Moto X50 Ultra Review: A Powerhouse with 50MP Selfies and Blazing-Fast Charging

The Moto X50 Ultra has made a splash with its impressive specs and unique features. After putting it through its paces, here’s what I discovered:

Design & Build:

The X50 Ultra doesn’t reinvent the wheel, but it’s a well-built phone with a premium feel. The sandblasted aluminum frame is sturdy, and the vegan leather back (in Forest Grey or Peach Fuzz) adds a touch of luxury. The Nordic Wood version stands out with its real wood back, but it might not be for everyone. It’s a large phone, but the curved edges make it surprisingly comfortable to hold.

Display:

The 6.7-inch 1.5K pOLED display is a visual treat. With a 144Hz refresh rate, scrolling and gaming feel incredibly smooth. Colors are vibrant, and the peak brightness is impressive, making it easy to see even in direct sunlight. HDR support enhances the viewing experience, especially for streaming movies and shows.

Performance:

Powered by the Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 chip and up to 16GB of RAM, the X50 Ultra is a performance beast. It handles everything with ease, from demanding games to heavy multitasking. Apps open instantly, and I never experienced any lag or slowdown. It’s easily one of the fastest phones on the market.

Camera:

The 50MP front-facing camera is a selfie enthusiast’s dream. It captures incredibly detailed and sharp self-portraits with great dynamic range. The rear camera system is no slouch either. The 50MP main sensor delivers excellent photos in most conditions, while the 50MP ultrawide and 64MP telephoto offer versatility. Low-light performance is good, though not the absolute best.

Battery Life:

The 4500mAh battery might seem a bit small for a flagship, but it’s well-optimized. I consistently got a full day of use with moderate to heavy usage. Plus, the 125W TurboPower charging is insanely fast, taking you from 0% to 100% in just 20 minutes. The 50W wireless charging is also a convenient bonus.

Software & User Experience:

The X50 Ultra runs Android 14 with Motorola’s My UX. It’s a clean and near-stock Android experience, which I appreciate. Motorola has added a few useful features, like Moto Actions and Ready For, but they don’t get in the way. The software is smooth, responsive, and a pleasure to use.

Connectivity & Additional Features:

The phone is packed with connectivity options, including 5G, Wi-Fi 6E, Bluetooth 5.3, and NFC. It’s also IP68 water and dust resistant, so you don’t have to worry about accidental spills or splashes. There’s no headphone jack, but the dual stereo speakers offer good sound quality.

Buying Recommendation:

Who’s it for? The Moto X50 Ultra is a great option for anyone who wants a top-tier flagship phone with exceptional performance, a stunning display, and a versatile camera system. It’s ideal for gamers, power users, and selfie lovers.

Pros:

• Amazing 50MP selfie camera
• Blazing-fast Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 performance
• Gorgeous and smooth 1.5K 144Hz pOLED display
• Incredibly fast 125W TurboPower charging
• Clean and user-friendly Android 14 experience

Cons:

• Rear camera low-light performance could be better
• No headphone jack or expandable storage
• May be too large for some hands

Overall:

The Moto X50 Ultra is a true flagship that delivers on its promises. It’s a powerhouse phone with a fantastic display, a unique design, and a camera system that excels in most scenarios. While it has a few minor shortcomings, it’s easily one of the best phones Motorola has ever made. If you’re looking for a top-of-the-line smartphone, the X50 Ultra deserves a spot on your shortlist.