Motorola Edge 40 Pro review

Video recording

The Motorola Edge 40 Pro supports video recording up to 8K30 with its main camera, which can also record in 4K30 and 4K60. The ultrawide is also capable of both 4K30 and 4K60, while the telephoto maxes out at 4K30, though if you follow the correct sequence of changing setting, you can fool the phone to record at 2x zoom in 4K60, only it will come from the main camera.

In terms of codecs, even 8K is encoded using h.264 by default, but you do get to choose the more efficient h.265 in settings. Stabilization is available in all modes except 8K, and audio is recorded in stereo at 256kbps.

The 8K capture maintained a stable 30fps (unlike the Edge 30 Ultra, which hovered at around 28fps). The bit rate we got was 105Mbps flat (130Mbps on the older phone). The footage does contain some extra detail compared to 4K, at the expense of a minor downgrade in highlight dynamic range. We're normally not fans of smartphone 8K, and this Moto isn't going to make converts out of us, but at least it's not an entirely pointless mode.

Speaking of dynamic range, we'll have to extend some praise to the Moto for handling our overcast test scene (we never got lucky with proper sunshine during the review process for this test). Despite the challenging conditions, the Edge 40 Pro's main camera returned well-exposed clips with good development at both ends of the tonal range. White balance and color reproduction leave nothing to be desired.

The amount of captured detail in 4K (bit rates are 40-48Mbps for 30fps, and 62Mbps for 60fps) is good, and there is no difference in that respect whether you're shooting at 30fps or 60fps, though it's worth pointing out that the 60fps mode often resulted in videos that were around 57fps.

We're making a slightly bigger than usual deal of the 60fps mode, because on the ultrawide camera, it actually produces the sharper, more detailed footage. And it's not just more detailed than the Moto's own ultrawide 4K30, it's one of the better ones out there in general. It helps that there are no apparent downsides in other image quality areas like the good dynamic range and nice colors (which are also a match for the main camera's). One small caveat is the frame rate again, which was 57fps.

The zoom camera's 4K30 footage is a bit muddy in the way it renders detail, particularly in the darker tones - it's not the worst, but it's hard to praise. Colors and dynamic range are on point though, no complaints there.

In low light, the Edge 40 Pro's main camera videos are usable, but not too great. The telephoto's results are in the same vein, with the ultrawide being the least likeable of the three.

Generally, the main camera and the telephoto produce good exposures, with well-developed shadows, though cranking up the brightness there means they're pretty noisy. Colors maintain good saturation on both cameras too. The ultrawide is softer, noisier, and more muted in its color response.

There's a Night Vision mode for video too. It only works on the main camera and locks you into 1080p 30fps. We wouldn't say it offers a particular advantage over the regular shooting mode.

Stabilization is quite good on the Edge 40 Pro. Most impressive is the zoom camera which stays planted in one direction.

So does the ultrawide, plus it irons out walking shake nicely.

The main camera leaves some residual tremors, and there's some wobbly jello-ing in 4K30. The good news is that it disappears in 4K60.

Pans are relatively good too, though they can be a little jumpy if you're recording at 60fps.

Here's a glimpse of how the Motorola Edge 40 Pro compares to rivals in our Video compare tool. Head over there for the complete picture.

Motorola Edge 40 Pro against the Pixel 7 Pro and the OnePlus 11 in our Video compare tool