When Motorola launched the Edge 50 Pro in April 2024, it promised flagship‐level appeal at a mid‑range price. Boasting a Pantone‑validated 6.7″ curved pOLED panel, triple-lens AI cameras, ultra‑fast charging, and a design that oozes premium feel, it’s clear Motorola is aiming high. But does the Edge 50 Pro truly stand tall among its premium peers? Here’s a comprehensive look at what makes it shine—and where it stumbles.
✅ Design & Build Quality: Sleek, Light, and Comfortable
Weighing just 186 g with an 8.2 mm slim aluminum frame, the Edge 50 Pro feels pleasingly light in hand. The vegan‑leather “Black Beauty” and “Luxe Lavender” options provide excellent grip and suppress smudges, while the curved rear meets the frame with tactile elegance. The IP68 rating adds peace of mind for occasional splashes.
One minor gripe: the curved screen edges are beautiful but may register accidental touches—common with curved designs . Despite that, the design language is cohesive, modern, and decidedly premium.
✨ Display: A Visual Feast…
The 6.7″ pOLED screen delivers 2 712 × 1 220 resolution, a blazing 144 Hz refresh rate, and peak brightness of 2 000 nits. It’s Pantone‑validated for color accuracy, making photo editing and binge-watching a joy. Combined with HDR10+ support and 10‑bit color depth, it’s a feast for the eyes. Reviewers praise its smooth performance and outdoor visibility .
Triple touch sampling (360 Hz) ensures responsive gaming and swipes . Eye‑care features like low‑blue‑light and DC dimming add comfort for prolonged usage.
📸 Cameras: AI‑Boosted and Color‑True
The triple‑rear setup includes:
- 50 MP f/1.4 main shooter (1/1.3″ sensor, OIS)
- 13 MP ultra‑wide + macro (120° FOV)
- 10 MP 3× optical zoom telephoto with OIS
Plus, a 50 MP autofocus front camera. Motorola markets it as the world’s first Pantone-validated camera system, aiming for true-to-life skin tones.
In daylight, shots are crisp, vibrant, and naturally colored . The main lens performs well even in low light thanks to OIS and large aperture. The telephoto works well in bright environments, while the ultra-wide is solid. Portraits yield pleasing bokeh without overprocessing.
The AI enhancements add value—stylesync wallpapers, stabilization, and “magic eraser” features enhance practicality. However, shutter lag and processing delay under heavy use are noted.
⚙️ Performance & Software: Fast Enough, But Not Flagship Fast
Powered by Qualcomm Snapdragon 7 Gen 3 and paired with up to 12 GB RAM/512 GB storage, performance is smooth for daily tasks and gaming. However, demanding 3D games can challenge its limits, with occasional dropped frames and slower app loading.
The stock-based Hello UI on Android 14 provides helpful extras—Moto Gestures (twist for camera, chop for flashlight), Ready For PC integration, Moto Connect, and ThinkShield security.
Software support promises three years of Android upgrades and four years of security, but it trails behind Google’s Pixel and Samsung’s longer commitments.
🔋 Battery & Charging: Super‑Speedy Recharge
The 4 500 mAh battery offers average endurance—just enough for a full day but can need evening top-ups under heavy use .
But Motorola’s TurboPower tech steals the show:
- 125 W wired charger (bundled with 12 GB variant) fills battery in ~18–20 minutes.
- 68 W charger for 8 GB version takes ~28.
- 50 W wireless charging (stand sold separately) .
- 10 W reverse wireless charging for accessories.
These numbers stand out even among flagships.
⚖️ Summing It Up: Should You Buy?
Pros:
- Stunning 6.7″ 144 Hz Pantone‑validated pOLED display
- Premium, lightweight, comfortable design with IP68 and vegan leather
- Strong AI‑enhanced camera system with Pantone‑accurate color
- Blazing 125 W wired + 50 W wireless charging
- Clean Hello UI with useful Moto features
- 3 years OS + 4 years security updates
Cons:
- Snapdragon 7 Gen 3 lags behind flagship chips under heavy load
- Average battery capacity yields moderate endurance
- Shutter lag in rapid photo bursts
- Shorter update timeline than Pixel/Samsung
- Curved edges may inconvenience some users
🥊 Edge 50 Pro vs Competitors
- Google Pixel 8: Superior AI and software support, slightly better processor—but slower charging and pricier.
- Samsung Galaxy S23: Flagship Snapdragon 8, excellent camera, but slower charging and heavier.
- OnePlus 12R/Realme GT: Often match or outperform in performance and offer competitive pricing, though display and charging may trail.
🎯 Final Verdict
The Motorola Edge 50 Pro shines in areas where many mid-rangers fall short: display fidelity, camera quality, and charging speed. It’s a well‑rounded phone with a distinct personality and practical Moto enhancements. However, its middling chip, moderate battery endurance, and shorter update policy may deter power users.
If you prioritize visual experience, creative photography, and ultra-fast charging—and can live with “good‑but‑not‑flagship” performance—the Edge 50 Pro is a compelling package. But if raw power, long battery life, or 7‑year software support is what drives you, a flagship from Google or Samsung might still be the better choice.
