Cell phones go black: what are the trending colors and materials?

For decades, black, gray, and silver cell phones dominated the global market . Regardless of the manufacturer, models prioritized technical appeal over design, but that notion now seems to have come to an end. A new generation of devices is driving a trend that focuses on customization, texture, and distinctive designs.

With the launch of the new Motorola Razr 60 and Razr 60 Ultra , Motorola consolidated a design approach based on unusual materials, a commitment that began post-pandemic with its traditional models. This approach not only breaks with the classic monochrome aesthetic of rival brands, but also proposes a new way of thinking about the cell phone as an extension of personal style.

One of the most notable advancements is the introduction of Alcantara , an Italian material used in automotive fashion, which now lends a distinctive touch to Motorola smartphones. "Alcantara is not only aesthetically pleasing but also durable , providing a perfect balance between durability and design," said Brazilian Ricardo Meneses, Motorola's Global Design Director, in an interview with Clarín .

There is also a version with real wood , which brings to mind the design of the Moto X Style or the Edge 50 Ultra, but with the addition of now covering a folding cell phone.

Additionally, they introduced other materials such as nylon and acetate into the Razr 60, reinforcing the emotional connection with the user by offering a unique experience that transcends the visual. “We want people to be able to express themselves through design. We want their phone to say something about them ,” Meneses explained.

“So far this year, 56% of consumers have chosen our phones in colors or with materials other than traditional ones. This means that neutral tones are no longer the majority , and that there is a marked preference for models that express the user's personality more,” explains Ricardo Guglielmino, Motorola's regional product manager.

According to Gillon, more than 60% of users now choose colors or materials other than classic black. Within that category, those who opt for luxury versions like Alcantara or wood now account for 20% of total Razr sales worldwide. This figure reflects what the smartphone represents for many today, as it has transformed from a tool into a form of self-expression .

Motorola not only relies on its design and engineering team, but also on strategic collaborations like the one it has had with Pantone since 2022. "They provide us with an extensive catalog that directly influences our color and design choices, ensuring that each launch is perfectly in tune with global trends," the spokesperson explained.

“ People no longer just want a functional phone . They want it to be beautiful, to feel different in their hand, to say something about their personality. And that's why we're working with materials that have never been used before,” he added.

In addition to phones, this technological ecosystem also includes luxury headphones . The Moto Buds Loop, developed with Bose, are the first in their series to feature a Swarovski crystal-encrusted design, a combination of audio and luxury. which positions this gadget as an object of desire compared to traditional devices.

But it's not just a question of design; both foldables are true technological powerhouses, right down to their components. The Razr 60 Ultra is powered by the 3nm Snapdragon 8 Elite platform, making it the world's most powerful foldable . On the other hand, the lower-end Razr 60 features a MediaTek Dimensity 7400X chip, which improves efficiency in AI tasks by 15%.

And yes, artificial intelligence has also joined the mix. Both models feature Moto AI, an assistance system that can be activated with a dedicated key (AI Key) and allows you to interact with the phone simply by looking at it or speaking to it . From transcribing conversations to summarizing notifications or automatically enhancing photos, AI is practically integrated into everyday life.

In terms of display , the razr 60 ultra has the largest internal pOLED display on the market, with 7.0″ of improved resolution and Pantone certification. Its external 4.0″ display also sets a record, being 40% larger than other foldables and being protected by Corning Gorilla Glass-Ceramic, 10 times more resistant to drops. The razr 60, meanwhile, offers a 6.9″ HDR10+ pOLED internal display and a 3.6″ external display.

The camera is also a highlight: the Razr 60 Ultra integrates the most advanced system in a foldable phone, with three 50 MP sensors, an ultra-wide-angle lens, Super Zoom and Dolby Vision recording, as well as Dolby Atmos surround sound.

AI also plays a key role here, adjusting dynamic range, noise, and detail, and adding features like Signature Style, Group Shot, and Action Shot to personalize each shot. The Razr 60, while more affordable, is no slouch, with a 50MP camera , macro and ultra-wide-angle lenses, and adaptive stabilization for video.

In terms of durability, both phones are certified water and dust resistant (IP48), and feature a new titanium-reinforced hinge —four times stronger than surgical steel—that withstands 35% more bends. The display, made of ultra-thin glass, is 30% smoother than previous models.

The battery is also impressive: the Razr 60 Ultra features a 4,700mAh battery with 68W fast charging (the charger comes in the box) that provides all-day battery life in just 8 minutes. It also offers 30W wireless charging and reverse charging. The Razr 60, meanwhile, has a 4,500mAh battery, 30W fast charging, and 15W wireless charging.

With this new generation, Motorola aims to continue pushing the boundaries of foldable design with luxurious materials, unlike the usual Flip models from Samsung or Nubia with their bright colors . And if sales figures seem to be heading in this direction, everything indicates that the future will be less neutral and much more colorful and expressive .