In the dynamic world of smartphones, the Motorola Edge 2024 stands out as a remarkable mid-range device that offers premium features at an affordable price. Priced at $300 unlocked, with additional deals available through Metro by T-Mobile, this phone promises to deliver exceptional value. In this extensive review, we will explore every aspect of the Motorola Edge 2024, from unboxing and design to performance, camera capabilities, and battery life.

Unboxing the Motorola Edge 2024

Packaging and Presentation

The Motorola Edge 2024 arrives in a compact, eco-friendly box made from recycled materials. The packaging is simple yet elegant, reflecting the brand’s commitment to sustainability. The front of the box features the Motorola logo and the device name, while the sides and back provide basic information about the phone.

What’s Inside the Box?

Upon opening the box, you will find:

• Motorola Edge 2024 Device: Wrapped in a protective film.
• USB-C to USB-C Cable: For charging and data transfer.
• Sim Ejector Tool: To insert or remove the SIM card.
• Quick Start Guide: Basic instructions to get started with the phone.

First Impressions

The initial unboxing experience is quite pleasing. The Motorola Edge 2024 immediately impresses with its slim profile and lightweight design. The phone feels premium, thanks to its aluminum frame and eco-leather back, which provide both durability and a comfortable grip. The minimalist packaging and the careful arrangement of components reflect Motorola’s attention to detail and commitment to user satisfaction.

Design and Build Quality

Materials and Finish

The Motorola Edge 2024 is crafted with a blend of premium materials that enhance its overall aesthetics and durability:

• Front: Covered with Corning Gorilla Glass 3, offering robust protection against scratches and minor impacts.
• Frame: Constructed from aluminum, which adds to the phone’s premium feel and structural integrity.
• Back: Made from eco-leather, a synthetic material that mimics the look and feel of genuine leather while being more environmentally friendly. This material not only looks elegant but also provides a good grip.

Dimensions and Weight

The Motorola Edge 2024 is designed to be sleek and ergonomic:

• Screen-to-Body Ratio: An impressive 90.2%, which means minimal bezels and a more immersive display experience.
• Weight: The phone is lightweight, making it comfortable to hold and use for extended periods.

Key Design Features

• Rounded Edges: The phone’s rounded edges enhance its ergonomic feel, making it easy to handle and use with one hand.
• IP68 Rating: This certification indicates that the phone is dust and water-resistant, capable of being submerged in up to 1.5 meters of water for up to 30 minutes.
• In-Display Fingerprint Sensor: Positioned under the display, this sensor is fast and accurate, providing a secure and convenient way to unlock the phone.

Notable Omissions

• No Headphone Jack: While this is becoming standard in modern smartphones, it may be a drawback for users who prefer wired headphones.
• No SD Card Slot: The absence of an SD card slot limits storage expansion, though the phone’s internal 256GB storage should be sufficient for most users.

Display: Stunning Visuals

The display is one of the standout features of the Motorola Edge 2024, offering a vibrant and immersive viewing experience.

Specifications

• Type: P-OLED
• Size: 6.6 inches
• Resolution: 1080p (Full HD+)
• Refresh Rate: 144Hz
• Brightness: 1,300 nits

Performance

• Brightness and Clarity: The display is exceptionally bright and clear, even in direct sunlight, thanks to its high brightness levels.
• Color Accuracy: The P-OLED technology ensures vivid and accurate colors, making it ideal for media consumption and gaming.
• Smoothness: The 144Hz refresh rate provides smooth scrolling and transitions, enhancing the overall user experience.

Protective Features

• Gorilla Glass 3: This durable glass offers good protection against scratches and minor drops, ensuring the display remains pristine.

Performance: Power-Packed for All Tasks

Under the hood, the Motorola Edge 2024 is equipped with robust hardware that delivers smooth and efficient performance across various tasks.

Specifications

• Processor: Snapdragon 7x Second Generation
• GPU: Adreno 7
• RAM: 8GB
• Storage: 256GB (non-expandable)

Benchmark Scores

The Motorola Edge 2024 scores impressively on benchmark tests, reflecting its capability to handle demanding tasks with ease:

• Geekbench Scores: High scores for both single-core and multi-core performance, showcasing the phone’s processing power.

Real-World Performance

• Gaming: The device handles high-end games smoothly at high settings, thanks to the powerful GPU and ample RAM.
• Multitasking: Efficient RAM management allows for seamless multitasking with minimal lag.
• App Load Times: Quick app load times contribute to a fluid and responsive user experience.

Key Highlights

• High Performance: Ideal for gaming and resource-intensive applications.
• Ample Storage: 256GB of internal storage provides plenty of space for apps, media, and files.
• No SD Card Support: A potential drawback for users needing additional storage, but the substantial internal storage compensates for this limitation.

