Motorola is poised to release its next-generation Razr Ultra foldable phone, and early leaks suggest a surprising design choice: it’s getting thicker. While the company has largely stuck with its clamshell aesthetic since introducing a full-cover display in 2024, new CAD renders reveal the 2026 Razr Ultra – too known as the Razr 70 Ultra outside of North America – will be slightly bulkier than its predecessor. The news, first reported by Xpertpick in partnership with OnLeaks, has sparked debate among foldable phone enthusiasts.
The dimensions of the new Razr Ultra are 88.0 x 74.1 x 15.8mm when folded, and 171.3 x 74.1 x 7.8mm when unfolded. Compared to the previous model, this represents a modest increase of 0.1mm in thickness when folded and 0.6mm when open. While seemingly small, this move goes against the broader industry trend of slimming down foldable devices. The shift is particularly noticeable when contrasted with the increasingly svelte designs of competitors like Samsung.
A Step Backwards in Slimness?
For many, the pursuit of a thinner foldable has been a key factor in their appeal. Foldable phones, by their very nature, present engineering challenges in terms of durability and compactness. Samsung, a major player in the foldable market, demonstrably prioritized reducing bulk with the Galaxy Z Flip 5, slimming it down by over a millimeter compared to the previous generation. Rumors suggest Samsung is continuing this trend with the upcoming Z Flip 8. The Z Flip 7 already measures in under 14mm when closed, making the Razr Ultra’s 15.8mm thickness appear comparatively substantial.
The decision to increase the Razr Ultra’s thickness raises questions about Motorola’s design priorities. It’s a departure from the prevailing industry focus on portability and a sleeker profile. However, it’s important to note that increased thickness doesn’t automatically equate to a worse device. Motorola may have made this trade-off to accommodate improvements in other areas, such as battery capacity, camera technology, or internal components.
What Might Be Under the Hood?
While the increased thickness is a point of contention, it could signal positive developments within the Razr Ultra. A larger chassis could allow for a more substantial battery, addressing a common concern among foldable phone users. Improved cooling systems, necessary for handling the demands of a powerful processor, could also necessitate additional space. Motorola might be incorporating upgraded camera sensors or a more robust hinge mechanism, all of which could contribute to the increased dimensions.
Speculation is also circulating about potential upgrades to wireless charging capabilities. The adoption of Qi2, the latest wireless charging standard, could require additional internal components and contribute to the overall thickness. Qi2 offers faster and more efficient wireless charging, and its inclusion would be a welcome addition to the Razr Ultra.
The Broader Foldable Landscape
Motorola isn’t alone in navigating the challenges of foldable phone design. The industry is still relatively young, and manufacturers are constantly experimenting with different form factors and materials. While book-style foldables, like the Samsung Galaxy Z Fold series, have seen significant progress in reducing thickness, clamshell designs, like the Razr and Z Flip, present unique constraints. The hinge mechanism, essential for the folding action, often requires additional space.
The upcoming Motorola Razr Fold, with a reported closed thickness of just 10.1mm, demonstrates the company’s commitment to exploring different foldable designs. This suggests Motorola is aware of the demand for slimmer devices and is actively working to address it in other product lines.
For now, the exact reasons behind the Razr Ultra’s increased thickness remain unclear. However, the full picture will become clearer as we approach the phone’s official launch. Motorola is expected to reveal more details in the coming months, and further leaks are likely to surface. The company’s next move will be crucial in determining whether this design choice will resonate with consumers.
Motorola has not yet announced a firm release date for the Razr Ultra. However, industry analysts predict a launch sometime in the second half of 2026. Keep an eye on Motorola’s official channels for updates and announcements.
What are your thoughts on the Razr Ultra’s increased thickness? Share your opinions in the comments below.
