Moto Razr Displays Are Already Breaking: Report

Feb. 10, 2020

Motorola finally launched the much-hyped Moto Razr on the 6th of February after originallyannouncingthe handset last November. It has merely been a week since the device hit retail stores and the display units being showcased are already showing issues.

The issues are mainly on thedisplayand thehingeequipped with“movable support plates that rigidly support the display when the phone is open but collapse out of the way when the phone is closed”.

Since the display is not completely attached to the phone, there are more chances for dust and lint to get underneath the display. Once minute particles get behind the handset’s display, it is more likely to cause damage to the handset sooner rather than later. This is evident in thedurability test of Moto Razrby popular YouTuber JerryRigEverything.

Also, as we see inCNET’sfold test, the Moto Razr miserably failed to match the expected number of folds. The device stopped functioning after 27,000 folds. Samsung Galaxy Fold, on the other hand, survived 120,000 folds before finally becoming nonfunctional.

In response to CNET’s test, Motorola issued a statement saying“razr is a unique smartphone, featuring a dynamic clamshell folding system unlike any device on the market. SquareTrade’s FoldBot is simply not designed to test our device. […] razr underwent extensive cycle endurance testing during product development, and CNET’s test is not indicative of what consumers will experience when using razr in the real-world.”

Motorola recently published asupport videotitled “Caring for Razr” with recommendations to keep the device in its “iconic condition”. The video recommends potential Moto Razr buyers to wipe the phone with a dry cloth if it gets wet.

Users should keep sharp objects away from the device andshould not apply screen protectorson the phone’s display. It also warns users to keep the device closed before placing it in the pocket or purse.

After witnessing all these disappointing results, we would recommend you to think twice before purchasing the Moto Razr, especially taking the extreme care you would need to protect your $1,499 handset into consideration.

There is no word on the Indian launch timeline so far. However, having witnessed the‘Made in India’ variantof the Moto Razr earlier in January, I hope we can expect an official announcement in the coming months.

Subin writes about consumer tech, software, and security. He secretly misses the headphone jack while pretending he’s better off with the wireless freedom.