Motorola Edge 2021 review
The Motorola Edge 2021 is an intriguing device that boasts impressive specs, including 8GB RAM, 108MP camera, and a 6.8-inch Max Vision display with 144Hz refresh rate. The phone's sleek design features a super-shiny back and IP52 water repellency. Powered by a Snapdragon 778G processor, it promises fast performance and long battery life. With a competitive price tag of $500, this phone is an attractive option for those seeking high-end features without the hefty price.
Build Quality and Design
The Motorola Edge 2021 is a mid-range smartphone that packs quite a punch in terms of features, but how does it fare in terms of build quality and design? In this review, we'll take a closer look at the phone's construction and aesthetics. The Motorola Edge 2021 has a sleek and premium feel to it. The Nebula Blue color option is particularly eye-catching, with a glossy finish that's super shiny on the back. However, this also means it can be quite slippery in the hand. The plastic bag-like texture around the edges provides a nice contrast to the glossy back, creating a unique visual effect. The build quality of the Motorola Edge 2021 is solid, with a sturdy feel that's reassuring to hold. The phone's weight distribution feels balanced, and it doesn't creak or flex under pressure. However, some might find the use of plastic for the back cover to be a letdown. The power button features a fingerprint scanner, which is a nice touch. Unfortunately, this means you won't get two buttons (back and recent apps) below the screen like on some other phones. The volume rocker is situated above the power button, making it easy to reach and use. A USB-C charging port and speaker are also located on the bottom edge. While not perfect, the Motorola Edge 2021's build quality and design are certainly impressive for a mid-range smartphone. With its sleek looks, sturdy construction, and fingerprint scanner on the power button, this phone feels like a premium device in many ways.
Battery Life
One of the standout features of the Motorola Edge 2021 is its impressive battery life. The phone boasts a large 5,000mAh battery that promises to deliver two days of use. In my testing, I found this claim to be largely accurate. With moderate usage, including browsing, social media, and some gaming, I easily got through a full day without needing to recharge. And when I did plug it in, the 30W fast charging capabilities were a welcome bonus - filling up to 9 hours of power in just 10 minutes was no small feat! In my tests, I found that even with intense usage, such as watching videos or playing games, the battery still managed to last for around 1.5 days before needing a top-up. While it's not always possible to get through two full days without needing to recharge, Motorola Edge 2021's battery life is certainly more than adequate for most users. Overall, I was pleasantly surprised by the phone's ability to stay powered on for an extended period of time - making it perfect for those who want a device that can keep up with their busy lifestyles.
Display
The Motorola Edge 2021 boasts an impressive 6.8-inch Max Vision display with a refresh rate of 144Hz. This is one of the highest refresh rates available in a smartphone, and it's certainly noticeable. The display itself looks sharp and vibrant, making it perfect for watching videos or gaming. One of the standout features of the Edge 2021's display is its ability to show up to 21p resolution on YouTube and full HD playback resolution on Netflix. This level of detail makes a big difference when streaming your favorite shows or movies. The screen itself has a matte finish around the edges, which complements the glossy back nicely. However, it's worth noting that the bezels aren't quite uniform, with a slightly larger chin at the bottom and a bit more space at the top. In terms of viewing angles, I found the display to be excellent, with minimal color shifting or brightness loss when viewed from the side. This makes it perfect for sharing videos or photos with friends and family. One minor quibble is that the display doesn't quite have the same level of depth as some of its flagship competitors. However, this is a minor complaint in an otherwise excellent display. Overall, the Motorola Edge 2021's display is one of its strongest features. With its high refresh rate, sharp visuals, and impressive viewing angles, it's perfect for anyone who loves to watch videos or play games on their phone.
Camera
The Motorola Edge 2021 boasts an impressive 108-megapixel camera, making it a standout feature in this device. In addition to the primary camera, there is also a 12-megapixel front-facing camera and a 32-megapixel or 8-megapixel secondary camera on the rear. One of the notable features of the camera app is its simplicity. The interface is clean and easy to navigate, with options for video or photo capture, as well as various modes such as macro, zoom, and portrait cut out. The camera also allows for up to 108-megapixel captures from the rear camera, which can result in large files. In terms of image quality, the Motorola Edge 2021 delivers impressive results, especially under good lighting conditions. Photos taken with this device are detailed and vibrant, making them suitable for everyday use. While it may not match the standards set by flagship phones, the Edge 2021's camera is more than capable of meeting most users' needs. Video recording on the Motorola Edge 2021 is also a highlight, with 4k resolution available on both the rear and front cameras. The video quality is smooth and detailed, making it suitable for capturing special moments. Geekbench scores indicate that the phone's camera processing capabilities are decent, but not outstanding. However, in real-world use, the Motorola Edge 2021's camera performs admirably, making it a great option for those seeking a capable mid-range device. One notable aspect of the camera is its ability to capture good results even in challenging lighting conditions. While it may not excel in low-light situations, the phone's camera still manages to produce acceptable images. Overall, the Motorola Edge 2021's camera capabilities are a significant strength of this device. With its impressive image quality, smooth video recording, and user-friendly interface, the phone is well-equipped for capturing life's special moments. While it may not match the standards set by more expensive flagships, the Edge 2021's camera is certainly worth considering for those seeking a capable mid-range device.
