Motorola Edge 50 Ultra: A Premium Mid-Range Powerhouse for 2025
The Motorola Edge 50 Ultra, launched globally on April 16, 2024, and in India on June 18, 2024, is a premium mid-range smartphone that combines flagship-grade features with an attractive price point. Powered by the Qualcomm Snapdragon 8s Gen 3 chipset and featuring a Pantone-validated camera system, it competes with devices like the Vivo V50 Pro, Oppo Reno 14, and Samsung Galaxy A55. Below, we explore its specifications, expected price in Kenyan Shillings, target audience, and its strongest and weakest features, based on official details and recent sources as of June 23, 2025.
Specifications
The Motorola Edge 50 Ultra delivers a near-flagship experience with a focus on design, photography, and fast charging. Here are the confirmed specifications:
- Display: 6.7-inch p-OLED, 1.5K resolution (2712 x 1220), 144Hz refresh rate, 2500 nits peak brightness, HDR10+, Dolby Vision, 360Hz touch sampling rate, protected by Corning Gorilla Glass Victus.
- Processor: Qualcomm Snapdragon 8s Gen 3 (4nm, octa-core: 1x Cortex-X3 @ 3.0GHz, 4x Cortex-A720 @ 2.8GHz, 3x Cortex-A520 @ 2.0GHz) with Adreno 735 GPU.
- RAM and Storage: 12GB or 16GB LPDDR5X RAM with 256GB, 512GB, or 1TB UFS 4.0 storage (no microSD slot).
- Operating System: Android 14 with Hello UI (upgradable to Android 15), 3 years of OS upgrades, and 4 years of security updates (until 2028).
- Camera System (Pantone-validated):
- Rear Cameras (Triple setup):
- 50MP main (OmniVision OV50H, f/1.6, 1/1.3-inch sensor, OIS, 1.2μm pixels).
- 50MP ultra-wide (f/2.0, 122° FOV, autofocus, macro capabilities).
- 64MP periscope telephoto (f/2.4, 3x optical zoom, OIS).
- Selfie Camera: 50MP (f/1.9, autofocus).
- Features: AI Photo Enhancer, AI Adaptive Stabilization, Pantone True Color, 4K/60fps video, 1080p/960fps slow-motion, 10x hybrid zoom.
- Rear Cameras (Triple setup):
- Battery: 4,500mAh, 125W TurboPower wired charging (0–100% in ~23 minutes), 50W wireless charging, 10W reverse wireless charging.
- Connectivity: 5G (including 5.5G in Kenya), Wi-Fi 7, Bluetooth 5.4, NFC, USB-C 3.1 Gen 1, dual SIM (Nano-SIM + eSIM).
- Build and Design:
- Dimensions: 161.09 x 72.4 x 8.59mm.
- Weight: 197g.
- Materials: Aluminum frame, vegan leather (Nordic Wood, Forest Grey) or silicone polymer (Peach Fuzz) back, Gorilla Glass Victus front.
- Colors: Forest Grey, Nordic Wood, Peach Fuzz.
- IP68 dust and water resistance (up to 1.5m for 30 minutes).
- Other Features: In-display ultrasonic fingerprint sensor, stereo speakers with Dolby Atmos, Moto AI (Gesture Control, AI Photo Enhancer, Auto Smile Capture), 6000mm² vapor chamber cooling.
The Edge 50 Ultra features a premium design with unique back panel options (wood or vegan leather) and a Pantone-validated display and camera system, ensuring accurate color reproduction.
Expected Price in Kenyan Shillings
In India, the Motorola Edge 50 Ultra is priced at ₹48,199 ($572, KSh 73,500) for the 12GB/512GB variant, with a promotional price of ₹44,999 (KSh 57,800) after bank discounts, as noted on Smartprix and Gadgets 360. In global markets, it starts at €849 ($895, KSh 115,000) for 12GB/256GB and €999 ($1,053, KSh 135,300) for 16GB/512GB, according to Kimovil. In China, it’s priced at CNY 3,999 (~$553, KSh 71,000) for 12GB/512GB.
In Kenya, smartphone prices are typically inflated by import duties, taxes, and retailer margins, adding 20–30% to global prices. Based on pricing trends for Motorola’s Edge series (e.g., Edge 40 Pro at ~KSh 70,000–80,000) and posts from
@kype_computers on X, the Motorola Edge 50 Ultra is expected to retail as follows:
- 12GB/256GB: KSh 80,000–90,000.
- 12GB/512GB: KSh 90,000–100,000.
- 16GB/1TB (if available): KSh 105,000–115,000.
These prices align with estimates from retailers like Phone Place Kenya, Avechi, or Smartphones Kenya and may vary based on exchange rates or promotions, such as EMI schemes or bank discounts noted in India.
Target Audience
The Motorola Edge 50 Ultra is designed for mid-range consumers seeking flagship-like features at a competitive price, including:
- Photography Enthusiasts: The Pantone-validated triple-camera system with a 50MP main, 50MP ultra-wide, and 64MP 3x telephoto caters to users who want vibrant, accurate photos and videos for social media or professional use.
- Tech-Savvy Users: The Snapdragon 8s Gen 3, 5.5G connectivity, and Moto AI features (e.g., AI Photo Enhancer, Gesture Control) appeal to those wanting modern performance in Kenya’s growing 5G market.
