TechPulse: Motorola Moto Edge 70 triumphs as mid-range phone of 2025, Nothing Phone (3a) follows closely

For years, the “mid-range” was the land of compromise. You bought a mid-tier phone because you had to, not because you wanted to. You accepted plastic frames, dim screens, and cameras that crumbled the moment the sun went down.

But as we close out 2025, that narrative has been unceremoniously buried. This year, the gap between “Pro” and “Mid” didn’t just shrink—it collapsed. Driven by the democratization of silicon-carbon battery tech and the arrival of high-efficiency 4nm chips, the mid-range segment is now where the most exciting engineering is happening.

After a year of rigorous testing, we’ve identified the two devices that define this era of “affordable excellence.”

You can also watch the video here!

Mid-Ranger of the Year: Motorola Moto Edge 70

ET Online

The Verdict: A Masterclass in Refined Engineering
The Motorola Moto Edge 70 isn’t just a great mid-range phone; it is a mechanical marvel that challenges the very physics of smartphone design. Motorola has managed to strip away the bulk without sacrificing the soul of the device.

The Design Perspective:
At an impossibly thin 5.99mm, the Edge 70 feels weightless. Motorola utilized a nylon-inspired silicone finish paired with an aircraft-grade aluminum frame, giving it a tactile, premium grip that feels warmer and more sophisticated than cold glass.Rugged Elegance:
Usually, “thin” means “fragile.” Not here. The Edge 70 is a survivor, boasting a dual IP68/IP69 rating. This means it doesn’t just survive a dunk in the pool; it can withstand high-pressure, high-temperature water jets. Combined with MIL-STD-810H certification, it’s a runway model built for a battlefield.The Display & Power:
The 6.7-inch 1.5K pOLED panel is a highlight, hitting a blinding 4,500 nits peak brightness. Under the hood, the Snapdragon 7 Gen 4 provides a “Goldilocks” level of performance—smooth enough for heavy multitasking on Android 16 but efficient enough to keep the device cool.

Battery Revolution:
The real star is the silicon-carbon battery. By moving away from traditional graphite anodes, Motorola crammed a 5,000mAh cell into a 6mm chassis. It’s a “two-day” phone that looks like a credit card.

Runner-Up: Nothing Phone (3a)

ET Online

The Verdict: The Soulful Alternative
If the Motorola is a feat of precision engineering, the Nothing Phone (3a) is a triumph of character. It remains the best choice for the “tech-aesthetic” enthusiast who wants their phone to be a conversation starter.

Software-First Innovation:
The Phone (3a) introduces the “Essential Key”—a dedicated physical button that acts as a portal to Essential Space. This AI-driven hub (running on Nothing OS 4.0) automatically organizes your digital life, from voice memos to smart reminders, making the UI feel like a proactive personal assistant.

Optical Versatility:
Nothing broke the mid-range curse of “filler” lenses by including a 50MP Telephoto lens with 2x optical zoom. While the primary 50MP sensor (OIS) handles the heavy lifting, the telephoto adds a layer of portrait-grade depth that is rare at this price point.

The Glyph Matured:
The signature transparent back now features 26 addressable Glyph zones, moving beyond “cool lights” into a genuine utility for timers, volume tracking, and notification filtering.

The Perspective:
Running on the Snapdragon 7s Gen 3, the Phone (3a) focuses on “efficiency-first” performance. It’s not the fastest in benchmarks, but in the hand, the symmetry of the bezels and the fluidity of the animations make it feel like a cohesive, artistic whole.

The Bottom Line:
It misses the top spot only because it can’t quite match the Moto’s extreme durability and razor-thin footprint. But for those who value software “soul” and unique design, the Phone (3a) is an unbeatable value.