Motorola Edge test: a high-end 5G smartphone at 500 euros

Motorola had left the high end aside in order to focus on its Moto G range. For 2020, it seems to have marked an exception with the Motorola Edge. This is a high-end 5G phone with great features. Marketed around 500 euros, it generates some expectations. MeilleurMobile had the phone in its hands and delivered its verdict to you.

Design and ergonomics: the Motorola phone plays the card of elegance in all circumstances

From the discovery of the smartphone, it is easy to see the special care taken in its construction. Like an Oppo Find X2 Pro, the interface is presented with curved edges and a relatively small size for a high-end product. If the recipe does not reinvent the design of devices of its kind, it is necessary to salute its execution. The visual of the Motorola Edge easily surpasses the competition on the high end which does not seem to have found a new recipe.

The touch screen offers edges that bite down to half the edge and are fully tactile. However, this slightly disturbs the ergonomics of the product since the locking and volume management buttons are even further back. For the dorsal part, the work done is also to be highlighted. The camera module located at the rear hardly protrudes from the hull. The 3.5 mm jack port coupled with the USB type-C port are also to be highlighted.

Touch screen: the Motorola Edge offers OLED that lacks light

If in the field of design the general appearance of the Motorola phone is pretty, what about the rest? The product datasheet offers an OLED display with a size of 6.7 inches. The diagonal offers you optimal viewing comfort by making the device an ideal product for watching series. As with many high-end smartphones on the market, the Motorola Edge chooses a refresh rate of 90 Hz. Like the Oppo Find X2 Pro to a lesser extent, the touch interface is very fluid in its use, which is very comfortable on a daily basis. He is able to adapt according to the situations.

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These are also the measurements carried out by the 01net.com laboratory that must be taken into account. In terms of brightness, the Edge is a bit disappointing since it offers a measurement of 585 cd / m² which is well below the competition. It is possible to activate a boost but which is content to save the furniture. This deficit is noticed as soon as you are in full light where you will have to look for a small corner of shade to read your contents. The color fidelity is not good with a Delta E 5.26 even if it is less damaging than for the light. Despite its good appearance, the Motorola Edge interface is disappointing in its technical characteristics.

Internal power: one of the first Snapdragon 765s delivers acceptable performance

The real attraction of the phone lies above all in its technical sheet. The Motorola Edge is powered by a Snapdragon 765G chip offering the mobile 5G compatibility. The processor also relies on 6 GB of RAM memory as well as 128 GB of internal storage. A slot is provided to add a Micro SD card inside to expand the internal memory. On paper, everything is ready to offer you suitable performance in all situations. The Antutu V8 benchmark recorded a score of 310165 points which is not a peak but remains comfortable.

In terms of mobile titles, the Motorola Edge is capable of running demanding software with relatively few faults. Titles in 2D, 3D or multitasking management everything goes there but the mobile remains fluid. The product therefore remains a faithful ally for everyday multimedia entertainment.

The user experience is for its part ensured by an almost Pure Android experience like Motorola used to offer them. Of course the manufacturer brings his personal touch with homemade software but not only. On the right side edge of the screen, there is a function bar to activate software quickly. Write an email, set an alarm clock, or make a quick note. Another point to improve the general comfort of the user concerns notifications. When you receive one, the edges of the screen light up to give you a visual cue. As with each device, all this general ergonomics can be controlled from the phone settings, according to your tastes.

Autonomy: a decent lifespan but the recharging lagging behind

The 5G smartphone from Motorola incorporates in its body a battery charged at 4500 mAh in Lithium-Polymer. It comes with an 18W charger in its box to improve general recharging. Once again on paper, the characteristics in the field suggest that the performance of the mobile will be assured. According to measurements taken by the 01net.com lab, the Motorola Edge is doing very well. The autonomy in general of the smartphone gives you a lifespan of 14:36. In fact, the mobile does better than a OnePlus 8T or a Huawei P40.

Also read: our full review of the Motorola One Macro

If autonomy is to be welcomed, there is still a flip side. Unlike the competition, Motorola’s cell phone doesn’t offer a full fast charging experience. In just 48 minutes on mains, you are offered 50% battery. For the full recharge, it will take almost 2 hours and 40 minutes.

Camera: a versatile but above all very complete module

In the area of ​​the technical sheet on the photo part, the Motorola Edge offers a system with several lenses. Unlike many smartphones on the market today, all sensors work together. You have at your disposal a main objective of 68 megapixels supported in its operation by three other modules. It starts with a telephoto with a resolution of 8 megapixels, an ultra wide angle of 16 megapixels. You finally have a 3D TOF to help you with accuracy.

The general operation of the Motorola Edge is quite good when it comes to its photo part. The quality of the pictures offered on the mobile is optimal, especially if the conditions are right for you. Be careful, however, it is possible to notice a loss of details in the background. In broad daylight, the phone is doing perfectly well but a few things should be noted.

As the night makes its entrance, a grain is felt. This is especially the case when using the ultra wide angle module. Nothing very dramatic in itself since in other situations, the landscapes are perfectly transcribed. The portraits are perfectly realized with an emphasis on the subject in particular thanks to the precise background blur.

Conclusion: what to remember from the Motorola Edge?

Motorola’s 5G mobile was a big first for the brand. In view of the elements offered, the work carried out by the manufacturer is of a very high level, particularly in the field of design. This goes hand in hand with a nicely crafted touch screen despite some slight flaws. In the field of internal power, 5G compatibility offers good prospects in all situations with a solidity at all times. The only downside is the mobile charge which is much slower than other devices. Sold at 599 euros, the Motorola Edge justifies its price if you want to experience the classic high-end smartphone but very efficient.