The era of ultra-slim smartphones may be coming to an end sooner than expected.
Rumors suggest that Samsung has already abandoned the idea, as poor sales of the 5.8mm Galaxy S25 Edge have led to its exclusion from the upcoming Galaxy S26 series. Apple, on the other hand, is still holding on with the 5.6mm iPhone Air, but indications show that it is not performing as well as its iPhone 17 counterparts.
Despite the high price tags, both Samsung and Apple’s slim phones have significant drawbacks compared to their thicker counterparts, especially in terms of battery life and camera quality. If two of the biggest smartphone manufacturers are struggling to make ultra-slim devices work, what chance do others have?
Surprisingly, there seems to be hope beyond what was initially anticipated. Without any specific marketing, the Motorola Edge 70 appears to be a standout in the mid-range phone lineup.
The Edge 70 is one of the best-looking phones I’ve used in 2025 – and as someone who reviews them for a living, that’s high praise.
Although the Motorola Edge 70 may not be the thinnest smartphone on the market at 5.99mm, it is notably thinner and lighter than its predecessor, the Edge 60. Additionally, it introduces some premium features that set it apart from the competition.
During my initial hands-on experience with the phone, I can already see that it outshines the lackluster iPhone Air and Galaxy S25 Edge. Here are five areas where Motorola excels:
A stunning yet practical design
The Motorola Edge 70 may not be the thinnest smartphone available, but at 5.99mm and 159g, it strikes a balance between slimness and comfort. The phone feels exceptionally light and comfortable to hold, thanks to its rounded corners and textured rear finish.
Moreover, the Edge 70 boasts an attractive design, with three Pantone-certified color options. The model’s subtle earthy tones, particularly the Bronze Green variant, offer a unique alternative to the standard black and silver handsets.
Unmatched durability
The Motorola Edge 70 is designed to withstand various environmental challenges with its IP68 and IP69 ratings. These certifications ensure that the phone can endure submersion in water, high-pressure jets, steam cleaning, and exposure to dust particles without sustaining damage.
Furthermore, the phone’s military-standard MIL-STD-810 compliance and Gorilla Glass 7i protection contribute to its durability, making it a resilient device for everyday use.
A sophisticated camera system
Unlike many slim phones that compromise on camera quality, the Motorola Edge 70 features a robust camera setup. With a 50Mp main lens, a 50Mp ultrawide lens, and a dedicated macro lens, the Edge 70 offers versatile photography options.
Early testing indicates that the camera system delivers excellent detail, dynamic range, and portrait photos. The phone’s front camera, equipped with a 50Mp sensor, captures impressive selfies with accurate colors and details.
Advanced battery technology and fast charging
One of the biggest challenges for ultra-slim phones is battery life. Despite the limited space available, Motorola has managed to equip the Edge 70 with a substantial 4800mAh battery using silicon-carbon technology.
The company claims that the Edge 70 can deliver up to 50 hours of usage on a single charge, thanks to its efficient battery technology. Additionally, the phone supports 68W fast charging, surpassing the charging speeds offered by competitors like Samsung and Apple.
An affordable price point
Unlike the high-priced iPhone Air and Galaxy S25 Edge, the Motorola Edge 70 offers a more budget-friendly option at £699.99. Despite the mid-range Snapdragon 7 Gen 4 chipset, the phone delivers strong performance in early testing, making it a compelling choice for users.
Overall, the Motorola Edge 70 shows promise as a standout in the ultra-slim smartphone category. With its attractive design, durability, advanced camera system, efficient battery technology, and reasonable price, the Edge 70 presents a strong contender in the market.
To pre-order the Motorola Edge 70, visit the Motorola website or Amazon, along with other third-party retailers and networks. The phone is set to be released on November 18th.