This 2025 Motorola phone is quietly becoming one of my favorite Android devices

When I first decided to try out the Motorola Edge 70, I was both curious and skeptical. I wasn't convinced by the ultra-slim design and worried about the sacrifices needed to achieve it. However, after two weeks of using the device, it has won me over more than I anticipated. It has transformed me into a fan of a design I had largely dismissed, with the Motorola Edge 70 quietly becoming one of my favorite Android phones.

Rumors of an ultra-thin device from Samsung piqued my interest, but the Galaxy S25 Edge that arrived later left much to be desired with a meager 3,900mAh battery, two rear cameras, and a high price tag. In contrast, the Edge 70 impressed me with its slimness, measuring only 5.99mm thick, and its lighter weight at 159g. Despite the slim form factor, Motorola has delivered a well-rounded smartphone with attractive features beyond its slimness.

Powered by a Snapdragon 7 Gen 4 processor, it handles multitasking and gaming effortlessly. Its battery life is impressive, boasting a 4,800mAh silicon-carbon battery that holds up well during extended use. The 68W wired charging is also swift, outpacing Samsung's S26 Ultra. The camera setup is more balanced compared to the S25 Edge, featuring a 50MP front camera and a dual rear camera system.

However, a notable limitation is the absence of a telephoto lens, which proves to be a drawback. The Edge 70's 2x optical-like zoom through cropping is not a true substitute for a telephoto lens, and the lack of optical zoom hampers its versatility. While the Edge 70 shares this limitation with Samsung's S25 Edge, the trade-off is evident in the slim form factor.

The Motorola Edge 60 previously offered a 10MP telephoto lens with 3x optical zoom but was bulkier at 7.9mm thick and 179g. It remains to be seen if smartphone manufacturers can innovate ways to incorporate telephoto cameras into ultra-slim devices, but the Edge 70 demonstrates that form factor challenges can be overcome with careful design. If a thin and light smartphone is what you're after, keep an eye on Motorola's developments.