Motorola Edge 40 Neo Review

Introduction

In 2023, the Motorola Edge lineup has seen some significant changes, with all Edge 40 models offering features and capabilities that exceed their numerical namesake. One such addition to the series is the Edge 40 Neo.

The new Neo model closely aligns with the standard Edge 40 in terms of its camera system and impressive display. What sets it apart in 2023 is the inclusion of a robust chipset, a welcome upgrade from the previous generation's somewhat underpowered Snapdragon processor. Additionally, the Neo boasts fast charging capabilities and a significant boost in battery capacity.

Motorola's decision to include an IP68 rating across all three Edge 40 models is a noteworthy improvement, especially for a company not known for waterproofing in recent years. The collaboration with Pantone has also brought unique colors to the Neo, enhancing its physical appeal alongside its compact size and lightweight design.

With its well-balanced specifications, the Motorola Edge 40 Neo aims to make its mark in the midrange smartphone market. Let's dive into its performance and see if it lives up to its potential.

Motorola Edge 40 Neo Specs at a Glance:

Body: Dimensions: 159.6x72.0x7.9mm, Weight: 170g/172g; Materials: Glass front, plastic frame, plastic back; IP68 dust/water resistance (up to 1.5m for 30 min).

Display: 6.55" P-OLED screen with 1 billion colors, 144Hz refresh rate, HDR10+ support, 1080x2400px resolution, 20:9 aspect ratio, 402ppi.

Chipset: MediaTek Dimensity 7030 (6nm) with an octa-core CPU (2x2.5 GHz Cortex-A78 & 6x2.0 GHz Cortex-A55) and Mali-G610 MC3 GPU.

Memory: Options for 128GB storage with 8GB RAM or 256GB storage with 12GB RAM; uMCP technology.

OS/Software: Running Android 13.

Rear Camera: Main camera: 50 MP, f/1.8 aperture, 1/1.5" sensor size, 1.0µm pixel size, multi-directional PDAF, OIS; Ultra-wide-angle: 13 MP, f/2.2 aperture, 120˚ field of view, 1.12µm pixel size, PDAF.

Front Camera: 32 MP, f/2.4 aperture, wide lens, 0.7µm pixel size.

Video Capture: Rear camera supports 4K@30fps, 1080p@30/60/120/240fps, gyro-EIS; Front camera supports 4K@30fps.

Battery: Equipped with a 5000mAh battery; supports 68W wired charging, delivering 50% charge in just 15 minutes (as advertised).

Connectivity: Offers 5G support, eSIM functionality, dual SIM card slots, Wi-Fi 6e, Bluetooth 5.4, and NFC.

Miscellaneous Features: Includes an under-display optical fingerprint reader and stereo speakers.

Motorola Edge 40 Neo Unboxing

As with recent Moto Edge models, the Edge 40 Neo comes packaged in an eco-friendly, two-piece recycled cardboard box. Motorola continues its commitment to sustainability by avoiding plastic in the packaging, a trend seen in the lineup's recent releases. Additionally, the box and its contents are scented, providing a pleasant aroma when opening the package.

Inside the box, you'll find a 68W adapter and a USB-C cable for charging. Motorola doesn't forget to include a case, which is a snap-on design matching the handset's colorway. Notably, this case is both biodegradable and made in Sweden, aligning with eco-conscious values.

Design, Build Quality, and Handling

The Edge 40 Neo's evolution towards the standard Edge 40 is evident in its design, build quality, and in-hand feel. The 40-gen series has brought the Neo model much closer in these aspects compared to the 30 Neo's relationship with the 30.