A growing number of young adults are turning to flip phones in a bid to reduce their screen time, and Motorola is embracing this trend with a literal twist in its new Razr foldable phone. This innovative device, set to launch in the US on October 19 at its regular price of $700, introduces a special mode aptly named “Unplugged.” Unplugged is designed to help users minimize distractions, a feature in line with tech companies recognizing the needs of Gen Z and younger audiences seeking ways to disconnect from the constant pull of technology.

Motorola’s Unplugged mode offers a unique solution, allowing users to temporarily silence all apps, except those they consider essential. Unlike Apple’s Focus mode, Motorola’s approach goes a step further by hiding apps that haven’t received user approval. The Unplugged feature will debut on the new Razr and will be extended to the Razr Plus in the coming weeks. Motorola has also confirmed its intention to incorporate this functionality in future devices, signaling a growing trend of tech companies catering to users looking to strike a balance in their relationship with technology.

Lexi Valasek, a senior product researcher at Motorola, pointed out the variety of strategies people employ to manage phone usage, emphasizing the lack of a one-size-fits-all solution to this pervasive issue. Unplugged allows users to create a custom mode with a personalized background and a unique layout that provides access only to the chosen apps. For instance, during a hike, users might limit access to the camera app and essential communication apps while blocking social media. This altered layout is critical, as it can help break the habit of automatically reaching for distracting apps based on muscle memory, according to Valasek.

The concept bears resemblance to Apple’s Focus Mode, which permits users to curate a custom home screen with select apps, potentially making it more challenging to access time-consuming apps. However, on Apple devices, the App Library remains a swipe away, whereas Motorola’s Unplugged mode entirely conceals apps from the operating system until it’s deactivated. Users can still permit phone calls and notifications from priority contacts, such as family members or a child’s school.

Motorola’s Unplugged mode arrives at a time when concerns about excessive phone usage are gaining prominence. A study by Reviews.org from July 2023 revealed that Americans check their phones 144 times per day. Moreover, over half of respondents admitted to being addicted to their phones. In response to these issues, Apple and Google have introduced features in their iOS and Android operating systems to address screen time concerns. Apple’s Screen Time and the later Focus Mode, as well as Google’s Digital Wellbeing, are examples of these efforts.

Nonetheless, there’s a notable trend of Gen Z users opting for flip phones to unplug from the digital world. The TikTok hashtag #bringbackfliphones, with 58.2 million views at the time of writing, attests to this phenomenon. Market research firm Counterpoint Research reports that sales of feature phones, which are less advanced than smartphones but more sophisticated than basic cell phones, have seen a resurgence due to interest from Gen Z and millennials.

Motorola’s new $700 Razr, distinct from the $1,000 Razr Plus released in June, is aimed at this target audience. The Razr features a considerably smaller 1.5-inch external screen compared to the Plus’ 3.6-inch cover display, a design choice meant to appeal to users seeking a more effective way to manage their screen time. As Lexi Valasek suggests, closing the device symbolizes taking a break from the constant pull of the digital world.

In summary, Motorola’s innovative Unplugged mode and the introduction of more basic phones cater to the needs of those seeking to regain control over their screen time, striking a balance between staying connected and finding moments of disconnection in an increasingly digital world.