Motorola Edge (2024) review
The Motorola Edge series has had its ups and downs since its introduction in 2020. After initially aiming high with the iPhone and Samsung Galaxy S Series, the lineup shifted to more affordable materials and ditched its curved display. However, the company made a bold turn in 2023 with two significant updates, making the Edge Plus feel premium again. The new mid-range Edge (2024) looks poised to take on some of the best Android phones at its price point. A few notable features make this phone stand out: it's the first US-based launch to use Qualcomm Snapdragon 7s Gen 2, a mid-range chip that others prefer not to use in the States; and it boasts Sony's stacked Lydia 700c camera sensor, designed to stay thin while capturing good HDR support and more light in low-light scenarios. The Edge (2024) also packs some of the fastest wired charging on a phone available in the US, with Motorola's Turbo Power charging. While wireless charging is supported at 15W, it doesn't come with a charger in the box. One unique feature is the Quick Button, which allows for quick camera access and app launching. The phone ships with Android 14 and the April 2024 security patch, but its software experience is marred by ads disguised as folders and popup articles on the lock screen, a trend Motorola has picked up from its more affordable Moto G models. Despite these drawbacks, the Edge (2024) feels like a solid mid-range option. It starts at $549 with 8 GB of RAM and 256 GB of storage, making it an attractive choice for those looking for a well-equipped Android phone without breaking the bank.
Build Quality and Design
The Motorola Edge (2024) has undergone a significant transformation since its introduction in 2020. What was once a premium device with lofty ambitions to challenge the iPhone and Samsung Galaxy S Series has evolved into a more practical and affordable mid-range option. One of the standout features of the Edge (2024) is its build quality and design. The phone's textured vegan leather back feels premium to hold, and it's comfortable in the hand. The use of plastic may have been a cost-cutting measure, but it doesn't detract from the overall feel of the device. Motorola has managed to strike a balance between style and functionality with the Edge (2024). The phone's design is sleek and modern, making it look like a more expensive device than its price tag would suggest. The curved display may be gone, but the Edge (2024) still exudes a sense of elegance. The use of Sony's stacked Lydia 700c camera sensor is also a notable feature of the Edge (2024). This sensor is designed to capture more light in low-light scenarios, and it's paired with a 13-megapixel ultrawide camera for added versatility. The phone's design also makes room for some of the fastest wired charging on a phone available in the US. Overall, the Motorola Edge (2024) is a well-designed device that punches above its weight class. While it may not have all the bells and whistles of more expensive devices, it offers a solid balance of style, functionality, and affordability.
Battery Life
The Motorola Edge 2024 is a solid mid-range offering that impresses with its features, but one aspect that truly stands out is its battery life. I've been using the phone for an extended period, and I'm pleased to report that it has consistently delivered impressive results. Motorola's decision to equip the Edge 2024 with the Qualcomm Snapdragon 7s Gen 2 chip seems to have paid off, as the phone's performance is snappy and efficient. The phone's battery life is equally impressive, lasting a full day even with moderate use. I've been streaming content on the AMOLED display, using Bluetooth for audio streaming, and taking photos – all without needing to worry about running out of juice. The Edge 2024's fast charging capabilities are also noteworthy. Motorola's 68W turbo power charging is quick and convenient, getting the phone from empty to full in just under 40 minutes. This is a significant improvement over some of its competitors, and it makes a big difference in my daily use. While I'm not always pushing the phone to its limits, I've found that the Edge 2024's battery life is more than sufficient for most users. It may not be the longest-lasting phone on the market, but it certainly holds its own against some of the other mid-range contenders. Overall, I'm impressed with the Motorola Edge 2024's battery performance – it's a major plus in what is already a compelling package.
Display
Motorola's Edge lineup has had its fair share of ups and downs since its introduction in 2020. However, the latest addition to this series, the Edge 2024, seems to be making amends with a significant upgrade in display quality. The Edge 2024 boasts an AMOLED display that is not only vibrant but also offers excellent viewing angles. As someone who's been using it extensively, I can attest that it's perfect for streaming shows like "House of the Dragon" and taking videos during Maryland's Fleet Week. The colors are rich, and the contrast ratio is impressive. One of the standout features of this display is its ability to produce deep blacks and stunning whites. This, combined with the high refresh rate, makes it an absolute pleasure to watch content on. Additionally, the screen's brightness and color accuracy make it suitable for both indoor and outdoor use. The 6.7-inch display is a bit larger than some of its competitors in this price range, but it doesn't feel unwieldy in the hand. The resolution is more than sufficient, with detailed text and crisp graphics making their way onto the screen. What's also noteworthy is that Motorola has opted for a slightly thinner design without compromising on the display quality. This attention to detail shows that they've made an effort to balance aesthetics with performance. Overall, I'm thoroughly impressed with the Edge 2024's display. It's one of the best in its class, offering a viewing experience that rivals some more premium options out there. If you're in the market for a new phone and want an excellent display, the Motorola Edge 2024 should definitely be on your shortlist.
