Motorola Edge 70 Pro plus: Back to Android after 2 years with an iPhone 11 Pro!
I've been an Android user for most of my life. In 2024, I decided to try iOS and bought a used iPhone 11 Pro (512GB) instead of spending a fortune on the iPhone 16 Pro.
Two years later, it's been a love-hate relationship. I absolutely loved the compact form factor and premium build, but the software felt restrictive. As someone who used to flash custom ROMs on my OnePlus 7T, I really missed Android's freedom and customisation.
So, I'm back! This time with the Motorola Edge 70 Pro plus.
This is my third Moto phone, after the Moto G5s Plus and Moto Razr Flip. Here's my experience so far.
✅ The good stuff
1. Design and in-hand feel
I'm using the wood-textured variant, and I absolutely love the design. It's sleek, slim, lightweight and well-balanced. I was initially sceptical about the curved display, but the in-hand feel is fantastic. Surprisingly, I haven't experienced any accidental touches either. The camera plateau also provides a nice resting point for my fingers. The frame isn't aluminium, but it doesn't feel cheap.
2. Display and performance
The display is gorgeous, with crisp visuals and punchy colours. Moving from 60Hz to 120Hz is a noticeable upgrade.
I was a little concerned about the MediaTek chipset, but the phone has been smooth and snappy. It got warm on the first day, but I haven't noticed any heating issues since. I'm not much of a gamer anymore, so I can't comment on demanding games, but everyday performance has been excellent.
3. Battery life
Easily one of my favourite aspects. I leave home at 100% and, with moderate usage, still have around 70% by evening. It comfortably feels like a day-and-a-half phone for my usage.
4. Speakers
The speakers are genuinely good! Audio is loud, clear and enjoyable for watching videos or casually listening to music. Definitely a pleasant surprise.
5. Cameras
The cameras are good enough for my needs. My iPhone 11 Pro could take pictures in a similar league in some situations, but the Moto's zoom performance feels better to me. Nothing groundbreaking, but perfectly capable for everyday photography.
6. Back to Android!
This is the biggest win. I love being back in the Android ecosystem. Motorola's gestures and useful extras are welcome, the interface feels clean, and the pre installed apps I didn't need could be uninstalled.
❌ The not-so-good stuff
Software updates: Motorola's track record with slow updates and customer service still worries me. Hopefully, they prove me wrong.
Software polish: A few bugs and missing quality-of-life features need attention. Some tasks require more taps than necessary.
Customisation: Coming from flashing ROMs on the OnePlus 7T, I wish Moto offered more control over the lock screen, status bar, quick settings and overall interface.
Moto AI key: It needs more customization. Let users decide what a dedicated hardware button should do.
Hardware compromises: At this price, a more premium frame would have been nice. Long-term durability is also something only time will tell.
Curved display repairs: While I haven't had accidental touches, screen protection and potential display repair costs remain concerns worth considering.
None of these is a deal-breaker for me, but Motorola definitely has room for improvement.
💸 The buying decision
I bought it for ₹43,000 on Flipkart, including credit card cashback, with no exchange.
I'm keeping my iPhone 11 Pro because I still love its form factor and build quality. I simply wanted to return to Android for my daily use.
I considered OnePlus, Samsung, iQOO, OPPO and Nothing. Each had its own compromises. Even the Edge 70 Pro was an option I considered, but with a budget of around ₹45,000, I decided to go with what felt like the right balance for me. (And honestly, I wasn't sure my 11 pro could last another year)
Were there better options? Absolutely. I know that, and I agree.
But there's always going to be another phone with a better camera, faster processor or more features. At some point, you have to stop comparing specifications and commit to a choice.
Having used Motorola before, I knew roughly what I was getting into. Maybe their marketing worked on me a little. 😂
Final thoughts
The design, display, speakers, smooth performance and battery life have made a great first impression. The software and update policy remain my biggest concerns.
I'm not claiming this is the best phone for ₹43K, nor am I going to defend every decision Motorola makes. I bought it because it suited my priorities, and so far, I'm happy with my decision.
Fingers crossed for stable software, timely updates and a drama-free few years with Moto. 🤞
For those considering this phone, do your research and understand the compromises. There will always be a better option on paper. Find the one whose compromises you're willing to live with.