- Style-Conscious Users: Its unique vegan leather or Nordic Wood back panels and sleek design attract those who value aesthetics alongside functionality.
- Gamers and Media Consumers: The 144Hz p-OLED display, Dolby Atmos speakers, and robust cooling system ensure smooth gaming and immersive streaming experiences.
- Value-Conscious Upgraders: Priced lower than flagships like the Galaxy S25 Ultra or Vivo X200 Ultra, it targets users upgrading from devices like the Motorola Edge 40 or Galaxy A54 who want premium features without flagship costs.
However, it may not suit budget-conscious buyers, users needing longer software support like the Pixel 9a’s 7 years, or those in markets like the U.S. where availability is limited.
Strongest Features
- Pantone-Validated Camera System:
- The 50MP main, 50MP ultra-wide, and 64MP 3x telephoto lenses deliver vibrant, accurate colors, with AI enhancements like Photo Enhancer and Adaptive Stabilization ensuring sharp photos and videos. It outperforms the Vivo V50e in zoom and low-light performance, making it ideal for photography enthusiasts.
- Blazing-Fast Charging:
- With 125W TurboPower wired charging (0–100% in ~23 minutes), 50W wireless charging, and 10W reverse wireless charging, the 4,500mAh battery offers unmatched convenience, surpassing rivals like the Oppo Reno 14 (80W wired, no wireless).
- Premium Display:
- The 6.7-inch p-OLED with 144Hz refresh rate, 2500 nits peak brightness, HDR10+, and Dolby Vision provides smooth, vibrant visuals for gaming and streaming. Its Pantone-validated color accuracy sets it apart from competitors like the Realme 14 Pro.
- Unique Design and Build:
- The vegan leather (Forest Grey, Peach Fuzz) or Nordic Wood back panels, combined with IP68 resistance and Gorilla Glass Victus, offer a premium, durable aesthetic that’s both stylish and practical for Kenya’s varied environments.
- Powerful Performance:
- The Snapdragon 8s Gen 3 (AnTuTu ~1.5 million) delivers near-flagship performance, handling games like PUBG Mobile and multitasking seamlessly, supported by a 6000mm² vapor chamber cooling system. It outpaces the Dimensity 7300 in the Vivo V50e.
Weakest Features
- Shorter Software Support:
- With 3 years of OS upgrades and 4 years of security updates (until 2028), it lags behind Google’s 7-year commitment for the Pixel 9a or Samsung’s 7 years for the Galaxy A55, reducing long-term value for users who keep devices longer.
- Smaller Battery Capacity:
- The 4,500mAh battery, while sufficient for a day’s use, is smaller than competitors like the POCO F7 (6,550mAh global) or Realme 14 Pro (6,000mAh), potentially limiting endurance for heavy users despite fast charging.
- Hello UI Bloatware:
- Hello UI, based on Android 14, includes pre-installed apps that can clutter the experience compared to cleaner interfaces like OxygenOS or Pixel UI. Some users report occasional ads, though Moto AI features add value.
- Limited Global Availability:
- While available globally, the Edge 50 Ultra is not officially sold in the U.S., and in Kenya, it may rely on imports through retailers like Phone Place Kenya or Avechi, potentially limiting accessibility and after-sales support.
- No Expandable Storage:
- The lack of a microSD slot restricts storage to 256GB, 512GB, or 1TB, which may be limiting for users recording 4K videos or storing large media files, unlike the Realme 14 with microSD support up to 1TB.
Conclusion
The Motorola Edge 50 Ultra is a premium mid-range smartphone that delivers flagship-grade features in 2025, with a Pantone-validated camera system, blazing-fast 125W charging, and a vibrant 144Hz p-OLED display. Priced at an estimated KSh 80,000–115,000 in Kenya, it offers excellent value against rivals like the Vivo V50 Pro and Oppo Reno 14, making it a top choice for photography enthusiasts, style-conscious users, and gamers. Its unique vegan leather or wood finishes, IP68 rating, and 5.5G connectivity align well with Kenya’s growing tech market.
However, its shorter software support, smaller battery, and limited availability may deter some buyers. Available through retailers like Phone Place Kenya, Avechi, or Smartphones Kenya, the Edge 50 Ultra is ideal for those seeking a premium mid-range phone with stellar cameras and fast charging. For users prioritizing design, photography, and performance, it’s a standout, though its bloatware and lack of expandable storage are notable drawbacks.
Sources:
- GSMArena, “Motorola Edge 50 Ultra – Full phone specifications,” April 9, 2024.
- Smartprix, “Motorola Edge 50 Ultra 5G Price in India 2025, Full Specs & Review,” June 26, 2024.
- Kimovil, “Motorola Edge 50 Ultra: Price (from 718.48$) and specifications [June 2025],” February 6, 2025.
- Gadgets 360, “Motorola Edge 50 Ultra – Price in India, Specifications, Comparison (23rd June 2025),” June 26, 2024.
- PhoneArena, “Motorola Edge 50 Ultra Review: Flagship, but cheaper,” October 17, 2024.
- @yabhishekhd, April 14, 2024.
- @heyitsyogesh, June 18, 2024.
Note: Pricing in Kenyan Shillings is estimated based on global pricing and local market trends as of June 23, 2025, 5:53 PM CEST. Actual prices may vary.
KINA MAISHA MAGIC EAST MONDAY 23RD JUNE 2025 SEASON 5 EPISODE 36