Camera
Motorola's Edge lineup has had its fair share of ups and downs since its introduction in 2020. However, the latest iteration, Edge 2024, is a welcome return to form for the brand. One of the standout features of this device is its camera system. The Motorola Edge 2024 boasts Sony's stacked Lydia 700c camera sensor, which is a significant upgrade from previous models. This new sensor allows for better low-light performance and more detailed images overall. The presence of a 13-megapixel ultrawide camera with a 120-degree field of view adds to the phone's versatility. One notable omission in the Edge 2024's camera system, however, is the lack of a telephoto lens. This means that zooming capabilities are limited to 10x, which might be a disappointment for some users. Furthermore, video recording is capped at 4K resolution at 30 frames per second, although this can be bumped up to 60fps at lower resolutions. Despite these limitations, the Edge 2024's camera performance is still impressive. Images are crisp and detailed, with excellent color reproduction. The phone's HDR capabilities also help to capture a wider dynamic range, resulting in more nuanced and lifelike images. One of the most interesting aspects of the Edge 2024's camera system is its ability to adapt to different lighting conditions. In bright sunlight, the camera produces vibrant and detailed shots, while in low-light environments, it manages to extract impressive detail from even the darkest scenes. In conclusion, the Motorola Edge 2024's camera system is a significant improvement over previous models. While there are some limitations, such as the lack of a telephoto lens, the phone's ability to produce high-quality images in a variety of lighting conditions makes it a compelling option for anyone looking for a mid-range device with exceptional camera capabilities. Overall, I would give the Edge 2024's camera system a solid 8 out of 10. While there is room for improvement, particularly in terms of video recording capabilities, this phone's camera performance is a major selling point and a testament to Motorola's continued commitment to innovation.
Price and Value
Motorola's Edge series has had its fair share of ups and downs since its inception in 2020. However, the latest iteration, the Edge 2024, is a welcome addition to the lineup. Priced at $549 for the base model with 8GB of RAM and 256GB of storage, the Edge 2024 offers an impressive array of features, including a first-ever appearance in the US market of Qualcomm's Snapdragon 7s Gen 2 processor. This mid-range powerhouse also boasts Sony's stacked Lydia 700c camera sensor, which provides excellent image quality. One of the standout aspects of the Edge 2024 is its value proposition. For a phone that offers so much at this price point, it's hard to find any significant drawbacks. The device's textured vegan leather back and comfortable design make it a pleasure to hold and use. The inclusion of fast wired charging (up to 68W) and wireless charging capabilities adds to the Edge 2024's appeal. While it may not have all the bells and whistles of more expensive flagships, this phone is an excellent choice for those looking for a premium Android experience without breaking the bank. In terms of price and value, the Motorola Edge 2024 offers an exceptional deal. It's priced lower than many other mid-range devices on the market, yet it packs a punch when it comes to features and performance. If you're in the market for a new phone that won't break your wallet but still delivers on substance, then the Edge 2024 is definitely worth considering.
Performance
The Motorola Edge 2024 is a mid-range powerhouse that's packed with impressive features. One of its standout aspects is its performance, which is driven by the Qualcomm Snapdragon 7s Gen 2 chipset. In my hands-on experience, I've been thoroughly impressed with how well this phone handles demanding tasks. Streaming HD content on the AMOLED display was a breeze, and switching between apps was seamless. The phone also handled Bluetooth audio streaming without any issues. Another area where the Edge 2024 shines is in its charging capabilities. With Motorola's Turbo Power charging technology, you can quickly top up your battery from empty to full in just 35-40 minutes. This is significantly faster than some of its competitors, including the Samsung Galaxy S24 Ultra and Apple iPhone 15 Pro. While I've experienced no issues with overheating during my time with the phone, it's worth noting that the charging does throttle back slightly at higher power levels. However, this doesn't detract from the overall experience, which is still remarkably fast and efficient. The Edge 2024 also supports wireless charging, albeit at a lower rate of 15W. While this might not be as convenient for some users, it's still a welcome feature in today's increasingly wireless world. In summary, the Motorola Edge 2024 is a performance powerhouse that sets a new standard for mid-range devices. Its snappy chipset, rapid charging capabilities, and smooth user experience make it an excellent choice for those seeking a reliable and efficient phone.