Motorola Edge 50 Ultra Review: Sleek Flagship Phone

Brick by stylishly curved brick, Motorola has rebuilt its reputation for making high quality and desirable flagship phones.

2023’s Motorola Edge 40 Pro might not have been one of the very best phones in its class, but it still made an impression with its appealing design, rapid display, and strong performance.

This year brings the Motorola Edge 50 Ultra, which faces raised expectations thanks to a more formidable name (Ultra > Pro, right?) and a £50 price bump in the UK. Motorola hopes to justify this escalation with a sharper display, a more advanced camera, and an even sleeker design.

With this sort of spec and price tag, it’s taking on some formidable opposition. Perhaps the most direct rival is the OnePlus 12, but you could also throw the iPhone 15 Plus into the mix. That’s some stiff opposition.

Design & Build

• Vegan leather or wooden finish
• Gorilla Glass Victus
• IP68 rated

In a somewhat staid smartphone field, Motorola at least seems to be willing to try something different. While its curvaceous design language is nothing particularly new, the provision of an actual wooden finish option (called Nordic Wood) is something you don’t see every day.

Sadly this wasn’t the model I received to test, so I can’t comment on how it looks or feels. The model I did receive has its own stealthy charm, with a Forest Grey vegan leather finish that lends texture and grip. The brighter Peach Fuzz option also comes in this same material.

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