Science

Motorola tells Razr owners that bumps and lumps on the phone's foldable screen are 'normal'


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'

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’

RAZR CARE

Motorola offered the following advice for caring for their new Razr model: 

Wipe with a dry cloth if wet

Bumps and lumps are normal 

Keep away from sharp objects 

Do not use a screen protector 

Close phone before putting away

The Motorola Razr comes with a 'nightstand amplifier', pictured

The Motorola Razr comes with a ‘nightstand amplifier’, pictured

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 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

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

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!'

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

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.

WHAT PROBLEMS DID THE LAST FOLDING PHONE TO HIT THE MARKET HAVE?

Samsung debuted the $2,000 Galaxy Fold to great fanfare in February.  

But journalists who received review units ahead of the Fold launch in late April reported experiencing issues with the interior screen.  

After just one or two days of use, users said the display began to flicker and turn black before becoming completely unusable. 

The South Korean tech giant had put the Galaxy Fold’s launch on hold after reviewers encountered problems with the device’s innovative folding screen, but released the updated device in September.

Journalists who received review units ahead of the Fold launch reported experiencing issues with the interior screen

The display would flicker and go completely black at times, rendering the device useless

Journalists who received review units ahead of the Fold launch reported experiencing issues with the interior screen. The display would flicker and go black

The issues are believed to stem from the hinge causing too much pressure on the screen. 

Some said they had removed a protective layer on the screen that was supposed to stay on.

Meanwhile, others said they didn’t remove the protective film, but the device still stopped working.         

YouTube user Marques Brownlee said he removed the protective film and his device began having issues

YouTube user Marques Brownlee said he removed the protective film and his device began having issues

A warning on the Galaxy Fold packaging instructs users not to remove the protective layer, according to a photo posted by T-Mobile Senior Product Manager Desmond Smith. 

‘The main screen includes a special protective layer,’ it reads. ‘Peeling off the protective layer or using any adhesives on the main screen, such as screen protectors or stickers, may cause damage.’

Bloomberg reporter Mark Gurman said his Galaxy Fold started operating abnormally after he removed the film and eventually became unusable.  

Additionally, YouTube user Marques Brownlee said he removed the protective film and his device began having issues.   

But Dieter Bohn, executive editor of technology news site The Verge, says he left that layer on and his screen still broke.  

The issues raised questions about whether or not the Galaxy Fold can withstand normal use.   



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