Motorola Razr 16 years later - How far we've come

The Motorola RAZR V3 was a revolutionary phone when it first came out in 2004. Its sleek design and functionality made it an instant hit among teenagers and young adults. The phone's metallic keyboard with blue backlighting was particularly notable, providing a satisfying typing experience.

Fast forward to the new Motorola RAZR, which takes cues from its iconic predecessor. While not directly copying the V3's design, the new model pays homage to its legacy through various Easter eggs. For example, users can access an "Easter Egg" menu by tapping a pencil button in the settings menu, which brings up a retro-style interface reminiscent of the original RAZR.

The new Motorola RAZR boasts significant improvements over its predecessor, including a much larger and higher-resolution display. The phone features a 6.2-inch foldable OLED screen, offering a vastly different viewing experience compared to the V3's 2.2-inch TFT screen. While the old RAZR had a resolution of 176x220 pixels, the new model's screen boasts a 21:9 aspect ratio at 2160x1080 pixels.

Another notable feature is the phone's cameras. The original RAZR V3 had a VGA camera, which translates to a low-resolution 480p image. In contrast, the new Motorola RAZR features a 16-megapixel camera with an F/1.7 aperture. While this represents significant improvement in terms of resolution and quality, some users may find that photos from the new phone lack the wow factor compared to other devices on the market.

Interestingly, taking photos on both phones in 2020 was found to be challenging due to the screens' visibility in bright daylight. The original RAZR's screen was notorious for being difficult to see in sunlight, but at least it had a physical keyboard that could be used as a makeshift camera viewfinder. In contrast, the new phone relies on software features and digital zooms to compensate.

Battery life is another area where the old RAZR outperforms its successor. The V3 boasted 680mAh battery capacity, which translated to around 280 hours of standby time and 7 hours of talk time. In comparison, the new Motorola RAZR has a significantly smaller battery, but still manages to offer decent performance.

Lastly, the price point remains relatively consistent with the original RAZR's pricing in 2004. The new model starts at $1,500 USD, which is almost twice as much as its predecessor when it first launched. Whether the nostalgia and retro appeal of the original RAZR V3 are worth the increased cost is ultimately up to individual preference.

In conclusion, while the new Motorola RAZR takes creative liberties with its design and features, it pays homage to its iconic predecessor in various ways. The phone's cameras, display, and battery life may not match those of newer devices on the market, but its unique blend of retro charm and modern functionality makes it an interesting option for those who value nostalgia.