Motorola Edge 20 Pro

Motorola Edge 20 Pro Review: A Good-Looking All-Rounder That Doesn't Break the Bank

I've spent the better part of the last few weeks putting the Motorola Edge 20 Pro through its paces, and I've come away with a pretty solid understanding of what this phone brings to the table. At a price point that sits firmly in the mid-range, it's clearly aimed at those who want a premium feel and performance without the top-tier price tag. After extensively using it for everything from daily communication to more demanding tasks like gaming and photography, I've got some definite opinions on who should be eyeing this device.

Navigating the Mid-Range Maze

Motorola has been making some interesting moves lately, and the Edge 20 Pro feels like a continuation of their strategy to offer strong specs and attractive design at a competitive price. They’re not necessarily chasing the absolute bleeding edge of innovation, but instead focusing on delivering a well-rounded experience where key areas shine. In a market saturated with increasingly expensive flagship phones, the Edge 20 Pro occupies a compelling space for those who are savvy about where their money goes. My initial impression is that Motorola has largely succeeded in this balancing act, offering a phone that feels more premium than its price suggests.

Design and Hardware: Sleek and Surprisingly Nice in the Hand

Picking up the Edge 20 Pro for the first time, the immediate takeaway is its sleekness. The 6.7-inch display dominates the front, and the overall profile is undeniably stylish. While the materials aren't going to rival the absolute top-tier glass and ceramic offerings, the build quality feels solid and the phone has a satisfying heft to it without feeling overly bulky. It sat comfortably in my hand for extended periods, though those with smaller hands might find it a tad large. While not officially waterproof, it does boast a water-repellent design, which offers some peace of mind against accidental splashes – a practical touch.

Display: A Visual Treat for Everyday Use

The star of the show, arguably, is the 6.7-inch OLED display. Motorola has really nailed it here. The colors are rich and vibrant, making everything from scrolling through social media feeds to watching videos a genuinely enjoyable experience. And that 144Hz refresh rate? It's a game-changer. Scrolling is incredibly smooth, animations are fluid, and even just navigating the interface feels more responsive. I spent a good amount of time watching HDR content, and the HDR10+ support truly elevates the viewing experience, bringing out detail in both the bright and dark areas of the screen. Whether I was catching up on shows or playing graphically intensive games, the display consistently impressed. It's bright enough for comfortable outdoor use too, which is a must-have for any modern smartphone.

Performance: Smooth Sailing for Most Tasks

Under the hood, the Snapdragon 870 chipset is doing the heavy lifting, and in my testing, it's proven to be a capable performer. Everyday tasks like browsing, emailing, and social media are handled without a hiccup. Even when I pushed it with more demanding activities like gaming, the Edge 20 Pro held its own. I spent a few evenings engaged in some pretty intense gaming sessions, and the phone remained responsive with no noticeable lag or stuttering. The 12GB of RAM certainly contributes to this smooth multitasking performance, allowing me to switch between apps effortlessly. While it can get a little warm during extended gaming sessions, it was never uncomfortably hot. For the vast majority of users, the performance on offer here will be more than sufficient.

Camera System: Capturing Moments with Impressive Detail

Motorola has equipped the Edge 20 Pro with a versatile camera system, and it's definitely one of the phone's strengths. The 108MP main sensor captures images with excellent detail and clarity, especially in good lighting conditions. I had a particularly great experience shooting some sunset photos – the colors were rendered beautifully, and even when I zoomed in, the level of detail was impressive. Speaking of zoom, the 5x optical zoom is a standout feature. It allows you to get significantly closer to your subject without sacrificing image quality, which is something you don't always find in this price range. I even experimented with some slow-motion video, and the results were quite captivating. While I haven't delved deeply into the 8K video capabilities, the 4K video recording is solid with effective electronic image stabilization (EIS). Compared to other phones in this segment, the Edge 20 Pro holds its own, offering a reliable and enjoyable photography experience for everyday use.

Battery and Charging: Solid Endurance, But Missing a Convenience

The 4500mAh battery provides dependable all-day battery life for moderate users. On days with heavier usage – think lots of browsing, social media, some gaming, and photo snapping – I found myself needing to top up by the early evening. The included 30W fast charger is a welcome addition, quickly getting the phone back up to a usable charge. However, the omission of wireless charging is a notable drawback. While not a deal-breaker for everyone, it's a feature that's becoming increasingly common and its absence here feels like a missed opportunity for added convenience. In my daily routine, having the option to simply place the phone on a charging pad would have been a nice touch.

Software: Clean and Uncluttered

Motorola continues to impress with its near-stock Android experience. The software on the Edge 20 Pro is clean, uncluttered, and free of unnecessary bloatware. This contributes to the phone's smooth performance and makes for a pleasant user experience. Navigating the interface is intuitive, and the absence of heavy customizations is something I personally appreciate. While Motorola's update policy isn't industry-leading in terms of longevity, the phone launched with Android 11, and hopefully, it will receive a couple of significant updates to keep it feeling fresh and secure.

Value Analysis: A Smart Choice for the Savvy Buyer

When you weigh the features and performance against the price, the Motorola Edge 20 Pro presents a compelling value proposition. You're getting a fantastic display, a capable camera system with a standout zoom lens, and smooth performance thanks to the Snapdragon 870. For users who prioritize these aspects and aren't overly concerned with having every single premium feature like wireless charging or an absolute top-tier fingerprint sensor, this phone is a strong contender.

If you absolutely need the fastest processor on the market or demand the best possible camera performance regardless of price, then you might want to look towards higher-end flagships. Similarly, those heavily invested in wireless charging ecosystems might find its absence a significant inconvenience. However, for the majority of users seeking a well-rounded smartphone experience without breaking the bank, the Edge 20 Pro hits a sweet spot.

Conclusion: A Workhorse with Style

The Motorola Edge 20 Pro has genuinely surprised me. It's a capable and stylish phone that delivers on its promises in key areas. The vibrant display, versatile camera, and smooth performance make it a pleasure to use for everyday tasks and even more demanding activities. While the lack of wireless charging and a slightly temperamental fingerprint sensor are minor drawbacks, they don't detract significantly from the overall experience.

Ultimately, I'd recommend the Motorola Edge 20 Pro to anyone looking for a mid-range smartphone that punches above its weight. It's a smart choice for those who value a great display, a good camera, and smooth performance without needing all the bells and whistles of a flagship device. If that sounds like you, the Edge 20 Pro deserves a serious look.