Motorola has recently enjoyed a resurgence in the smartphone market, though many may not have noticed due to a shift in their focus. Instead of competing in the flagship arena, Motorola has targeted the sub-$600 segment, while reserving their premium offerings for the Razr foldables.

This strategy has proven beneficial, allowing Motorola to capture a significant share of the market in the U.S. and North America, essentially marking a revival after Lenovo’s acquisition in 2014. The new Motorola Edge (2025), priced at $549, is positioned against the Google Pixel 9a, which is priced slightly lower.

Surprisingly, many reviewers believe that the Edge offers more compelling features than the Pixel 9a, a notable reversal for those who typically favor Google’s phones. One of the standout features of the Edge is its camera system, which includes a 50-megapixel primary sensor.

This large sensor size (1/1.56″) is an advantage over the Pixel 9a, even though Google may excel with its computational photography. The Motorola Edge also has a 50-megapixel ultrawide sensor and a 10-megapixel 3x telephoto lens, allowing for a versatile photography experience, especially at this price point.

In terms of performance, the Edge is equipped with a MediaTek Dimensity 7400 Ultra processor, which is adequate for daily tasks though not geared towards heavy gaming. It also features 8GB of RAM and 256GB of storage—an appealing upgrade over the Pixel 9a’s more limited storage capacity.

Furthermore, the battery size is impressive at 5,200mAh, contributing to a solid overall package. Additionally, Motorola is enhancing its design aesthetics with a faux leather finish that allows users to enjoy the phone without a case.

Currently, the Edge 2025 is available in a PANTONE Deep Forest color, and while limited in options, its look continues to attract attention. Priced at $549, it can also benefit from trade-in offers that could make it even more affordable.