The Motorola Edge+ (2023) might be the perfect option for those seeking a flagship-level smartphone without the hefty price tag. This device boasts a premium design, powerful performance, and a capable camera system, all while remaining accessible for budget-conscious consumers. This motorola edge + 2023 review will delve into whether the Edge+ (2023) is the right choice for you.

Design and Display: Elevating the Midrange Experience

The Motorola Edge+ (2023) exudes a sense of premium craftsmanship. The combination of an aluminum frame, glass front and back, and the option for a vegan leather back creates a substantial and stylish feel in the hand. The phone’s curved edges and precise button placement add to the overall sleek profile, making it stand out from the competition. At just 168 grams, the Edge+ (2023) is pleasantly lightweight, ensuring comfortable one-handed use.

Motorola Edge 2023 in Eclipse Black being held against a bush

Turning to the display, the Edge+ (2023) boasts a sizeable 6.6-inch P-OLED panel with a resolution of 1080p and a buttery-smooth 144Hz refresh rate. The vibrant colors, deep blacks, and impressive brightness (up to 1,200 nits) deliver an immersive viewing experience, whether you’re streaming your favorite shows or scrolling through social media. While the lack of Gorilla Glass protection is a minor concern, the inclusion of a tempered glass screen protector can help mitigate the risk of scratches or cracks.

Performance and Software: Power Under the Hood

Under the hood, the Motorola Edge+ (2023) packs a punch with its Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 chipset and a generous 12GB of RAM. This powerful combination ensures a smooth and responsive performance across a wide range of tasks, from everyday multitasking to more demanding mobile games. In our benchmark testing, the Edge+ (2023) delivered impressive scores, rivaling the performance of flagship devices from leading brands.

Genshin Impact running on the Motorola Edge 2023 with a game controller

On the software front, the Edge+ (2023) runs a near-stock Android 13 experience, with Motorola’s custom UI overlay providing a clean and intuitive interface. While Motorola isn’t known for lightning-fast software updates, the brand has committed to two years of Android version updates and three years of security patches, ensuring the device remains secure and up-to-date for the foreseeable future.

Motorola’s software customizations, such as Moto Actions and Moto Display, add a layer of convenience and personalization to the user experience. The ability to perform common tasks with simple gestures, like activating the flashlight or launching the camera, can be particularly useful in day-to-day use.

Camera Capabilities: Capturing Memories with Confidence

The Motorola Edge+ (2023) features a versatile triple-camera system on the rear, headlined by a 50MP main sensor. In our testing, the main camera delivered vibrant and detailed images in well-lit environments, with the 12MP ultra-wide lens and 50MP telephoto camera adding additional versatility for capturing landscapes or zooming in on distant subjects.

Camera array on the Black Moto Edge 2023

While the camera performance may not reach the heights of industry-leading offerings, the Edge+ (2023) holds its own, producing images that are more than suitable for social media sharing and everyday photography needs. The camera’s performance in low-light conditions is respectable, and the 4K video recording capabilities at 60fps add to its versatility.

One area where the Edge+ (2023) particularly shines is its portrait mode, which leverages the telephoto lens to create pleasing bokeh effects and accurate edge detection. The 32MP front-facing selfie camera also impresses, capturing natural-looking self-portraits with good detail and dynamic range.

Battery Life and Charging: Powering Through Your Day

The Motorola Edge+ (2023) is equipped with a substantial 5,000mAh battery, which consistently delivered over a day of moderate usage on a single charge in our testing. For those with more demanding usage patterns, the phone’s 68W wired fast charging capability can quickly replenish the battery, with up to 80% capacity achieved in just 30 minutes.

While the lack of wireless charging may be a disappointment for some, the impressive wired charging speeds help offset this shortcoming, ensuring you can get back on the go quickly after a brief charging session. The Edge+ (2023)’s battery life and charging performance provide users with the confidence to power through their daily tasks without frequent interruptions.

Connectivity and Audio: Keeping You Connected and Entertained

The Motorola Edge+ (2023) offers a robust set of connectivity features, including support for Wi-Fi 6E and Bluetooth 5.3. This ensures seamless wireless connections for tasks like video streaming, file sharing, and hands-free calling. The phone also features an IP68 rating for dust and water resistance, providing peace of mind against accidental spills or exposure to the elements.

