Motorola’s Edge 50 Ultra, a modest and reliable flagship phone, has been launched in the Indian market. While it retains the flagship status, it ditches the oversized camera module and flashy design for a more subtle aesthetic. Despite this understated approach, Motorola has introduced several key changes with this new version. After using the Edge 50 Ultra for just over 24 hours, here are my initial impressions. In this article, I’ll share what I like, what I don’t, and whether you should consider buying this device before it hits the shelves on June 24.

A phone that smells good and looks good too

When I opened the device, it felt as if the whole package was drenched in perfume – it felt as if an entire bottle of Calvin Klein was spilled on the box and the phone. This scented touch is a deliberate effort by Motorola, not an accident. This is the first time I have seen a smartphone box with a perfume scent, so kudos to Motorola for this unique idea. While this could be problematic for those who are allergic to fragrances, it really raises concerns about how they would handle it, given that the smell lasts for a few hours, maybe a full day after opening the device.

Another notable feature of the Edge 50 Ultra is its wooden back panel, which offers a woody finish and feels like real wood. However, the company has confirmed that the panel is actually made of PVC. While the light-colored wooden panel adds a unique aesthetic, my concern is that it can get dirty quickly. Although it won’t show stains, it can easily pick up stains from dirty hands, especially if they have a yellowish tint.

The Edge 50 Ultra has a curved display on the front that has impressive haptics. The display is also exceptionally bright, making it easy to read even in direct sunlight. I will talk about the display in detail in the full review, which will be released soon.

Clean interface and impressive camera

Motorola has always avoided bloatware and unwanted apps, and I was glad to see that trend continue with the Edge 50 Ultra as well. On turning it on, I found only 5-6 apps pre-installed, including some of Moto’s AI apps, Facebook, Google, and YouTube. The phone felt like a blank slate, with no unnecessary clutter. Apart from that, the phone is packed with AI features including Magic Canvas, which lets you create images from text. And besides that, there’s a Smart Connect feature, which lets users seamlessly connect their phone to a laptop and use their phone on the computer screen.

Overall performance seemed satisfactory, although I haven’t tested it extensively yet. So far, it handles basic tasks with ease, but I need more time to see how it performs under pressure.

Regarding the camera performance, I tested it in outdoor conditions and took a few portrait shots. Edge detection is impressive, and the sensor captures details well while keeping skin tones natural. I still need to test the camera in different lighting conditions including low light to fully understand its capabilities. However, my initial impressions about the smartphone camera are quite satisfactory.

Should you buy the Edge 50 Ultra?

Priced at Rs 59,999, the Edge 50 Ultra seems to be a reliable phone. It has a practical design and compact form factor. Without any bloatware, it offers a clutter-free experience, perfect for those who like a streamlined smartphone. To provide a more comprehensive performance review, I will need to use the phone more extensively. Stay tuned to India Today Tech for the full review.