The Motorola Edge 30 Ultra, the first ‘Ultra’ smartphone launched in India, promises a leap forward in the flagship smartphone category with its impressive spec sheet. Boasting a 200-megapixel primary camera, the highest resolution camera ever included in a phone in India, the Edge 30 Ultra positions itself as a contender in a crowded segment dominated by established players. But can it deliver on its promise of a superior user experience? Our first impressions dive deep into the phone’s design, display, performance, and more, offering a glimpse into what makes this device stand out, and where it might face challenges.
Design & Build
Right off the bat, the Edge 30 Ultra’s slim 8.39mm profile and lightweight 198.5g build feel exceptional in hand. The phone features a curved-edge design with a unique textured rear panel that effectively repels fingerprints. While the phone’s design echoes the trends prevalent in the segment, the chiselled look gives it a distinctive appeal.
The display, a 6.67-inch full-HD+ pOLED panel, boasts a remarkable 144Hz refresh rate, resulting in a fluid and responsive user interface. The thin bezels and curved display further enhance the immersive experience. However, the curved edges, while visually pleasing, can inadvertently register accidental touches.
Motorola has opted for Corning Gorilla Glass 5 on both the front and rear panels, offering protection against scratches and minor impacts. While this is a step up from previous generations, some might find it disappointing that the phone doesn’t offer the more robust IP68 water and dust resistance, particularly considering its flagship positioning. The phone’s IP52 rating, while better than most competitors in this price range, falls short of the industry standard.
Performance & Software
Under the hood, the Edge 30 Ultra is powered by the Qualcomm Snapdragon 8+ Gen 1 SoC, a flagship processor that ensures a smooth and powerful user experience. This chipset, also found in high-end smartphones from OnePlus and iQoo, guarantees seamless multitasking and effortless gameplay.
The phone runs a near-stock version of Android 12 called MyUX, a refreshing change in a market flooded with heavily customized Android experiences. Motorola promises three generations of Android updates (up to Android 15) and four years of security updates, providing long-term support for the device.
While the clean UI offers a familiar and uncluttered experience, our initial impressions suggest the firmware is prone to instability, leading to frequent reboots. This problem, while currently under investigation, could be a significant concern for potential buyers.
Camera Prowess
The most striking feature of the Edge 30 Ultra is undoubtedly its 200-megapixel primary camera. This high-resolution sensor promises exceptional detail and low-light performance, setting a new standard for mobile photography. The camera system is complemented by a 50-megapixel ultra-wide-angle camera that doubles as a macro camera, similar to the Edge 30 Pro, and a 12-megapixel telephoto camera with 2X optical zoom. The 60-megapixel front-facing camera is another standout feature, previously seen on the Edge 30 Pro, offering high-resolution selfies.
The phone also supports HDR10+ video recording at 4K resolution, raising the bar for video quality in this segment. We’ll delve deeper into the camera system’s capabilities in our full review, testing its image quality and performance in various lighting conditions.
Battery and Charging
Motorola has managed to fit a 4,610mAh battery into the Edge 30 Ultra’s slim body, a feat remarkable considering the phone’s design. The battery is coupled with 125W fast charging technology, using the bundled charger, guaranteeing rapid top-ups. Additionally, the phone supports 50W wireless charging and 10W reverse wireless charging, making it a versatile device for both personal and shared charging needs.
Price & Competition
Priced at Rs. 59,999, the Motorola Edge 30 Ultra aims to stand out in a competitive market populated by strong contenders such as the iQoo 9T 5G, OnePlus 10T 5G, and Xiaomi 12 Pro. While these rival devices also leverage powerful Snapdragon 8+ Gen 1 processors, the Edge 30 Ultra offers unique features that differentiate it from the pack. These include its 200-megapixel camera, 144Hz OLED display, and IP52 rating.
However, the Edge 30 Ultra faces an uphill battle with its hefty price tag alongside existing flagship contenders. While the phone presents a compelling argument with its innovative features, its potential software glitches and lack of IP68 certification could hinder its chances of success in a market demanding both features and reliability.
Conclusion
The Motorola Edge 30 Ultra presents itself as a game-changer in the Indian smartphone market. Its impressive design, powerful performance, and groundbreaking camera system offer a compelling package for discerning consumers. However, the phone’s potential software issues and limited water resistance raise questions about its long-term reliability. Our full review will offer a comprehensive analysis of the Edge 30 Ultra’s performance, camera capabilities, and overall user experience, illuminating its strengths and weaknesses.
