What does Motorola’s upcoming retro handset have in common with shaving?
The answer, apparently, is ‘Razr bumps’ — with the US-based phone manufacturer telling customers that lumps and bumps on the device’s foldable screen are ‘normal’.
It is unclear, however, how sizeable these screen distortions are likely to be.
The disconcerting advice came in the middle of a care advice video posted to the Motorola US YouTube channel, which also warned against using screen protectors.
It also said that the Razr should be kept away from sharp objects, be closed before being put away in a purse or pocket and is only water repellent, not waterproof.
Razr pre-orders are open in both the UK (as part of two-year plans with network operator EE totalling £2,356) and the US, where it is retailing for $1,499 with Verizon.
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What does Motorola’s upcoming retro handset have in common with shaving? The answer, apparently, is ‘Razr bumps’ — with the US-based phone manufacturer telling customers that lumps and bumps on the device’s foldable screen are ‘normal’
The how-to video also offered some other — if more obvious and typical — pointers towards product care for the plastic OLED screen-bearing Razr.
The Razr’s display — which features an internal nano-coating — is only water repellent rather than waterproof and should be wiped dry with a cloth in the event that it gets wet.
Motorola also notes that the screen has a protective coating — but advises owners to keep the device away from sharp objects regardless, and to close the device before putting it away in a pocket or bag.
In a similar fashion, the device is not designed to be used with a screen protector.
Like with Samsung’s Galaxy Fold, the adhesive used in many such add-ons might damage the screen instead of reinforcing it.
Together, these pieces of advice would seem to suggest that that Razr screen might prove to be fragile.
Motorola’s words of warning about the screen appear to be at odds with statements made about the Razr’s toughness during the product launch event.
At that time, Motorola claimed ‘full confidence in the durability of the Flex View display,’ which itpredicted would ‘last for the average lifespan of a smartphone.’
‘We’re not going to go out there and say, “consumers should be cautious of how they use the phone”,’ Motorola executives told The Verge.
The disconcerting advice came in the middle of a care advice video posted to the Motorola US YouTube channel, which also warned against using screen protectors
The care video also said that the Razr should be kept away from sharp objects, be closed before being put away in a purse or pocket and is only water repellent, not waterproof
Reactions to the video were mixed, with some consumers expressing excitement at having ordered the new device, but others concern about the screen warning.
‘Bumps and lumps on the screen are NOT normal, and are an absolute deal breaker,’ wrote Ken B.
Meanwhile, K. Anderson quipped: ‘Bumps & Lumps? It sounds like it should come with a free mammogram!’
Reactions to the video were mixed, with some consumers expressing excitement at having ordered the new device, but others concern about the screen warning
K. Anderson quipped: ‘Bumps & Lumps? It sounds like it should come with a free mammogram!’
Razr pre-orders are open in both the UK (as part of two-year plans with network operator EE totalling £2,356) and the US, where it is retailing for $1,499 with Verizon
Another video recently posted by Motorola shines light on some of the accessories that come with the new Razr — including a turbo-speed charger, earbuds and a sleek carrying case to hold these items.
The lower part of the product’s box also doubles as a ‘nightstand amplifier’ — it’s unclear exactly what purpose this serves beyond as a stand, although phoneArena.com are reporting that the stand’s shape boosts the phone’s audio.
The video also revealed that consumers in the US will have to visit their local Verizon stores to activate their digital eSim cards, but it remains to be seen if the same will apply to UK pre-orders via EE.
A third video, meanwhile, highlights some of the new Razr’s camera features — which include portrait mode, night vision, cinemagraph mode and a cartoon to capture the attention of children while taking their picture.