Motorola Edge 50 Review: A Slim, Durable Mid-Range Phone with Impressive Features
The Motorola Edge 50, priced at around €500, has officially launched worldwide and presents a compelling option in the mid-range smartphone market. With a sleek, durable design, the device features a large 6.7-inch P-OLED display, a powerful Snapdragon 7 Gen 1 AE chip, and an impressive camera setup, making it a worthy competitor in its class.
With a robust 5,000mAh battery offering fast charging, the Edge 50 is designed to appeal to those who seek premium features without breaking the bank.
Key Features at a Glance:
- Body: 160.8×72.4×7.8mm, 180g; Glass front, aluminum frame, eco-friendly vegan leather back; IP68 water/dust resistance, MIL-STD-810H compliance
- Display: 6.7″ P-OLED, HDR10+, 120Hz refresh rate, 1600 nits peak brightness, 1220x2712px resolution
- Chipset: Snapdragon 7 Gen 1 AE, Octa-core, Adreno 644 GPU
- Storage/Memory: 256GB storage (8GB/12GB RAM) or 512GB storage (12GB RAM), UFS 2.2
- OS: Android 14, with up to 5 years of major updates
- Cameras: 50MP main, 10MP telephoto, 13MP ultrawide rear cameras, 32MP front camera
- Battery: 5000mAh, 68W wired, 15W wireless charging
- Connectivity: 5G, Dual SIM, Wi-Fi 6e, BT 5.2, NFC
Design and Build Quality
The Motorola Edge 50 takes inspiration from the Edge Pro and Ultra models, featuring a slim profile, vegan leather back, and a durable IP68-rated body. With a weight of just 180 grams, it’s both lightweight and robust. Available in Jungle Green, Koala Grey, and Peach Fuzz, the colors are elegant and subdued, enhancing the device’s premium appeal.
Key highlights include:
- MIL-STD-810H compliance for extreme environmental conditions.
- Gorilla Glass 5 for screen protection.
- Smooth ergonomics for a comfortable grip and everyday usability.
Display
The Motorola Edge 50 boasts a 6.7-inch P-OLED display with a 1220 x 2712 resolution and HDR10+ support. With a peak brightness of 1,600 nits and a 120Hz refresh rate, the screen ensures vibrant visuals and smooth scrolling, making it ideal for both indoor and outdoor use.
Performance Highlights
- Brightness: Excellent peak brightness of 1,416 nits in auto mode, offering great visibility in various lighting conditions.
- Design: Thin bezels and a punch-hole camera design maximize screen space for an immersive viewing experience.
- Efficiency: The adaptive refresh rate ensures smooth transitions while conserving power.
Display Brightness Comparison
The Motorola Edge 50 stands out for its high brightness levels, putting it among the top performers in its category. Below is a comparison of the maximum display brightness for the Edge 50 and its competitors, based on a standardized test using a white test pattern with 75% fill:
| Model | Brightness (nits) | Display Size | Display Type | Resolution |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Pixel 8 | 1446 | 6.2″ | LTPO OLED | 1080 x 2400 px |
| Motorola Edge 50 Neo | 1437 | 6.36″ | LTPO OLED | 1200 x 2670 px |
| Motorola Edge 50 | 1416 | 6.7″ | P-OLED | 1220 x 2712 px |
| Galaxy S24 FE | 1372 | 6.7″ | Dynamic LTPO AMOLED 2X | 1080 x 2340 px |
| Motorola Edge 50 Fusion | 1322 | 6.7″ | P-OLED | 1080 x 2400 px |
| Redmi Note 13 Pro+ | 1283 | 6.67″ | AMOLED | 1220 x 2712 px |
| OnePlus Nord 4 | 1163 | 6.74″ | Super Fluid AMOLED | 2772 x 1240 px |
| Galaxy A55 | 1010 | 6.6″ | Super AMOLED | 1080 x 2340 px |
Performance and Software
Powered by the Snapdragon 7 Gen 1 AE chipset, the Edge 50 delivers reliable performance for most tasks, including multitasking and light gaming. Although not the latest chipset, it ensures efficiency, enhanced by 8GB or 12GB RAM options and UFS 2.2 storage technology.
The phone runs on Android 14 and promises five major software updates, ensuring longevity and access to new features over time.
Camera Capabilities
One of the Edge 50’s standout features is its versatile triple-camera system, comprising:
- 50MP main sensor with OIS for detailed shots.
- 10MP telephoto lens with 3x optical zoom.
- 13MP ultra-wide/macro lens for creative photography.
The 32MP front camera delivers sharp selfies and supports 4K video recording, making it ideal for creators and vloggers.
Battery
The Motorola Edge 50 is powered by a 5,000mAh battery, an impressive capacity given its slim and lightweight design. However, the phone delivered mixed results in battery performance tests. It achieved a respectable 12 hours and 18 minutes in video streaming but performed below average in web browsing and gaming scenarios.
Below is a detailed comparison of the battery life scores for the Motorola Edge 50 and similar devices.
Battery Performance Comparison
Note: Battery tests were automated via the viSer app by SmartViser.
| Model | Battery Capacity (mAh) | Active Use Score | Call Time | Web Browsing | Video Streaming | Gaming |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Motorola Edge 50 | 5,000 | 9:56 h | 18:00 h | 8:50 h | 12:18 h | 6:24 h |
| Motorola Edge 50 Neo | 4,310 | 13:29 h | 36:15 h | 12:28 h | 19:55 h | 6:47 h |
| Motorola Edge 50 Fusion | 5,000 | 12:40 h | 33:06 h | 10:45 h | 17:23 h | 7:12 h |
| Samsung Galaxy A55 | 5,000 | 13:27 h | 37:08 h | 11:40 h | 18:53 h | 7:18 h |
| Redmi Note 13 Pro+ | 5,000 | 10:38 h | 25:16 h | 8:58 h | 12:22 h | 7:02 h |
| OnePlus Nord 4 | 5,500 | 14:41 h | 32:21 h | 13:33 h | 19:22 h | 8:14 h |
Audio and Additional Features
Equipped with Dolby Atmos-enhanced stereo speakers, the Edge 50 delivers immersive audio quality. Features like an under-display fingerprint scanner, NFC, and Wi-Fi 6e make the device a complete package for tech-savvy users.
Verdict
The Motorola Edge 50 strikes a balance between premium design and performance, making it a strong contender in the mid-range segment. While it faces stiff competition in an already crowded market, its durable build, versatile camera setup, and software support give it a competitive edge.
