Design & Build Quality
The Motorola Edge 40 Pro boasts a premium design with a curved 6.67-inch pOLED display and a matte glass back that resists fingerprints. The aluminum frame adds durability while maintaining a sleek profile. At 199g, it’s slightly heavier than competitors like the Samsung Galaxy S23 but feels well-balanced.
The phone is IP68-rated for dust and water resistance, a feature often missing in mid-range devices. The in-display fingerprint sensor is fast and accurate, though some users may prefer a side-mounted scanner for quicker access. Motorola retains its minimalist aesthetic, avoiding excessive branding—only a subtle “Motorola” logo sits at the bottom.
Display Performance
The Edge 40 Pro features a 6.67-inch pOLED panel with a 165Hz refresh rate, one of the highest in the market. The display supports HDR10+ and reaches up to 1300 nits peak brightness, making it vibrant even under direct sunlight.
Scrolling and gaming feel ultra-smooth thanks to the adaptive refresh rate, which dynamically switches between 1Hz and 165Hz to save battery. The curved edges enhance immersion but may cause accidental touches. Color accuracy is excellent, with multiple calibration options in settings.
Performance & Software
Powered by the Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 chipset, the Edge 40 Pro competes with top-tier flagships like the OnePlus 11 and Xiaomi 13. It handles multitasking, gaming, and intensive workloads effortlessly. Benchmarks place it close to the Galaxy S23 Ultra, though thermal throttling can occur during prolonged gaming sessions.
Motorola’s near-stock Android 13 experience is a highlight—minimal bloatware, smooth animations, and timely updates. The company promises two major OS upgrades and three years of security patches, lagging behind Samsung and Google’s longer commitments.
Battery Life & Charging
The 4600mAh battery delivers a full day of moderate use but falls short compared to rivals with 5000mAh cells. Heavy users may need a midday top-up. Fortunately, the 125W wired charging refuels the phone in just 23 minutes, while 15W wireless charging offers convenience.
Battery optimization features like adaptive charging help prolong longevity, but the lack of reverse wireless charging is a missed opportunity.
Camera Performance
The triple-camera setup includes:
- 50MP main sensor (f/1.8, OIS) – Sharp, detailed shots in daylight, with accurate colors. Low-light performance is decent but not class-leading.
- 50MP ultra-wide (f/2.2, 114° FOV) – Minimal distortion and good dynamic range, though night shots suffer from noise.
- 12MP telephoto (2x optical zoom, f/1.6) – Useful for portraits but lacks the versatility of periscope lenses.
Video recording maxes out at 8K@30fps with excellent stabilization. The 60MP front camera captures crisp selfies but overprocesses skin tones in artificial light.
Audio & Haptics
Stereo speakers deliver clear, balanced sound with decent bass, ideal for media consumption. The haptic feedback is precise, enhancing typing and gaming experiences. A 3.5mm headphone jack is absent, requiring USB-C or Bluetooth headphones.
Connectivity & Extras
5G support, Wi-Fi 6E, and Bluetooth 5.3 ensure future-proof connectivity. The absence of expandable storage may deter some users, though the base 256GB model should suffice for most.
Pricing & Value
Priced around $800, the Edge 40 Pro undercuts the Galaxy S23+ and iPhone 14 but faces stiff competition from the OnePlus 11 and Pixel 7 Pro. Its strengths—fast charging, smooth display, and clean software—make it a compelling option, but camera and battery limitations prevent it from being a true flagship killer.
Final Verdict
The Motorola Edge 40 Pro excels in performance and display quality but falls short in battery life and camera versatility. At its price, it’s a strong contender but not an outright flagship killer. Buyers prioritizing speed and software purity will appreciate it, while photography enthusiasts may look elsewhere.