Motorola Edge 40 Neo review

Competition

The Edge 40 Neo's position in the midrange is normally very highly contested, but the phone does appear to present solid value, at €330 for a 12GB/256GB spec. Its price in India is also very competitive, though rivals will likely vary from region to region.

In any case, the Galaxy A54 is the most obvious competitor in Europe. Usually, our go-to recommendation around this price point, the Samsung normally breezes through comparisons, but the Edge 40 Neo presents a challenge. The Moto's IP68 rating is among the key points here, since the Galaxy's dust and water resistance (IP67, but same difference) is often its trump card, and it doesn't work in this case. The A54 has a more robust update policy and a significant advantage in battery life. The Moto charges faster, has an arguably more versatile camera system, and we'd say it scores points for compactness. This is at least a tie, possibly a victory for the Edge 40 Neo even.

If you're in India, however, a more direct rival to the Moto from the Samsung camp, monetarily speaking, is the A34. While that's a very capable handset for what it is, the Edge 40 Neo wins this one a bit more easily. Now, the Moto's battery life is no match for the A34's, this much is clear, and the A34 has a brighter update future, but in pretty much any other metric, the Moto is superior.

The Realme 11 Pro is another potential competitor to the Edge 40 Neo. This one is, conversely, a bit pricier in Europe than in India, but it's in the Moto's ballpark either way. The Realme throws its entire camera budget on the main 100MP unit, so it's missing an ultrawide, while the Moto has one, and a pretty capable one too, and we'd definitely pick the Edge 40 Neo as a cameraphone. There's also the Moto's IP rating going for it.

Another global offering, the Nothing Phone (1), runs a little pricier than the Moto, but not so much that it couldn't be a consideration. It's got two major things going for it - the Snapdragon 778 chipset that's beefier than the Moto's, and the LED-illuminated back. Then there's the Phone (1)'s arguably better rear cameras, and it's longer battery life too. The Moto counters with much faster charging and a lot brighter display, as well as that IP68 rating. It will also, after all, save you some cash.

If you're looking to save some, though, you could entertain the possibility of a Redmi Note 12 Pro - that should be cheaper than the Neo in most places. The Moto is again the better cameraphone and wins for dust and water protection, but other than that, the Redmi is very much keeping up with the Moto (not to mention it beats in battery life, a common theme against the Neo).

Samsung Galaxy A54 • Samsung Galaxy A34 • Realme 11 Pro • Nothing Phone (1) • Xiaomi Redmi Note 12 Pro

Verdict

The Edge 40 Neo is no longer the step down from the baseline that the 30 Neo was. It's got the camera system of the Edge 40 proper (okay, almost), a capable chipset, and the IP68 rating, which has suddenly turned into a universal Moto Edge feature.

It's not all roses though, and the insecure video stabilization that we saw on the Edge 40 is now on the Neo as well, and the merely okayish update policy isn't scoring it any points either. But what's the biggest red flag here is the substandard battery life - we shouldn't have to settle for 'decent', when the norm is 'very good'.

That said, there are more ways in which the Edge 40 Neo can try and make up for its shortcomings. The display is apparently upgraded too, the fast charging remains among the fastest for the money, and the speakers don't disappoint either.

Then there's the recognizable design that comes alongside an ongoing partnership with the color specialists at Pantone, so the new Neo is easy on the eyes too. And when it's also that easy on the pocket too - in both important ways we can think of - the Edge 40 Neo does earn a recommendation.

Pros

• Compact and lightweight, grippy back, nice color options.
• IP68 rating.
• Extra smooth 144Hz display, bright too.
• Very fast charging for the class.
• Loud and good-sounding stereo speakers.
• Clean Android interface, additional Moto custom bits, 'Ready For' capability (if a little limited in features).
• Chipset is among the most potent for the money.
• Competent camera setup for the class, particularly good results from main camera in low light, solid selfies too.

Cons

• Below average battery life.
• Only two OS updates promised, and Moto hasn't been the fastest to deliver these in the past.
• Video stabilization isn't as good as the competition.