Motorola RAZR has a secret 'Retro RAZR' mode that takes you back to 2004

Motorola RAZR (Image credit: Daniel Bader / Android Central)

What you need to know

The new Motorola RAZR comes with a "Retro RAZR" mode that basically transforms it into a RAZR V3 from 2004.
You can find the Retro RAZR mode by editing the quick settings menu.
Once enabled, you will see similar UI as the original RAZR, complete with a T9 dialer in the bottom half of the screen.

Motorola unveiled the foldable RAZR phone earlier this week, featuring nearly the same iconic design as the original RAZR. As discovered by the folks at The Verge, Motorola's new foldable phone also comes with a "Retro RAZR" mode, which re-creates the user-interface of the original RAZR.

RAZR Retro Mode — Source: The Verge (Image credit: Source: The Verge)

You can find the hidden Retro RAZR mode in the Quick Settings Menu. When you tap on edit, you will see the "Retro RAZR" option. Simply drag it into the Quick Settings menu and then tap on the Retro RAZR button to activate the throwback mode.

Once activated, you will find a very similar T9 keypad as the Moto RAZR V3, along with on-screen "buttons" to help you navigate the UI. In order to make the experience as authentic as possible, the icons on the top part of the screen do not respond when you tap on them. The mode also features the classic RAZR boot animation as well as the same pop-up UI and sounds in the dialer.

Needless to say, most people aren't likely to find the Retro RAZR mode to be very useful. However, it is certainly something many buyers might be very interested in trying after they get their hands on the foldable RAZR. Sadly, however, the smartphone will not be available for purchase until early January.

Motorola RAZR hands-on: Back to the future

Babu Mohan

2 Comments

It just feels like Motorola could have had such a big hit with this device but cut a few too many corners to what could have been a really good 'leftfield' device. The low res screen, small battery, poor cameras and high price will put off quite a few people who would genuinely consider buying this phone. And I think the old school RAZR keypad and screen setting is brilliant. Maybe if there's a gen 2 it will put these things right but it could have come out first time and really surprised a few people.
This phone is pretty much what I've wanted in a smartphone since day one. Apparently I should have been saving 💰 since day one to purchase it though :( Hope they make a gen 2 and get the price down to where it should be.