WIRED Guide Highlights Motorola’s 2026 Smartphone Lineup Amid Pricing Shifts
The publication’s updated buying guide identifies the Razr Ultra as the market leader for folding devices, while noting that consumers should avoid full retail prices for Motorola handsets.
WIRED published an updated buying guide on 26 July 2026, evaluating Motorola’s 2026 smartphone portfolio and noting that the brand is among the fastest-growing mobile companies globally. The publication identifies the Razr Ultra as the leading folding device, citing its 5,000-mAh silicon-carbon battery and camera performance as key differentiators against rivals like Samsung and Google. The guide also highlights the Moto G Stylus 2026 for its integrated stylus at a $500 price point, despite reduced base storage.
The Razr Ultra is positioned as the top recommendation for consumers seeking a compact folding flip phone, featuring a Snapdragon 8 Elite chipset and 16 GB of RAM. WIRED notes that the device’s battery life is exceptional, lasting up to two full days with average use. However, the publication advises that the phone’s camera system, while improved, still lags behind the competition in low-light conditions and video stability.
Motorola’s broader lineup shows mixed results, with the Razr 2026 priced at $800 utilising a MediaTek chipset and offering a smaller cover screen than the Ultra model. The Razr Fold, Motorola’s first book-style foldable, is priced at $1,900 and features an 8.1-inch inner display and a 6,000-mAh battery. While the device offers seven years of software updates, WIRED suggests it sits in third place behind Samsung and Google due to its processor tier and camera performance.
In the mid-range segment, the Moto G Stylus 2026 is noted for its unique built-in stylus, though its $500 price point is flagged as a potential drawback given the reduced 128 GB base storage. The Moto G Power 2026 includes a 5,200-mAh battery and IP68/69 rating but lacks wireless charging. WIRED recommends waiting for significant discounts, as Motorola devices frequently see price drops during sales events.
The guide also outlines Motorola’s strategic shifts, including the transition of its AI assistant from "Moto AI" to a cross-device platform called "Qira," compatible with Lenovo laptops. Additionally, a new travel eSIM feature, "Global Connect," powered by Gigs, is being introduced in select international markets. The publication concludes that while Motorola offers compelling hardware, consumers should avoid buying at full retail value due to frequent discounts.
