Mid-range smartphone, the Motorola Edge 30 Fusion benefits from good technical characteristics and an excellent software overlay. But if its ultra-thin design can seduce, its price is too high compared to the competition…
At the beginning of September 2022, Motorola – owned by Lenovo for a few years – added three new smartphones to its catalog: the Edge 30 Neo, an entry-level model, the Edge 30 Ultra, a high-end version, and the Edge 30 Fusion. , mid-range mobile that we are testing here. The device benefits from almost the same advantages as its big brother, but with, of course, some sacrifices to justify its lower price of 200 euros. However, if the technical sheet of the Edge 30 Fusion is very convincing, its price seems a little overvalued compared to what the competition is currently offering, whether at Google, Xiaomi, Oppo or Realme. The mobile is nonetheless efficient and effective enough to satisfy most uses with, as a bonus, a Windows link function which provides significant comfort on a daily basis.
Motorola Edge 30 Fusion: a particularly thin classic design
The current trend is for large smartphones. A characteristic which is however accompanied by a counterpart: these mobiles are often thick and heavy. With the Edge 30 Fusion, Motorola has achieved a great feat. The device thus benefits from a beautiful 6.55-inch Oled screen, slightly curved on the edges, which is rather comfortable but which does not prevent it from remaining slender. The smartphone is indeed particularly thin with only 7.45 mm thick for 158.4 mm high and 72 mm wide. It thus fits comfortably in the hand, even once covered with its protective shell (supplied in the box).
The weight also surprises with its lightness. Only 175 g where many smartphones approach or exceed 200 g today. To achieve this, Motorola has not neglected the finish. The mobile is based on a metal frame and a Corning Gorilla Glass 5 3D glass on the back which, by its velvety layer, does not catch fingerprints. The overall design of the device, however, is not original. The buttons are distributed on the right edge and the photo modules gathered in a very classic rectangular block. The device will therefore remain quite discreet and easy to nest in a jeans pocket. The case has an IP 52 certification which means that it can withstand splashes and dust but not immersion in water.
Motorola Edge 30 Fusion: good technical characteristics
Behind this fairly classic dress, Motorola has gathered components worthy of a mid-range smartphone from 2022. The device is powered by a Qualcomm Snapdragon 888+ chip, a SoC released in 2021 that knows how to rise to the occasion. most of the tasks entrusted to him. The processor is supported by 8 GB of RAM and a storage space limited to 128 GB. Be careful on this point, because there are no other configurations for this model and it is not possible to add a card to it. microSD memory to expand available storage space. Too bad.
For the display, the Edge 30 Fusion is based on a pOled (Plastic Oled) HDR10 + screen in 20: 9 format offering FHD + definition (2400 x 1080 pixels). Its refresh rate can increase to 144 Hz to improve fluidity. We were surprised by the good brightness of this screen which remained readable even with very strong ambient light. The colors are also quite fair (provided you opt for the setting Natural colors in the settings). Thus equipped, the smartphone allows you to play in pleasant conditions and without overheating. A good point.
Motorola Edge 30 Fusion: very decent photos and videos
For the photo part, the Edge 30 Fusion relies on two sensors: 50 Mpx for the main module and 13 Mpx for the ultra wide-angle module also used for macro mode. The third sensor is responsible for managing the depth. We would have liked to have a telephoto lens for a suitable zoom. It will have to be done. At the front, you can count on a 32 MP camera to take selfies.
The main module delivers good results. In bright light, the shots are clear and rather precise. The sensor benefits from optical stabilization and fast autofocus. The device also uses the technique of pixel binning, a technique of combining several pixels into one – here, four to one. This provides a good level of detail.
In low light, the results remain honorable without, however, performing miracles. Digital noise sets in fairly quickly but the colors remain fairly faithful thanks to the work of the algorithm. The ultra wide angle on its side is more disappointing with a slight tendency to pull the colors towards blue.
On the other hand, the macro mode impresses with its precision. Freehand (without a tripod) the result is very satisfactory.
Finally, the portraits turn out to be correct. The colors are generally well respected and the bokeh (background blur) controlled.
The selfie camera, which also uses the technique of pixel binningalso produces very correct shots, even when the light tends to decline.
In video, the Edge 30 Fusion gives satisfactory results. The device is capable of filming in 4K at 30 frames per second (fps for English speakers) and even in 8K at 30 fps. However, we do not recommend this mode which delivers large files filling the 128 GB storage space (not expandable) too quickly. Optical stabilization is effective, even when holding the smartphone in one hand, to smooth movements and prevent jerks. Ideal for action videos, taken on the spot!
Motorola Edge 30 Fusion: a successful software score
The Edge 30 Fusion is powered by Android 12 with Motorola’s MyUX software overlay, which is light and smooth. It allows you to personalize the mobile a little more by modifying the fonts or programming gestures to perform actions. Above all, Motorola accompanies this mobile with the Ready For function. A real plus that allows you to connect the smartphone to the PC (the app is only available for Windows) and take advantage of it. It is thus possible to use the webcam of the mobile but also to find on the screen of the PC a window presenting in mirror what is displayed on the device.
From then on, it is possible to launch the Android apps that are there from the PC. Connected to a monitor or a television, the Ready For function also makes it possible to transform the smartphone into a full-fledged computer since a desktop is displayed as in Windows or macOS. This function uses the principle of Samsung Dex, available on some Korean Galaxy smartphones. All that remains is to connect a Bluetooth keyboard and mouse to the mobile to use it as a computer. Convenient for working on the move by carrying the bare minimum!
Motorola Edge 30 Fusion: good autonomy but no wireless charging
To hold the road, the Edge 30 fusion has a 4400 mAh battery. The Snapdragon 888+ SoC performs feats here to limit energy consumption. With standard use (web consultation, social networks, photos, GPS location with Google Maps and video playback), the Edge 30 Fusion largely holds the charge. It doesn’t let go after a day and keeps a little underfoot until the next morning. Motorola supplied in the box a 68 W charger capable of recharging the mobile to 50% in just a few minutes. Allow a good hour for a full charge with the USB-C cable. As for wireless charging… there just isn’t any. An astonishing decision as the Edge 30 Neo and Edge 30 Ultra models both benefit from it. On a mobile at this price, this choice seems completely unreasonable. It’s a disappointment.
Motorola Edge 30 Fusion: too high a price
Appreciable thin design, completely correct hardware performance, mastery of the photo (even if we would have appreciated the presence of a telephoto lens), pleasant interface and very practical software suite, honorable autonomy… the Motorola Edge 30 Fusion does not have to blush in the face of competition. But when you look at its price, there is reason to hesitate. For a mid-range model, the asking price is a bit too high. Especially in the face of aggressive competition like what Google is offering with its Pixel 6a at 459 euros or even the brand new Pixel 7 at 649 euros. Motorola will have to review its price list to be more competitive in a very competitive market.