The release of Motorola’s new Razr foldable phone will be delayed slightly, which the company attributes to unexpectedly high demand. The phone was initially supposed to be available for presale on December 26th and in stores on January 9th.
But now, the timeline has been adjusted to “better meet consumer demand.” A new timeline for the launch was not immediately available.
The Details
The new Razr is a re-imagined version of the original with a foldable smartphone screen and a $1,500 price tag. For comparison, the iPhone 11 Pro Max costs $1,099, and the questionable Samsung Galaxy Fold priced just under $2,000.
When open, the new Razr has a 6.2-inch screen, and when folded becomes much smaller than the average smartphone. It is only available on Verizon and in the U.S.
According to various reports, the camera is average and the processor is slow, making the technology less exciting than many of the other smartphone options out there.
But Do We Need It?
These prices, as well as the problems launching, raise a few questions. It seems that foldable tech is easier said than done. With the release of the Samsung Fold called “embarrassing” by their CEO, and now this eleventh hour delayed launch of the Razr smartphone, it seems that foldable smartphone technology is in trouble.
The idea generated lots of buzz, but in reality, it’s just not practical. The concept of the foldable smartphone seems gimmicky and based in nostalgia for a time that is long past.
A foldable smartphone has indeed never been done before, which means it draws attention to the brands attempting to make it a reality. However, it’s nothing consumers can’t live without. There are plenty of just as high tech smartphones on the market for significantly less, that function far more effectively for the price.
