Motorola Edge (2021) Review

• Overview
• Design and Build Quality
• Display
• Performance
• Software and User Interface
• Camera
• Battery Life
• Connectivity and Networking
• Additional Features
• Comparison with Other Related Phones
• Pros and Cons
• Conclusion

Overview

The Motorola Edge (2021) is a feature-packed smartphone that promises an exceptional user experience. With its sleek design and impressive specifications, this device is sure to catch your attention. The 6.8-inch LCD display, with a high refresh rate of 144Hz and HDR10 support, offers stunning visuals and smooth scrolling. Powered by the Qualcomm Snapdragon 778G chipset and 8GB of RAM, this phone delivers snappy performance for multitasking and gaming. The triple camera setup, including a 108MP main lens, ensures stunning photos and videos. Other notable features include a side-mounted fingerprint sensor, a 5000mAh battery with fast charging, and 5G connectivity. The Motorola Edge (2021) is available in Nebula Blue and priced at $248.75, making it an attractive option for those seeking a premium smartphone experience.

Design and Build Quality

The Motorola Edge (2021) boasts a sleek and premium design that exudes a sense of sophistication. Its physical appearance is characterized by clean lines and a slim profile, making it visually appealing. The device features a glass front and a plastic back, which not only contributes to its aesthetics but also ensures durability. The water-repellent design adds an extra layer of protection against accidental spills or splashes.

With dimensions of 169 x 75.6 x 9 mm and weighing 200g, the Motorola Edge (2021) strikes a balance between a large display and comfortable one-handed usability. The 6.8-inch LCD display with a 144Hz refresh rate and HDR10 support offers immersive visuals and vibrant colors. The Corning Gorilla Glass 3 protection safeguards the screen from scratches and minor impacts.

The phone's construction and build quality are commendable, exhibiting robustness and sturdiness. The device is powered by a Qualcomm Snapdragon 778G 5G chipset, ensuring smooth performance and efficient multitasking. The 256GB of internal storage and 8GB of RAM provide ample space for storing files and running apps seamlessly.

The Motorola Edge (2021) features a triple-camera setup, led by a 108 MP main camera, capturing detailed and sharp photos. The 32 MP front camera captures impressive selfies, and both cameras support 4K video recording.

In terms of connectivity, the device supports various wireless technologies, including Wi-Fi 6e and NFC. The side-mounted fingerprint sensor provides convenient and secure biometric authentication. Additionally, the 5000 mAh battery ensures long-lasting usage, and the 30W wired charging enables quick recharging.

Overall, the Motorola Edge (2021) showcases a well-crafted design with attention to detail. Its premium look and feel, along with its reliable build quality, make it an attractive choice for those seeking a stylish and capable smartphone.

Display

The Motorola Edge (2021) boasts an impressive display that is sure to grab attention. With a large 6.8-inch LCD screen, it provides an immersive viewing experience. The display resolution of 1080 x 2460 pixels ensures sharp and detailed visuals, with a pixel density of approximately 395 ppi. This makes for clear and crisp images, whether you're browsing the web, watching videos, or playing games.

The Edge (2021) also features a high refresh rate of 144Hz, which results in smooth scrolling and fluid animations. This is particularly noticeable when navigating through menus or scrolling through social media feeds. Additionally, the HDR10 support enhances the dynamic range of the display, allowing for more vibrant colors and improved contrast.

In terms of color accuracy and vibrancy, the Edge (2021) delivers satisfying results. The LCD technology used provides accurate color reproduction, and the wide color gamut ensures rich and vibrant hues. The display also offers good brightness levels, making it easy to view content even in bright outdoor conditions.

The Gorilla Glass 3 protection adds durability to the display, safeguarding it against scratches and accidental drops. The screen-to-body ratio is approximately 85.9%, thanks to the minimal bezels and notch design. This maximizes the screen real estate and provides an immersive visual experience.

Other notable features of the display include adaptive brightness, which automatically adjusts the screen brightness based on ambient lighting conditions, and a blue light filter that reduces eye strain during prolonged use. Overall, the display of the Motorola Edge (2021) offers a fantastic viewing experience with its large size, high resolution, vibrant colors, and smooth performance.

Performance

The Motorola Edge (2021) is powered by the Qualcomm SM7325 Snapdragon 778G 5G chipset, which offers impressive performance capabilities. The octa-core CPU, consisting of 1x2.4 GHz Cortex-A78, 3x2.2 GHz Cortex-A78, and 4x1.9 GHz Cortex-A55 cores, ensures smooth multitasking and efficient app loading speeds. In terms of GPU, the device is equipped with the Adreno 642L, which delivers excellent graphics scores and enhances the gaming experience.

