The Motorola Edge 50 Ultra combines a unique design with powerful performance, making it a standout choice for Android users. With its distinctive wooden panel and advanced AI features, it offers an intriguing alternative to more conventional smartphone designs. However, while its aesthetics and performance impress, its camera performance in low light might leave some users wanting more. This review delves into the details of the Motorola Edge 50 Ultra to help you decide if it’s the right phone for you.
Design and Build
Unique Wooden Panel Design
Motorola has taken a bold step with the Edge 50 Ultra’s design. The rear panel, crafted from recycled materials and PVC, mimics wood but isn't actually wooden. This design not only stands out but also feels great in hand. However, the light oak finish tends to attract fingerprints and smudges, and stains can be a concern. Fortunately, Motorola includes a hard silicone case in the box to address this issue.
Ergonomics and Aesthetics
The Edge 50 Ultra has dimensions of 161.09 x 72.38 x 8.59mm and weighs 197g, making it substantial without being bulky. It strikes a balance between ergonomic comfort and aesthetic appeal. The phone is also IP68 rated for water and dust resistance, adding to its durability. The camera sensors are neatly arranged in a slightly elevated module, maintaining Motorola’s tradition of subtle yet elegant designs.
Display
6.7-inch Super 1.5K pOLED Display
The Edge 50 Ultra features a 6.7-inch Super 1.5K pOLED display with a resolution of 2712 x 1220 pixels and a pixel density of 446ppi. This ensures excellent clarity and vibrant colors. HDR10+ support and 10-bit color depth provide true-to-life colors and deep contrasts, whether you’re streaming HDR content or gaming.
Performance in Different Conditions
With a peak brightness of 2500 nits, the display remains visible even in bright outdoor conditions. The 144Hz refresh rate ensures smooth scrolling and gaming experiences, while the 360Hz touch rate in gaming mode offers ultra-responsive touch interactions, crucial for precise gaming actions.
Performance
Snapdragon 8s Gen 3 Processor
Under the hood, the Edge 50 Ultra is powered by the Snapdragon 8s Gen 3 processor, paired with 12GB of LPDDR5X RAM. This combination allows for seamless multitasking and smooth performance in graphics-heavy games. In Geekbench 6 tests, the phone scored 1945 in the single-core test and 5077 in the multi-core test, reflecting its impressive performance.
Memory and Storage
The phone comes with 512GB of UFS 4.0 storage, ensuring you have ample space for your media collection and apps. The storage's quick read and write speeds contribute to a smooth user experience. Running on Android 14 with Motorola’s My UX interface, the Edge 50 Ultra offers a user-friendly and customizable experience.
Battery Life
Long-Lasting Battery Performance
The Edge 50 Ultra’s battery performance is robust. In the PCMark battery test, it ran continuously for 16 hours, with 20% battery remaining at the end of the test. In everyday use, the phone easily lasts a full day and well into the next morning on a single charge.
Charging Features
When it’s time to recharge, the 125W TurboPower charging can take the phone from 0 to 100% in about 30 minutes. Additionally, the 50W wireless charging and 10W wireless power sharing provide convenient options for charging other devices on the go.
Camera
50MP Main Sensor
The 50MP main sensor captures sharp, detailed shots in daylight. It excels in portrait photography, delivering vibrant colors and natural skin tones. However, the image processing can be inconsistent, occasionally detracting from the overall photo quality.
Macro Mode and Optical Zoom
The macro mode performs excellently, capturing intricate details. The stability at 100x optical zoom is impressive, although the image processing at this level sometimes fails to maintain the scene's clarity and detail.
Low-Light Photography
In low-light conditions, the camera's performance is decent but not exceptional. The image processing takes longer, and the results are often less satisfying. Despite these issues, the camera focuses well, especially in close-up shots, creating a pleasing natural bokeh effect.
Selfie Camera Performance
The selfie camera delivers good results, with satisfactory image quality and additional features to enhance the user experience.
Software and AI Features
Android 14 with My UX Interface
The Edge 50 Ultra runs on Android 14 with Motorola’s My UX interface, which is both user-friendly and highly customizable. This allows users to tailor their experience to their preferences.
Magic Canvas AI Photo Generator
One of the standout features is the Magic Canvas AI photo generator, which can convert text into images for custom wallpapers. This built-in AI feature adds a unique touch to the phone without needing additional apps.
Conclusion
The Motorola Edge 50 Ultra is an excellent choice for users seeking a phone that combines unique design with powerful performance. Its wooden panel, vibrant display, and robust performance make it a compelling option. However, those who prioritize camera performance, especially in low-light conditions, might need to consider other options. Overall, the Edge 50 Ultra offers great value with its distinctive design, strong performance, and innovative features.
FAQs
-
What is the unique feature of the Motorola Edge 50 Ultra’s design?
- The Edge 50 Ultra features a unique wooden panel made from recycled materials and PVC, which stands out from typical smartphone designs.
-
How does the Motorola Edge 50 Ultra perform in gaming?
- The phone’s Snapdragon 8s Gen 3 processor, 12GB RAM, and 144Hz refresh rate display provide a smooth and responsive gaming experience.
-
What are the charging capabilities of the Motorola Edge 50 Ultra?
- The Edge 50 Ultra supports 125W TurboPower charging, 50W wireless charging, and 10W wireless power sharing, ensuring fast and convenient recharging options.
-
Is the Motorola Edge 50 Ultra suitable for low-light photography?
- While the phone’s camera performs well in daylight, its low-light performance is less impressive, with longer processing times and sometimes unsatisfactory results.
-
What AI features does the Motorola Edge 50 Ultra offer?
- The phone includes a Magic Canvas AI photo generator that creates custom wallpapers from text, adding a unique touch to the user experience.