The New Razr Ultra Is the Best Flip Phone I've Tested, but You Shouldn't Buy It
Motorola's new Ultra is a lot like last year's model but its $1,500 price is $200 more. It's not the slam dunk that it should be, even though I like it.
Patrick Holland
CNET
2 min read
4/10
Key Takeaways
The Motorola Razr Ultra 2026 is priced at $1,500, a $200 increase over the 2025 model, representing a 15% price hike.
CNET calls it the best flip phone they have tested, citing excellent display, performance, and camera, but advises against purchase due to the price.
The 2026 Ultra retains the same design, processor, and cover display as its predecessor, offering no meaningful hardware upgrades.
Competing flip phones, such as the Samsung Galaxy Z Flip series, typically cost under $1,200, making the Razr Ultra overpriced by comparison.
Motorola may rely on carrier deals and post-launch discounts to move units, as similar pricing strategies have been used for previous Razr models.
The best flip phone you can buy comes with a price tag that makes you reconsider. Motorola's Razr Ultra 2026 is the finest flip phone CNET has tested, but its $1,500 price—$200 more than last year's model—prompts reviewers to bluntly advise against buying it. Motorola launched the Razr Ultra 2026 in early 2026, positioning it as the premium entry in its flip phone lineup. The device boasts the same sleek design, improved hinge, and high-resolution display as its predecessor, yet the $200 price increase has soured what should be a slam dunk. According to CNET's review, the phone retains the best features of the 2025 Ultra: a crisp 6.9-inch foldable OLED, a robust Snapdragon processor, and a camera system that competes with top-tier smartphones. The external cover display also remains unchanged. However, the jump from $1,300 to $1,500 places the Razr Ultra in direct competition with Samsung's Galaxy Z Flip series and even some flagship slab phones like the iPhone 16 Pro Max. The Razr Ultra price increase is especially glaring given that foldable phone prices have generally trended downward in recent years. Competitors like Samsung and Oppo have managed to keep their flip phones under $1,200. CNET's reviewer praised the Ultra's build quality, software experience, and battery life but concluded that the $200 hike overshadows these advantages. "It's the best flip phone I've tested, but I can't recommend it this year," the review states. Analysts suggest Motorola is testing the upper limits of consumer willingness to pay for innovative design. The flip phone market is niche but growing, with shipments expected to rise 20% in 2026. Yet the Razr Ultra price increase could alienate early adopters who have already seen multiple iterations. The move might signal a shift toward higher margins per device rather than volume. Looking ahead, Motorola may need to offer aggressive trade-in deals or early discounts to soften the blow. Price drops are common within months of launch, as seen with previous Razr models. If you are set on the Razr Ultra, waiting for a sale or carrier promotion could save you hundreds. For now, the best flip phone is a great product at the wrong price.
Frequently Asked Questions
The Motorola Razr Ultra 2026 costs $1,500. That is a $200 increase over the previous generation model, which was priced at $1,300.
CNET's review states that despite being the best flip phone they have tested, the $200 price hike to $1,500 makes it a poor value. They advise waiting for a price drop or considering cheaper alternatives.
The price increased by $200. The 2025 Razr Ultra was $1,300, while the 2026 version is $1,500.
Yes, CNET calls it the best flip phone they have tested, praising its design, performance, and camera. However, the high price undermines its recommendation.
Alternatives include the Samsung Galaxy Z Flip series, which typically costs under $1,200, and other foldable phones like the Oppo Find N2 Flip.
