Motorola Edge (2023) review
The Motorola Edge 2023, specifically the n+ version, is a mid-tier phone that surprisingly delivers value for its price tag of $350. With 256GB storage, 8GB RAM, and a Mediatek MT7030 processor, it's a solid choice for everyday users. However, its performance in gaming might be a letdown due to noticeable lag. The camera, on the other hand, is a highlight with features like macro mode and decent zoom capabilities.
Build Quality and Design
In a market saturated with smartphones vying for attention, the Motorola Edge 2023 stands out in terms of its build quality and design. The phone's mid-tier status is a far cry from its top-of-the-line brethren, but that doesn't mean it can't hold its own. The first thing you notice when holding the Edge 2023 is its incredibly slim profile. Made from high-quality vegan leather on the back, the phone feels premium in hand and looks sleek. The attention to detail is evident, with the subtle texture of the leather adding a touch of sophistication. One of the standout features of the Edge 2023's design is its use of vegan leather. It's not often you see this material used on smartphones, but Motorola has pulled it off with style. The leather looks great and feels amazing in hand, giving the phone an organic feel that's hard to find elsewhere. The build quality itself is solid, with a sturdy construction that inspires confidence. While some might be put off by the lack of a metal frame, the plastic used here is surprisingly robust and well-finished. In terms of design, the Edge 2023 has a clean, minimalist aesthetic that will appeal to those who prefer a more understated look. The phone's edges are slightly rounded, giving it a comfortable fit in hand. While some might find it too large at 6.6 inches, this reviewer found it surprisingly manageable. Overall, the Motorola Edge 2023's build quality and design are a highlight of its mid-tier status. For $350 (on sale), you're getting an awful lot of phone for your money – and that includes a premium look and feel that will make you proud to carry it around. In short, if you're looking for a solid, no-frills smartphone experience with a focus on build quality and design, the Edge 2023 is well worth considering. Just don't expect the same level of bells and whistles as its more expensive brethren.
Battery Life
Motorola Edge (2023) Review: A Decent Mid-Tier Phone with Some Caveats While the Motorola Edge (2023) is an impressive mid-tier phone, its battery life is somewhat underwhelming. The device features a 4,400 milliamp hour battery, which may be sufficient for light to moderate users. However, those who are heavy power users may find themselves struggling to get through the day without needing a recharge. The phone's display, a 6.6-inch full HD Plus screen, is quite large and energy-intensive. When combined with the processor's performance during gaming or intense usage, battery life can take a hit. My own experience has shown that, while I'm not a heavy user, the phone's battery still lasts me through the day. However, it may be a concern for those who use their device extensively. It's worth noting that Motorola Edge (2023) is available at an attractive price point of $350 on sale during Black Friday. While this may make it more appealing to casual users, those who rely heavily on their phone's battery life might want to look elsewhere or consider a more power-efficient option. Overall, the Motorola Edge (2023) is still a solid mid-tier choice for anyone not requiring exceptional battery life.
Display
The Motorola Edge (2023) boasts an impressive display that is sure to catch the eye. With a 6.6-inch screen and a resolution of Full HD Plus, this phone delivers crisp and vibrant visuals. The display's pixel density exceeds 400 PPI, making it perfect for watching videos or browsing through your favorite websites. One of the standout features of this phone's display is its refresh rate capabilities. Users can choose from three different settings: Auto, which tops out at 120Hz; a mid-range setting that goes up to 144Hz; and a high-performance mode that also reaches up to 144Hz. This level of flexibility allows users to customize their experience based on their needs. The display itself is stunning, with rich colors and excellent contrast levels. Whether you're watching movies or playing games, the visuals are sharp and immersive. In our tests, we found no issues with image quality or responsiveness. In terms of usability, the Edge (2023)'s display is easy to navigate and use. The touchscreen responds accurately and quickly to taps and swipes, making it a joy to interact with. Overall, the Motorola Edge (2023)'s display is one of its strongest features. It's perfect for anyone looking for a high-quality visual experience on their smartphone. 4.5/5 * High-quality visuals * Flexibility in refresh rate settings * Excellent color accuracy and contrast levels * Easy to use and navigate None notable
Camera
