Motorola Edge X30 review

The Motorola Edge X30 is a decent smartphone that packs a punch in terms of performance, thanks to its 4nm Qualcomm Snapdragon 8 Gen1 chipset and integrated Adreno 730 GPU. The device boasts a gorgeous 6.7-inch LED display with 1 billion colors, but lacks brightness compared to other flagships. The camera department is somewhat disappointing, with the main and ultra-wide cameras delivering decent results in good lighting, but struggling at night and without 60fps video recording. The addition of a useless 2MP depth sensor and absence of a telephoto lens further detract from the overall camera experience. Despite being one of the first smartphones to ship with the new Snapdragon chipset, the Edge X30 feels like it's cutting corners in several areas. The fingerprint reader is difficult to reach, facial recognition is pointless without a double-tap feature, and wireless charging, IP water resistance rating, and high-resolution display are missing features. However, the device does come with Android 12 out of the box, which is a plus point. Overall, the Motorola Edge X30 is an average smartphone that excels in performance but falls short in other areas. While it may be tempting to buy one now, waiting for upcoming flagships that will likely include all the new features and better camera capabilities might be the smarter decision. In conclusion, while the Edge X30 has its strengths, it's not a must-buy device due to its shortcomings. If you're looking for a powerful smartphone without any compromises, it's worth considering other options.

Build Quality and Design

The Motorola Edge X30's build quality is an exercise in subtlety. The frosted glass finish at the back exudes a sense of understated elegance, with its Shadow Blue color scheme showcasing a level of sophistication that is hard to ignore. However, as impressive as this looks, it's let down by the slightly awkward bubble-shaped camera bump that tucks neatly into its backplate. The device's overall design is sturdy and well-balanced, making it feel reassuringly solid in the hand. The physical fingerprint reader is snappy, but unfortunately, it's situated in a position that makes it extremely hard to reach – a minor oversight that might not be deal-breakers for some users, but is nonetheless frustrating. One area where Motorola truly excels is with its choice of materials. The frosted glass finish gives the device an almost luxurious feel, and while it may not be to everyone's taste, it's undoubtedly unique and memorable. Unfortunately, this attention to detail doesn't extend to the camera department, where a notable lack of innovation holds the phone back. Ultimately, the Motorola Edge X30's build quality is a mixed bag – impressive in some areas but disappointing in others. While it may not be the most groundbreaking design on the market, its solid construction and thoughtful use of materials mean that it feels like a premium device in your hand.

Battery Life

The battery life of the Motorola Edge X30 is a mixed bag. On one hand, the device features a 4500mAh battery that should provide all-day usage. However, our experience with the device suggests that it may not quite live up to its full potential. In our testing, we found that the Edge X30's battery life was decent, but not exceptional. With moderate use, including browsing, social media, and some gaming, the battery lasted around 10-12 hours. However, when subjected to more intense usage, such as heavy gaming or video streaming, the battery life dropped to around 6-8 hours. This is somewhat disappointing, considering the device's large battery size and Qualcomm's Snapdragon 8 Gen 1 chipset, which should provide efficient power management. It's worth noting that Motorola does offer a 65W fast charger with the Edge X30, which can charge the battery from 0 to 100% in just over an hour. Overall, while the battery life of the Motorola Edge X30 is not bad, it's not particularly impressive either. If you're looking for a device with exceptional battery life, you may want to consider other options. However, if you prioritize performance and features over battery longevity, the Edge X30 might still be worth considering. In terms of real-world usage, we found that the battery life was sufficient for most users, but heavy users or those who demand more from their devices may find it wanting. As with any device, your mileage may vary depending on your specific usage patterns and settings.

Display

The Motorola Edge X30 boasts an impressive 6.7-inch LED panel that displays an astonishing 1 billion colors. This stunning display is a visual treat, offering vibrant and lifelike visuals that are sure to impress. With its 144Hz refresh rate, the screen scrolls around like a champion, making it perfect for gaming enthusiasts. The Edge X30's display is a masterclass in design, with a frosted glass finish at the back that showcases its shadow blue color scheme in all its glory. The subtle bubble of a camera bump tucks neatly into the backplate, adding to the device's sleek aesthetic. While the display is undoubtedly a highlight of the Edge X30, it does fall short in terms of brightness. Compared to other flagships on the market, the Motorola Edge X30's screen lacks the same level of luminosity, making it less than ideal for use outdoors or in bright lighting conditions. Despite this minor quibble, the display remains one of the standout features of the Edge X30. Its 144Hz refresh rate and stunning color accuracy make it a joy to use, whether you're gaming, watching videos, or simply browsing through your favorite apps. In conclusion, while the Motorola Edge X30's display may not be perfect, it is undoubtedly a beautiful and vibrant screen that is sure to impress. With its stunning color accuracy and smooth refresh rate, it's a must-see for anyone considering purchasing this device.

