After the mid-ranger Edge 40, Motorola is back in the ring with another model from the same family – Motorola Edge 40 Neo.
This latest Moto launch comes with a more aggressive price tag. The question that arises is – whether this phone at Rs 20,999 is a good option for you to consider during your next smartphone upgrade. Well…. we are here to help.
We have been using the Motorola Edge 40 Neo for a few days now and here’s our hands-on review of the device.
| Pros | Cons |
| ● Premium looking lightweight design
● Available in three super cool colour variants ● Segment’s first super vibrant 6.55” pOLED curved display ● High 144Hz refresh rate ● World’s 1st MTK Dimensity 7030 (6nm) processor ● Good output for low-light photography ● Dual 5G network support ● IP68 Underwater Protection ● Dual Dolby Atmos Speakers ● Clear UT |
● Auto-tune AI Camera setting changes the natural tone
● No Audio Jack ● No HDR support for Netflix |
Special mention to the plastic-free packaging of Motorola Edge 40 Neo. It looks impressive and is appreciable. We hope more brands come forward and join hands to offer a more eco-friendly experience to the users.
About the design, Edge 40 Neo perfectly emulates a flagship vibe with its sleek and refined appearance. Although it is nearly identical to Edge 40 and you are not getting anything new design-wise, there are many aspects to appreciate.
To start with, Motorola’s collaboration with Pantone truly shines in the Edge 40 Neo’s design.
The use of Pantone-curated colours in different variants adds a touch of sophistication to the device. The Soothing Sea colour variant, which we had for this review, exudes elegance right from the first glance.
The incorporation of vegan leather on the back adds a distinctive soft texture. The back is scratch and fingerprint-resistant, ensuring that the phone maintains its pristine appearance over time.
The square-shaped camera island on the back blends seamlessly with the phone’s aesthetics. The Motorola logo in the centre of the back and the Pantone colour seal at the bottom complete the back design.
The design choices are backed by the strong build of the device. The phone’s IP68 rating adds an extra layer of durability by making it resistant to dust, dirt, sand, and even submersion in shallow water for up to 30 minutes.
This feature adds peace of mind for users in various environments.
A concern for some users could be the curved display, which can also pose a challenge when it comes to screen protection.
To address this and enhance the phone’s overall durability, Motorola has used NEG glass protection for the curved display.
Moreover, the phone offers an exceptional in-hand feel, owing to its curved shape both on the front and back. It is slim and lightweight. This ergonomic design ensures comfort during prolonged usage and enhances the overall user experience.
The segment-leading 6.55-inch FHD+ pOLED Endless Curved Edge display is definitely a standout feature. The use of pOLED technology results in vibrant colours and deep blacks, which is ideal for multimedia consumption.
The curved display not only adds to the aesthetics of the device but also enhances the immersive experience when watching videos or playing games. It seamlessly blends into the device’s edges, giving the impression of a borderless screen.
The phone boasts an impressive refresh rate of up to 144Hz, which provides incredibly smooth and responsive touch interactions.
However, it’s important to note that the 144Hz refresh rate must be manually selected from the display settings, as the default Auto Refresh Rate mode is capped at 120Hz.
The 10-bit billion colours ensure a wide colour gamut with stunning accuracy. This enhances the visual experience, making colours appear more vivid and true to life.
With a peak brightness of 1300 nits, the display ensures excellent visibility even in bright outdoor conditions. We tried using the phone in direct sunlight and didn’t find any major reasons for concern with the visibility. It matches the segment’s expectations.
While the device is equipped with HDR capabilities, it’s worth noting that it may not support HDR on all streaming apps. For example, Netflix might not fully utilize the HDR feature, but you can still enjoy HDR content on platforms like YouTube.
The multimedia experience is elevated to the next level with the Dolby Atmos dual speakers. These speakers deliver rich and immersive audio quality.
The chipset is where Edge 40 Neo becomes a game changer for the segment. It is the MediaTek Dimensity 7030 Processor, making this phone the world’s first smartphone to harness the power of this advanced 6nm chipset.
The 6nm process technology contributes to improved energy efficiency and overall performance.
It’s efficient in performance and handles multitasking, demanding applications, and everyday tasks with ease.
On basic benchmark tests, the device displayed decent performance with around 435553 AnTuTu v10 score. Below are some other benchmark test results.
The device supports a whopping 14 5G bands, which is the highest in its segment. This expansive 5G support ensures that users can experience lightning-fast data speeds and low latency, crucial for lag-free online activities and video streaming.
Moreover, the Wi-Fi 6e support provides users with incredible Wi-Fi speeds and improved connectivity.
