Motorola Edge (2023) review
The Motorola Edge (2023) is the mid-tier phone in the series, priced at $350 on Black Friday, down from its normal price of $600. This phone offers impressive value for non-gamers. The device features a 6.6-inch display with a Mediatek MT7030 processor, which seems to be adequate for most users. The vegan leather back looks and feels great in the hand. The camera setup includes a 50MP primary sensor, 13MP ultra-wide lens, macro lens, and LED flash. The display is stunning, with over 400 PPI resolution and up to 144Hz refresh rate options. Battery life is decent for light users but might be an issue for heavy power users. The phone also features Wi-Fi 6E, making it suitable for online browsing. However, gaming performance is where the Edge (2023) falls short. Lag issues were observed during testing, which could be a deal-breaker for gamers. The phone's camera capabilities are impressive, with great macro photography and decent zoom quality. The device also features some cool Motorola software tricks like "Quick Look" and "Double Tap to Flash." One area where the Edge (2023) lags is case availability. There aren't many cases specifically designed for this model, although there are plenty of options available for the more expensive Plus version. Overall, if you're not a gamer and want an affordable phone with great display, decent performance, and good camera quality, then the Motorola Edge (2023) at $350 is an excellent option. At its normal price of $600, it's harder to recommend, especially considering better options available in that price range.
Build Quality and Design
The Motorola Edge 2023 is a mid-tier phone that has caught my attention with its impressive build quality and design. This phone is the non-plus version of the series, priced at $600 on Motorola's website. However, for Black Friday, it's available for an unbeatable price of just $350 in the US. The first thing I noticed about this phone was its stunning vegan leather back panel. It's not only visually appealing but also feels premium in hand. The phone is incredibly thin, making it a joy to hold and use. The design language employed by Motorola on this device is modern and sleek, with clean lines and minimal bezels. The build quality of the phone is equally impressive. I've used many phones in my time, but this one stands out for its exceptional construction. The materials used are top-notch, and the attention to detail is evident throughout. Whether you're swiping through menus or using the camera, every interaction with this phone feels solid and responsive. In conclusion, if you're looking for a mid-tier phone that delivers on build quality and design, the Motorola Edge 2023 is an excellent choice. The price of $350 makes it even more attractive, especially considering what other phones in this segment offer at twice the cost. While there may be better options available for gaming enthusiasts, I believe this phone is perfect for anyone looking for a reliable device that looks and feels great. Overall, the Motorola Edge 2023 is a hidden gem in the mid-tier market. If you're willing to overlook its limitations (read: not ideal for gaming), you'll find a phone that offers exceptional value for money.
Battery Life
The Motorola Edge (2023) is an impressive mid-tier phone that offers great value for its price. However, one area where it falls short is battery life. With a 4,400mAh battery, I expected a full day's use, but it didn't quite deliver. As a moderate user, I found myself needing to top up the battery around lunchtime, even with my phone usage consisting mainly of web browsing, social media, and occasional gaming. In heavy usage scenarios, such as playing games or streaming videos, the battery life is even more compromised. I'd estimate that you might need to charge the phone every 8-10 hours, which is relatively low compared to other phones in this price range. Motorola's decision to equip the Edge (2023) with a smaller battery may be an attempt to slim down the device, but it ultimately affects its usability for power-hungry users. While I wouldn't call it a deal-breaker, it's certainly a notable drawback that might deter some buyers. Overall, if you're not a heavy user or can live with occasional top-ups, the Motorola Edge (2023) is still a solid choice. However, those who rely on their phone for extended periods may want to consider other options.
Display
In the midst of Black Friday sales, the Motorola Edge (2023) is available for an attractive price point of $350. While it may not be the top-tier phone from Motorola, this mid-tier device still boasts some impressive features, particularly its display. The Edge (2023) comes with a 6.6-inch Full HD Plus display that I found to be absolutely stunning. With a pixel density of over 400 PPI, the visuals are crisp and clear, making it perfect for watching videos or browsing through your favorite websites. The display also supports various refresh rates, including up to 144Hz, which is quite impressive in this price range. I was particularly impressed by the display's performance during my internet browsing test, where I scrolled through Best Buy's website without any issues. However, it's worth noting that gaming on this phone can be a different story. The Edge (2023) may not be the best option for gamers, but its display is certainly something to be excited about. In terms of overall performance and features, the Motorola Edge (2023) is a solid mid-tier device that should appeal to anyone looking for a reliable smartphone without breaking the bank. At $350, it's an attractive price point, especially considering the excellent display it offers. If you're not too particular about gaming capabilities, I would definitely recommend giving this phone a try – just don't expect top-notch performance in that department.
