Motorola's latest mid-range offering, the Edge 2024, delivers a premium look and feel but falls short in key performance areas, making it a tough sell at its $549.99 price point.
Stunning Design, Disappointing Performance
The Motorola Edge 2024 makes a strong first impression with its sleek design. The vegan leather back provides an elegant look and excellent grip, while the thin 6.55-inch curved pOLED display offers vibrant colors and smooth 144Hz refresh rates. However, the phone's beauty is only skin deep.
Powered by the Snapdragon 7s Gen 2 processor, the Edge 2024 significantly underperforms compared to similarly priced competitors:
- 140% slower than the Google Pixel 8a in multi-core tests
- Nearly 200% slower than the OnePlus 12R
This sluggish performance is noticeable in everyday use, from app launches to camera operation. The lackluster haptics further contribute to a budget feel that belies the phone's premium price tag.
Camera Capabilities Fall Short
While the 50MP main camera can produce decent shots in ideal conditions, the overall camera experience is underwhelming:
- Slow camera app launch and shutter lag
- Poor motion capture for moving subjects
- Video quality lags behind competitors
For a $550 smartphone in 2024, the camera performance simply doesn't meet expectations set by rivals like the Pixel 8a.
Battery Life Shines, Software Support Doesn't
The Edge 2024 does excel in battery life, easily lasting a full day of heavy use. The 68W fast charging is also a welcome feature, allowing for quick top-ups when needed.
However, Motorola's promise of only two years of software updates is disappointing, especially when Google offers seven years of support for the Pixel 8a at the same price point.
The Verdict
The Motorola Edge 2024 is a mixed bag. Its stunning design and excellent battery life are overshadowed by sluggish performance, mediocre cameras, and limited long-term software support. At $549.99, it's hard to recommend over competitors like the Google Pixel 8a or OnePlus 12R, which offer superior performance and features at similar or lower prices.
Unless Motorola significantly drops the price or you're particularly drawn to its design, most users would be better served by exploring other options in this competitive mid-range smartphone market.