The Motorola Edge 2023 is a mid-tier phone that packs a punch when it comes to camera capabilities. With a price tag of $350 for the n plus version, this device offers an impressive camera setup that's worth exploring. One of the standout features of the Motorola Edge 2023 is its dual-camera setup, consisting of a 50-megapixel primary sensor and a 13-megapixel ultra-wide-angle lens. The macro lens on board takes things to the next level, allowing users to capture stunning close-up shots with incredible detail. I was particularly impressed by how well the camera handled texture and depth in my test shots. One of the key strengths of the Motorola Edge 2023's camera is its ability to balance exposure and color accuracy. The resulting images are rich, vibrant, and full of life, making this phone a great option for casual photographers and content creators. I was also pleased to find that the macro lens can get remarkably close to subjects without losing image quality – a feat few other phones achieve. The camera app itself is intuitive and easy to use, with features like quick look allowing users to quickly access frequently used functions. The double-chop feature, which turns on the LED flash even when the screen is off, is another nice touch that adds to the phone's utility. In terms of zoom capabilities, the Motorola Edge 2023 offers a respectable range from 0.5x to 8x. While it may not match the top-of-the-line zoom capabilities of more expensive phones, this feature still provides ample opportunities for creative expression and experimentation. Overall, I was thoroughly impressed by the camera performance on the Motorola Edge 2023. For $350, you'd be hard-pressed to find a better value in a mid-tier phone with such an excellent camera setup. This device is perfect for anyone looking for a reliable camera companion without breaking the bank – just don't expect it to rival top-of-the-line flagships in this regard. 4.5/5 stars
Price and Value
The Motorola Edge 2023 is a mid-tier phone that's hard to pass up, especially when it's on sale. Normally priced at $600, this device offers a compelling value proposition at its discounted rate of $350. For the price, you get a decently sized 6.6-inch display, 8GB of RAM, and 256GB of storage, which is more than enough for most users. The Mediatek MT7030 processor may not be the most powerful, but it handles everyday tasks with ease. The phone's design is also noteworthy, featuring a slim vegan leather back that feels premium in hand. The cameras are another highlight, with a 50MP primary sensor and a 13MP ultra-wide lens that takes excellent photos for the average user. However, if you're an avid gamer or plan to use your phone as a gaming device, this might not be the best choice. But for general use, streaming, and social media, the Motorola Edge 2023 is more than capable. At $350, I believe this phone offers great value for those who don't need extreme performance. If you're in the market for a reliable mid-range device with a comfortable form factor and decent camera capabilities, look no further. The Edge 2023's price drop makes it an attractive option that won't break the bank.
Performance
The Motorola Edge (2023), specifically the n+ version, is a mid-tier phone that's currently on sale for $350. While it's not their top-of-the-line device, it offers decent specs and features at an affordable price. In terms of performance, the phone is powered by a Mediatek 7030 processor, which is sufficient for everyday tasks like browsing and social media. However, when it comes to gaming, the phone falls short. I experienced noticeable lag and stuttering during intense gaming sessions, especially after extended periods of use. The phone's 8GB of RAM and 256GB of storage are adequate, but they don't quite compensate for the processor's limitations. One area where the phone excels is in its internet browsing performance. With Wi-Fi 6E capabilities, it delivers fast data transfer rates and seamless online experiences. However, when pushing the phone to its limits, its performance drops significantly. Overall, the Motorola Edge (2023) performs adequately for casual use but struggles with demanding tasks like gaming. If you're not an avid gamer or don't require top-tier performance, this phone might be a decent choice at $350. However, if you're looking for a device that can handle intense gaming sessions, there are likely better options available at similar price points.
Pros
1. This phone is a great option for non-gamers, offering excellent value at $350. The price is significantly lower than its usual $600 tag.
2. The phone's design and build quality are top-notch, with a sleek and thin vegan leather back that feels amazing in the hand.
3. The camera is fantastic, with a macro lens that can get incredibly close to objects without losing detail. It's perfect for average users who want good photos.
4. The display is impressive, featuring a 6.6-inch full HD+ screen with high refresh rates (up to 144Hz) and vibrant colors.
5. Motorola's features like Quick Look and Double Chop are useful, allowing you to quickly access information or turn on the LED flash without unlocking the phone.
Cons
1. The phone may not be ideal for gamers due to its limited performance capabilities.
2. There aren't many case options available for this model, with only a few choices on Amazon (and some of them have long shipping times).
3. The phone's battery life and overall performance may not live up to expectations in heavy usage scenarios.
4. Some users might find the phone's button layout slightly off when using third-party cases designed for similar models.
5. At its usual $600 price point, there are likely better options available in this budget range.