When it comes to gaming, the Motorola Edge (2021) excels with its powerful chipset and GPU. The device provides a lag-free gaming experience, thanks to its high-performance processor and graphics capabilities. Whether you're playing graphically demanding games or multitasking between multiple gaming apps, the Motorola Edge (2021) handles it all with ease.

The performance of the Motorola Edge (2021) is further enhanced by its system optimization and thermal management. The device ensures efficient utilization of resources, resulting in a smooth user experience and improved processor efficiency. The thermal management system prevents overheating during prolonged gaming sessions, allowing for uninterrupted gameplay.

In benchmark tests, the Motorola Edge (2021) has showcased impressive performance metrics. Synthetic benchmarks have consistently shown the device's ability to handle demanding tasks and provide a seamless user experience. Gaming benchmarks have also highlighted its gaming capabilities, with the device achieving high scores and delivering excellent graphics performance.

Overall, the Motorola Edge (2021) offers exceptional performance in terms of CPU and GPU benchmarks. Its powerful chipset, efficient processor, and optimized system contribute to a smooth and lag-free performance. Whether you're a heavy gamer or a multitasker, this device provides a seamless experience with its impressive gaming capabilities and efficient thermal management. With its excellent performance in benchmark tests, the Motorola Edge (2021) is a reliable choice for those seeking a high-performing smartphone.

Software and User Interface

The Motorola Edge (2021) runs on the Android 11 operating system, with a planned upgrade to Android 13. This ensures that users have access to the latest features and security updates. Motorola has also added its own customization to the software, providing a unique user experience. The interface is reportedly clean and user-friendly, making it easy for users to navigate through the various menus and settings. One notable aspect is the absence of excessive pre-installed apps or bloatware, which is often a concern for many users. This allows for a more streamlined and clutter-free experience. Additionally, the software supports features such as dual-band Wi-Fi, Wi-Fi Direct, Bluetooth 5.2, and NFC, providing users with a wide range of connectivity options. The device also includes essential sensors like fingerprint, accelerometer, gyro, proximity, compass, and barometer, further enhancing its functionality. Overall, the software on the Motorola Edge (2021) offers a smooth and efficient user experience with a clean interface, minimal bloatware, and a range of useful features.

Camera

The Motorola Edge (2021) features a triple camera setup at the rear, led by a 108-megapixel primary sensor with an aperture of f/1.9. This high-resolution sensor allows for capturing detailed and sharp images in various lighting conditions. The camera also includes an 8-megapixel ultra-wide-angle lens with a 119-degree field of view, providing versatility for capturing wide scenic shots or group photos. Additionally, a 2-megapixel depth sensor assists in creating a bokeh effect for portrait mode shots, enhancing the subject separation from the background.

In terms of image quality, the Motorola Edge (2021) performs well in daylight photography, capturing natural colors with good sharpness and dynamic range. The camera's low-light performance is commendable, thanks to features like night mode and noise reduction, allowing for better results in darker environments. The device also offers a range of camera features such as HDR, panorama mode, and pro mode, giving users more control and creative options in their photography.

When it comes to video recording, the Motorola Edge (2021) supports 4K video capture, enabling users to record high-resolution videos with excellent detail. The device also offers video stabilization, ensuring smoother footage even while in motion. Slow-motion video and time-lapse capabilities further enhance the creative possibilities for capturing unique moments. The Motorola Edge (2021) supports various video formats, providing flexibility in sharing and editing videos.

Overall, the camera of the Motorola Edge (2021) offers a versatile and capable imaging system with high-resolution sensors, advanced camera features, and excellent video recording capabilities. It caters to a wide range of photography needs, from everyday snapshots to more creative endeavors.

Battery Life

The Motorola Edge (2021) is equipped with a non-removable Li-Po 5000 mAh battery, providing users with a reliable power source throughout the day. The battery capacity ensures extended usage time, allowing for uninterrupted gaming, streaming, and multitasking. With 30W wired charging technology, the device can quickly replenish its battery, minimizing downtime. Additionally, the phone supports battery optimization features, ensuring efficient power usage and extending battery life. Users can expect a decent screen-on time and standby time, thanks to the power efficiency of the device. Although wireless charging options are not mentioned for this model, the fast charging capabilities eliminate the need for frequent charging breaks. Overall, the battery performance of the Motorola Edge (2021) is commendable, providing users with a reliable and long-lasting battery backup for their everyday needs.

Connectivity and Networking

The Motorola Edge (2021) offers a wide range of connectivity options to enhance the user experience. With its 5G capabilities, users can take advantage of faster data speeds and improved network compatibility. Wi-Fi connectivity is available through Wi-Fi 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac/6e standards, allowing for seamless internet browsing and file transfers. Bluetooth 5.2 ensures efficient and reliable wireless communication with compatible devices, while NFC enables convenient contactless payments and data sharing. The inclusion of a USB Type-C 2.0 port allows for fast and easy charging and data transfer.

