Jan. 20, 2020
By Dean Woolis
Staff Writer
In November, Motorola unveiled plans to release the RAZR foldable phone later this month. The phone, which is exclusive to Verizon, is designed to resemble a flip phone while looking modern because it opens up to reveal a full touch screen.
Consumers are attracted to its 6.2-inch screen and 16-megapixel rear camera that can be used when the phone is closed. Accompanied by a single-LED flash, the RAZR can take pictures even in low light settings.
However, one thing most people are not in favor of is the price tag.
The RAZR is priced at $1,500, which costs even more than the newest iPhone 11. Nonetheless, Motorola is hoping the uniquely designed technology that includes a 2,510 mAh battery meant to last all day will elevate the company and repopularize foldable phones.
Senior Luca Pharaon said if he could afford the RAZR, he would buy it.
“My iPhone battery dies within an hour of using it,” Pharaon said. “I’d love to have a phone with a battery that lasts me all day.”
Pharaon said his current iPhone 8 speaker no longer works, and apps take a long time to load even though he has only had the phone for a year.
“It seems more like an old brand trying to cash in on the modern addiction.”
“I basically just got my phone, and I already need a new one. If the RAZR could last me a few years, I would consider buying it,“ Pharaon said.
Freshman Alex Ryabenkov said he likes the idea of the RAZR but does not believe it is worth the price.
“The phone is an innovative new take on an old idea. I’m afraid, however, that it’s more of a gimmick than a quality product,” Ryabenkov said. “It seems more like an old brand trying to cash in on the modern addiction.”
Ryabenkov said he does not think the RAZR will influences designs of phones in the future.
“The modern day flagships are so resistant to change because they are so focused on making the maximum profit with the minimal effort,” Ryabenkov said. “The modern state of the market dissuades innovation and promotes stagnancy and the illusion of innovation.”
Ryabenkov said the new RAZR distinguishes itself from past models because it looks modern.
“It feels like a product from sci-fi, some author speculating about the future of phones before the iPhone. However, it just seems too untested, and as good as it may look on paper, in execution, it may be less appealing,” Ryabenkov said.
English teacher Mr. Belmont said the price seems ridiculous, but he likes the overall design.
“The folding screen seems very interesting, and I like the idea of having it be more compact when closed,” Belmont said.
He said he likes the size of the phone, and it reminds him of the flip phone he used to have.
“I never had a RAZR, but I had a flip phone for a long time, and I loved it. It was durable and convenient to carry around. It only had a number pad, though, so sending text messages was annoying,” Belmont said.
Unlike Ryabenkov, Belmont said he believes the RAZR’s design may impact the designs of future phones.
“If it is successful, I think other companies will start producing more phones with foldable screens. They may also try to keep bringing back older designs for the nostalgia factor,” said Belmont.
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