Motorola is preparing to launch its most premium Edge 70 series phone next week, but early benchmark results suggest the company made some puzzling hardware choices. The Edge 70 Pro+, launching June 4th in India, will be the fourth and most expensive model in the lineup.
The phone recently appeared on Geekbench with performance scores that raise questions about Motorola’s positioning strategy. Despite being the premium model, it might actually perform slower than the cheaper Edge 70 Pro.
The Edge 70 Pro+ runs on MediaTek’s Dimensity 8400 chipset (listed as MT6899), a 4nm processor typically found in mid-range phones. On Geekbench, it scored 1,722 points in single-core tests and 5,623 in multi-core performance. The listing also confirms 12GB of RAM and Android 16.
Here’s where things get interesting. The regular Edge 70 Pro uses the Dimensity 8500 Extreme, which has higher clock speeds than the 8400. This means buyers paying more for the “Pro+” model might actually get worse performance than the cheaper variant.
This chipset choice reflects broader tensions in smartphone positioning. Companies often balance performance against other features like cameras, design, and battery life when creating product tiers. The performance difference likely won’t be noticeable in daily use, but it challenges typical expectations about premium models.
Motorola appears to be positioning the Edge 70 Pro+ as a camera-focused device rather than a pure performance machine. The company has confirmed several photography upgrades that distinguish it from cheaper models:
- 50MP periscope lens with 3.5x optical zoom
- 50MP Sony Lytia 710 main sensor with 3.5-degree optical image stabilization
- Enhanced night photography features
- 50x AI-powered super zoom capabilities
The camera setup represents the biggest upgrade over the Edge 70 Pro, giving the Pro+ model a clear advantage in zoom photography and detailed portraits. This focus on imaging could appeal to users who prioritize camera quality over raw processing power.
Design-wise, Motorola is offering three Pantone color options with premium finishes: Chicory Coffee with sculpted wood texture, Stormy Sea with twill-inspired pattern, and Zinfandel with satin-luxe coating. An additional button on the left side hints at possible shortcut functionality, though Motorola hasn’t revealed its purpose yet.
The Edge 70 Pro+ represents Motorola’s attempt to compete in the crowded upper mid-range segment, where camera quality and design often matter more than benchmark scores. For users upgrading from older Motorola devices, the camera improvements and premium materials could justify the higher price despite the chipset compromise.
With the launch just days away, we’ll soon learn whether Motorola’s bet on cameras over pure performance resonates with buyers in this competitive price segment.