Motorola’s $500 Phone Packs Unbeatable Value

▼ Summary
– The Motorola Edge (2025) is priced at $550, featuring a high-quality pOLED screen and long battery life, though its mid-tier hardware has limitations.
– The phone’s 6.7-inch curved pOLED display offers improved resolution (2,712 x 1200 pixels) and brightness (4,500 nits) but may cause accidental inputs.
– It includes a dedicated button for Moto AI, Motorola’s generative AI tool, though the button’s function cannot be remapped to other actions.
– The device performs well with a MediaTek Dimensity 7400 chipset but struggles slightly in graphically intense scenarios, like high-demand mobile games.
– Its triple-camera system (50MP main, 50MP ultrawide, 10MP telephoto) delivers detailed photos, though colors are artificially saturated, and battery life lasts up to 20 hours under heavy use.
Motorola’s latest mid-range smartphone delivers exceptional value with premium features at an affordable price point. The Motorola Edge stands out with its vibrant pOLED display, impressive battery life, and capable camera system, making it a strong contender in the competitive mid-tier market. While it may not match flagship performance, it punches above its weight for everyday use.
The 6.7-inch curved pOLED screen is a major highlight, offering Super HD resolution (2,712 x 1200 pixels) and a peak brightness of 4,500 nits, a significant upgrade from previous models. Though the refresh rate drops slightly to 120Hz from 144Hz, the difference is barely noticeable in daily scrolling and media consumption. The immersive experience is further enhanced by Dolby Atmos stereo speakers, which deliver rich, distortion-free audio.
One minor drawback is the curved-edge design, which can occasionally register accidental touches. However, the slim profile (just 0.31 inches thick) and sleek Deep Forest gray finish give the phone a premium feel. A dedicated Moto AI button provides quick access to generative AI features, though customization options are limited.
Under the hood, the MediaTek Dimensity 7400 chipset and 8GB of RAM ensure smooth performance for most tasks. While graphically intensive games like Honkai Star Rail may experience occasional stuttering, everyday multitasking remains seamless. Benchmark tests show performance on par with pricier models like the Motorola Razr, making the Edge a solid choice for budget-conscious buyers.
The triple-camera setup includes a 50MP main sensor, 50MP ultrawide lens, and 10MP telephoto lens, capturing sharp, detailed images. The telephoto lens excels in zoomed shots, while optical image stabilization keeps footage steady. Some users might find the color saturation overly vibrant, but overall, the camera system outperforms expectations for its price range.
Battery life is another strong suit, with up to 20 hours of continuous video playback in testing. While Motorola advertises 68W fast charging, achieving a full charge quickly requires purchasing a separate adapter.
Priced at $550, the Motorola Edge offers exceptional value for those seeking a high-quality display, long battery life, and reliable performance without breaking the bank. If foldable designs or stylus support are priorities, alternatives like the Motorola Razr or Moto G Stylus might be worth considering.
For shoppers looking for a well-rounded mid-range phone, the Motorola Edge is a compelling option that balances performance, features, and affordability.
(Source: ZDNET)