Motorola Razr 50 Ultra vs Motorola Razr 40 Ultra: A Detailed Comparison

Motorola's iconic Razr is back with a new generation, and this time, it's the Razr 50 Ultra taking center stage. But how does it compare to its predecessor, the Razr 40 Ultra? Let's see which foldable phone reigns supreme.

Display: A Brighter and Smoother Unfold

Both phones boast large 6.9-inch foldable displays, perfect for watching videos or multitasking. However, the Razr 50 Ultra boasts the superior display in almost every way. It utilizes an LTPO panel, allowing for a wider refresh rate range of 1-165Hz for smoother visuals and better battery management. Additionally, it gets significantly brighter at a peak of 3000 nits, making it ideal for outdoor use under harsh sunlight, something the Razr 40 Ultra's 1400 nits peak brightness might struggle with. The Razr 50 Ultra also offers a wider 100% DCI-P3 color gamut for richer colors.

The external displays also differ. The Razr 50 Ultra boasts a larger 4-inch display with a matching 1-165Hz refresh rate for a more responsive experience. The Razr 40 Ultra's external display is slightly smaller at 3.6 inches and has a 144Hz refresh rate.

Performance Powerhouse: Upgrading the Engine

The Razr 50 Ultra steps up the game in processing power. It packs the latest Snapdragon 8s Gen 3 processor, paired with a hefty 12GB of LPDDR5X RAM. This translates to smoother multitasking, faster app loading times, and the ability to handle even demanding games with ease. The Razr 40 Ultra utilizes the still-powerful Snapdragon 8+ Gen 1 processor but with only 8GB of LPDDR5 RAM. Storage options are also more diverse on the 50 Ultra, offering 256GB and 512GB UFS 4.0 storage variants, while the 40 Ultra provides a single 256GB UFS 3.1 option.

Cameras: Different Approaches

The camera systems take different approaches. The Razr 50 Ultra focuses on high-resolution with a dual 50MP rear camera setup - one main sensor and one telephoto lens with 2x zoom. This allows for capturing sharp and detailed photos, especially in good lighting conditions. The Razr 40 Ultra opts for versatility with a 12MP main sensor, a 13MP ultrawide sensor for capturing wider landscapes, and a macro option for close-up shots. Both phones offer a 32MP front-facing camera for selfies and video calls.

Battery, Durability, and Software:

The Razr 50 Ultra packs a slightly larger 4000mAh battery compared to the 3800mAh battery in the Razr 40 Ultra. However, the difference might be negligible in real-world usage. Both phones support fast charging, with the 50 Ultra offering faster 44W wired charging compared to the 40 Ultra's 33W. Wireless charging is also present, but again, the 50 Ultra boasts a faster 15W wireless charging speed compared to the 5W of the 40 Ultra.

Durability-wise, the Razr 50 Ultra boasts a superior water resistance rating of IPX8, while the Razr 40 Ultra offers dust and splash resistance (IP52). Both phones run the latest Android 14 operating system, likely with Motorola's My UI on top.

Price: A Significant Difference

Here's a big difference: the price tag. The Razr 50 Ultra starts at a much steeper $999 for the 12GB + 256GB variant, while the Razr 40 Ultra is considerably more budget-friendly at $430 for the 8GB + 256GB option.

The Verdict: Fold Your Way

The Motorola Razr 50 Ultra emerges as the clear winner in terms of display, processing power, camera resolution (especially for the main sensor), and water resistance. However, this comes at a hefty price premium.

The Razr 40 Ultra is a more wallet-friendly option with a still-capable processor, a versatile camera system, and a decent battery. It also offers a good balance of features for everyday use.

Ultimately, the choice boils down to your priorities. If you crave the absolute best specs and a water-resistant design, the Razr 50 Ultra might be worth the splurge.