In the bustling market of smartphones, Motorola continues to carve out a space for itself with the introduction of the Edge 50 and Edge 50 Neo. These models aim to offer premium features at a competitive price, appealing to tech-savvy consumers who seek efficiency and style without breaking the bank. This hands-on review will delve into the specifics of each model, comparing their performance, design, camera capabilities, and overall user experience.
1. Unboxing and First Impressions
The unboxing experience of both the Motorola Edge 50 and Edge 50 Neo sets the stage for what users can expect: a sleek design with attention to detail. Both phones come packaged with the usual accessories, including a charger, USB cable, and a set of earphones, a nod to the traditional offerings that many manufacturers have now opted to omit.
Design and Build Quality
The Motorola Edge 50 boasts a polished design with a glass front and back encapsulated in a durable aluminum frame, presenting a high-end feel. It features a 6.7-inch OLED display that offers vibrant colors and deep blacks, complemented by thin bezels and a punch-hole camera that maximizes screen real estate.
In contrast, the Edge 50 Neo takes a slightly more modest approach with a plastic back, which although less premium, offers greater durability and a lighter feel. Its display measures 6.5 inches, slightly smaller than its counterpart, but maintains a high-quality OLED panel that does not compromise on color accuracy or viewing angles.
2. Performance and Hardware
Under the hood, the Motorola Edge 50 is powered by the Qualcomm Snapdragon 888 chipset, paired with 8 GB of RAM, which ensures smooth multitasking and excellent overall performance. Whether it’s gaming or heavy productivity tasks, the Edge 50 handles it with ease, without any noticeable lag.
The Edge 50 Neo, on the other hand, utilizes the Snapdragon 780G chipset with 6 GB of RAM. While this setup is less powerful compared to the Edge 50, it still delivers a performance that is more than adequate for everyday tasks and moderate gaming.
3. Camera Capabilities
Photography is one of the standout features for both devices. The Edge 50 features a triple camera setup, with a 108 MP primary sensor that captures sharp, detailed photos even in challenging lighting conditions. It’s supported by an 8 MP ultra-wide lens and a 2 MP depth sensor, allowing for creative flexibility in shot composition.
The Edge 50 Neo sports a dual-camera system, with a 64 MP main camera and a 12 MP ultra-wide lens. While it may not offer the same level of detail as the Edge 50’s primary camera, it still produces high-quality images that are competitive with other phones in its price range.
4. Software and User Experience
Both models run on Android 12, with Motorola’s My UX skin overlaid, which provides a near-stock Android experience with additional customization options for greater personalization. Motorola has committed to providing three years of Android updates and security patches for both models, which is a significant plus for users looking to keep their devices longer.
5. Battery Life and Charging
The Edge 50 is equipped with a 5,000 mAh battery, while the Edge 50 Neo comes with a slightly smaller 4,500 mAh battery. Both devices support fast charging, with the Edge 50 supporting up to 30W and the Neo up to 25W. In practical terms, both phones easily last a full day under normal usage, with the Edge 50 having a slight edge due to its larger capacity.
6. Special Features and Connectivity
Both devices offer 5G connectivity, ensuring they are future-proofed for the next generation of mobile network technology. They also feature stereo speakers, an under-display fingerprint scanner, and IP52 dust and water resistance, making them both practical and equipped for modern demands.
Conclusion
The Motorola Edge 50 and Edge 50 Neo represent Motorola’s ambition to blend affordability with high-end features. The Edge 50, with its superior performance and camera system, targets those who want a premium experience without the flagship price tag. The Edge 50 Neo, while slightly scaled down, offers exceptional value and performance for its price point.
In conclusion, both the Motorola Edge 50 and Edge 50 Neo stand out as strong contenders in their respective categories, offering robust features, impressive cameras, and long-lasting batteries. They exemplify Motorola’s commitment to quality and value, making them worthy of consideration for anyone in the market for a new smartphone.