Chinese smartphone brand Motorola has confirmed it is integrating its smartphone operating system with Perplexity, Google Gemini, and Meta’s open-source AI models across its device range. The move debuts alongside Motorola’s first side-folding smartphone, the Razr Fold, unveiled ahead of CES in Las Vegas at this stage there is no mention of the use of DeepSeek the Chinese AI software used by parent Company Lenovo in their products.
The new Motorola Razr Fold features a 6.6-inch external display and an 8.1-inch flexible internal screen.
The device supports the Moto Pen Ultra stylus and closely mirrors the form factor and functionality of Samsung’s Fold series.
Motorola, which is wholly owned by Chinese PC manufacturer Lenovo, provided early device access and briefing materials to select international media.
Australian technology outlets, including ChannelNews and SmartHouse, were not provided press releases or hands-on access at the time of writing, despite foreign journalists receiving information several hours ahead of the official launch event at Sphere Las Vegas.
Bloomberg reported this morning that “Media Packs” went out to foreign media yesterday.
Camera specifications for the Razr Fold include a 50-megapixel Sony primary sensor, a 50-megapixel ultra-wide/macro lens, a 50-megapixel telephoto camera, a 32-megapixel external selfie camera, and a 20-megapixel internal camera. The device will be available in blue and white colour options.
Motorola has not disclosed internal specifications, pricing, or market availability, stating only that “more specifications will be shared in the coming months.”
While this marks Motorola’s first side-folding smartphone, the company has a long history with top-folding devices, including the original Razr flip phones and its current mid-range Razr lineup.
Alongside the hardware announcement, Motorola introduced an “AI bundle” combining Perplexity, Gemini, and Meta’s open-source AI models. According to the company, the AI features will provide on-screen guidance, voice-based assistance, enhanced search, and other proactive capabilities.
Although Motorola continues to position itself as a US-based brand, the company has been fully owned by Chinese brand Lenovo since 2014, when Lenovo acquired Motorola Mobility from Google for approximately US$2.91 billion through a combination of cash, Lenovo stock, and a promissory note. Motorola Mobility is now a wholly owned Lenovo subsidiary, headquartered in Chicago.
Lenovo maintains established ties to Chinese state-linked institutions. Its largest shareholder, Legend Holdings, owns approximately 30-36% of Lenovo and has historical connections to the Chinese Academy of Sciences, a government-affiliated research body.
Lenovo has also previously acknowledged engagements with Chinese state organisations, including the People’s Liberation Army, currently US politicians are calling for a ban of Lenovo products in the USA because of their links with the Chinese Government and security concerns.
Lenovo continues to leverage the Motorola brand and its global carrier relationships to expand smartphone market share internationally.
In Australia, Motorola management has publicly identified Samsung as its primary competitive target, stating that Samsung “has the most share to give up.”
As part of this strategy, Lenovo has announced a unified AI framework spanning Lenovo PCs and Motorola smartphones. Lenovo Qira and Motorola Qira are being positioned as a single AI stack designed to deliver cross-device intelligence across both product ecosystems.
