The Motorola Edge 50 Pro is a phone with a lot going for it. It boasts a sleek design, a vibrant display, and solid battery life. However, it’s hampered by a few frustrating issues that seem to plague all of Motorola’s recent smartphones. These problems, coupled with the phone’s price, ultimately make it a difficult recommendation.
The Edge 50 Pro looks great. Its curved screen seamlessly blends with the vegan leather back, giving it a premium feel. It’s also surprisingly lightweight and comfortable to hold. The display is another strong point. The 6.7-inch pOLED screen is bright and vibrant, with a 144Hz refresh rate that makes scrolling and gaming smooth.
But where the Edge 50 Pro starts to falter is with its software. The lack of an always-on screen is a major annoyance. In this day and age, it’s almost unheard of for a smartphone, especially one at this price point, to not offer this basic feature. Motorola’s excuse of battery life and efficiency doesn’t hold water, as other manufacturers have managed to implement always-on displays without compromising battery life.
Then there’s the issue of pre-installed apps. Motorola forces users to install a collection of apps and games during setup, many of which are unwanted and come with annoying ads and notifications. This is a common complaint with Motorola phones, and it’s frustrating that the company hasn’t addressed it.
The camera is another area where the Edge 50 Pro falls short. While the primary camera can capture decent images, its color processing is often over-saturated and unrealistic. The wide-angle camera produces more natural-looking images, highlighting the inconsistency of the main camera. The zoom feature also struggles with color accuracy and focus in some situations, leading to unusable photos.
Ultimately, the Motorola Edge 50 Pro is a good phone that’s let down by the same old Motorola issues. The lack of an always-on screen, the pre-installed apps with ads, and the inconsistent camera performance make it a frustrating experience. The price tag, which sits at 600 British pounds, is also a significant barrier to entry, especially when there are excellent alternatives available from brands like Google, OnePlus, and Samsung. Motorola has a history of discounting its phones, so the price may not be a deal-breaker for everyone. But, ultimately, the Edge 50 Pro feels like a phone that has the potential to be great, but it’s held back by Motorola’s stubborn refusal to address these ongoing problems.