Price and Value
The Motorola Edge 2021 is an impressive device that offers excellent value for its price. With a retail tag of $500, this phone packs a punch in terms of specs and features. The unlocked version allows users to enjoy seamless connectivity with various carriers, including Verizon, T-Mobile, Cricket, and Metro. One of the standout aspects of this device is its 8GB RAM, 108MP camera, and 6.8-inch Max Vision display with a 144Hz refresh rate. These specs are impressive considering the price point. The phone also boasts a 5,000mAh battery, which provides two days of battery life according to Motorola's claims. The device runs on a Snapdragon 778G processor and features IP52 water repellency, making it a solid choice for those who want a reliable smartphone without breaking the bank. Additionally, the phone supports 5G speeds and Wi-Fi 6e connectivity, ensuring that users stay connected with the latest technology. In terms of value, the Motorola Edge 2021 delivers an excellent balance between price and performance. At $500, this device offers more than what many would expect from a mid-range smartphone. With its impressive specs and features, it's hard not to recommend this phone as a great option for those looking for a reliable and feature-rich device without committing to a premium brand. While the phone may not have the most advanced camera system or wireless charging, the benefits of its 30W fast charging make up for these minor drawbacks. Overall, the Motorola Edge 2021 offers fantastic value for its price, making it a great choice for anyone seeking an affordable smartphone that packs a punch in terms of performance and features.
Performance
The Motorola Edge 2021 is an impressive device that delivers in terms of performance. Under the hood, you'll find a Snapdragon 778G processor, which provides seamless multitasking and smooth execution of demanding tasks. In our tests, the phone performed admirably, handling games like PUBG Mobile with ease. The graphics were crisp, and frame rates remained high, making for an enjoyable gaming experience. Asphalt 9 was also handled well, with quick loading times and smooth gameplay. The device's performance was further supplemented by its generous 8GB of RAM and substantial storage capacity of 256GB. This allowed us to run multiple apps simultaneously without any noticeable lag or slowdown. Geekbench scores were respectable, if not exceptional, compared to other top-tier devices. However, the phone's ability to handle everyday tasks with ease made it feel like a high-end device. The Motorola Edge 2021's performance was further enhanced by its fast charging capabilities, which can fill up the 5000mAh battery in just 10 minutes. This feature, combined with the phone's decent multitasking abilities and responsive interface, makes it an excellent choice for users who need a reliable and efficient smartphone. While the phone may not be the most powerful device on the market, its performance is more than adequate for most users' needs. With its capable processor, generous RAM, and fast charging capabilities, the Motorola Edge 2021 is sure to provide a seamless user experience that's hard to match at this price point. Overall, the Motorola Edge 2021's performance is one of its standout features, making it an excellent choice for anyone looking for a reliable and efficient smartphone.
Pros
1. The Motorola Edge 2021 has a massive 6.8 inch max vision display with a 144 hertz refresh rate, making it perfect for watching videos and playing games.
2. It comes with 8 gigabytes of RAM and 256 gigabytes of storage, providing plenty of power and space for apps and files.
3. The phone features a high-quality 108 megapixel camera, capable of taking stunning photos in good lighting conditions.
4. The phone has a long-lasting 5,000 milliamp hour battery with 30 watt fast charging, allowing it to last up to two days on a single charge.
5. It supports 5G speeds and Wi-Fi 6e, making it ideal for online gaming and streaming.
6. The phone's performance is smooth and lag-free, even when playing graphics-intensive games like PUBG Mobile.
Cons
1. The phone has a glossy back that may be prone to fingerprints and scratches.
2. It only has one speaker on the bottom, which may not be loud enough for some users.
3. The camera app is simple but lacks some advanced features, such as RAW image capture and manual focus.
4. The phone's bezels are not symmetrical, with a slightly larger chin at the bottom.
5. It runs on Android 11, which may become outdated quickly compared to other flagship phones.
6. The phone does not have wireless charging capabilities, although its fast charging feature is quite useful.