Motorola Finally Goes Big: The Razr Fold Challenges the Tablet-Phone Status Quo at CES 2026

Motorola is finally admitting that the flip phone isn't enough to win the foldable war. After years of perfecting the clamshell, the company used its CES 2026 keynote to pivot hard, unveiling the Razr Fold—a book-style flagship designed to take a bite out of Samsung and Google’s lunch. This isn't just another Razr; it’s a clear acknowledgment that if you want to be taken seriously by "pro" users, you need a screen that can actually handle a spreadsheet.

The Razr Fold’s inner display is a massive 8.09-inch LTPO 2K panel. To put that in perspective, the industry standard has hovered around 7.6 inches for years. By pushing past the 8-inch mark, Motorola has created a device that feels more like a small tablet than a large phone. While the 6.56-inch outer screen makes it feel like a standard handset when closed, unfolding it reveals a canvas that will almost certainly require two hands for any serious navigation. It’s an ambitious play for the "productivity-first" crowd who find the current crop of foldables just a little too cramped.

Real Productivity, Not Just Hype

The camera hardware also suggests a "no compromises" approach. Foldables usually trade camera quality for a thinner hinge, but the Razr Fold is packed with a triple 50MP array. You’re looking at a Sony LYTIA main sensor, a 50MP ultra-wide, and a 50MP periscope telephoto lens with 3x optical zoom. For selfies, you've got a 32MP camera on the cover and a 20MP sensor tucked into that giant inner display. On paper, this setup puts it on par with the best non-folding flagships on the market.

Design Critique and 2026 Outlook

The aesthetic remains tied to Motorola’s long-standing Pantone partnership, which is starting to feel a bit predictable, though the execution remains high-end. The "Blackened Blue" finish uses a matte vegan leather that provides some much-needed grip for an 8-inch device, while the "Lily White" option offers a silky, tactile finish that aims for a "quiet luxury" vibe. It’s stylish, sure, but the real test will be how that vegan leather holds up to the heat generated by a 2K display over a long workday.

Motorola was surprisingly quiet about the price tag and the exact day you can buy one, confirming only that the Razr Fold will ship "later in 2026." This launch is part of a massive year for the brand, which also includes a flashy FIFA World Cup 2026 Edition of the existing Razr 2025 clamshell to celebrate their tournament partnership.

The Bottom Line: The Era of the Gigantic Foldable

The Razr Fold marks a turning point. For years, Motorola’s foldable identity was a nostalgia trip fueled by the compact Razr flip. By moving into the "book" category with an 8.09-inch screen, they are entering the era of the gigantic foldable.

The reality check? This device is a gamble on ergonomics. Motorola is betting that users want more real estate even if it means a heavier, more cumbersome device. If they can price this competitively against the next Galaxy Z Fold, they might finally transition from a niche alternative to a dominant force in the premium market. But until we get a firm price and see how Smart Connect V2 handles real-world multitasking, the Razr Fold remains a very impressive, very large question mark.