Software: Clean and Customizable

The Motorola Edge 2024 runs on the latest Android 14, with Motorola’s minimalistic enhancements that improve usability without overwhelming the user.

User Interface

• Stock Android Experience: The device offers a clean and intuitive user interface, with minimal bloatware.
• Customization Options: Includes Moto Actions and Moto Display for added functionality and customization.

Unique Features

• Moto Actions: Features like “chop to turn on the flashlight” and “twist to open the camera” enhance usability and convenience.
• Moto Display: This feature provides useful information at a glance, such as notifications and time, without fully waking the device.

Performance and Updates

• Smooth Operation: The high refresh rate and efficient software optimization ensure a smooth and responsive user experience.
• Regular Updates: Motorola is known for providing timely software updates, ensuring the device remains secure and up-to-date.

Camera: Versatile and Capable

The camera setup on the Motorola Edge 2024 is versatile and capable, offering good performance in various shooting conditions.

Rear Camera

• Primary Camera: 50MP, f/1.8 aperture, wide
• Secondary Camera: 13MP, ultra-wide
• Features: Optical Image Stabilization (OIS), Autofocus (AF), 2x optical zoom

Front Camera

• Resolution: 32MP
• Video Recording: 1080p at 30fps

Camera Performance

• Daylight: The camera captures excellent detail and color accuracy in daylight conditions.
• Low Light: Performs well with minimal noise, and the night mode enhances photos taken in low light.
• Video Recording: Supports 4K at 30fps and 1080p at 60fps, along with slow-motion capabilities.

Key Highlights

• High-Resolution Sensors: Ensure detailed and vibrant photos.
• OIS and AF: Enhance photo quality and stability.
• Night Mode: Significantly improves low-light photography.
• Front Camera: Capable of capturing detailed selfies and supporting high-quality video calls.

Battery Life: Long-Lasting and Fast Charging

The battery life of the Motorola Edge 2024 is impressive, ensuring the device can last through a full day of heavy use.

Specifications

• Capacity: 5000mAh
• Fast Charging: 68W Turbo Charging
• Wireless Charging: Supported

Performance

• Screen-On Time: Up to 13 hours, depending on usage patterns.
• Charging Speed: Charges from 0% to 100% in about 45 minutes with the 68W charger.

Key Highlights

• Large Battery: Ensures long-lasting performance, even with heavy use.
• Fast Charging: Quickly replenishes the battery, minimizing downtime.
• Wireless Charging: Adds convenience for users who prefer cable-free charging.

Audio and Connectivity

Audio Quality

• Speakers: Dual stereo speakers provide clear and loud audio, enhancing the multimedia experience.
• No Headphone Jack: While this may be a drawback for some users, USB-C and wireless audio options are available.

Connectivity

• 5G Support: Ensures fast and reliable network connectivity, future-proofing the device.
• Dual SIM: Supports both a physical SIM and an eSIM, offering flexibility for users.
• Other: Includes Bluetooth 5.2, Wi-Fi 6, and NFC for a range of connectivity options.

Key Highlights

• Stereo Speakers: Enhance the audio experience for media consumption.
• 5G Connectivity: Provides fast and reliable internet speeds.
• Dual SIM: Offers flexibility for users who need to manage multiple numbers or carriers.

Final Verdict: A Mid-Range Masterpiece

The Motorola Edge 2024 is a standout in the mid-range smartphone market, offering a blend of premium features and affordability that is hard to beat.

Strengths

• Design and Build: Premium materials and ergonomic design make the phone both attractive and comfortable to use.
• Display: The high-quality P-OLED display with a 144Hz refresh rate offers a stunning visual experience.
• Performance: The powerful hardware ensures smooth performance for gaming and multitasking.
• Camera: The versatile camera setup performs well in various conditions, making it ideal for photography enthusiasts.
• Battery: Long-lasting battery life with fast and wireless charging options ensures the phone can keep up with demanding use.

Weaknesses

• No Headphone Jack: This omission may be inconvenient for users who prefer wired headphones.
• No SD Card Slot: The lack of expandable storage might be a limitation for some, although the 256GB internal storage is generous.

Conclusion

For $300, the Motorola Edge 2024 offers a remarkable package that competes with higher-priced devices. Its combination of sleek design, powerful performance, impressive display quality, and versatile camera capabilities makes it a compelling choice for anyone seeking a reliable and powerful mid-range smartphone. Whether you’re a gamer, a photographer, or simply looking for a solid all-around device, the Motorola Edge 2024 is well worth considering.