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Unpacking the Motorola Edge 70: A Comprehensive Review
The Motorola Edge series has long been regarded as a beacon for cost-conscious buyers looking to seize value without sacrificing aesthetics or functionality. While these smartphones are not always the most powerful on the market, they often strike a balance that appeals to budget-minded consumers. However, when it comes to the Motorola Edge 70, there are reasons to be cautious about what this latest addition to the lineup brings to the table.
A Questionable Trend: The Quest for Thinness
As I first unboxed the Motorola Edge 70, I couldn’t help but notice its overarching goal: to be thinner and lighter than its predecessors. This trend seems to have caught fire in the tech world, as manufacturers vie for the title of the slimmest smartphone. For some, this may seem like an aesthetic improvement worth chasing, but for others, prioritizing ultra-thin designs over performance and functionality raises concerns.
The pursuit of a skinny profile often leads to compromises that affect performance, durability, and battery life. After spending time using the Edge 70, it became apparent that while it’s undeniablyslim—measuring just 5.9 mm thick—the sacrifices made in functionality might not justify the trend.
Design and Build Quality
Picking up the Motorola Edge 70, it feels light in hand, weighing in at just 159 grams. The color selection includes diverse options like Gadget Grey, Lily Pad, and a visually appealing Bronze Green. While the phone’s design stands out with its textured back, it also calls to mind the question of whether visual appeal should come at the cost of practicality.
The Edge 70’s aesthetic charm, including its military-grade durability features (IP68/69 rated), is counterbalanced by some common pitfalls for thin devices: managing to feel fragile despite its solidity. Additionally, the design lacks the notable curved-edge screens that past models have sported, making it visually less distinctive compared to predecessors.
Display Capabilities
With a 6.7-inch display boasting a resolution of 2712 x 1220 pixels and a 120Hz refresh rate, the Motorola Edge 70 comes equipped with features you’ll likely appreciate. High brightness levels of 4,500 nits, HDR 10+ support, and Pantone optimizations ensure a vibrant visual experience.
A standout feature worth noting is the Water Touch functionality, allowing users to operate the screen with wet hands—a vital addition for anyone who finds themselves frequently using their phone in less-than-ideal conditions.
However, while the display excels in brightness and refresh rates, its feature set may not justify its place at the higher spectrum of mid-range smartphones. In a tech landscape increasingly focusing on gaming and media consumption, the Edge 70 does provide commendable performance but lacks the branding that often provides solidified user experiences.
Software and User Experience
While many Android devices favor a stock operating system, Motorola has slowly evolved into a somewhat fragmented version of stock Android with each new iteration. The Edge 70 runs on Android 16 with several unique features, integrating Google’s latest advancements while layering in Motorola-specific tweaks.
Unfortunately, Motorola hasn’t wholly escaped the dreaded "bloatware" trend. Upon starting the device, various pre-installed applications clutter the interface, which can detract from user experience. While you can delete these apps, the presence of them raises questions: Why should consumers be subjected to partial advertising on a device that comes at a premium price point?
Moreover, Motorola has placed significant emphasis on its AI tools with Moto AI, aiming to improve simplicity and usability. However, the practicality of these features remains debatable. While some enhancements can be beneficial, they largely blend into the background, failing to offer significant value. In a world where technology should simplify our lives, the Edge 70 seems caught between innovation and redundancy.
Camera Performance
Motorola promotes the Edge 70 as featuring three 50MP cameras, albeit with a caveat: only two are located on the back, while the third resides on the front. This decision disappoints many users, as the previous models benefitted from an additional telephoto lens that contributed to a more versatile photography experience.
That said, the camera system—comprising a 50MP main sensor and a 50MP ultra-wide sensor—manages to deliver decent performance. In favorable lighting conditions, the image quality is commendable, showcasing rich colors and details. However, Motorola’s camera software still lacks the refinement seen in competitors.
One can expect ample functionality like night mode, portrait photography, and video recording capabilities at 4K resolution. Yet despite these options, technical shortcomings like over-brightening remain evident. This might dissuade potential buyers who expect extraordinary quality for a higher price.
Performance Metrics
The Motorola Edge 70 is equipped with a Snapdragon 7 Gen 4 processor, supported by 12GB of RAM and 512GB of storage. While these specs place the phone in the mid-range category, they adequately perform in most everyday situations. Gaming on this device proved to be a satisfying experience thanks to smooth graphics and responsiveness.
In the Geekbench 6 testing, the Edge 70 achieved a score reflecting its mid-range status. However, performance remains largely subjective; feelings of lag or slowdowns stem more from how you intend to use the device rather than raw scores.
Audio quality is another strong point, with dual stereo speakers boasting Dolby Atmos tuning. Despite the absence of a headphone jack—common in modern flagships—wired or wireless audio capabilities remain robust.
Battery Life
The Edge 70 features a respectable 4,800mAh battery. In a world that increasingly prioritizes efficiency, this capacity should ensure a full day’s usage without requiring constant charging. During my testing period, the device consistently delivered reliable performance, lasting well into the second day before needing a recharge.
Additionally, the fast charging at 68W is impressive, bringing the device from empty to full in around 40 minutes. However, the lack of a prolonged battery life can’t be masked by fast charging capabilities; for something that emphasizes minimalistic designs, users might find needing to charge frequently somewhat counterintuitive.
Evaluating Value
As price-conscious consumers, it’s essential to weigh the cost versus the value when considering the Motorola Edge 70. Priced at £699.98 (approximately $920), it sits at the high end of the mid-range smartphone spectrum. While it’s less expensive than flagship options like the iPhone Air or Samsung Galaxy S25 Edge, value is contingent on user intent and comparison.
For buyers focused solely on slimmest design and a few standout features, it’s worth considering. However, for those weighing the overall features and performance, alternatives can provide better value at lower price points.
Should You Buy the Motorola Edge 70?
The Motorola Edge 70 isn’t a bad device; truly, its sleek design and decent performance make it appealing to those who prioritize style and brand loyalty. However, it raises valid questions about where features have been streamlined or sacrificed in pursuit of a thinner device. For many users, the merits of other alternatives become evident when considering the cost versus what it offers.
Ultimately, if you’re in the market for a phone that balances aesthetics and functionality with a reasonable price, there are compelling choices worth exploring. For those who truly prioritize being part of the "thin-phone" club, the Edge 70 may be your best bet.
Final Thoughts
TechRadar’s reviews strive to cut through the noise, offering clear, unbiased insights into every gadget’s strengths and weaknesses. The Motorola Edge 70 showcases a device that has made notable strides in design but may not satisfy core performance or longevity desires that many consumers expect at this price point.
As technology continues to evolve, one thing remains clear: trust in transparent, comprehensive reviews as a guiding light when choosing your next device. Accurate knowledge will empower consumers to make informed decisions, ultimately leading to more satisfying tech investments.
