Motorola Edge 70: The Future of Thin Phones
▼ Summary
– The author was initially skeptical about thin phones but finds the Motorola Edge 70 a compelling alternative to Apple and Samsung’s thin models.
– The Edge 70 features a silicon-carbon battery that provides a 4,800mAh capacity, lasting well over a day and outperforming competitors’ smaller batteries.
– It has a durable design with an aluminum frame, silicone rear, and meets IP68, IP69, and MIL-STD-810H standards, making it feel less fragile than rivals.
– The phone’s compromises include a basic camera system without a telephoto lens and a mid-range Snapdragon chipset, which may not satisfy spec-heavy users.
– Motorola’s Android version is criticized for excessive preinstalled apps, ads, and bloatware, though these can be disabled or uninstalled.
For anyone skeptical about the practicality of ultra-thin smartphones, the Motorola Edge 70 presents a compelling case by addressing the most common concern: battery life. While rivals like the iPhone Air and Samsung Galaxy S25 Edge force compromises in endurance, Motorola’s device packs a substantial 4,800mAh silicon-carbon battery into a remarkably slender frame, ensuring it lasts well into a second day for most users. This strategic choice makes the Edge 70 not just a style statement, but a genuinely usable everyday companion.
The phone’s design goes beyond mere aesthetics. Crafted with an aluminum frame and a textured silicone back, it feels reassuringly durable compared to the fragile glass finishes on competing models. It carries both IP68 and IP69 ratings for dust and water resistance, along with MIL-STD-810H certification, meaning it can handle more rough-and-tumble than its sleek appearance might suggest. Many will appreciate the freedom to use it without a case, preserving that satisfyingly thin, lightweight hand-feel.
Charging is another area where the Edge 70 excels. It supports 68W wired charging for rapid top-ups, and 15W Qi wireless charging is also available. A magnetic plastic case is included in EMEA regions, though Qi2 support is absent, a minor omission for most. A distinctive blue button on the side serves as a shortcut for AI features, blending functionality with the phone’s clean aesthetic.
Photography capabilities, however, reflect some necessary trade-offs. The 50-megapixel main camera performs reliably in good lighting and holds its own in low-light situations, though challenging scenes, like a night soccer match, can push it to its limits. An ultrawide lens is included, which the iPhone Air lacks, but there’s no true telephoto option. What appears to be a third lens is merely a light sensor. Shoppers seeking optical zoom may find better value in alternatives like the Galaxy S25 FE or Xiaomi 15T Pro.
Under the hood, the Qualcomm Snapdragon 7 Gen 4 chipset delivers smooth performance for everyday tasks, though it isn’t class-leading. Those who demand peak gaming performance or benchmark dominance may find similarly priced rivals offer more powerful processors. For the majority of users, however, the Edge 70 provides more than enough speed.
Where the experience notably falters is software. Motorola’s Android implementation comes loaded with bloatware and advertisements. Out of the box, users encounter preinstalled titles like Candy Crush Saga and Monopoly Go, a “games” folder promoting additional downloads, and a Live Lock Screen that cycles through sponsored content and full-screen ads. While these intrusions can be disabled or uninstalled, their presence feels out of place on a £699 device.
In terms of mandatory setup, using the Edge 70 requires agreeing to five separate terms-of-service agreements, including those from Google and Motorola. At least seven additional optional consents are requested, covering areas like location sharing, diagnostic reporting, and AI usage policies.
Ultimately, the Motorola Edge 70 doesn’t outshine the iPhone Air in every respect, but it offers a more balanced and thoughtful approach to the thin-phone category. By incorporating a high-capacity silicon-carbon battery and a resilient design, it delivers the all-day endurance and premium feel that many buyers want, without forcing the same sacrifices as its rivals. The cameras and chipset may not lead the market, but for those prioritizing form, function, and durability, the Edge 70 stands as a persuasive and practical choice.
(Source: The Verge)
