In the highly competitive market of smartphones under 30,000 rupees, the Motorola Edge 40 stands out as a device that combines premium design with flagship-level features. With its sleek aesthetics, immersive display, powerful performance, and improved camera capabilities, the Edge 40 offers an enticing option for consumers seeking a premium smartphone experience at an affordable price.
Detailed Review of Motorola Edge 40
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MOTOROLA Edge 40
8 GB RAM, 256 GB ROM | 16.64 cm (6.55 inch) Full HD+ 3D Curved Display | 50MP + 13MP, 32MP Front Camera | 4400 mAh Battery with 68 W TurboPower charger | Dimensity 8020 Processor
Buy on AmazonDesign and Build Quality:
The Motorola Edge 40 is available in two different finishes: one with a PMMA acrylic glass-like back and the other with a premium leather finish. The leather version, which comes in green but is also available in black, exudes a high-end look and feel. Additionally, the phone boasts an aluminum frame, further enhancing its premium aesthetics. With a slim profile of just 7.49 millimeters and weighing only 167 grams, it is both sleek and lightweight, surpassing the slimness and weight of other popular phones such as the Nothing Phone 1 and the Poco F5.Display:
The front of the phone is equally impressive, featuring a 3D curved AMOLED display with symmetrical bezels that add to its overall appeal. Motorola has not compromised on the display quality, as it offers an OLED panel with a super-fast 144Hz refresh rate, 1200 nits of brightness, 100% DCI-P3 color gamut coverage, and HDR support. The result is a visually stunning and immersive display that excels in smoothness, vibrancy, and brightness. Despite concerns about accidental touches on curved screens, this phone manages to provide a premium experience without sacrificing usability.Flagship-Level Features:
The standout feature of the Motorola Edge 40 is the inclusion of flagship-level attributes typically reserved for higher-priced devices. It boasts an IP68 rating for water and dust resistance, a feature commonly found only in flagship phones. This means that users can confidently use the phone underwater or in wet conditions without worry. Furthermore, the phone supports wireless charging, offering 15-watt wireless charging support, unlike some other phones in this price range that provide slower wireless charging options.Performance
Under the hood, the Motorola Edge 40 packs a punch with the new MediaTek Dimensity 800U processor, a notable upgrade from its predecessor, the Edge 30. Paired with 8GB LPDDR4X RAM and 256GB UFS 3.1 storage, the Dimensity 800U delivers stable performance without any noticeable throttling, heating, or lag, even during intensive tasks and gaming. In fact, games like PUBG New State run smoothly at 90 FPS, showcasing the device's capability to handle demanding applications effortlessly. While the Dimensity 800U falls short of the power offered by the Snapdragon 778G Plus found in some competitors' phones, it still provides excellent performance in its price segment.Security and Audio Features:
Motorola has integrated an in-display fingerprint scanner for convenient and secure unlocking of the phone. Additionally, the device features stereo speakers with support for Dolby Atmos, ensuring a rich and immersive audio experience. It is worth mentioning that the phone lacks a headphone jack and a microSD card slot, which might be disappointing for some users.Camera Capabilities:
In terms of cameras, Motorola phones have often been a work in progress, but the Edge 40 brings significant improvements. It sports a dual-camera setup, without unnecessary depth or macro lenses, focusing on essentials. The main camera is an impressive 50-megapixel sensor with a super-wide F/1.4 aperture, offering brighter low-light photos and shallower depth of field. Low-light shots from the Edge 40 showcase bright and sharp images with commendable detail. Daytime photos also exhibit good color reproduction, fine details, and excellent dynamic range. The 13-megapixel ultra-wide camera doubles as a depth sensor and a macro sensor, providing versatility in capturing different types of shots.Optical image stabilization (OIS) is present in the Edge 40, along with Horizon Lock Spot, a feature usually found in flagship devices. This feature ensures stable video recording even when the phone is flipped 360 degrees. Additionally, the phone offers various focal length options for portrait shots, including 24mm, 35mm, and 50mm. The selfie camera boasts a 32-megapixel sensor and supports 4K recording, delivering satisfactory results for self-portraits.
Software and User Experience:
The Motorola Edge 40 runs on Android 13, providing a clean and ad-free user experience. Motorola has minimized bloatware, and the only additional feature is the Moto Hub widget, which offers news and deals. One notable feature is "Ready For," which allows users to connect their phone to a TV or monitor and enjoy a PC-like experience. The device also includes features like "More Secure" and "Family Spaces," providing useful functionalities for enhanced security and family usage.Motorola has made promises regarding software updates, pledging two major OS updates and three years of security patches. While Motorola's update history has been criticized for being slow in the past, the company has expressed its commitment to improving in this aspect.
Battery Life and Charging:
The battery life of the Motorola Edge 40 has received an upgrade compared to its predecessor. The phone comes with a larger battery capacity and supports 68W TurboPower fast charging via USB-C. Charging times are impressive, with the phone reaching 50% in approximately 17 minutes and fully charging in 50 minutes. During our testing, the battery life proved to be satisfactory, offering around five and a half hours of screen-on time with heavy usage.Connectivity:
Connectivity-wise, the Edge 40 supports all the necessary 5G bands, ensuring compatibility with future network technologies. It also features Wi-Fi 6, Bluetooth 5.2, but does not include NFC functionality.Pricing and Value:
Priced at Rs. 22,999, the Motorola Edge 40 provides excellent value for its features and specifications. Pre-booking offers may further reduce the price, making it an even more enticing option. While it may not be the most powerful phone in its segment, it compensates with a premium design, lightweight build, flagship features, solid performance, commendable camera capabilities, and a well-optimized user interface.In conclusion, the Motorola Edge 40 presents itself as a well-balanced smartphone that brings exciting flagship features to the affordable price range. With its attractive design, impressive display, reliable performance, and notable camera improvements, the Edge 40 is a compelling option for consumers seeking a premium smartphone experience without breaking the bank.
What are your thoughts on the new Motorola Edge 40 priced under Rs. 30,000? How do you think it compares to the competition? Share your opinions in the comments below.