Motorola has entered the “thin‑phone” race with the Edge 70, a handset that aims to reconcile two trends that have often been at odds: extreme slimness and usable battery life. Unveiled as part of a broader Motorola lineup update, the Edge 70 arrives with flagship styling and mid‑range internals — and a mix of strengths and compromises reviewers and the company alike have highlighted.
The headline: very thin, very long‑lasting
At 5.99 mm thick (often rounded to 5.9 mm in coverage), the Edge 70 sits among the thinnest phones introduced this year. Motorola calls it the thinnest device in its category, combining an aircraft‑grade aluminum frame with a nylon‑textured rear finish and Pantone‑curated colors. Despite the slim profile, Motorola has packed a 4,800 mAh silicon‑carbon battery inside, and promises extended real‑world endurance: the company cites up to 38 hours of mixed use and significant video playback times. Fast charging is supported at up to 68W wired, with 15W wireless charging also available.
Motorola’s official announcement and product pages underline that the phone pairs its slim profile with tougher materials than many rivals: Corning Gorilla Glass 7i on the front, IP68 and IP69 water‑resistance ratings, and MIL‑STD‑810H testing for durability. Motorola also highlights a magnetic clear case included with the device in some markets.
(Official launch details: Motorola News)
Display, performance and hardware: premium feel, midrange engine
The Edge 70 uses a 6.7‑inch 1.5K AMOLED display with a 120 Hz refresh rate and high peak brightness figures aimed at strong outdoor visibility. Under the hood sits Qualcomm’s Snapdragon 7 Gen 4 chipset paired with up to 12 GB of RAM and generous storage in the configurations being sold in Europe.
That combination delivers smooth everyday performance for browsing, media and most games, but it is not class‑leading on raw processing power: put against the latest flagship silicon, the Edge 70 is a clear mid‑range performer rather than a performance flagship.
Cameras and AI: competent hardware, software emphasis
Motorola emphasizes camera hardware and AI tools on the Edge 70. The rear assembly is visually presented as a trio of 50 MP sensors: a 50 MP main camera with OIS and 4K video capture, a 50 MP ultrawide that doubles as a macro lens, and a 3‑in‑1 light sensor that Motorola says helps exposure and color. The front camera is also a high‑resolution 50 MP sensor.
On the software side, Motorola ships moto ai2 features for on‑device editing, style presets, group photo tools and what it calls “Next Move,” an assistant that can interpret screen content and suggest actions. Motorola also touts sustainability and packaging changes alongside the software features.
Critics and reviewers noted that while the main camera produces solid daylight images, the package lacks a proper telephoto lens and the processing can struggle in challenging lighting. In short: good for social and everyday photography, but not a replacement for a flagship camera system.
Software, ads and update promises
Motorola ships the Edge 70 with Android 16 and its moto interface layered on top. The company promotes moto ai2 experiences that integrate Google services and on‑device tools. Motorola has also promised multi‑year updates; the company’s marketing material and some coverage referenced security and software support windows stretching several years ahead.
However, reviewers have raised concerns about preinstalled apps and lock‑screen suggestions on some units, calling the presence of bundled games and promotional content more aggressive than customers should expect on a near‑£700 device. Those elements are typically removable or toggleable, but their inclusion drawn criticism from reviewers who argue a phone at this price should ship cleaner.
Price, availability and the marketplace
Motorola launched the Edge 70 in Europe and the Middle East with a starting price around €799 / £699–£799 depending on local markets, and detailed European availability in the company announcement. Motorola’s official messaging indicates the phone will arrive in select markets first, with broader roll‑out to follow; at launch the company stated it was not initially releasing the device in the U.S.
Retail listings and early promotions in some markets have shown aggressive introductory bundles and discounts aimed at undercutting pricier thin phones from other manufacturers: those offers may include peripherals such as watches, buds and tags in limited windows. Availability and exact pricing will vary by market and retailer.
How it compares and what it signals
The Edge 70 is positioned explicitly against this year’s wave of ultra‑thin competitors. Compared with phones that trade battery capacity for slenderness, Motorola’s answer is pragmatic: fit a large silicon‑carbon battery, use a robust aluminum and textured rear, and accept a midrange chipset rather than chase top‑tier SoC benchmarks.
That tradeoff will appeal to buyers who want the aesthetic and pocket‑comfort of an ultra‑thin device without surrendering day‑long battery life or worrying constantly about cracks. Buyers who prioritize flagship camera performance, the fastest silicon, or a completely bloat‑free software experience may find better fits elsewhere.
Bottom line
The Motorola Edge 70 is notable for doing something many recent thin phones have not: it keeps a large battery and durable materials inside a very slim package and sells at a notably lower price than some premium rivals. It is not a flagship in processor or camera ambition, and some software choices have drawn justified criticism. But as a practical blueprint for the next wave of thin phones — one that doesn’t demand constant charging or an overly careful case — the Edge 70 makes a persuasive case.
For buyers: consider this if you value design, battery and durability in a slim handset and are buying in markets where Motorola is selling the device. If you need top‑tier cameras, the fastest chip, or a completely uncluttered Android build, comparison shopping against slightly thicker flagships is advised.
Tags: Motorola Edge 70, slim phones, battery technology