Motorola Edge 5G UW: A Comprehensive Review

In the ever-evolving landscape of smartphones, the Motorola Edge 5G UW emerges as a noteworthy contender, blending advanced features with competitive pricing. Exclusively available through Verizon, this device aims to deliver a premium experience, leveraging the power of 5G Ultra Wideband connectivity. This comprehensive review delves into its design, display, performance, camera capabilities, battery life, and more, providing insights to help you determine if it’s the right fit for your needs.
Design and Build Quality
The Motorola Edge 5G UW showcases a sleek and modern aesthetic, featuring a 6.8-inch display that dominates the front with minimal bezels. The device measures 6.5 x 2.9 x 0.35 inches and weighs approximately 7 ounces, offering a substantial yet comfortable feel in hand. The back panel, crafted from high-quality plastic that mimics the look and feel of glass, is both visually appealing and practical. However, it tends to attract fingerprints, necessitating regular cleaning or the use of a protective case. The device is available in a sophisticated Nebula Blue color, adding to its premium appearance.
The right side houses the volume rocker and a power button that doubles as a fingerprint sensor, providing quick and reliable access. The left side remains unadorned, maintaining a clean profile. At the bottom, you’ll find the SIM tray, USB-C charging port, and a single speaker grille. Notably, the device lacks a 3.5mm headphone jack, which may be a consideration for users with wired audio preferences.
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Display and Audio
One of the standout features of the Motorola Edge 5G UW is its 6.8-inch Full HD+ LCD display, boasting a resolution of 2460 x 1080 pixels. The screen supports an impressive 144Hz refresh rate, ensuring smooth visuals during gaming and multimedia consumption. While the shift from OLED in previous models to LCD might be noticeable to some, the high refresh rate compensates by delivering fluid and responsive interactions. The display is protected by Corning Gorilla Glass 3, offering durability against scratches and minor impacts.
Audio output is managed by a single bottom-firing speaker. While it provides adequate volume, the sound quality may not meet the expectations of audiophiles, especially at higher volumes where distortion can occur. For an enhanced audio experience, especially during media playback or gaming, it’s advisable to use Bluetooth headphones or external speakers.
Performance and Software
Under the hood, the Motorola Edge 5G UW is powered by the Qualcomm Snapdragon 778G processor, coupled with 6GB of RAM. This combination ensures smooth multitasking and efficient handling of demanding applications. Users can expect responsive performance across various tasks, from browsing and streaming to gaming. The device offers 128GB of internal storage, providing ample space for apps, media, and files.
Running on a near-stock version of Android 11, the user experience is clean and intuitive, free from excessive bloatware. Motorola includes its signature gestures, such as a karate chop motion to activate the flashlight and a twist gesture to launch the camera, adding convenience to daily interactions. The device is slated to receive two major Android updates and three years of security patches, ensuring longevity and access to new features.
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Camera Capabilities
The Motorola Edge 5G UW is equipped with a versatile camera setup:
Rear Cameras:
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- 108MP Main Sensor: Delivers high-resolution images with vibrant colors and sharp details in well-lit conditions.
- 8MP Ultra-Wide Lens: Captures expansive scenes, ideal for landscapes and group photos.
- 2MP Depth Sensor: Assists in achieving bokeh effects for portrait shots.
Front Camera:
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- 32MP Selfie Shooter: Offers clear and detailed selfies, suitable for social media sharing and video calls.
In optimal lighting, the main camera excels, producing images with accurate color reproduction and minimal noise. However, in low-light scenarios, performance diminishes, with increased grain and reduced clarity. The ultra-wide lens provides creative flexibility but exhibits some distortion at the edges, a common trait in wide-angle photography. The front camera performs adequately, though it may introduce noise in subpar lighting conditions.
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Battery Life and Charging
The device houses a robust 5,000mAh battery, designed to provide extended usage. With moderate use, including web browsing, social media, and media playback, users can expect up to two days of operation on a single charge. Heavy users engaging in gaming or extensive streaming may find the need to recharge by the end of the day.
Charging is facilitated through a 30W TurboPower charger, included in the box. This enables the battery to reach a full charge from empty in approximately 90 minutes. While this is efficient, it’s worth noting that some competitors offer faster charging solutions. Additionally, the absence of wireless charging may be a drawback for users accustomed to the convenience of cable-free power-ups.
Connectivity and Network Performance
As denoted by its name, the Motorola Edge 5G UW supports Verizon’s Ultra Wideband 5G network, granting access to high-speed internet where available. The device is compatible with both mmWave and sub-6GHz 5G bands, ensuring broader coverage and faster data speeds. In areas with established 5G infrastructure, users can experience rapid download and upload speeds. It enhance activities like streaming, online gaming, and large file transfers.
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