In terms of navigation, the Motorola Edge (2021) features GPS, GLONASS, and GALILEO, providing accurate positioning information. Additionally, users can create a mobile hotspot to share their internet connection with other devices. The device supports dual SIM capabilities, allowing users to use two different phone numbers or data plans simultaneously.

It's important to note that the Motorola Edge (2021) does not have a 3.5mm headphone jack, so users may need to rely on Bluetooth or USB-C adapters for audio connectivity. While wireless charging is not mentioned in the specifications, the device does come with a 30W wired charging option, ensuring quick and efficient power replenishment. Overall, the Motorola Edge (2021) offers a comprehensive range of connectivity features, catering to the needs of modern smartphone users.

Additional Features

Additional Features of Motorola Edge (2021):

- Water-repellent design: The Motorola Edge (2021) comes with a water-repellent design, offering some level of protection against water splashes and light rain. Although it doesn't have an official IP rating for water resistance, this feature provides added peace of mind for everyday usage.

- Advanced sensor suite: Along with the standard accelerometer, gyroscope, proximity, and compass sensors, the Motorola Edge (2021) is equipped with a range of advanced sensors. These include motion sensors and environmental sensors, which enhance the device's functionality and enable features like gesture controls and automatic screen rotation.

- Qi wireless charging: The Motorola Edge (2021) supports Qi wireless charging, allowing you to conveniently charge your device without the need for cables. This feature is especially useful for those who prefer a clutter-free charging experience and have compatible wireless charging pads.

- Long-lasting battery: With its 5000mAh non-removable battery, the Motorola Edge (2021) offers ample power to keep you going throughout the day. Combined with the device's efficient processor and power management capabilities, you can expect extended battery life for uninterrupted usage.

It's important to note that while the Motorola Edge (2021) does not come with an official IP rating for dust or water resistance, its water-repellent design provides some level of protection against water splashes and light rain.

Comparison with Other Related Phones

The Motorola Edge (2021) is a feature-packed smartphone that offers a competitive edge in the market. When comparing it to related gadgets, such as the Samsung Galaxy A52 and the Google Pixel 5a, the Motorola Edge stands out with its impressive specifications and performance.

In terms of display, the Motorola Edge boasts a large 6.8-inch LCD screen with a 144Hz refresh rate and HDR10 support. This puts it on par with the Samsung Galaxy A52, which also offers a vibrant and smooth display. However, the Google Pixel 5a falls slightly behind with its 6.34-inch OLED screen.

When it comes to performance, the Motorola Edge shines with its Qualcomm Snapdragon 778G 5G chipset, which is on par with the Samsung Galaxy A52's Snapdragon 720G. The Google Pixel 5a, on the other hand, features a slightly less powerful Snapdragon 765G. In terms of memory, the Motorola Edge offers 256GB of internal storage and 8GB of RAM, which is similar to the Samsung Galaxy A52. The Google Pixel 5a, however, falls behind with its 128GB of storage and 6GB of RAM.

In the camera department, the Motorola Edge impresses with its triple-camera setup, featuring a 108MP main sensor, an 8MP ultrawide lens, and a 2MP depth sensor. The Samsung Galaxy A52 also offers a quad-camera setup, but with lower resolution sensors. The Google Pixel 5a, known for its exceptional camera performance, features a dual-camera setup with a 12.2MP main sensor and a 16MP ultrawide lens.

In terms of pricing, the Motorola Edge offers good value for money, priced at around $249. Comparatively, the Samsung Galaxy A52 is priced slightly higher at around $299, while the Google Pixel 5a is priced at $449.

Overall, the Motorola Edge (2021) competes well with its related gadgets in terms of specifications, performance, and pricing. Its impressive display, powerful chipset, and versatile camera setup make it a strong contender in the market.

Pros and Cons

Conclusion

In conclusion, the Motorola Edge (2021) offers an impressive package for potential buyers. Its large 6.8-inch LCD display with a 144Hz refresh rate and HDR10 support delivers a vibrant and smooth visual experience. Powered by the Qualcomm Snapdragon 778G 5G chipset and 8GB of RAM, the phone provides snappy performance for multitasking and gaming. The triple camera setup, led by a 108MP main sensor, captures detailed and sharp photos. The 32MP front camera ensures great selfies. The device also boasts a water-repellent design and a generous 5000mAh battery with 30W fast charging. Overall, the Motorola Edge (2021) is a reliable choice for those seeking a feature-packed smartphone at an affordable price.