Motorola just unveiled its 2026 trio of clamshell phones—the Razr, Razr+, and Razr Ultra—but if you're expecting a groundbreaking leap forward, you'll be disappointed. The so-called upgrades are so minor that they barely qualify as improvements, and some changes actually take a step backward. Meanwhile, last year's Razr Ultra is available for nearly half off, bringing its price below what Motorola wants for the new base model. In this listicle, we break down why you should keep your wallet closed on the new lineup and snag the 2025 Razr Ultra instead.
1. The Price Gap Is Ridiculous
The most compelling reason to skip the 2026 Razr Ultra is the price difference. Last year's model is now selling for almost 50% less than its launch price, often dropping below $600. Compare that to the new Razr Ultra, which starts at $1,199, and the value equation becomes obvious. For the same size display, same processor performance in real-world use, and nearly identical camera hardware, you're paying more than double for a phone that feels the same. Even the new base Razr (2026) costs more than the discounted 2025 Ultra in many flash sales. If you care about getting the most phone for your money, the choice is clear.
2. The 'Upgrades' Are Almost Invisible
Motorola claims the 2026 models bring improved cameras, faster charging, and brighter screens. But when you put the 2025 and 2026 Razr Ultra side by side, the differences are barely noticeable. The camera sensor gets a slight tweak, but sample photos look identical in most lighting conditions. Charging speed went from 30W to 33W—a 10% increase that shaves off only two minutes. The display brightness jumps from 2,800 nits to 3,000 nits, but outdoors, you'll be hard-pressed to tell them apart. These incremental changes are exactly the kind of spec bumps that marketers love but real users rarely notice.
3. Some Changes Are Actually Worse
Here's the twist: not every change is an improvement. The 2026 Razr Ultra drops the dedicated ultrawide camera in favor of a higher-resolution main lens with an ultrawide mode that crops in. The result is a less versatile photography experience. Additionally, the hinge design on the new model is slightly looser, which means the phone doesn't stay open at sharp angles as well as the 2025 version. Users have reported a more pronounced crease on the main foldable screen after a few weeks. When your so-called upgrade actually degrades core features, it's time to reconsider.
4. The 2025 Razr Ultra Still Has Flagship Specs
Don't think the old model is outdated. The 2025 Razr Ultra packs a Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 chip, a 6.9-inch foldable OLED with a 165Hz refresh rate, 12GB of RAM, and 256GB of storage. That hardware beats many 2026 mid-range phones and holds its own against current flagships. Software support is still strong—Motorola promises three more years of major OS updates, so you're not missing out on Android 17 or 18. With a large external display that runs full apps and a sleek, durable design, last year's Ultra remains a high-end device that doesn't feel old.
5. You Can Get It Now—No Waiting, No Hype
While the 2026 Razr lineup is only available for pre-order with shipping dates weeks away, the 2025 Razr Ultra is in stock everywhere. Amazon, Best Buy, and Motorola's own store have deep discounts right now. You can have the phone delivered tomorrow for less than $600. No need to watch launch events, read early reviews, or worry about first-batch defects. The 2025 model has already been tested by thousands of users; its reviews are stellar, and its price has never been lower. Waiting for the new one means paying more for a nearly identical experience later. Why wait?
Conclusion: The Smarter Foldable Is Last Year's
Motorola's 2026 Razr lineup is a classic case of iterative design—small tweaks that don't justify a premium price tag. The 2025 Razr Ultra, meanwhile, offers flagship performance, a proven hinge, and a price that undercuts the new base model. If you want a foldable phone that impresses without breaking the bank, act fast on last year's deal. Check the links below for current pricing before the discounts disappear.
Disclaimer: Prices and offers are subject to change. Ensure you compare the specific carrier and storage variants before purchasing.