Motorola Edge 50 Ultra quick review: Not your typical flagship phone - India Today

Listen to Story

Motorola's Edge 50 Ultra, a modest and reliable flagship phone, has been launched in the Indian market. While it retains flagship status, it skips using oversized camera modules and flashy designs for a more subtle aesthetic. Despite this understated approach, Motorola has introduced several significant changes with this new iteration. After using the Edge 50 Ultra for just over 24 hours, here are my initial impressions. In this article, I will share what I like, what I don’t, and whether you should consider purchasing this device before it hits the shelves on June 24.

When I unboxed the device, it felt like the entire package had been drenched in perfume—it was as if an entire bottle of Calvin Klein had spilled over the box and the phone. This fragrant touch is a deliberate effort by Motorola, not a mishap. It's the first time I have encountered a smartphone box with a perfume scent, so kudos to Motorola for this unique idea. However, this could be problematic for people with fragrance-triggered allergies, it actually raises concerns about how they will handle it, considering the smell does stay for a few hours, maybe an entire day after you have unboxed the device.

Another noteworthy feature of the Edge 50 Ultra is its wooden rear panel, which offers a woody finish and feels like real wood. However, the company has confirmed that the panel is actually made of PVC. While the light-colored wooden panel adds a unique aesthetic, my concern is that it might get dirty quickly. Although it won't show smudges, it could easily pick up stains from dirty hands, especially if they have a yellowish tinge.

The front of the Edge 50 Ultra features a curved display with impressive haptics. The display is also exceptionally bright, making it easily readable even under direct sunlight. I will talk about the display in detail in the complete review, which will follow soon.

Motorola has always avoided bloatware and unwanted apps, and I was pleased to see this trend continue with the Edge 50 Ultra. Upon switching it on, I found only 5-6 apps pre-installed, including some of Moto’s AI apps, Facebook, Google, and YouTube. The phone felt like a blank slate, free of unnecessary clutter. Other than that, the phone is loaded with AI features including the Magic Canvas, which lets you generate images from texts. And apart from that, there is a smart connect feature, that lets users connect their phone to the laptop seamlessly and use their phone on the computer screen.

The overall performance seemed satisfactory, though I haven't tested it extensively yet. So far, it handles basic tasks smoothly, but I will need more time to see how it performs under pressure.

Regarding the camera performance, I tested it in outdoor conditions and took a few portrait shots. The edge detection is impressive, and the sensor captures details well while keeping skin tones natural. I still need to test the camera in various lighting conditions, including low light, to get a complete understanding of its capabilities. However, my initial impressions of the smartphone camera are quite satisfactory.

Priced at Rs 59,999, the Edge 50 Ultra appears to be a reliable phone. It boasts a no-nonsense, practical design and a compact form factor. With no bloatware, it offers a clutter-free experience, perfect for those who prefer a streamlined smartphone. To provide a more comprehensive performance review, I will need to use the phone more extensively. Stay tuned to India Today Tech for the full review.