Motorola Edge (2022)

Motorola Edge (2022) Review: A Solid All-Rounder That Knows Its Place

I've spent the past few weeks putting the Motorola Edge (2022) through its paces, and I have to say, it's an interesting addition to Motorola's lineup. At around the $500 mark, it’s squarely targeting the competitive mid-range segment, and after a good amount of daily usage and deliberate testing, I have some clear thoughts about who should consider this device.

My testing involved using the phone as my daily driver, throwing everything from demanding games and video editing to the usual social media and communication apps at it. I paid close attention to the feel of the phone, the performance in various scenarios, and of course, the quality of the photos it produces. First impressions were generally positive – it feels like a well-built phone, and the display immediately grabs your attention.

Finding Its Footing in a Crowded Market

The mid-range market is a battlefield, and Motorola is no stranger to this fight. With the Edge (2022), they seem to be aiming for a balance of key features at a price point that undercuts some of the more premium offerings. From my perspective, this is a smart strategy. Not everyone needs the absolute top-of-the-line specs, and Motorola is banking on delivering a satisfying experience in the areas that matter most to a large segment of users.

The price point feels competitive. You're getting a feature set that, on paper, rivals phones costing a bit more. My personal take is that Motorola is trying to offer a compelling alternative to the likes of Google's Pixel 'a' series and some of Samsung's more affordable Galaxy options. Whether they succeed hinges on the execution, and that's what I've been digging into.

Design & Hardware: Sleek and Comfortable, But Familiar

Picking up the Edge (2022) for the first time, I was struck by how comfortable it feels in the hand. The curved edges on the back panel contribute to a smooth, almost seamless feel. At 170g, it strikes a nice balance – not too heavy to feel cumbersome, but with enough heft to feel substantial and well-made. The materials used are decent for this price range, with a glossy plastic back that, while prone to fingerprints, looks and feels relatively premium.

Durability is always a consideration, and while it doesn't have the most rugged build, the water-repellent design does offer some peace of mind against accidental splashes. For practical daily use, I found the size to be just right – the 6.6-inch display offers plenty of screen real estate without making the phone feel unwieldy. It's a design that blends in nicely; it doesn't scream for attention but is still aesthetically pleasing.

Display: A Visual Treat for Everyday Use

The 6.6-inch OLED display on the Edge (2022) is a real highlight. In my experience, the colors are vibrant and punchy, with excellent contrast thanks to the OLED technology. Brightness levels are more than adequate for outdoor use, even on sunny days, and I had no trouble viewing content clearly.

Media consumption on this display is a joy. Watching videos and movies is immersive, and the HDR10+ support adds an extra layer of richness to compatible content. Gaming also benefits from the smooth visuals, and the 144Hz refresh rate makes scrolling and navigating the interface feel incredibly fluid. In practical daily use, this translates to a smoother, more enjoyable experience across the board, whether you're browsing the web, scrolling through social media, or playing games.

Performance: Smooth Sailing for Most Tasks

Under the hood, the MediaTek Dimensity 1050 chipset handles everyday tasks with ease. In my testing, I experienced no noticeable lag or stuttering when navigating the UI, opening apps, or multitasking between several applications. Gaming sessions were also generally smooth. I played titles like Genshin Impact and Call of Duty Mobile, and while you might not be maxing out all the graphical settings, the phone held its own admirably, delivering a playable and enjoyable experience.

Temperature management seems to be well-handled. Even during extended gaming sessions, the phone didn't get uncomfortably hot. One notable strength I observed is the efficient multitasking. Switching between apps felt seamless, and the phone generally kept apps in memory effectively. I didn't encounter any significant performance quirks during my testing period.

Camera System: Solid Snaps, But Not a Class Leader

The camera system on the Edge (2022) is a versatile setup. The 50MP main sensor captures good quality images in well-lit conditions, with decent detail and vibrant colors. I found the autofocus to be quick and reliable, and the images produced were generally pleasing for sharing on social media and capturing everyday moments. Specific shooting scenarios like landscapes and portraits yielded satisfying results.

The ultrawide lens is a useful addition, allowing you to capture more of the scene, although there's a noticeable drop in detail compared to the main sensor. The macro lens is present but feels more like a novelty than a consistently useful tool. Video recording is capable, with the electronic image stabilization (EIS) helping to keep footage relatively steady, even when moving.

Compared to market alternatives in this price range, the camera is competent but not groundbreaking. Phones like the Google Pixel 'a' series often offer superior image processing. However, for real-world usage scenarios – snapping photos of friends and family, capturing travel memories – the Edge (2022)'s camera gets the job done reliably.

Battery & Charging: A Full Day and Then Some

Battery life is a strong point of the Motorola Edge (2022). The 5000mAh battery consistently got me through a full day of moderate to heavy usage, which included browsing, social media, streaming music, and some gaming. On lighter usage days, I often found myself with 30-40% battery remaining at bedtime.

Charging speed is decent with the included 30W fast charging. While not the absolute fastest on the market, it's quick enough to top up the battery significantly in a reasonable amount of time. One aspect I do have to point out is the inclusion of 15W wireless charging, a feature not always found at this price point, which adds a level of convenience. The 5W reverse wireless charging is a nice extra, albeit slow, for those emergency situations. Overall, the battery performance and charging capabilities are impressive and contribute to a stress-free user experience.

Software: Clean and Functional with a Hint of Motorola Magic

The software experience on the Motorola Edge (2022) is a highlight for me. It runs on a near-stock version of Android, which I appreciate for its clean interface and lack of bloatware. Daily usage is smooth and intuitive. Motorola's additions to the software, like "Ready For," offer useful features without cluttering the experience.

I found the interface to be responsive and easy to navigate. Features like the Moto gestures, which allow you to perform actions like chopping for the flashlight or twisting for the camera, are genuinely useful and become second nature quickly. Motorola's commitment to software updates is something to consider. While they promise three years of Android OS upgrades and four years of bi-monthly security updates, it's worth noting that some competitors offer longer support periods.

Value Analysis: A Smart Choice for the Savvy Buyer

My personal take is that the Motorola Edge (2022) offers excellent value for its price. You're getting a well-rounded phone with a great display, solid performance, a capable camera, and impressive battery life. The inclusion of features like wireless charging and a near-stock Android experience further sweetens the deal.

I think this phone is ideal for someone who wants a reliable and enjoyable smartphone experience without breaking the bank. It’s perfect for students, young professionals, or anyone who values a smooth and functional device for everyday use and media consumption.

Who should look elsewhere? Those who prioritize the absolute best camera performance or require the latest and greatest flagship specs might want to consider spending a bit more. Also, users heavily invested in a specific ecosystem, like Apple’s, might find it harder to switch.

Compared to competitors, the Edge (2022) holds its own. It might not have the brand recognition of Samsung or the camera prowess of Google, but it offers a compelling package that balances key features with an attractive price.

Conclusion: A Recommended Mid-Range Contender

Ultimately, I can confidently recommend the Motorola Edge (2022). It's a well-executed mid-range phone that delivers on its promises. The vibrant display, smooth performance, and all-day battery life are significant strengths. While the camera isn't class-leading, it's certainly capable for most users.

My final thoughts are that Motorola has created a phone that understands its target audience. It’s a phone that prioritizes the features that matter most for a satisfying daily experience, all at a reasonable price. If you’re looking for a reliable, stylish, and feature-rich phone without the flagship price tag, the Motorola Edge (2022) deserves a serious look.