vegas, where the company showcased early production samples of the device, emphasizing its stylish design and potential to bring a fresh aesthetic to the category. While specifics on pricing and an exact launch date remain under wraps, Motorola confirmed that the Razr Fold will be available in North America sometime this summer.
According to a hands-on preview by Allison Johnson of The Verge, the Razr Fold features a 6.6-inch outer screen and an expansive 8.1-inch 2K LTPO inner display, catering to users who value larger screens for productivity and media consumption. The device is equipped with a triple 50-megapixel rear camera setup, a 32-megapixel selfie camera positioned on the cover screen side, and a 20-megapixel camera integrated into the inner screen for seamless video calls when unfolded. Motorola also highlighted compatibility with its new Moto Pen Ultra stylus, which could appeal to creative professionals seeking a versatile foldable experience.
Johnson noted that despite pressing Motorola spokespeople for details on the device's cost, she "couldn’t tease even a hint" out of them. This lack of pricing information has left industry observers speculating about the Razr Fold's positioning in the market. Will it serve as a more accessible option in the foldable segment, which has historically been plagued by high price tags exceeding $1,500, or will it align with the luxury tier alongside devices like the Samsung Galaxy Z Fold series?
The Razr Fold builds on Motorola's experience with its clamshell-style Razr foldables, incorporating familiar software features such as the ability to automatically display a clock and calendar on the outer screen when the phone is propped open in a tent-like mode. Johnson described the inner screen's multitasking capabilities as reminiscent of OnePlus software, allowing users to dock an app to the side of the screen while keeping it active, even if partially out of view. These elements suggest Motorola is aiming to blend productivity with intuitive use, potentially differentiating the device in a crowded field.
In terms of design, the Razr Fold stands out for its slim profile and lighter weight compared to rivals. Johnson reported that it is "noticeably thinner and lighter than the Google Pixel 9 Pro Fold" she had been using, though not quite as slender as the anticipated Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 7. The back panel options include a blue-black finish with a woven texture and a silky white variant, which the reporter quipped would "surely pick up lint within seconds of landing in my pocket." This attention to aesthetics positions the Razr Fold as a more approachable and stylish alternative to the typically rugged, tech-heavy designs of other book-style foldables.
Motorola's move into book-style foldables comes more than five years after the format gained traction with Samsung's Galaxy Fold in 2019. The company, a subsidiary of Lenovo, has focused primarily on its flip-phone Razr line, which has seen success in the mid-range foldable market. By entering the larger form factor now, Motorola appears to be capitalizing on a perceived gap for devices that combine premium features with a softer, less industrial look. As Johnson put it, the bigger foldables have "largely stuck with a more masculine, tech-y aesthetic," and the Razr Fold offers "an option that’s a little bit softer — literally."
Early impressions from the CES floor indicate that the device handles basic folding mechanics smoothly, with no major creasing issues on the inner display reported during the limited demo time. Motorola emphasized that this is an "early look at what it’s been working on," suggesting refinements could still be underway before the summer release. The inclusion of the Moto Pen Ultra stylus adds a layer of functionality not commonly found in foldables, potentially drawing in users from the tablet ecosystem who want a compact alternative.
Industry analysts have mixed views on the timing of this launch. Some see it as a strategic play ahead of Apple's rumored entry into foldables, expected later this year with an iPhone Flip or similar device. Others question whether Motorola can compete on hardware innovation, given the Razr Fold's reliance on established specs like the 50-megapixel cameras, which are standard in the category. A representative from Motorola told The Verge that the focus is on "style and usability," without elaborating on chipset details or battery life, which remain undisclosed.
The foldable market has grown steadily since its inception, with global shipments reaching over 10 million units in 2025, according to Counterpoint Research. However, affordability has been a persistent barrier, with average prices hovering around $1,700. If the Razr Fold lands below $1,200, it could disrupt this trend and broaden adoption, especially among consumers wary of the durability concerns that plagued early foldables, such as screen cracks and hinge failures.
Johnson's hands-on session with production samples revealed a device that feels premium without the bulk, measuring thinner than the Pixel 9 Pro Fold at an estimated 6.5 millimeters when unfolded—though official dimensions were not provided. The woven back texture not only enhances grip but also evokes a sense of luxury, aligning with Motorola's branding push toward fashionable tech. For context, the Google Pixel 9 Pro Fold, released in September 2024, weighs 257 grams and starts at $1,799, setting a benchmark that the Razr Fold might aim to undercut.
Software-wise, the Razr Fold runs on a customized version of Android, incorporating Motorola's gesture-based interactions from previous Razr models. Users can expect near-stock Android experiences with added fold-specific optimizations, such as split-screen multitasking and Flex Mode for hands-free viewing. While Johnson didn't delve deeply into performance, she mentioned the device felt responsive during brief demos, powered likely by a Qualcomm Snapdragon processor similar to those in 2025 flagships.
Looking ahead, the Razr Fold's summer debut in North America could coincide with carrier promotions, potentially making it available through Verizon, AT&T, and T-Mobile. International rollout details are unclear, but Lenovo's global reach suggests expansion to Europe and Asia by fall. Motorola's strategy seems to hinge on differentiating through design rather than raw specs, a tactic that worked well for its $700 Razr 2024 flip phone, which sold over 500,000 units in the U.S. alone.
The unanswered question of pricing looms large, as it will determine whether the Razr Fold can truly democratize book-style foldables. Motorola spokespeople reiterated during CES interviews that more details would follow closer to launch, leaving room for speculation. If positioned as a "comparatively budget-friendlier" option, as Johnson pondered, it might challenge Samsung's dominance, which holds about 60% of the foldable market share per IDC data.
In the broader context of CES 2026, the Razr Fold joins announcements from other tech giants unveiling AI-enhanced wearables and next-gen laptops, underscoring the show's role as a launchpad for consumer electronics. For Motorola, this represents a bold pivot, leveraging its heritage in innovative designs—from the original Droid to the slim Razr V3—to reimagine foldables for a style-conscious audience. As the market evolves, with Apple and others circling, the Razr Fold could signal a shift toward more inclusive, aesthetically driven mobile tech.
Consumers and reviewers alike will watch closely for official specs and benchmarks in the coming months. Until then, the Razr Fold remains a tantalizing preview of Motorola's ambitions in a format ripe for innovation. With its blend of elegance and functionality, it has the potential to fold its way into the mainstream—if the price is right.