Motorola might have been missing from the flagship ranks for a while now, but they’re making a fresh attempt at getting back up there with the launch of the Edge+. At first glance, this new smartphone sure seems to tick all the boxes: There’s an HDR10+ display with a 90Hz refresh rate, Qualcomm’s flagship Snapdragon 865 processor, mmWave and sub-6GHz 5G, 12 GB RAM, and a triple-camera system with a 108MP main sensor.
A wrap-around HDR10+ display with a 90Hz refresh
Dubbed ‘Endless Edge’, the Edge+’s 6.7in display wraps around nearly 90 degrees. We’ll get back to that, but that’s not the only unique aspect to this display – It’s also HDR10+ compliant, has a ‘cinematic’ 21:9 aspect ratio, and comes with a 90Hz refresh rate.
But the most noteworthy thing about the Edge+’s display is its wraparound design. Motorola’s Edge Touch software feature will turn the edges into another interface – for example, it’ll let you swipe down along the edge to switch apps or to view notifications (which might be a good thing given the tall aspect ratio). The edges can also be used to display notifications, while gamers might appreciate how they also support on-screen shoulder buttons in landscape mode.
It’s got the power
As you’d expect from a flagship in 2020, the Edge+ uses the Snapdragon 865 processor. Paired with 12GB RAM, it’s got the muscle all right. Backing all this up is a 5000mAh battery with Motorola’s TurboPower quick charging. There’s also wireless charging (and wireless power sharing). Motorola also claims that the Edge+ will have the most powerful stereo speakers ever fitted to a smartphone, with the audio system tuned by Waves Audio. There’s just one storage tier, but that’s an ample 256GB.
mmWave and sub-6Ghz for maximum 5G coverage
2020 might not be the year of 5G (that’ll probably be 2021) but this year’s crop of flagships are going all in. The Edge+ is no exception, and globetrotters will be pleased to know it supports both mmWave and sub-6Ghz 5G.
It’s also got a 108MP camera
Motorola’s new beast gets a 108MP sensor which uses Quad Pixel tech (to boost the quality of low-light photos). You get two more cameras at the back: An 8MP telephoto lens, and a 16MP ultra-wide. The main lens and the telephoto both get OIS, and there’s a 6K video recording option, as well as a 20MP video snapshot feature that extracts still photos while shooting video.
The Motorola Edge+ will first hit store shelves later this month in the US and will be exclusive to Verizon. Buyers can pick one up on a 24-month contract at USD41.66 a month (USD $999 retail).