Motorola Razr Ultra 2026 Camera Test: Same Lenses, New Sensor

The Motorola Razr Ultra 2026 has the same camera setup as its predecessor, but a new image sensor technology changes what those cameras can do. CNET’s test, which involved taking 200 photos around San Francisco, really highlights these differences.

Same Cameras, Different Brain

If you check the specs for the 2026 Razr Ultra alongside the 2025 model, it might look like someone just copied and pasted. The lenses haven’t changed. However, Motorola upgraded the main camera with a new LOFIC image sensor (which stands for Lateral Overflow Integration Capacitor). This sensor captures a wider range of light in a single shot, handling deep shadows and bright highlights without losing detail on either end.

Imagine upgrading the film in a camera while keeping the lens the same. The hardware that frames your shot remains unchanged, but the part that captures the light becomes smarter.

CNET’s real-world photo tests show that this sensor upgrade is evident in high-contrast situations. Think of a bright window in a dark room or a sunset behind buildings. Most smartphone cameras struggle in these scenarios, either crushing shadows to black or washing out highlights to white. The LOFIC sensor maintains detail in both areas simultaneously.

What 200 Photos Actually Revealed

CNET’s tests included street photography, food shots, portraits, and low-light scenes throughout San Francisco. The main camera performed well in bright outdoor settings, and the LOFIC sensor really shined in mixed lighting where the 2025 model would have had difficulty.

In low light, it matched the performance of other flagship phones in this price range. Portrait mode achieved accurate edge separation without the artificial halo effect common in cheaper devices.

The ultrawide and telephoto cameras, unchanged from 2025, delivered solid performance. Last year’s Razr Ultra earned a CNET Editors’ Choice award, and these cameras continue to perform well, though they’re not the best in class.

The Price Problem

Now, here’s where things get tricky. Mashable calls the 2026 Razr Ultra “a familiar foldable that’s harder to justify at the new price.” Motorola raised the price by $200 compared to last year’s model. This is a big ask for just a sensor upgrade and a few incremental improvements.

CNET’s video review was even more direct, with a headline that read “I Tested the Razr Ultra 2026 and Think Motorola Has Lost Its Mind.” Such strong reactions from a publication that awarded last year’s model an Editors’ Choice speaks volumes about how reviewers are assessing its value.

What This Means For You

If you own the 2025 Razr Ultra, there’s little reason to upgrade. Most everyday shooting situations will feel nearly identical, and you’d be paying $200 for a sensor improvement that you’d notice mainly in specific lighting conditions.

However, if you’re switching from an older flip-style foldable (like a classic clamshell) or moving from a traditional candy-bar smartphone, the 2026 Razr Ultra remains one of the top foldables available. The LOFIC sensor is a real upgrade, and last year’s model was already impressive.

The bigger question is whether the new price pits it directly against flagship smartphones that have superior camera systems. At this price, buyers might want to compare it with the Samsung Galaxy S25 and iPhone 16 Pro before deciding on the foldable format.

Community Reactions

“The 2025 was already borderline overpriced. A $200 bump for the same cameras with a different sensor is wild. Motorola is really testing loyalty here.”

“People underestimate how much a better sensor matters in real life. I’d take a great sensor over a mediocre extra lens any day. But that price though…”

What To Watch

• Full reviews incoming: Most early impressions are based on limited pre-release tests. Expect in-depth long-term reviews in the next 4-6 weeks as reviewers get more hands-on time with the device.
• Price adjustments: Motorola and carriers often provide promotional pricing on new phones within the first 60-90 days after launch. The $200 premium might decrease through trade-in offers or carrier subsidies.
• Samsung Galaxy Z Flip 7: Samsung’s competing flip foldable is set to arrive later this summer, providing a direct comparison and potentially pressuring Motorola on pricing.
• Real-world camera comparisons: As more reviewers share side-by-side shots with the 2025 model and competing flagships, the LOFIC sensor’s real-world advantages will become clearer.