Motorola Edge 50 Fusion

Motorola Edge 50 Fusion Review

The Motorola Edge 50 Fusion, launched on May 15, 2024, is a mid-range smartphone targeting users who want a balance of performance and style.

Key Features

• Display: 6.7-inch P-OLED display with 1B colors, a 144Hz refresh rate (International markets, 120Hz in LATAM) and 1600 nits peak brightness. It has a 1080 x 2400 pixel resolution (393 ppi density) and is protected by Corning Gorilla Glass 5.
• Processor: Qualcomm Snapdragon 7s Gen 2 (4 nm) chipset, featuring an octa-core CPU with four 2.40 GHz Cortex-A78 cores and four 1.95 GHz Cortex-A55 cores, coupled with an Adreno 710 GPU.
• Cameras: Dual rear camera setup with a 50MP primary (Sony LYT-700C sensor, f/1.8, 1.00µm pixels, OIS) and a 13MP ultrawide/macro lens (Hynix Hi-1336 sensor, f/2.2, 1.12µm pixels). The front-facing camera is 32MP (Samsung S5KJD1 sensor, f/2.45, 0.70µm pixels). Video recording supports up to 4K at 30fps, including EIS.
• Battery: 5000 mAh Li-Polymer battery with 68W fast charging.
• Operating System: Android 14 (upgradeable to Android 17).
• Connectivity: Includes 5G, Wi-Fi 6E, Bluetooth 5.3 LE, and NFC.
• Build: Weighs 174.9g, with dimensions of 161.9 x 73.1 x 7.9 mm. It also has an under-display fingerprint sensor.

Pros & Cons

Pros:

• Vibrant Display: The P-OLED display with high refresh rate and peak brightness offers a smooth and visually engaging experience.
• Capable Processor: Snapdragon 7s Gen 2 provides a good balance of performance and power efficiency for daily tasks and moderate gaming.
• Decent Camera System: The 50MP main camera with OIS captures good quality photos, and the wide-angle lens adds versatility.
• Fast Charging: 68W fast charging is a significant advantage, enabling quick battery top-ups.
• Clean Software: Runs on a near-stock Android 14 experience.
• Modern Connectivity: Includes 5G, Wi-Fi 6E and NFC.

Cons:

• No Wireless Charging: Lack of wireless charging might be a deal-breaker for some users.
• UFS 2.2 Storage: Using UFS 2.2 storage could be a potential bottleneck compared to UFS 3.1/4.0 in competing devices.
• No Telephoto Lens: The absence of a dedicated telephoto lens limits zoom capabilities.
• No Expandable Storage: The device lacks microSD card support, so users are stuck with internal storage options.

User Experience

The Motorola Edge 50 Fusion offers a smooth and responsive user experience. The 144Hz refresh rate (in international markets) makes scrolling and animations fluid. The near-stock Android experience is clean and free from bloatware, contributing to a fast and intuitive interface. The device handles everyday tasks well and can cope with some moderate gaming, although it's not designed for intensive graphics. The audio experience is enhanced with stereo speakers and Dolby Atmos support, offering a satisfactory media consumption experience. The under-display fingerprint sensor is responsive and reliable.

Hardware & Design

The device is well-built, with a slim profile (7.9 mm) and a lightweight design (174.9g). The P-OLED screen features a 20:9 aspect ratio and a hole-punch notch for the selfie camera. The materials feel good in hand, with a 3D curved glass screen enhancing the premium feel. The phone comes in colors such as Forest Blue, Marshmallow Blue, and Hot Pink. The device does not include a cooling system, which could be a factor during prolonged intensive use, and lacks gaming buttons. It also lacks a notifications LED. The absence of a microSD slot means users must rely on internal storage options (up to 512 GB). It includes dual SIM capability (Nano SIM + eSIM). The USB Type-C port supports USB 2.0 speeds, OTG, and charging.

Conclusion

The Motorola Edge 50 Fusion is a solid mid-range smartphone that provides a good overall experience. Its strengths lie in its vibrant and fluid P-OLED display, capable Snapdragon 7s Gen 2 processor, decent camera setup with OIS on the primary sensor and very fast 68W charging. However, it does lack features such as wireless charging and storage expansion. For those looking for a dependable, well-rounded mid-range device with a clean Android experience, the Edge 50 Fusion is a strong contender. Its reasonable price point makes it a good choice for users who want a balance between premium features and affordability.