In the audio department, the Edge+ (2023) delivers a satisfactory listening experience through its dual stereo speakers. While they may not offer the most powerful or immersive audio quality, the speakers provide a pleasant sound profile for media consumption and hands-free calls. The lack of a headphone jack may be a drawback for some users, but the inclusion of support for high-quality Bluetooth codecs helps mitigate this.

Value and Competition: Is the Edge+ (2023) the Right Choice for You?

At its suggested retail price of $699, the Motorola Edge+ (2023) faces competition from other flagship and mid-range devices, but it manages to strike a compelling balance between performance, features, and value.

Motorola Edge 2023 laying face up on a brown deck showing home screen

Compared to the Google Pixel 7, which retails for the same price, the Motorola Edge+ (2023) offers a slightly larger display, faster charging, and a more versatile camera system. While the Pixel 7 may have a slight edge in terms of computational photography, the Edge+ (2023) delivers an overall well-rounded package.

The Samsung Galaxy S23 FE, priced at $599, could also be a worthy alternative, with its top-tier Snapdragon 8 Gen 1 processor and more polished camera system. However, the Edge+ (2023) counters with its more premium design and higher refresh rate display.

Ultimately, the Motorola Edge+ (2023) is a compelling option for budget-conscious consumers who seek a flagship-caliber smartphone experience without the hefty price tag. Its blend of strong specifications, thoughtful design, and capable camera system make it a worthy contender in the highly competitive midrange smartphone market.

FAQ

Q: Is the Motorola Edge+ (2023) a good phone for gaming?

A: While the Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 processor in the Edge+ (2023) is more than capable of handling most mobile games, its performance may not quite match the top-tier gaming-focused smartphones. However, for casual and mainstream mobile gaming, the Edge+ (2023) should provide a satisfactory experience, delivering smooth frame rates and responsive controls.

Q: How is the camera quality on the Motorola Edge+ (2023)?

A: The camera system on the Motorola Edge+ (2023) is a solid performer, with the main 50MP sensor capturing vibrant and detailed photos in well-lit conditions. The ultra-wide and telephoto lenses add versatility, but their performance may not reach the heights of the industry-leading camera systems. While the camera may not be the absolute best in class, it provides a reliable and enjoyable photography experience for most everyday use cases.

Q: Does the Motorola Edge+ (2023) have a headphone jack?

A: No, the Motorola Edge+ (2023) does not feature a traditional headphone jack. Users will need to rely on USB-C or Bluetooth-enabled headphones and earbuds for their audio needs. This design choice, while common among modern smartphones, may be a drawback for those who prefer wired audio connections.

Q: Is the Motorola Edge+ (2023) waterproof?

A: Yes, the Motorola Edge+ (2023) has an IP68 rating, making it dust and water-resistant. This means the phone can withstand temporary submersion in water and provides an added layer of protection against accidental spills or exposure to the elements.

Q: How does the Edge+ (2023) compare to the previous model?

A: The Motorola Edge+ (2023) offers several improvements over the previous generation. It features a faster Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 processor, a higher 144Hz display refresh rate, and an enhanced camera system with a 50MP main sensor and 50MP telephoto lens. These upgrades contribute to an overall more powerful and capable smartphone experience compared to the previous Motorola Edge+ model.

Conclusion

The Motorola Edge+ (2023) is a compelling option for budget-conscious consumers who seek a flagship-caliber smartphone experience without the hefty price tag. With its sleek design, powerful performance, and capable camera system, the Edge+ (2023) delivers a well-rounded package that holds its own against the competition.

While it may not be the absolute best in any single category, the Motorola Edge+ (2023) strikes an impressive balance between features and value, making it a strong contender in the midrange smartphone market. If you’re in the market for a premium-feeling device that won’t break the bank, the Edge+ (2023) is certainly worth considering.

Ultimately, the Motorola Edge+ (2023) is a testament to the brand’s ability to deliver a flagship-inspired experience at a more accessible price point. For those seeking a high-quality smartphone that offers a touch of premium flair without the flagship price, the Edge+ (2023) is a worthy option to explore.