The Motorola Edge 30 Neo lags behind its competitors in certain aspects this month. It provides just 128GB of storage, lacking a 256GB variant and a microSD card slot for expansion. It also carries the highest price tag among the phones reviewed, costing an extra £70 compared to the Moto G73 . Notably, it performed the least effectively in our video-rundown test, which is unsurprising considering its battery capacity of 4,020mAh, in contrast to the 5,000mAh capacity of its rivals.

However, following our comprehensive testing, the Motorola Edge 30 Neo emerges as the clear winner. The defining factor comes down to one word: “quality.” While composed of similar raw materials as the rest, featuring a plastic frame and back, the moment you hold the Edge 30 Neo, it’s evident that Motorola’s designers dedicated time to refine the finer details. Upon inspection, a subtle grain effect on the rear imparts a brushed aluminum appearance. Even when enclosed in the included transparent protective case, the Pantone-branded “very peri” purple finish on our reviewed model adds visual distinction compared to its counterparts. If purple proves too unconventional for your taste, alternatives include white, black, and “aqua foam” variations.

Grasping the Edge 30 Neo underscores why its battery is compact; it stands out as the most petite phone here by a significant margin. This is even more apparent than the dimensions provided in the feature table might suggest. Its compactness translates to a 6.3-inch screen diagonal, yet Motorola maintains resolution quality – 1,080 x 2,400 resolution results in a crisp image due to its 419ppi density. Furthermore, it serves as a stellar showcase for OLED technology. The panel covers 99% of the DCI-P3 color gamut with an average Delta E of 0.73, yielding results on par with flagship models. The device excels for viewing films, aided by robust speakers that make music enjoyment equally satisfying. Although a 3.5mm jack is absent, its significance may be diminishing.

While the Edge’s screen doesn’t achieve the blazing brightness of top-tier models – its peak brightness of 483cd/m2 is the lowest in this group – enabling adaptive brightness alleviates any issues under sunny conditions. OLED’s infinite contrast ratio further enhances color visibility across the spectrum. Notably, the Edge features a 120Hz refresh rate. While it can be adjusted to 60Hz to extend battery life, we kept the screen in auto mode during testing. Most users will likely appreciate the smooth experience offered in conjunction with the swift Qualcomm Snapdragon 695 5G chip. Although its scores of 918 and 2,146 fall behind the Snapdragon 7 Gen 1 in the Honor 90 and the Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 in the Asus Zenfone 10 (see p68), the Edge 30 Neo is expected to perform well over the next few years, benefiting from an upgrade to Android 13 (slightly overdue) and Android 14. With an IP52 rating, limited protection against dust and water spray is afforded. Nonetheless, submerging the phone in water should be avoided to prevent damage.

In the realm where budget phones can never quite match flagship models is camera quality, yet the Edge 30 Neo is capable of producing appealing shots. We rated its camera as being on par with the Xiaomi for detail, night shots, and landscapes. Given the typical limitations of macro lenses at this price point, the absence of a third camera for macro shots is hardly a loss. While the 64-megapixel headline figure might evoke excitement, compression is noticeable even when opting for the camera’s “ultra-res” mode. The dual-capture video feature, which simultaneously records from the front and back cameras, adds a creative dimension.

One final aspect elevates the Edge’s standing – the included power supply. This formidable 68W charger propelled the phone from zero to 59% in 15 minutes and up to 92% in just half an hour, reaching a full charge in 38 minutes. Remarkably swift for a phone in this price range, it’s gratifying to note support for wireless charging, a unique feature among the phones reviewed, albeit at a modest 5W.

Admittedly, this isn’t a flawless phone. A slightly larger form factor for a 5,000mAh battery and the 128GB storage may pose eventual challenges. However, when positioned alongside considerably pricier options, the Edge 30 Neo fits seamlessly in terms of quality. Priced at £300, it stands as a superb acquisition.