The phone also incorporates MediaTek HyperEngineTM Game Technology. This technology optimizes gaming performance by ensuring smooth gameplay. We tried playing graphics-heavy games such as BGMI and Asphalt 9.
The gaming experience was lag-free with minimum-to-no frame drops and reduced latency. It also offers cloud gaming capabilities. Users can leverage their smartphone as a handheld console and enjoy powerful games streamed directly from the cloud.
Overall, Edge 40 Neo has a responsive and snappy user interface, reducing lag and ensuring peak performance for various activities.
The Edge 40 Neo has a dual-camera rear setup. The 50-megapixel primary camera equipped with Omni-directional PDAF (Phase Detection Autofocus) and Optical Image Stabilization (OIS) delivers sharp and stable images.
Secondly, you get a 13-megapixel ultrawide angle camera with a 120° field of view, which is perfect for capturing wide scenic shots and group photos.
The overall camera output is decent. You get detailed and vibrant photos in well-lit conditions.
The dual rear setup with macro vision adds versatility to your photography, allowing you to fit more into the frame. It captures intricate details and small subjects nearly perfect. Here are some shots taken from the rear camera in different lighting conditions.
The device excels in low-light photography, producing well-exposed and noise-free images, thanks in part to the OIS.
However, we found the AI enhancement of pictures a little too distracting. While it might improve picture output in some scenarios, we found that auto-tuning in Edge 40 Neo oversharpens the edges and takes away from the natural look.
The 32-megapixel front camera delivers high-resolution selfies with sharp details. It’s a great choice for selfie enthusiasts who want to capture their best moments in high clarity.
Let’s talk about video recording capability, starting with two sample videos shot in two different lighting conditions.
The rear camera can record in 4K UHD at 30fps, offering high-resolution video capture. Additionally, it provides flexibility with FHD recording at both 60fps and 30fps. The videos come out decent with enough scope for artistic or casual requirements.
The front camera also supports video recording in 4K UHD at 30fps and FHD at 30fps. This means you can create high-quality video content with the front camera as well.
The 5000mAh battery capacity in mid-range smartphones has now become a norm and Edge 40 Neo follows suit.
This substantial capacity ensures that you can confidently go about your day without constantly worrying about running out of battery.
The inclusion of a 68W TurboPower™ fast charger in the box is a significant advantage. It can charge the battery to 50% in just 15 minutes.
Motorola has features like adaptive battery management and power-saving modes to further enhance battery efficiency.
The Motorola Edge 40 Neo stands as a compelling choice for those seeking a smartphone that excels in various aspects. Its distinctive design, powered by Pantone-curated colours and vegan leather, is a standout.
The MediaTek Dimensity 7030 Processor ensures top-tier performance, particularly for gaming and multitasking.
A feature-rich camera system captures impressive photos and videos, complemented by a remarkable battery that easily lasts all day, with rapid charging capabilities. While AI auto-tuning may not suit everyone’s taste, it’s a minor quibble.
Overall, the Motorola Edge 40 Neo offers a premium experience across the board, making it a strong buy in its segment.
Design – 3.5/5
Display – 3.5/5
Performance – 3.5/5
Camera – 3/5
Battery – 3.5/5
Overall – 3.5/5
Answer. The Motorola Edge 40 Neo boasts a 6.55-inch FHD+ pOLED Endless Edge Display with a curved design, offering an immersive and borderless visual experience.
Answer. Yes, it supports a refresh rate of up to 144Hz, ensuring incredibly smooth and responsive touch interactions. However, the default Auto Refresh Rate mode is capped at 120Hz.
Answer. The phone features a versatile camera system with a 50MP main camera, ultrawide angle lens, and macro vision. It excels in low-light photography and offers various video recording options, including 4K UHD and slow motion.
Answer. The device comes with a substantial 5000mAh battery that offers all-day usage. Additionally, it includes a 68W TurboPower™ fast charger in the box, capable of charging the battery to 50% in just 15 minutes.
Answer. The Edge 40 Neo is powered by the MediaTek Dimensity 7030 Processor, a 6nm chipset. It offers support for an extensive range of 5G bands, Wi-Fi 6e, MediaTek HyperEngineTM Game Technology for gaming, and cloud gaming capabilities, making it a standout in terms of performance and connectivity.
Also Read: Motorola Edge 40 Neo Spotted on Geekbench: Key Specs Revealed Including MediaTek SoC
Also Read: Moto Edge 40 Neo Launch in India: 144Hz refresh rate, Dimensity 7030, IP68 Rating, and More
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