Moto S50 Neo Review: A Stylish 5G Phone with a Smooth Display, But Compromises Exist

The Moto S50 Neo enters the market as an affordable 5G option with a few enticing features. After spending time with it, here’s what I found:

Design & Build:

The S50 Neo looks surprisingly stylish for a budget phone. It features a vegan leather back (in select colors) that feels good to the touch and resists fingerprints. The plastic frame doesn’t scream premium, but it’s sturdy enough for everyday use. The phone is a bit thick and heavy, but the rounded edges help with comfort.

Display:

The 6.7-inch pOLED display is the star of the show. Its 120Hz refresh rate makes scrolling and animations buttery smooth, a feature not often found in this price range. The colors are vibrant, and while the brightness isn’t the highest, it’s still adequate for most indoor and outdoor use.

Performance:

The Snapdragon 695 5G chip, paired with 8GB of RAM, handles everyday tasks well. Apps open reasonably quickly, and multitasking is manageable. However, don’t expect flagship-level performance. Demanding games might stutter, and heavy multitaskers might notice occasional lag.

Camera:

The 50MP main camera captures decent photos in good lighting, but it struggles in low-light conditions. Details can get a bit muddy, and noise creeps in. The 8MP ultrawide lens offers a wider perspective but sacrifices some image quality. The 32MP front-facing camera is good for selfies and video calls, but don’t expect stunning results.

Battery Life:

The 5000mAh battery is a powerhouse. It easily lasts a full day with moderate to heavy use, and lighter users might even get two days out of it. Unfortunately, the 30W wired charging is relatively slow compared to some competitors. There’s no wireless charging, which is expected at this price point.

Software & User Experience:

The S50 Neo runs Android 14, which is a welcome surprise. Motorola’s My UX skin is light and doesn’t add much bloatware. The interface is clean and easy to navigate. However, some users have reported occasional bugs and software quirks.

Connectivity & Additional Features:

The phone offers 5G connectivity, Wi-Fi 5, Bluetooth 5.1, and NFC. It also has a handy headphone jack, which is becoming increasingly rare. Unfortunately, there’s no water resistance or expandable storage.

Buying Recommendation:

Who’s it for? The Moto S50 Neo is a solid option for budget-minded users who prioritize a smooth display, 5G connectivity, and long battery life. It’s suitable for everyday use, social media, and light gaming.

Pros:

• Smooth 120Hz pOLED display
• Affordable 5G connectivity
• Impressive battery life
• Clean and user-friendly software
• Headphone jack

Cons:

• Middling camera performance
• Average processor performance
• No water resistance or expandable storage
• Relatively slow charging

Overall:

The Moto S50 Neo is a mixed bag. It excels in some areas, like its display and battery life, but compromises in others, like camera performance and processing power. If you’re on a tight budget and prioritize a smooth display and 5G, it’s worth considering. However, if you’re looking for the best camera or the fastest performance, you might want to explore other options.