Motorola Razr Ultra (2026): First Book-Style Foldable with Massive Cover Screen and AI Features

Motorola Razr Ultra (2026): The Bold Return to Book-Style Foldables with Bigger Screens and Smarter AIAt CES 2026 on January 7, Motorola stole the spotlight with the Razr Ultra (2026) – marking the brand's ambitious re-entry into the premium book-style foldable segment. Previously focused on clamshell designs, this vertical-folding phone features a massive 7-inch inner display and an expansive 4.2-inch external screen, positioning it as a direct rival to Samsung's Galaxy Z Fold series and Honor's Magic V lineup.Priced starting at $1,499, the Razr Ultra launches in Q2 2026, with pre-orders opening soon. Motorola calls it the "most intelligent Razr ever," emphasizing practical cover screen utility and AI-driven experiences.Key Specs and Design Highlights of the Motorola Razr Ultra (2026)The device unfolds to a tablet-like 7-inch pOLED main screen (2640x1080, 120Hz, HDR10+), with ultra-thin glass and improved crease mitigation. When closed, the 4.2-inch cover pOLED (2520x1080) allows full app usage without opening—running notifications, cameras, Google Maps, YouTube, and more in optimized modes.Other standout features:Processor: Qualcomm Snapdragon 8 Elite for flagship performance and efficiency. Cameras: Triple rear setup – 50MP main (OIS), 50MP ultrawide/telephoto hybrid, 32MP inner selfie. Cover screen enables high-quality rear-camera selfies. Battery: 4,700mAh with 68W wired, 30W wireless charging. Durability: IPX8 water resistance, titanium hinge rated for 400,000 folds, Gorilla Glass Victus 2 on cover. Software: Android 16 with Moto AI features like generative photo editing, real-time translation, and adaptive performance. The design retains Razr's iconic slim profile (unfolded 6.9mm, folded 15.9mm) in colors like Pantone Viva Magenta and Mocha Mousse.Why This Marks Motorola's Foldable ComebackAfter years of clamshell Razr dominance (Razr 50 Ultra in 2025), Motorola pivots to book-style to capture the productivity-focused segment. The large cover screen addresses a common foldable complaint—limited external utility—making it more practical than Samsung's Z Fold 6 (3.4-inch cover).Moto AI integrates deeply: circle-to-search on cover, AI photo enhancement, and "Pay Attention" summaries for long articles/videos. Lenovo's influence (Motorola's parent) brings enterprise-ready security and ThinkShield features.Competition and Market PositioningThe Razr Ultra enters a crowded 2026 foldable landscape:Vs Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 8 (rumored August launch): Larger cover screen advantage for Motorola, but Samsung leads in software polish. Vs OnePlus Open 2 / Oppo Find N5: Similar specs, potentially lower pricing from Chinese rivals. Vs Google Pixel 9 Pro Fold: Better camera focus from Motorola. At $1,499, it's competitively priced against $1,799+ rivals, aiming for broader adoption.Early Impressions and Fan ReactionsCES hands-on praised the hinge smoothness, vibrant displays, and cover screen multitasking. Battery life estimates hit 1.5-2 days moderate use, thanks to efficient chip and software optimization.Social buzz exploded: #RazrUltra trended with excitement over the "finally useful" cover screen and nostalgic Razr branding in a book form factor. Some noted the thicker profile vs horizontal folders but appreciated pocketability.Potential DrawbacksCrease visibility remains (though minimized), no dust resistance (IPX8 only), and software update commitment is 4 years OS + 5 years security—solid but trailing Samsung's 7 years.Motorola's Razr Ultra (2026) signals serious intent to challenge foldable leaders, blending iconic design with practical innovations. If execution matches the promise, it could redefine expectations for book-style phones in 2026.Pre-orders and full reviews coming soon—stay tuned for hands-on coverage.