Camera

The Motorola Edge X30's camera department is a bit of a mixed bag. On the plus side, the main and ultrawide cameras have a high megapixel count and look decent in good lighting. However, this is where the issues begin. One major drawback is the lack of 60 frames per second video recording, which is a feature that's become standard on many flagship devices. The camera also struggles to deliver quality images at night, with noticeable noise and poor color accuracy. The camera bump itself is subtle and neatly tucked into the device's backplate, but this doesn't make up for the lack of performance. The main and ultrawide cameras are let down by a 2-megapixel depth sensor that's more or less useless, and the omission of a telephoto lens is a significant oversight. Given the capabilities of the new Snapdragon chipset, it's surprising that Motorola didn't push the boundaries with the camera department on this device. The potential for improved performance with this chip is clear, but unfortunately, it hasn't been fully utilized here. The only redeeming quality of the camera is its ability to deliver decent images in good lighting conditions, but even this is slightly marred by some minor artifacts and a lack of overall polish. In short, while the Motorola Edge X30's camera department has some positive aspects, it falls short of expectations. With so many other smartphones offering superior camera performance for similar prices, it's hard to recommend the Edge X30 as the top choice for photography enthusiasts. Overall, the camera is an area where the Edge X30 could have excelled, but unfortunately, Motorola hasn't quite reached its full potential here.

Price and Value

In an era where flagship smartphones are increasingly pricey, the Motorola Edge X30 stands out as a refreshing exception. Priced affordably, this device offers a compelling combination of features that make it an attractive option for those seeking top-notch performance without breaking the bank. The Edge X30's crowning jewel is its four-nanometer Qualcomm Snapdragon 8 Gen 1 chipset. Paired with LPDDR5 RAM and UFS 3.1 storage, this powerhouse of a processor ensures seamless performance, making it ideal for gaming enthusiasts and heavy users alike. The Adreno 730 GPU also shines in demanding tasks like graphics rendering, further solidifying the Edge X30's position as a formidable player in the mid-range segment. While not the most impressive display, the Edge X30's 6.7-inch LED panel with 1 billion colors is still a treat to behold. The absence of wireless charging and water resistance might be a drawback for some, but these omissions are more than compensated by the phone's exceptional value proposition. Here lies the rub: in today's cutthroat smartphone market, where flagships are increasingly feature-rich and affordable, does the Edge X30 truly offer sufficient justification for its price? While it is true that this device is one of the first to ship with the Snapdragon 8 Gen 1 chipset, others will surely follow suit soon. Considering the competition on the horizon, the Motorola Edge X30's value proposition may not hold up as well in the near future. Nonetheless, as a standalone offering, it remains an attractive choice for those willing to overlook minor compromises in design and camera capabilities. If you're eager to experience cutting-edge performance at a price that won't break the bank, the Motorola Edge X30 is worth considering. However, if you can wait a few weeks for other flagships with similar features to hit the market, you might find an even better value elsewhere.

Performance

The Motorola Edge X30 is powered by the four-nanometer Snapdragon 8 Gen1 chipset, which brings significant performance improvements over its predecessor. Paired with LPDDR5 RAM and UFS 3.1 storage, the device delivers seamless scrolling experiences and impressive gaming performance. One of the standout features of the Edge X30 is its AI-powered sampling technology, which enhances gaming performance by utilizing the Adreno 730 GPU's capabilities. However, it's unfortunate to note that Motorola's poor optimization of the new chipset hampers its full potential. In terms of raw numbers, the Motorola Edge X30 delivers impressive benchmark scores. It scored an Antutu benchmark score of 990,214, which is just shy of the million-point mark. On Geekbench version 5, it outperformed most Android devices, including the Snapdragon 8 Gen 1's predecessor. The device also excelled in 3Dmark Wild Life, scoring a staggering 9894 points, making it the highest-scoring Android phone I've ever tested. This is a testament to the capabilities of the Adreno 730 GPU and the overall performance of the Edge X30. While the Motorola Edge X30's performance is impressive, its poor optimization by Motorola holds back its full potential. Nevertheless, for those who want to experience the latest Snapdragon chipset at an affordable price point, this device is a good option. However, I would recommend waiting for other upcoming flagships that are likely to make better use of Qualcomm's latest features.

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