Among the myriad of Android phone brands available today, Motorola stands out as a company with a storied history. Known for revolutionizing budget phones with its Moto G series and reintroducing flip-phone foldables through the Razr line, Motorola has left an indelible mark on the Android landscape. The brand’s flagship portfolio, particularly the iconic Moto X series, showcases its expertise in crafting devices that balance capable specifications, unique software features, and unmatched customization options. However, recent years have seen Motorola absent from the U.S. flagship scene, raising concerns about whether it will repeat this pattern in 2025. Despite these uncertainties, there remains evidence that Motorola still excels in creating compelling flagship devices.
In May 2023, Motorola unveiled the Motorola Edge Plus (2023), aiming to compete directly with high-end models like the Galaxy S23 and Pixel 7 Pro. This device offered competitive specifications at a lower price point than its rivals, proving to be one of the most favored Android phones of that year. Featuring a top-notch build quality, a curved OLED display with a 165Hz refresh rate, exceptional battery life, and rapid charging capabilities, the Edge Plus provided users with a smooth daily experience. Although not flawless, its value proposition was unmatched at $800 with 512GB base storage.
By April 2024, Motorola seemed poised to replicate this success with the announcement of the Motorola Edge 50 Ultra for global markets, excluding North America. This model featured upgraded specifications, including enhanced camera sensors, a brighter display, increased RAM/storage, and striking design options such as vegan leather finishes and a wooden backside reminiscent of the Moto X era. Priced around $1,000 USD, complaints were scarce. Unfortunately, this device did not reach U.S. shores, leaving only the mid-tier Motorola Edge (2024) as an offering.
As we enter April 2025, anticipation builds for the Motorola Edge 60 series, which includes the recently announced Edge 60 Fusion and rumored Edge 60 Ultra. Given the excellence of previous iterations, another strong flagship performance is anticipated. Yet, the critical question persists: will Motorola introduce another flagship phone in the U.S.? A company spokesperson acknowledged regional differences influence their product portfolio but refrained from definitive commitments. While uncertain, the potential exists if the upcoming Edge 60 Ultra aligns with U.S. market demands.
Despite challenges, Motorola holds a well-established position in the U.S. smartphone market, capturing nearly 4% share according to StatCounter statistics. With robust carrier partnerships and budget-friendly offerings, Motorola enjoys significant brand awareness. In a market dominated by Apple and Samsung, Motorola could fill the void as a third option alongside Google Pixels. Current stagnation among flagship Android phones presents an opportunity for Motorola to differentiate itself. Unlike OnePlus, which struggles without carrier presence, Motorola benefits from existing relationships with major carriers.
Motorola's commitment to enhancing and evolving the Edge family in North America offers hope for future flagship releases. From a business perspective, entering the flagship space provides growth opportunities. For consumers, additional choices stimulate competition, potentially driving innovation and improvement across brands. Personally, as a long-time Motorola enthusiast, witnessing the company's capabilities beyond budget constraints would be exhilarating. Reintroducing a Motorola Edge Plus in the U.S. this year could reinvigorate the flagship segment, making its absence a significant oversight.