Motorola Edge 40 Neo Review: The Lightweight, Curved AMOLED Flagship Under ₹25K

With its slim, ergonomic build and price tag of approximately ₹24,000–₹26,000 in India, the Motorola Edge 40 Neo boasts premium features such as a curved 144 Hz AMOLED display, fast charging, IP68 water resistance, and clean software. This phone, despite having a competent Dimensity‑7030 processor, is designed more for aesthetics and a balanced daily performance than for raw power. Let’s examine its advantages, drawbacks, and the individuals it is most suitable for.

Motorola Edge 40 Neo – Key Specifications

Display & Design

The Edge 40 Neo boasts a sleek profile at only 7.9 mm thick and a weight of approximately 170 g, making it comfortable to hold. Its colour options curated by Pantone—Black Beauty, Soothing Sea, Caneel Bay—combined with either vegan leather or glass backs, give it a premium appeal that is unusual for its price range. The 6.55″ curved pOLED screen supports HDR10+ and has a refresh rate of 144 Hz. The default setting of “Auto Mode” is limited to 120 Hz, but you can manually switch it to the full 144 Hz. The screen outdoors can shine up to approximately 1,300 nits (cd/m²), ensuring visuals remain sharp even in direct sunlight. While edge lighting enhances notifications, there have been reports of unintentional touch events occurring from the curved edges.

Performance & Software

Everyday tasks—ranging from browsing and streaming to light gaming—are powered reliably by the Dimensity 7030 chipset (6 nm) and up to 12 GB of RAM. In benchmark performance (AnTuTu ~510K, Geekbench multi ~2,500), it is well above basic mid-range options. Casual games operate seamlessly; Titles with greater weight can elicit a slight thermal increase, yet they are still suitable for play. With MyUX 4.0, Motorola provides a nearly stock Android experience with little bloatware, augmented by usability features such as Moto gestures like flashlight twist and edge notifications. The clean interface and gestures contribute to a daily experience that is free of clutter. However, software updates—restricted to Android 14 with security patches until 2026—are not as comprehensive as those provided by competitors like Samsung or OnePlus

Camera Performance

The dual rear configuration—50 MP OIS main and 13 MP ultrawide—provides decent performance in daylight, featuring sharp details and acceptable colors. However, processing often leans toward oversaturation and edge softening in wide shots. In dim lighting conditions, the performance is competent but not exceptional; outcomes depend on software adjustments. The 32 MP front camera takes detailed portraits and allows for 4K recording, but skin tones and HDR balance may seem inconsistent in difficult lighting conditions. Nonetheless, it works effectively for social media and video calls.

Battery & Charging

With mixed usage, a 5,000 mAh battery provides comfortable support for 6–7 hours of screen-on time—sufficient to easily carry you through the day. According to reports, there is some variation in endurance outcomes, as actual users frequently achieve a two-day standby with light usage. With 68 W fast charging, the battery can be fully recharged in less than an hour (about 50% in 15 minutes), which makes it one of the quicker-charging mid-range devices on the market.

Audio, Extras & Durability

Stereo speakers tuned with Dolby Atmos deliver surprising depth and volume for its class, enhancing media and gaming sessions. Additional perks like NFC, in-display fingerprint, Moto Spatial audio, and edge lighting add polish and functionality rarely seen at this price. IP68 certification is a standout—water and dust protection at this price is uncommon. Just be cautious: some users report warranty challenges with water damage claims, despite the rating .

What Users Are Saying

Reddit feedback is mixed, highlighting both strengths and drawbacks. Users praise the design, display fluidity, and fast charging—but also cite long-term pain points such as heating under load, battery drain variability, notification delays, and limited update cadence .

Pros & Cons

Pros

• Sleek curved pOLED display at 144 Hz with vivid colours
• Premium lightweight design and IP68 dust/water resistance
• Fast 68 W charging and lasting 5,000 mAh battery
• Stereo sound and clean MyUX interface
• NFC and edge lighting features enhance usability

Cons

• Dimensity 7030 is capable but not performance-leading
• UFS 2.2 storage feels dated
• Camera processing can over-sharpen or oversaturate
• Edge screen may register unintended touches
• Software support stops after two Android versions

Final Verdict

The Motorola Edge 40 Neo genuinely stands out in the sub‑₹25K segment by offering a curved 144 Hz pOLED display, IP68 build, stereo audio, and fast charging—all wrapped in clean software. It brings a level of polish and accessibility often absent at this tier.

If you prioritize design, fluid visuals, audio quality, and reliable daily performance, this phone delivers compelling value. However, power users or those who demand cleaner update cycles and better camera software might find more attractive alternatives in the iQOO Z7 Pro, Realme 11 Pro+, or Vivo T3 5G.

Rating: 8/10 — Attractive design and display make it a standout choice, though modest chipset and update limitations hold back long-term appeal.