Motorola has established itself as a popular choice in the mid-range smartphone market, and the Motorola Edge 50 is one of its latest contenders. Known for its sleek design, competitive specs, and balanced price, the Edge 50 has garnered significant attention. However, like any device, it comes with its share of issues. In this article, we’ll cover the most common problems users have reported, along with potential fixes. Finally, we’ll assess if the Edge 50 is worth your investment or if alternative options offer better value.
1. Battery Drain and Overheating
A significant number of Motorola Edge 50 users report battery drain issues, especially during high-demand tasks like gaming, video playback, or multitasking. Additionally, overheating is a frequently encountered issue, often happening when the device is charging or in use for extended periods.
Symptoms of Battery Drain and Overheating:
- Battery depletes faster than expected, even with minimal usage.
- The device becomes warm to the touch, particularly near the battery area.
- Unexpected shutdowns during tasks that require significant processing power.
Possible Fixes:
- Lower Brightness & Disable Adaptive Brightness: The screen is one of the main sources of power drain, so reducing the brightness can help extend battery life.
- Disable Background Apps: Navigate to Settings > Apps & Notifications to check for apps that consume high amounts of power and disable those running in the background unnecessarily.
- Turn Off Location Services When Not Needed: Keeping GPS off when it’s unnecessary can save battery.
- Use a High-Quality Charger: Overheating during charging is sometimes caused by third-party chargers. Use the original charger or one that is certified for compatibility.
2. Display Issues
The Motorola Edge 50 is equipped with a vivid AMOLED display, but some users have reported screen flickering, color shifting, and ghost touches.
Common Display Issues:
- Screen Flickering: The display may flicker, especially at lower brightness levels or when switching between apps.
- Color Shifting: Some users notice colors appearing unnatural or washed out.
- Ghost Touches: The phone registers touches even when not in use, causing unintended actions.
Possible Fixes:
- Adjust Display Settings: Try turning off adaptive display features like Adaptive Brightness and adjust settings manually.
- Enable Dark Mode: Using Dark Mode can reduce strain on the AMOLED screen and may mitigate flickering.
- Update Software: Display issues are sometimes caused by software bugs, so keeping the device updated may resolve these problems.
3. Connectivity Issues (Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, Network)
Reliable connectivity is essential, but the Edge 50 is not without its connectivity issues. Wi-Fi disconnections, Bluetooth pairing problems, and network signal drops are among the most common complaints.
Symptoms of Connectivity Problems:
- Wi-Fi Disconnecting Frequently: The phone loses its Wi-Fi connection even with a stable router.
- Bluetooth Not Pairing Correctly: Difficulty pairing with Bluetooth devices or maintaining a stable connection.
- Network Signal Drops: Poor mobile network signal or dropped calls.
Possible Fixes:
- Reset Network Settings: Go to Settings > System > Reset Options > Reset Wi-Fi, Mobile & Bluetooth. This clears up cached data and often resolves connection issues.
- Toggle Airplane Mode: Turn on Airplane Mode for a few seconds, then disable it to refresh connections.
- Forget and Reconnect Wi-Fi Network: Disconnect from the problematic Wi-Fi network and reconnect. Ensure you have the correct password.
4. Camera Quality and Shutter Lag
Motorola Edge 50’s camera setup promises high-quality images, but users have noted blurry photos, shutter lag, and low-light performance issues.
Common Camera Complaints:
- Shutter Lag: There’s a noticeable delay between pressing the shutter button and capturing the photo.
- Blurry Images: The lack of optical image stabilization (OIS) in some cases leads to blurry images, especially in low light.
- Noise in Low-Light Conditions: Photos in dim environments often appear grainy.
Possible Fixes:
- Clear Cache of the Camera App: Go to Settings > Apps > Camera and clear the cache. This can improve camera performance and reduce lag.
- Use Manual Mode for Low Light: Switch to Pro Mode and adjust ISO, exposure, and focus to achieve better results in low light.
- Update the Firmware: Software updates often contain camera improvements, so check for any available updates.
5. Lag and Performance Issues
Some users report the phone becoming sluggish over time or experiencing minor lags when switching between apps or performing intensive tasks.
Symptoms of Lag and Performance Problems:
- Noticeable delay when switching between apps.
- Apps freeze or crash unexpectedly.
- Reduced frame rates in graphics-heavy applications or games.
Possible Fixes:
- Free Up Storage: Running out of storage can significantly impact performance. Clear cache files, delete unnecessary apps, or move files to the cloud or external storage.
- Disable Animations: Enable Developer Mode (tap on Build Number in Settings 7 times) and reduce animations to improve speed.
- Restart the Device: Restarting can clear temporary system files and resolve minor performance issues.
6. Fingerprint Sensor Issues
Users occasionally encounter issues with the fingerprint sensor not recognizing their fingerprints or taking too long to unlock the device.
Common Fingerprint Sensor Issues:
- Fingerprint sensor fails to recognize saved fingerprints.
- Delayed unlocking or inaccurate detection.
Possible Fixes:
- Re-scan Fingerprints: Go to Settings > Security > Fingerprint and delete previous fingerprints. Re-scan them, ensuring the finger is placed on the sensor correctly.
- Keep the Sensor Clean: Dust and dirt can interfere with fingerprint recognition. Regularly wipe the sensor with a clean, dry cloth.
- Update Software: Fingerprint recognition software can improve over time, so check for updates to improve reliability.
7. Software Glitches and Bugs
Some Edge 50 users have reported random software bugs, such as apps force-closing, freezing during usage, and UI glitches. This can affect usability and may require troubleshooting or waiting for a software update from Motorola.
Common Software Issues:
- App Crashes: Applications frequently force-close without warning.
- System UI Freezes: The interface occasionally becomes unresponsive.
- Delayed Software Updates: Motorola may be slow to push updates, leaving bugs unresolved.
Possible Fixes:
- Clear Cache Partition: This can be done from the recovery mode (usually accessible by holding volume down + power buttons). Clearing the cache partition may resolve minor software glitches.
- Uninstall Unnecessary Apps: Some third-party apps can cause stability issues. Uninstall recently installed apps if problems started after their installation.
- Factory Reset: If issues persist, perform a factory reset (after backing up your data). Go to Settings > System > Reset Options > Erase all data.
Conclusion: Is the Motorola Edge 50 Worth Buying?
The Motorola Edge 50 has many commendable features, including an appealing design, decent camera setup, and a smooth display. However, several common issues, such as battery drain, display problems, and connectivity issues, may impact the user experience. Most of these issues have workarounds or fixes, but some problems, like low-light camera performance and potential lag, might require users to adjust their expectations.
Alternative Options to Consider:
If the reported issues seem like deal-breakers, consider alternative mid-range options that offer better reliability in specific areas:
- Samsung Galaxy A54: Known for its excellent AMOLED display and better battery optimization.
- Google Pixel 6a: Offers superior camera quality, especially in low-light situations, and receives timely software updates.
- OnePlus Nord 3: Provides strong performance, a smoother user interface, and competitive specs for the price.
Final Verdict:
The Motorola Edge 50 can be a solid choice if you’re a fan of the brand and can handle minor troubleshooting steps. However, if camera quality, consistent software updates, and performance stability are priorities, alternative options may provide a better, hassle-free experience.