UP
Our takeEditorialThe edge+ 5G UW had a strong launch window, but Android 12 and a 2022 chip at $850 in 2025 is a difficult case to make.
Motorola
Motorola Edge+ 5G Uw
5.0/10 UpPhone score
A 2022 flagship chip carrying a 2025 price tag - the Motorola edge+ 5G UW is outpaced by time.
Screen
6.7"
Chip
Snapdragon 8 Gen 1
Camera
50 MP
The verdict, & two little voices
Should you actually get the Motorola Edge+ 5G Uw?
The editor weighs in — flanked by the optimist on her shoulder and the cynic on the other.
“60 MP front camera and 12 GB RAM still do real work - the hardware is not broken, just overtaken.”
“Android 12 at $850 in 2025 - paying flagship prices for a phone living on borrowed security patches.”
Our take
A 2022 flagship chip carrying a 2025 price tag - the Motorola edge+ 5G UW is outpaced by time.
The Motorola edge+ 5G UW launched as a top-tier device with a Snapdragon 8 Gen 1, 12 GB of RAM, a 144 Hz display, and a 60 MP front camera. Priced at $849.99 today, it is competing against phones built around chipsets two or three generations newer. Android 12 is the base OS, which places it at minimum two major OS updates behind the current Android 16. The 4800 mAh battery with 30W wired and 15W wireless charging is adequate but not fast by 2025 standards. The 50 MP primary rear camera and 60 MP front camera are notable specs; 2x optical zoom is present. IP52 is a modest water resistance rating for a phone at this price tier. The core problem with the edge+ 5G UW in mid-2026 is the value proposition: similar money buys phones with newer, faster, more efficient chips, current OS versions, and better camera systems. The original appeal has been eroded by the passage of time and the Android upgrade cycle.
What we love
- 60 MP front camera remains a notable selfie specification
- 12 GB RAM keeps multitasking comfortable
- 2x optical zoom on the rear camera system
- 4800 mAh battery provides a full day of use
- 144 Hz display refresh rate
- 5G UW (mmWave) support on compatible carriers
What we don't
- Snapdragon 8 Gen 1 is a 2022 chip - two generations behind current flagship silicon
- Android 12 base OS is significantly outdated and carries security implications
- $849.99 places this against current mid-range and flagship phones with far newer specs
- IP52 splash resistance is below what this price tier should deliver
- 30W wired charging is slow for a $850 phone in 2025
- No current-generation AI features or on-device model support at the software level
- Software support window is largely exhausted
Full specifications
Display
Size6.7"
Performance
ChipSnapdragon 8 Gen 1
OSAndroid 12
Camera
Rear camera50 MP
Rear camera 250 MP
Front camera60 MP
Battery
Wireless charging15 W wireless
Frequently asked questions about the Motorola Edge+ 5G Uw
What kind of display does the Motorola Edge+ 5G Uw have?
The edge+ 5G UW carries a 6.7-inch display at 144 Hz refresh rate. Panel type, resolution, and peak brightness are not confirmed in the published specifications. The 144 Hz refresh rate was a premium feature at launch. Without resolution confirmation, pixel density assessment is uncertain. Against 2025 competition at the same price, display specifications would need to be at or above 1080p with high brightness to remain competitive. The 144 Hz refresh is no longer a differentiating factor at this price tier.
What kind of camera does the Motorola Edge+ 5G Uw have?
The 50 MP rear camera with 2x optical zoom and 60 MP front camera were competitive specifications at launch. The 60 MP front camera remains a standout spec even by 2025 standards. The rear system produces reasonable daylight results, though computational photography improvements in newer chipsets and software mean the processing pipeline is not as capable as what current-generation hardware delivers. The 2x optical zoom provides useful reach for everyday photography. For front camera quality, the 60 MP sensor remains strong for video calls and selfie content.
What is the battery life of the Motorola Edge+ 5G Uw?
The 4800 mAh battery is adequate for a full day of moderate use. The 30W wired charging is slow for a phone at this price in 2025 - the Moto G Stylus at $239 offers 68W charging. At $850, 30W wired and 15W wireless charging is below what the price should justify. Charging times from near empty to full exceed 90 minutes. No reverse wireless charging.
What processor does the Motorola Edge+ 5G Uw use?
The Snapdragon 8 Gen 1 was a flagship chip at launch in early 2022 but is now two full chip generations behind the Snapdragon 8 Elite and three generations behind in the context of efficiency improvements. The phone can handle all typical daily tasks without issue. However, at $850 in 2025, it is competing against phones with Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 and Snapdragon 8 Elite silicon that provide meaningfully faster performance, better power efficiency, and on-device AI capabilities. The chip is not the reason to consider this phone at current pricing.
How much storage does the Motorola Edge+ 5G Uw have?
Storage capacity is not confirmed in the published specifications. The edge+ 5G UW launched with 512 GB configuration options. Available internal storage varies. Fast UFS 3.1 storage is expected on Snapdragon 8 Gen 1 hardware.
What kind of speakers does the Motorola Edge+ 5G Uw have?
Speaker configuration is not confirmed. The edge+ lineup at this tier has historically offered stereo speakers. Audio quality was above average at launch. A headphone jack is unlikely at this premium tier.
Does the Motorola Edge+ 5G Uw support fingerprint or face unlock?
Biometric details are not confirmed in published specifications. The edge+ 5G UW likely includes an in-display fingerprint sensor and face recognition. In-display sensors on Snapdragon 8 Gen 1 hardware perform reliably.
Is the Motorola Edge+ 5G Uw water-resistant?
IP52 is a notably modest water resistance rating for a phone at $850. At this price tier in 2025, IP68 is the standard expectation. IP52 covers light spray and splash but not submersion. The rating is a clear shortcoming given the asking price.
