Motorola has quietly become a major player in the smartphone market, growing faster than many realize. While often overshadowed by Samsung and Google, Motorola now leads in foldable flip phones (with its Razr line) and stands out with unique designs and feature-rich, often surprisingly affordable, devices. But with a wide range of models launching every year, deciding which Motorola phone is right for you can be overwhelming. This guide breaks down the best options, from high-end foldables to budget-friendly everyday phones, based on extensive testing.
Why Motorola Stands Out
Motorola phones excel in several key areas:
- Clean Software: Unlike many Android brands that load phones with unnecessary apps, Motorola keeps its interface simple and bloatware minimal. Most pre-installed apps can be easily uninstalled.
- Storage & Expansion: Motorola often includes 256GB of storage as standard, even in cheaper models, exceeding the 128GB common in many flagships. Many also retain a microSD card slot for further expansion and, notably, the headphone jack on several models.
- Carrier Compatibility: Motorola phones typically work seamlessly across all major US carriers (T-Mobile, AT&T, and Verizon), unlike some brands with limited support.
- Frequent Sales: Motorola rarely sells phones at their full MSRP; discounts are common within weeks of launch.
However, Motorola isn’t perfect. Software updates can be slow, cameras lag behind competitors, and features like always-on displays are missing on most models.
The Best Motorola Phones: A Tiered Approach
1. The Premium Pick: Motorola Razr Ultra (Starting at $1,300)
The Razr Ultra isn’t just a phone; it’s a statement. Motorola has gone all-in on design, offering the Razr in unique materials like sustainably sourced wood, Alcantara (a suede-like fabric), leather-inspired finishes, and even satin-like textures.
The 4-inch external OLED display is highly customizable with widgets, minimizing the need to open the phone constantly. The larger 7-inch internal AMOLED screen boasts a smooth 165Hz refresh rate. Durability has also improved, with Gorilla Glass Ceramic screens and a titanium-reinforced hinge. The phone is now IP48 rated for dust resistance.
Under the hood, the Snapdragon 8 Elite chipset and up to 1TB of storage deliver flagship-level performance. The 4,700 mAh battery reliably lasts a full day, even with heavy use, and supports fast wired and wireless charging.
The 50MP cameras are a significant improvement over previous Motorola models, though they still don’t quite match Samsung, Apple, or Google. The front-facing cameras (mounted on the exterior) allow for high-quality selfies using the main sensor.
Motorola has also integrated AI features (Copilot, Perplexity, Gemini), though their utility is debatable.
Bottom Line: The Razr Ultra is the most fashionable and innovative Motorola phone, but its high price demands patience for a sale.
Specs: 4-inch external OLED, 7-inch internal AMOLED, Snapdragon 8 Elite, up to 1TB storage, 4,700 mAh battery, 50MP cameras, IP48 rating.
2. The Best Affordable Folding Phone: Motorola Razr 2025 (Around $700)
The Razr 2025 proves you don’t need to spend top dollar for a foldable. Performance has been significantly improved, though occasional stutters still occur. The battery life is comparable to the Ultra, and the screens remain bright and vibrant.
While the cameras aren’t as strong as the Ultra’s, they still offer excellent value for a folding phone at this price point. The design is equally stylish, with several color options.
Bottom Line: A great entry point into the world of foldable phones.
Specs: 3.6-inch external OLED, 6.9-inch internal AMOLED, MediaTek Dimensity 7400X, 256GB storage, 4,500 mAh battery, 50MP cameras, IP48 rating.
3. The Best Moto G Phone: Moto G Stylus 2025 (Typically $300 on Sale)
The Moto G Stylus 2025 stands out as one of the best smartphone values on the market. For around $400 (often discounted), you get a stylish design with a built-in stylus (similar to Samsung’s Galaxy S25 Ultra). The phone features a 6.7-inch 120Hz AMOLED display, 256GB of storage, and a headphone jack.
Performance is smooth thanks to the Snapdragon 6 Gen 3 chipset, and the 5,000 mAh battery easily lasts a full day. The 50MP main camera delivers crisp photos in good lighting.
However, software updates are limited to two Android OS upgrades and three years of security patches, making it less future-proof than competitors like Google’s Pixel 9a.
Bottom Line: A solid all-rounder that shines when on sale, but consider the Pixel 9a if long-term software support is a priority.
Specs: 6.7-inch 120Hz AMOLED, Snapdragon 6 Gen 3, 256GB storage, 5,000 mAh battery, 50MP camera, stylus support.
4. The Budget Pick: Moto G Power (Under $300 on Sale)
The Moto G Power remains a reliable budget option, especially when discounted. The 2025 model now features IP68/69 water resistance, offering peace of mind. Performance is decent, though slightly less refined than previous versions. The 5,000 mAh battery ensures all-day battery life, and wireless charging is included.
Bottom Line: A solid choice for users on a tight budget, but consider the Moto G Stylus if you can stretch your budget.
Specs: 6.8-inch 120Hz LCD, MediaTek Dimensity 6300, 128GB storage, 5,000 mAh battery, 50MP camera, IP68/69 rating.
Other Motorola Phones to Consider
While the above models represent the best of Motorola’s lineup, other options exist, such as the Motorola Edge 2025 with its waterfall display, though these are more niche and may not offer the same value.
Conclusion:
Motorola has evolved beyond being a third-tier brand. The Razr Ultra is a genuine contender in the premium foldable market, while the Moto G series continues to deliver exceptional value for budget-conscious buyers. By carefully considering your needs and waiting for sales, you can find a Motorola phone that fits your lifestyle without breaking the bank.
