Razr fails hinge test 4.5 times faster than Galaxy Fold (Update: Motorola responds)

Razr fails hinge test 4.5 times faster than Galaxy Fold (Update: Motorola responds)

10:03 p.m. ET Update: Added comment from Motorola.

The new Motorola Razr launched yesterday (February 6) so early adopters can try out a fully modernized folded version of this classic flip phone. However, new durability tests cast serious doubts on the longevity of this $1500 phone.

CNET used an automatic folding machine to see how well the Motorola Razr could withstand a shock. Unfortunately, the Razr became nearly impossible to fold 27,000 times.

The site conducted the same test last year on a Samsung Galaxy Fold, which could be folded 120,000 times before showing signs of damage.

As Engadget points out, a study reported in the New York Post found that Americans check their phones an average of 80 times a day. Assuming that they opened the Razr that often, that would mean that they could own it for 337.5 days before it malfunctioned. Of course, the Razr has an external screen that allows the user to check certain information without opening the hinge.

Due to the nature of this test, there is no doubt that the phone will break faster than it should. The "FoldBot" used in the test repeatedly opens and closes the phone, causing a significant buildup of heat and causing more damage than the same number of folds over an extended period of time as in real life.The FoldBot has also not been completely modified for use with the Razr, but CNET is still convinced that its testing is useful.

In a statement provided to Tom's Guide, Motorola says the FoldBot machine was not designed to test anything like the Razr. The statement reads, "The Razr is a unique smartphone, featuring a dynamic clamshell folding system unlike any other device on the market, and SquareTrade's FoldBot is not designed to test our devices. Therefore, testing with this machine would result in inaccurate testing because the hinges would be overstressed and would not open and close as intended"

.

"It is important to remember that the Razr underwent extensive cyclic durability testing during product development, and CNET's testing is not indicative of what consumers will experience when using the Razr in the real world. We are confident in the Razr's durability.

The handset manufacturer also presented a video showing how Motorola tests the Razr.

The Razr may have other problems besides folding and unfolding. Some have found strange noises coming from the hinge, and another anecdotal test found that the Razr's battery life is relatively short.

We will be testing the Razr ourselves and bringing you our own final verdict, so stay tuned.

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