Motorola Razr won’t launch when it was supposed to because of coronavirus

The coronavirus’ impact on the world’s China-dependent tech industry claims another victim, as a hotly-awaited device is delayed again.

Motorola’s highly anticipated Motorola Razr won’t be arriving later this month after all as the phone’s release was delayed again.

This time it was the coronavirus to blame.

The Motorola Razr has been delayed yet again, four hours after it was supposed to go on sale.

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The phone was supposed to go on sale on Monday but it wasn’t until after midday Motorola announced that wasn’t going to happen.

“This situation in China is inevitably impacting the launch and highly anticipated availability of the Motorola Razr,” Motorola general manager of sales Danny Adamopolous said in a statement.

“Most of our factories in China have reopened and are operational, albeit on a limited basis due to health, public transportation and travel limitations.

“The remaining factories located in the Hubei region, will open in line with the policies of the respective regional government where they are located.
“We are leveraging the full strength of our global manufacturing and distribution networks and anticipate the Razr will be on shelf in Australia by mid-to-end of March.”

The foldable phone’s hotly awaited release was set for Monday.

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It comes after the phone was delayed for the first time in December, after Motorola claimed the phone was too popular to sell.

It pushed back the release date in order to build up supply after the news Razr was coming back “received unparalleled excitement and interest from consumers”.

Samsung has announced the competing Samsung Galaxy Z Flip. Picture: Robin Utrecht/ANP/AFP

It may end up beating the Razr to market. Picture: Stuart Wilson/Getty Images

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If you’ve already pre-ordered the phone (which is slated to cost $2699, if it ever goes on sale), that order is still valid, but you can also get in touch with Motorola customer support if you want a refund.

In a double blow for Motorola, refunded customers could then buy Samsung’s competing Galaxy Z Flip instead.

A local release date is yet to be confirmed for that phone but Motorola will likely want to beat Samsung to the shelves so it can still say it was the first to market a clamshell foldable smartphone.

The coronavirus has also forced the cancellation of this year’s Mobile World Congress.

Are you missing the Motorola Razr you pre-ordered? Let us know in the comments below.