Motorola Edge (2023)
Verdict
A sleek, thin phone with a vibrant display stands out but faces tough competition at its price point.
Key specs
Critic consensus
“The 2023 Motorola Edge offers modest improvements over last year's model and is a solid midrange Android phone that won't break the bank.”
“The Moto Edge (2023) is a good phone, featuring a gorgeous OLED display refreshing at 144Hz, a premium build quality, and fast charging, but it comes up short when looking at the competition. At $599, it runs into other budget flagships, which top the Moto Edge at almost every turn.”
“The Motorola Edge (2023) came out of nowhere, and it's a surprisingly good Android phone — and a great value.”
“At full price, we can't see how the Edge 2023 can win against its contemporaries. It may turn out that it will either be discounted often, or its official price will drop in a short while. That said, let's assume you pick up the Motorola Edge 2023 for $350 — the price it's listed at right now, during the Black Friday deals period. At that price point, it's a pretty fair ask! Yes, the camera is mediocre by today's standards, and it's not a gaming device. But the style it oozes, the beautiful screen, the fast charging, and the speakers — they are good. Use it as an essential handset and it will serve you very well for your $350!”
In Depth
Design
The Motorola Edge (2023) feels premium with its vegan leather back, offering an elegant and secure grip. Experts appreciated this design choice, noting it’s “reliable, lightweight, and won’t break the bank or your back.” The classy leather wraps smoothly around its edges, enhancing the phone’s slim profile.
Adding to its utility, the device includes an IP68 rating, ensuring resilience against dust and water, which increases the phone’s longevity.
While many phones opt for glass, this leather finish provides a refreshing feel and a unique tactile experience. Still, like many faux leathers, lint can stick to the back but is easily wiped clean with a damp cloth.
Display(s)
The Edge offers a striking 6.6-inch OLED panel with vibrant colors and deep contrasts. This makes videos and photos visually impressive.
With an adaptive refresh rate reaching up to 144Hz, every swipe and scroll feels incredibly smooth, enhancing your interaction with apps and games.
Outdoor visibility won’t be much of a struggle since the display peaks at a substantial brightness, helpful for reading texts and capturing shots under direct sunlight.
On the downside, some reviewers from Android Authority noted occasional accidental touches due to its curved screen design, which can be an annoyance for some users.
Performance
Motorola equips this phone with the MediaTek Dimensity 7030 chip, which holds up well for general use, providing fast app launches and efficient multitasking. “General multitasking on the Edge felt pretty smooth,” shared reviewers from PCMag, highlighting the balance between power and functionality.
While this processor delivers dependable performance for daily tasks, it may not be the ideal choice for intense gaming or graphics-heavy applications. If you prefer a blend of style and reliability for routine mobile activities, this phone offers a satisfying experience.
Software & Storage
The Motorola Edge boasts a user-friendly interface that’s close to stock Android, making it intuitive and straightforward. Reviewers appreciated its “clean software” with minimal bloatware, noted by Android Authority.
Motorola equips the Edge with helpful custom gestures for efficiency. For example, chop to turn on the flashlight or twist to open the camera.
Motorola pledges two years of upgrades and three years of security updates, which may not stack up to rivals offering extended support.
Cameras
The 50MP main camera captures vivid hues but struggles with fine details, turning textures into smooth brush strokes in its pictures. Low-light shots are bright and vibrant yet often suffer from oversaturation, noted by PhoneArena as turning skies into “super-saturated” scenes.
The ultrawide lens offers a broader view but tends to deliver softer and muddier results. Videos reach a bright and crisp 4K resolution, but motion stabilization could be better.
Battery
Expect mixed feelings when it comes to the phone’s battery performance. The 4,400mAh battery provides less endurance, offering around 8 to 9 hours before needing a charge, unlike competitors reaching up to 10 hours.
The rapid 68W fast charging is a redeeming factor, recharging the battery to full capacity in about 50 minutes when using the right charger. “These fast charging speeds partially make up for the underwhelming battery life,” experts note.
Though the battery might not impress, the charging efficiency ensures less downtime, allowing you to get back to your tasks quickly—an aspect appreciated by those with busy schedules. Additionally, the phone supports wireless charging, extending convenience in varied scenarios.
Audio
The Motorola Edge’s speakers deliver a crisp and loud audio output for a variety of media, reaching up to 96.7dB without distortion at maximum volume. This means you can enjoy watching movies or playing games with clear sound.
“The sound is so crisp and clear,” notes a reviewer, highlighting the device’s ability to handle details in audio across different genres effectively.
For phone calls, the earpiece provides good clarity even in noisy environments, ensuring smooth communication. These premium audio features make the Motorola Edge an appealing choice for music lovers and content consumers alike.
The Bottom Line
This phone offers a stunning design with a comfortable leather finish and a vibrant 144Hz display that enhances your visual experience. Its speakers are loud and clear, providing excellent multimedia enjoyment for movie nights or music playback. Despite its style, the phone’s performance is adequate for everyday tasks, but you’ll find it struggling with heavy gaming. Camera performance is decent with lively color representation but lacks consistency in detail and low-light results. Users may experience disappointment with battery life and software support when compared to rivals in the same price range.
What people actually want to know
When was the Motorola Edge (2023) released?
The Motorola Edge (2023) was released on October 10, 2023.
How long does the battery last on the Motorola Edge (2023)?
The Motorola Edge (2023) has a 4,400 mAh battery.
Is the Motorola Edge (2023) water resistant?
The Motorola Edge (2023) carries an IPX8 rating.
Note: water resistance degrades over time and manufacturer warranties typically don't cover liquid damage.
Does the Motorola Edge (2023) support wireless charging?
Yes, the Motorola Edge (2023) supports wireless charging. It supports up to 15W wireless charging.
Does the Motorola Edge (2023) have a headphone jack?
No, the Motorola Edge (2023) does not have a headphone jack. You'll need wireless headphones or a USB-C adapter.
Does the Motorola Edge (2023) have NFC?
Yes, the Motorola Edge (2023) has NFC. You can use Google Wallet, Apple Pay, and tap-to-pair with Bluetooth accessories.
Where can I get support for the Motorola Edge (2023)?
Visit Motorola's official support page for warranty info, repairs, and troubleshooting.
Where can I download the Motorola Edge (2023) manual?
You can view and download the Motorola Edge (2023) manual on our dedicated manual page.
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