Camera
The Motorola Edge (2023) is a mid-tier phone that packs some impressive features, including its camera system. While it may not be the top-of-the-line model, this phone offers great value for its price. The camera on the Motorola Edge (2023) is one of its standout features. The phone comes with a 50-megapixel primary sensor and a 13-megapixel ultra-wide-angle lens. I was impressed by the quality of photos taken with this phone. The macro lens, in particular, allows for incredibly close shots without losing detail. I could capture textures on objects that would normally be lost in the blur. The camera app is also intuitive and easy to use. The interface is clean and minimalistic, making it a pleasure to navigate. I particularly liked the feature that allowed me to zoom in or out of an image with a simple touch. In terms of camera capabilities, the Motorola Edge (2023) delivers impressive results. Whether you're capturing portraits, landscapes, or macro shots, this phone's camera system is up to the task. The images are crisp and detailed, with vibrant colors that accurately represent the scene. While I didn't have a chance to test the camera in low-light conditions, I was satisfied with the results in well-lit environments. Overall, the Motorola Edge (2023)'s camera system is a major highlight of this mid-tier phone, making it an excellent option for anyone looking for a great camera without breaking the bank. In conclusion, the Motorola Edge (2023) offers a fantastic camera experience that rivals more expensive phones on the market. If you're in the market for a new phone and camera quality is a top priority, I would definitely recommend considering this model.
Price and Value
As a mid-tier phone, the Motorola Edge (2023) is often overlooked in favor of more expensive flagships. However, with its current Black Friday price tag of $350, this device suddenly becomes an attractive option for those looking for a quality smartphone without breaking the bank. In my opinion, the Edge (2023) is well worth its sale price of $350. This phone offers a sleek design, with a vegan leather back that feels premium in hand. The 6.6-inch display is crisp and clear, with a refresh rate that can go up to 144Hz. While not perfect for gaming enthusiasts, the Edge (2023) handles everyday tasks like internet browsing and video streaming with ease. The phone's camera system is also impressive, with a macro lens that allows for incredibly close-up shots. For the average user, this camera will more than suffice, capturing great photos and videos without breaking a sweat. But what really sets the Edge (2023) apart is its value proposition. At $350, you're getting a phone that would normally retail for $600. That's a significant price drop, making this device an excellent choice for anyone who wants a quality smartphone without overspending. In conclusion, if you're in the market for a new phone and don't need top-of-the-line specs or gaming capabilities, the Motorola Edge (2023) is an excellent option at its current sale price. With its great design, impressive display, and capable camera system, this device offers fantastic value for money.
Performance
The Motorola Edge 2023 is a mid-tier smartphone that offers a solid balance of features and price. With a sale price of $350, it's an attractive option for those who want a capable phone without breaking the bank. However, its performance is where things get mixed. In terms of speed, the phone feels snappy and responsive, with quick internet browsing and smooth navigation. The inclusion of Wi-Fi 6E on this budget-friendly device is also a welcome surprise. However, gaming is where the Edge 2023 falls short. During our testing, we noticed significant lag when playing games, particularly during intense sequences or prolonged gameplay sessions. This was especially true for more demanding titles like Monster Hunter. While the phone handled casual games and smaller apps with ease, its performance in heavy-duty gaming situations left much to be desired. It's worth noting that the Edge 2023's specs are not particularly impressive compared to other mid-range phones on the market. The device's processor and RAM may struggle to keep up with more demanding tasks, contributing to the laggy gameplay experience. Overall, while the Motorola Edge 2023 is a solid choice for everyday use, its performance in gaming scenarios is a major drawback. If you're a casual gamer or don't plan on playing graphically intensive games, this phone might still be a good option. However, if gaming is your priority, there are better choices available at similar price points.
Pros
1. The Motorola Edge (2023) has a super duper thin design, made of vegan leather on the back that looks really cool and feels amazing in the hand.
2. The phone features a Mediatech MT7030 processor which seems to be an okay processor for this phone.
3. The camera system is fantastic, with one 50MP and one 13MP ultra-wide lens, macro lens, and flash, making it perfect for the average person.
4. The display is full HD Plus (about 400 PPI), very nice looking, and has different refresh rates options up to 144Hz, which is great.
Cons
1. Gaming performance is not ideal, especially if you're an avid gamer, as it can be a bit slow.
2. There are limited case options available for the Motorola Edge (2023), only about 4 cases on Amazon, whereas there are many more options for the plus version.