In a market flooded with smartphones, the Motorola Edge 50 Pro stands out, but not necessarily for all the right reasons. Despite its appealing features, this device highlights the persistent issues that continue to plague Motorola. In this review, we’ll explore the strengths and weaknesses of the Edge 50 Pro, focusing on why it’s a perfect example of what’s wrong with Motorola in 2024.
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| This Cool New Phone Shows What’s Wrong with Motorola in 2024 |
The Appeal of the Motorola Edge 50 Pro
At first glance, the Motorola Edge 50 Pro impresses with its sleek design and high-end aesthetics. The Luxe Lavender color, curved screen, and vegan leather back create a visually stunning and ergonomically comfortable device. The 6.7-inch pOLED screen with a 144Hz refresh rate and 2,000-nit peak brightness enhances the user experience, making the phone look and feel premium. These design choices make the Edge 50 Pro a joy to hold and use.
The Persistent Issues
However, beneath its polished exterior, the Edge 50 Pro suffers from long-standing Motorola problems. The lack of an always-on screen is a major drawback, especially when compared to other brands. This feature omission forces users to tap the screen to check notifications, which can be inconvenient. Motorola's justification of battery efficiency doesn’t hold up against competitors that manage to provide always-on displays without significant battery drain.
The software experience also leaves much to be desired. Despite promises of three years of Android updates, the pre-installed apps and intrusive ads detract from the user experience. These bloatware issues are frustrating, with no option to decline during setup, leading to wasted time uninstalling unwanted apps and dealing with unwanted notifications.
Inconsistent Camera Performance
The camera on the Motorola Edge 50 Pro is another point of contention. While capable of capturing vibrant and sharable photos, the inconsistency in performance is troubling. The primary camera’s tendency to over-saturate colors and misjudge scenes contrasts with the more accurate wide-angle lens. Additionally, the 3x optical zoom struggles with color accuracy and focus in certain conditions, leading to mixed results.
Is It Worth Buying?
Despite its flaws, the Motorola Edge 50 Pro has its merits. The battery life is solid, often lasting two full days with moderate use. The design and build quality are commendable, making it a reliable daily driver. However, the lack of an always-on screen, pre-installed bloatware, and inconsistent camera performance are significant drawbacks.
Moreover, the price point of around $760 is steep considering the competition. Rivals like the Google Pixel 8, OnePlus 12R, Samsung Galaxy S24, and Apple iPhone 15 offer more compelling packages at similar or lower prices. The Edge 50 Pro’s midrange Qualcomm Snapdragon 7 Gen 3 processor and 4,500mAh battery, while adequate, do not justify the high price, especially for gaming enthusiasts.
Conclusion
In summary, the Motorola Edge 50 Pro showcases both the potential and the persistent issues of Motorola smartphones in 2024. While it excels in design and basic functionality, the lack of key features and the ongoing software issues hold it back. For those willing to overlook these flaws, it can be a dependable device, but for most, the competition offers better value and a more refined user experience.