Motorola has quietly become a fan favorite in the mid-range smartphone segment. With the launch of the Motorola Edge 40 Neo, the brand continues its effort to deliver premium experiences at budget-friendly prices. Priced under ₹25,000 in India, this device brings flagship-level design, a curved AMOLED display, a 144Hz refresh rate, and IP68 water resistance – something even many flagship phones skip.
But how does it perform in the real world? In this comprehensive review, we’ll cover the Motorola Edge 40 Neo’s design, display, performance, camera, battery, software experience, pros and cons, and final verdict. Let’s dive in.
🔍 Motorola Edge 40 Neo: Key Specifications
- Display: 6.55-inch pOLED, 144Hz, HDR10+
- Processor: MediaTek Dimensity 7030 (6nm)
- RAM & Storage: 8GB + 128GB / 12GB + 256GB
- Rear Cameras: 50MP (OIS) + 13MP Ultrawide
- Front Camera: 32MP
- Battery: 5000mAh with 68W fast charging
- Software: Android 13 (Near-stock)
- Other Features: IP68 Water/Dust Resistance, Stereo Speakers
📱 Design & Build Quality – Slim, Stylish & Premium
The Motorola Edge 40 Neo is undoubtedly one of the most premium-looking phones in its segment. The curved display and back give it a sleek, flagship-like appeal. Weighing just 172 grams and with a thickness of 7.8mm, it feels incredibly light and ergonomic in hand.
Motorola partnered with Pantone for the color options, and the Soothing Sea and Caneel Bay variants come with a soft vegan leather finish that not only looks great but also feels excellent to hold.
With IP68 certification, the Edge 40 Neo is water and dust-resistant, which is a rare offering in this price range. Overall, the design is one of its strongest USPs.
🌈 Display – Stunning Visuals, 144Hz Refresh Rate
The device features a 6.55-inch pOLED display with Full HD+ resolution and a 144Hz refresh rate. This panel is smooth, sharp, and bright, with support for HDR10+. Colors pop, blacks are deep, and visibility in sunlight is excellent thanks to a peak brightness of around 1300 nits.
Scrolling, swiping, and animations feel incredibly fluid thanks to the high refresh rate. Watching videos and gaming is a joy on this panel. The curved edges also add a premium touch, although they may not appeal to everyone.
⚙️ Performance – Dimensity 7030: Capable for Everyday Use
Powering the Edge 40 Neo is the MediaTek Dimensity 7030
Games like BGMI, Call of Duty Mobile, and Asphalt 9 run well at medium to high settings. It’s not a gaming powerhouse, but it won’t disappoint casual users either.
The phone stays cool during extended use thanks to efficient thermal management, and the near-stock software ensures minimal bloatware and lag-free performance.
📸 Camera – Capable in Daylight, Struggles Slightly at Night
The Motorola Edge 40 Neo features a dual-camera setup:
- 50MP Main Camera with OIS
- 13MP Ultrawide Camera with Macro Support
In daylight, the 50MP sensor clicks sharp and vibrant images with good dynamic range. Thanks to optical image stabilization (OIS), photos in low light come out less shaky, although there is some noise.
The 13MP ultrawide lens doubles up as a macro shooter and performs decently. Edge distortion is minimal, and color tones remain consistent. The 32MP front camera delivers good selfies, especially in daylight, with accurate skin tones and details.
Camera Highlights:
- Daylight Photos: Excellent clarity, accurate colors
- Portraits: Natural edge detection and blur
- Low Light: Usable, but slightly grainy
- Ultrawide: Surprisingly good for the price
🔋 Battery Life & Charging – Full Day on a Single Charge
The Edge 40 Neo packs a 5000mAh battery that easily lasts a full day with normal to heavy usage. Even with a 144Hz refresh rate and 5G on, you can expect around 6-7 hours of screen-on time.
Motorola includes a 68W fast charger in the box, which charges the phone from 0 to 100% in just around 45 minutes. That’s incredibly convenient for users who are always on the go.
🎮 Gaming & Multimedia – Immersive Experience
With stereo speakers, a vivid display, and a clean software experience, the Edge 40 Neo delivers an enjoyable multimedia experience. Games feel responsive, and the audio output is loud and balanced. No 3.5mm jack, but that’s expected in this segment today.
📱 Software – Clean & Near-Stock Android
The device runs on Android 13 with Motorola’s MyUX skin, which is very close to stock Android. You get all the Google goodies, plus Motorola’s signature gestures like chop-to-flashlight and twist-to-camera.
Motorola promises 2 years of Android updates and 3 years of security patches – not the best, but fair at this price. Bloatware is minimal, and there are no annoying ads or notifications from system apps.
✅ Pros
- ✅ Premium design with curved pOLED display
- ✅ 144Hz refresh rate
- ✅ IP68 water & dust resistance
- ✅ Fast 68W charging
- ✅ Clean, bloat-free UI
- ✅ Good camera performance in daylight
❌ Cons
- ❌ No expandable storage
- ❌ Only 2 years of Android updates
- ❌ Slight heating while gaming on high settings
- ❌ No 4K video from the front camera
📦 Box Contents
- ✔️ Motorola Edge 40 Neo handset
- ✔️ 68W TurboPower charger
- ✔️ USB Type-C cable
- ✔️ Transparent protective case
- ✔️ SIM ejector tool & documentation
💬 Final Verdict – Should You Buy Motorola Edge 40 Neo?
If you’re looking for a phone under ₹25,000 that delivers a flagship-like design, excellent display, reliable performance, fast charging, and a clean Android experience, the Motorola Edge 40 Neo is a superb choice. It may not be the most powerful gaming phone, but for everyday use, it checks almost all boxes.
The inclusion of IP68 rating, 144Hz display, and curved design really makes it stand out in the crowded mid-range market. Whether you’re a student, a working professional, or someone who appreciates design and performance, this one’s easy to recommend.
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