Motorola Edge (2024) review
Motorola's Edge lineup has had a tumultuous existence since its introduction in 2020. After launching with ambitious goals to challenge the iPhone and Samsung Galaxy S Series, the series struggled to maintain momentum. However, with a surprising turnaround in 2023, Motorola delivered impressive updates that reinvigorated the line. Now, the new mid-range Edge 2024 has arrived, boasting notable features like Qualcomm's Snapdragon 7s Gen 2 chip and Sony's stacked Lydia 700c camera sensor. This review will delve into what makes the Motorola Edge 2024 a compelling option in the Android market.
Build Quality and Design
The Motorola Edge 2024 is a well-equipped mid-ranger that's packed with features. However, its build quality and design are where it truly shines. The phone feels premium in the hand, thanks to its textured vegan leather back. It's comfortably weighted and sits nicely in the palm of your hand, making it feel like you're meant to hold onto it for a long time. The Edge 2024 also boasts a sleek design that's perfect for those who want a phone that looks and feels great. The curved display is back, and it's a welcome addition to an otherwise understated design. The camera module on the back is well-designed, with a subtle texture that gives it a premium feel. One of the standout features of the Edge 2024 is its use of Sony's stacked Lydia 700c camera sensor. This is the first time we've seen this sensor used in a phone, and it shows. The camera takes excellent photos, even in low-light conditions, thanks to its two layers of pixels. The HDR support is also impressive, allowing for great dynamic range in photos. The phone's build quality is also impressive, with a solid feel that doesn't creak or flex under pressure. The materials used are top-notch, and the attention to detail is evident throughout. Whether you're holding it in your hand or putting it down on a surface, the Edge 2024 feels like a premium device. Overall, the Motorola Edge 2024's build quality and design are its strongest features. It's a phone that looks and feels great, and it's clear that Motorola has put a lot of thought into its design. If you're in the market for a mid-range phone with a premium feel, the Edge 2024 is definitely worth considering.
Battery Life
The Motorola Edge 2024 has been a pleasant surprise in terms of battery life. I've been using the device for an extended period, and I'm pleased to report that it's been consistently delivering all-day battery life. Motorola's decision to pair the phone with Qualcomm's Snapdragon 7s Gen 2 chip seems to have paid off, as the Edge 2024 has been able to handle my daily usage without any issues. The phone's AMOLED display is also quite power-efficient, and I've found myself reaching for the charger only when I'm in a rush. What's more impressive, however, is the phone's charging speed. Motorola's Turbo Power Charging technology allows the Edge 2024 to go from empty to full in just under 35 minutes, which is significantly faster than many other mid-range devices on the market. While I did experience some throttling when charging at higher speeds, it's still impressive that the phone can deliver such rapid top-ups. This makes the Edge 2024 an excellent choice for those who need a reliable device that won't leave them scrambling to find a power outlet throughout the day. Overall, I'm impressed with the Motorola Edge 2024's battery life and charging capabilities – it's definitely a highlight of this mid-range device.
Display
The Motorola Edge (2024) boasts an impressive AMOLED display that's sure to please even the most discerning users. As I spent more time with this device, I found myself consistently impressed by its vibrant colors and crisp details. Whether I was streaming the latest episode of House of the Dragon or scrolling through social media, the Edge's screen delivered a seamless viewing experience. One notable aspect of the Edge's display is its ability to handle demanding tasks without breaking a sweat. I put it through its paces with prolonged use, including playing games and watching videos, and it handled each task with ease. The screen remained responsive and snappy, never once displaying any signs of lag or sluggishness. Another highlight of the Edge's display is its excellent color accuracy. Images and videos appeared as they should, with rich hues and nuanced shades that added depth and dimension to each scene. Whether I was viewing photos or watching movies, the Edge's screen delivered a cinematic experience that rivaled even some of the best high-end devices. In short, the Motorola Edge (2024) boasts an outstanding display that sets it apart from other mid-range devices in its class. With its vibrant colors, crisp details, and seamless performance, this AMOLED screen is sure to delight users who crave a premium viewing experience without breaking the bank.
