To begin with, the 50-MP main camera exhibits a slight shutter delay, which can be exasperating when trying to photograph moving subjects (like my dog, who never stays still). The images produced are solid, acceptable during daylight hours. However, the contrast can sometimes be overly pronounced, and it struggles with high-contrast environments, though it captures good detail. In low-light conditions, you may find an increase in blurry shots due to that shutter lag and unsteady hands, but when the lighting is optimal, you can obtain some crisp, in-focus images. This is an area where a phone like the Google Pixel 8A greatly outshines the Edge 2024.
Regrettably, Motorola offers just two Android OS upgrades (up to Android 16) and three years of security updates for the Edge 2024. The Pixel 8A, on the other hand, boasts seven years of software support. This lack of extended support is one of Motorola’s significant drawbacks, but it may not be too concerning at its regular sale price of $300. If you’re curious about what’s next, the Motorola Edge was launched in June 2024, so a successor can be anticipated this summer.
Top Moto G Smartphone
I would choose the Motorola Edge 2024 at its discounted price of $300 over the newer Moto G Power 2025 (7/10, WIRED Recommends); however, this is why you should wait for this phone to be on sale. A few months after the Moto G Power 2024 hit the market, its price dropped to as low as $250—if a similar trend occurs with the 2025 model, it could present a more compelling option.
Last year’s Moto G Power was exceptional. It introduced wireless charging—a rarity in phones under $300—delivered solid performance, and met many user preferences. This year’s iteration maintains much of that while adding even more features: it is now IP68/69 rated, making it suitable for heavy rain and even capable of being submerged in water for a time. Motorola is also promising two Android OS upgrades for the first time on a Moto G, extending the lifespan of these budget devices.
However, it has made some progress and also faced setbacks: performance has slightly declined. The MediaTek Dimensity 6300 chipset inside provides decent speed, but noticeable stuttering can occur. While it isn’t frustrating to use, I wish it were as smooth as the 2024 Moto G Power.
If you can overlook that, this phone remains a proficient and appealing budget Android option. I appreciate the green color and the faux leather texture on the back, which adds some personality to the device. The 6.8-inch LCD is both sharp and bright, and you also receive a fingerprint scanner, a 3.5-mm headphone jack, and a microSD card slot. The 5,000-mAh battery can comfortably last into a second day with average usage, although heavy usage usually leaves me with around 30 percent remaining at the end of the day.
The camera setup comprises a 50-megapixel primary camera, an 8-MP ultrawide, and a 16-MP selfie camera. Photos taken with the main camera are sufficient, even in low-light situations, though skin tones and colors may occasionally appear off. The ultrawide and selfie cameras are only worth utilizing during the daytime or in well-lit environments. This is largely expected in phones within this price range.
