📱 Review: Motorola Edge (2024) - Unlocked, Made for US (8GB/256GB, Midnight Blue)
The Motorola Edge (2024) steps into the competitive US mid-range market, aiming to deliver a premium-feeling experience without the flagship price tag. This unlocked model, featuring 8GB of RAM and 256GB of storage in the sophisticated Midnight Blue finish, is explicitly "Made for US," ensuring full compatibility with major US carriers.
Motorola has traditionally excelled at combining sleek design with clean software, and the Edge (2024) continues this tradition, but not without some key trade-offs.
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| Review: Motorola Edge (2024) - Unlocked, Made for US (8GB/256GB, Midnight Blue) |
✨ Design and Display: A Premium Feel
The most immediate highlight of the Edge (2024) is its design. It features a beautifully curved pOLED display—a signature of the Edge series—that flows seamlessly into a slim aluminum frame. The back panel is finished in a unique Midnight Blue eco-leather (vegan leather). This material not only looks classy but also provides excellent grip, a welcome change from the slippery glass backs prevalent in this segment. The phone is also impressively light at 174g and holds a robust IP68 rating for dust and water resistance, a premium feature often missing in mid-rangers.
The display itself is a 6.6-inch pOLED panel with an FHD+ resolution (1080 x 2400) and an exceptionally fluid 144Hz refresh rate. It's bright, vibrant, and highly suitable for media consumption and fast-paced gaming. However, the aggressively curved edges, while aesthetically pleasing, can sometimes lead to distracting reflections.
| Feature | Specification |
| Display | 6.6-inch pOLED, 144Hz, HDR10+ |
| Resolution | 1080 x 2400 pixels (FHD+) |
| Material | Aluminum Frame, Eco-Leather Back |
| Durability | IP68 Dust/Water Resistance |
| Color | Midnight Blue (Exclusive) |
🚀 Performance and Software: Smooth but Not Flagship
Under the hood, the Motorola Edge (2024) is powered by the Qualcomm Snapdragon 7s Gen 2 chipset, paired with a generous 8GB of RAM and 256GB of non-expandable storage. This configuration provides a snappy, responsive experience for daily tasks, including social media, web browsing, and multitasking. The stock Android 14 experience, enhanced by Motorola's useful Ready For desktop-like environment, is clean and relatively bloat-free.
However, the Snapdragon 7s Gen 2 is squarely a mid-range processor. While it handles modern games, it won't offer the sustained performance or high frame rates of devices with a higher-end chip. For most average users, though, performance is more than satisfactory.
A significant point of concern remains Motorola’s software update commitment, which is often less extensive than competitors, potentially limiting the phone's long-term viability.
📸 Camera: The Mixed Bag
The camera system on the Edge (2024) is a dual setup: a 50MP main sensor with Optical Image Stabilization (OIS) and a 13MP ultra-wide lens that also doubles as a macro camera.
Main Camera (50MP): In bright daylight, the main camera is capable of capturing good photos with decent detail, contrast, and pleasingly vibrant colors (though sometimes slightly oversaturated). The inclusion of OIS is a major benefit for stability.
Ultra-wide (13MP): As expected, the quality drops off with the ultra-wide, which struggles with fine detail and dynamic range, especially in challenging light.
Low Light & Zoom: Low-light performance is passable but quickly introduces noise and softness. Without a dedicated telephoto lens, digital zoom is functional at 2x but becomes noticeably grainy at higher magnifications.
The 32MP front-facing camera delivers clear selfies, suitable for social media and video calls.
🔋 Battery Life and Charging: A Standout Feature
The 5,000 mAh battery is one of the phone's strongest assets. It comfortably provides all-day power, even for heavy users.
When it's time to recharge, the Edge (2024) supports 68W wired TurboPower™ charging, capable of refilling the battery extremely quickly. Crucially, it also supports 15W wireless charging, a feature that truly elevates it above many competitors in the same price bracket.
⚖️ Conclusion: Premium Aesthetics, Mid-Range Performance
The Motorola Edge (2024) Unlocked (8/256GB, Midnight Blue) is an attractive phone that offers a genuinely premium feel for a mid-range price.
Its biggest strengths are:
Design: Gorgeous, slim body with a great-feeling eco-leather back and IP68 rating.
Display: Fast 144Hz pOLED screen.
Battery: Excellent capacity with super-fast 68W wired and 15W wireless charging.
However, buyers should be aware of:
Performance: The Snapdragon 7s Gen 2 is capable, but not the best in its class for power users.
Camera: Good main camera in daylight, but the overall system is inconsistent, particularly in low light.
Software Support: Motorola's historical track record on long-term OS updates is weaker than rivals.
Verdict: The Motorola Edge (2024) is best suited for users who prioritize design, battery life, and fast charging over raw performance and top-tier camera quality. If you can find it at a discounted price, it is a formidable, stylish contender in the US unlocked market.