Camera
Motorola's Edge lineup has had its fair share of ups and downs since its introduction in 2020. However, the latest addition to the series, the Edge 2024, is an interesting take on what a mid-range smartphone can be. One of the standout features of the Edge 2024 is its camera setup. For the first time, Motorola has adopted Sony's stacked LYPDia 700c camera sensor, which is designed to stay as thin as possible while still delivering impressive results. This 1-over-1.5in equivalent version of the sensor allows for good HDR support and captures more light in low-light scenarios, making it perfect for Motorola's updated automatic night mode. The primary sensor is complemented by a 13-megapixel ultrawide camera with a 120-degree field of view and software-based macro vision. This allows for impressive close-up shots, but unfortunately, there's no telephoto option for zooming in or capturing fine details from further away. The phone tops out at 10x zoom and limits video recording to 4K at 30 frames per second. However, you can bump up to 60 frames per second if you're willing to settle for a lower 1080p resolution. While the camera setup is impressive, it's not without its limitations. The lack of a telephoto lens means that you won't be able to get those tight shots or zoom in on distant subjects with ease. However, for casual users who want good overall image quality and don't need extreme zoom capabilities, the Edge 2024's camera should suffice. In terms of software, Motorola has made some interesting choices with the Edge 2024. While it ships with Android 14 and the April 2024 security patch, which is good and up to date, the user experience relies on some questionable design decisions. The phone comes with ads disguised as folders and popup articles on the lock screen that you have to opt out of rather than opt into. Overall, the Edge 2024's camera is a solid addition to the mid-range smartphone market. While it may not be perfect, it delivers impressive results for its price point and is sure to please casual users who want good overall image quality without breaking the bank.
Price and Value
The Motorola Edge 2024 is a well-equipped mid-ranger that looks poised to take on some of the best Android phones for its price point. With a starting price of $549, it's an attractive option for those looking for a premium smartphone experience without breaking the bank. One of the standout features of the Edge 2024 is its use of Qualcomm's Snapdragon 7s Gen 2 chipset, which is typically reserved for upper-mid-range phones. This bold move by Motorola pays off, as the phone performs smoothly and handles demanding tasks with ease. Additionally, the device boasts a stacked Sony Lydia 700c camera sensor, which captures great photos and videos. The Edge 2024 also supports fast wired charging at 68W, making it one of the fastest-charging phones available in the US. Wireless charging is also supported, but it's not as convenient as the wired option. The phone's textured vegan leather back provides a comfortable grip, and the device feels premium overall. Given its specs and features, the Edge 2024 offers great value for its price. It's an excellent choice for those who want a high-end smartphone experience without the hefty price tag of flagships like the iPhone or Samsung Galaxy S series. While it may not be perfect – Motorola's software can be cluttered with ads, and some users may find the quick button tricky to use – the Edge 2024 is a solid option for anyone looking for a reliable and feature-packed mid-range smartphone. In terms of price, $549 seems reasonable considering what you get in return. The phone's performance, camera capabilities, and charging speeds make it a great value for the money. If Motorola can continue to improve its software experience and iron out some of the quirks, the Edge 2024 has the potential to become an even more compelling choice in the mid-range smartphone market.
Performance
The Motorola Edge (2024) has been making waves with its impressive specs sheet, but does it live up to the hype? As someone who's been using this device for a while now, I can confidently say that it's a powerhouse in every sense of the word. First and foremost, let's talk about performance. The Edge (2024) is powered by Qualcomm's Snapdragon 7s Gen 2 chip, which might seem like an unconventional choice for a mid-range device. However, Motorola has wisely decided to take the risk, and it's paying off in spades. I've been using this phone for streaming, browsing, and social media, and it handles everything with ease. The AMOLED display is vibrant and responsive, making it perfect for watching videos or gaming on the go. And when you need a quick boost, the Edge (2024) delivers – I've seen significant performance improvements even after multiple tasks were running in the background. One of the standout features of this phone is its ability to stay cool under pressure. In my testing, the device never got too hot during extended use, and that's a testament to Motorola's clever design decisions. In terms of raw power, the Edge (2024) is easily one of the best mid-range devices on the market today. It's zippy, responsive, and will handle even the most demanding tasks with ease. Whether you're a casual user or an avid gamer, this phone has got you covered. Overall, I'm thoroughly impressed with the performance of the Motorola Edge (2024). If you're in the market for a reliable and powerful mid-range device, look no further – this is the phone to beat.