Is Motorola Razr 50 really better than Motorola Razr 40?

The Razr 50 and Razr 40 share the same internal display size – a large 6.9-inch FHD+ pOLED panel. However, the Razr 50 takes a slight edge in peak brightness, reaching a whopping 2600 nits compared to the Razr 40’s 1400 nits. Both offer vibrant visuals with HDR 10+ support, but the Razr 50 might be a better choice for outdoor use under direct sunlight.

The bigger difference lies in the refresh rate. The Razr 50 boasts a 10-120Hz variable refresh rate, allowing for smoother scrolling and animations when needed, while the Razr 40 offers a fixed 144Hz refresh rate. The variable refresh rate on the Razr 50 can potentially help with battery life as well.

The external display is where things differ significantly. The Razr 50 features a larger 3.6-inch FHD+ pOLED display with a 90Hz refresh rate, making it more usable for tasks like checking notifications, replying to messages, or even taking quick photos. The Razr 40’s external display is a mere 1.47-inch AMOLED panel with a 60Hz refresh rate, limiting its functionality.

The Razr 50 takes a different approach under the hood, opting for the MediaTek Dimensity 7300X processor built on a 4nm process. The Razr 40, on the other hand, utilizes the Qualcomm Snapdragon 7 Gen 1 processor, also built on a 4nm process.

While benchmark scores are yet to be revealed for the Dimensity 7300X, the Snapdragon 7 Gen 1 is a capable mid-range processor. Both processors should be able to handle everyday tasks and even some light gaming. However, power users who prioritize performance might want to wait for benchmark results before making a decision.

Both phones are available with 8GB or 12GB of LPDDR4X RAM. However, the Razr 50 offers more storage options, starting at 256GB and going up to 512GB of UFS 2.2 storage for the top model. In comparison, the Razr 40 comes with 128GB or 256GB of UFS 2.2 storage.

The Razr 50 and Razr 40 share the same 32MP front-facing camera for selfies and video calls. However, the rear camera systems differ slightly.

The Razr 50 boasts a 50MP main sensor with OIS (Optical Image Stabilization) alongside a 13MP ultra-wide sensor. The Razr 40 steps down to a 64MP main sensor with OIS and a 13MP ultra-wide sensor. While the megapixel count might seem higher on the Razr 40, the larger sensor size on the Razr 50’s main camera could potentially lead to better low-light performance and image quality.

Both phones pack a 4200mAh battery, which is decent for a foldable phone. However, the Razr 50 boasts faster wired charging at 33W compared to the Razr 40’s 33W. The Razr 50 also offers 15W wireless charging, while the Razr 40 is limited to a measly 5W wireless charging speed.

Both phones utilize a 6000 Series Aviation-grade Aluminum frame and boast an IPX8 water resistance rating, making them both highly durable and water-resistant. The Razr 50 comes in three color options: Moon Velvet Black, Elephant Gray, and Passion Orange. The Razr 40 offers Sage Green, Summer Lilac, and Vanilla Cream color choices.

The Razr 50 features a fifth-generation star track hinge, which Motorola claims is smaller, lighter, and more durable with a reduced crease. While the Razr 40’s hinge has undergone extensive testing, the newer hinge on the Razr 50 might offer a smoother folding experience in the long run.

The Razr 50 comes pre-installed with Android 14, offering the latest features and security updates. The Razr 40 launched with Android 13 but should be upgradable to Android 14 eventually.

The Razr 50 starts at 3699 yuan ($509) for the 8GB + 256GB model, while the Razr 40 was launched at 3999 yuan ($550) for the 8GB + 128GB model. The pricing of the Razr 50 makes it a more attractive option for budget-conscious buyers.

Both Motorola Razr phones offer foldable displays and a unique user experience. However, the Razr 50 emerges as the more future-proof option with its newer processor, larger and more functional cover display, brighter main screen, and the latest Android version.