They are called Motorola edge 20 Pro, edge 20 Lite and edge 20 (and that’s it): they are the three new smartphones of the homonymous range from Motorola. If in 2020 the brand controlled by Lenovo had focused on two versions (edge and edge +) different in size but similar in design, this year the three new smartphones differ quite clearly. However, they have in common the presence of a flat screen, with no curvature at the edges. It is a choice that we welcome here with pleasure but which surprises us, given that the presence of a display with an external 90 ° curve was one of the hallmarks of last year’s models. The target and positioning also changes: the € 699 of the base model of 2020 this year corresponds today to the price of the top-of-the-range model, edge 20 Pro, while the other two smartphones in the family go down towards more affordable ranges. This is good news, given the excellent technical equipment and the presence, on all three, of 5G connectivity with dual sim.
edge 20 Pro
The Pro model of the new edge family makes the quality of the video-photographic sector its distinctive feature: it is equipped with a 108 MP main camera, with a large 1 / 1.5 “sensor. It is also equipped with Ultra Pixel technology, a type of “pixel binning” which combines 9 pixels into one large ultra-pixel with 9 times higher light sensitivity. The second 16MP wide-angle sensor also includes a macro with focus up to 3cm away. The third 8MP camera, finally, it is a periscopic type 5X tele with optical image stabilization: it is the first lens of this type to arrive on a Motorola smartphone. 8K shooting with cinematic quality also debuts on this model.
The display of the edge 20 Pro is a 6.7 ”OLED with 10-bit DCI-P3 color space and HDR 10, that is all the features that are now expected from a top-of-the-range screen in 2021. Very good also the 144Hz refresh rate, perfect for displaying game graphics in the best possible way and to ensure maximum fluidity of the interface. The processor is a Qualcomm Snapdragon 870 and the standard configuration of the device provides 256GB of storage and 12GB of RAM. The picture is completed by a 4500mAh battery with fast charging at 30W, which offers 9 hours of autonomy with 10 minutes of charging. And there is also support for wireless charging bases with Qi technology.
edge 20
The middle model of Motorola’s new smartphone family, the edge 20 (and that’s it), is distinguished by a light and manageable design, designed to maximize portability and ergonomics. At only 6.99 mm thick it is one of the thinnest smartphones on the market. Despite its size, Motorola still managed to equip the edge 20 with the same 108MP camera with Ultra-Pixel technology as the pro model and the 8MP super wide-angle. Instead, the telephoto lens changes, which in this case is not periscopic, reaches 3X magnification but maintains the optical image stabilization.
The display is also the same 6.67 “OLED with a 144Hz refresh rate, while the processor changes: on the edge 20 is the Qualcomm Snapdragon 778G, less performing than that of the top model, but still perfect for a ‘ fluid and snappy user experience. Here, too, we find 256GB of storage space, up to 8GB of RAM, WiFi 60, 30W charging for the 4000mAh battery (but without wireless charging) and side fingerprint sensor (also present on the pro model). On paper, also given the price of 450 €, the Motorola edge 20 will certainly have excellent chances on the market in the challenge of equal competitors such as the OnePlus Nord 2.
edge 20 Lite
The low-end edge 20 Lite model closes the triptych of new Motorola smartphones. Here the philosophy changes completely, first of all favoring autonomy, thanks to a 5000mAh battery. The screen is the same size as the two more expensive models, 6.67 ”, it is still an OLED, but the refresh rate is 90Hz instead of 144Hz. The main photo sensor maintains 108MP, but is flanked by an 8MP macro and a 2MP depth sensor (therefore both telephoto and super wide angle are missing). The RAM reaches up to 8GB and the storage space is 128GB, but the processor is the Mediatek Dimensity 720. As on edge 20 and edge 20 Pro, also on this model we find the side fingerprint sensor and fast charging from 30W, very useful given the increased size of the battery.
The software
On all three new models of the 2021 edge family, Motorola has implemented Android 11, in a version practically identical to the standard one from Google. The only difference is the Moto Experience, specific apps and customizations such as Quick Shot, Three Finger Screenshot and Raise to Mute. It is a formula that we have always liked a lot, because it maintains the cleanliness and order of the native Android interface on the one hand, and on the other adds functions that can be completely customized by the user.
Finally, it is also worth noting the presence on all three models of the Ready For function, a software platform that is used to quickly connect smartphones to larger screens to browse content and apps with a dedicated interface, similar to that of a computer or a Tv-stick. On Motorola edge 20 Pro the Ready For platform is available in both wireless and wired mode. On edge 20 it can only be activated wirelessly, while on edge 20 Lite it is available in Desktop Mode, which transforms the smartphone into a real Android PC.
Availability and prices
The Motorola edge 20 family will arrive in Italy in the coming weeks.
- edge 20 Pro will be available in 3 colors: midnight blue, iridescent white and vegan blue at a price of € 699.90, in the configuration with 256GB of storage and 12GB of RAM.
- motorola edge 20 can be purchased in 2 colors: frosted gray and frosted white starting from € 449.90 for the model with 8GB of RAM.
- motorola edge 20 lite will come in electric graphite and lagoon green colors starting from € 379.90 for the model with 6GB of RAM.
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