Motorola says Edge 50 Pro AI enhancements may result in camera lag issues, fix coming [U]

03.00 pm (IST): In addition to acknowledging the camera lag issue, a Moto Agent has also confirmed that Motorola is lining up camera improvements for the Edge 50 Pro that will not only fix the lag, but also address the overheating resulting from camera lag. The update will also aim to improve 4K video playback in a bid to fix the issue with frame drops. However, there’s no known date for when these improvements will become available.

Original article (May 7) follows:

Motorola’s latest flagship, the Edge 50 Pro, launched last month with a focus on colors, materials, and a big push on AI features, particularly in the camera department. While the hardware appears promising, with a powerful main camera and a welcome addition of an ultrawide sensor with autofocus, early Edge 50 Pro adopters are reporting significant software issues resulting in shutter lag and other camera performance problems. Luckily, Motorola is already aware and looking into these issues, but there’s no word of when a fix will be released.

Let’s face it. AI is here to stay, and every smartphone maker wants in on the fun. However, the disconnect between Motorola Edge 50 Pro’s advertised features and real-world experience exposes a growing challenge in the smartphone industry: the tightrope walk of implementing AI enhancements without sacrificing core functionalities.

On paper, the Edge 50 Pro boasts an impressive camera system, headlined by a wide aperture main sensor. The ultrawide camera’s autofocus capabilities are commendable, a feature often missing in mid-range phones. However, forum and social media posts by Motorola Edge 50 Pro owners paint a different picture.

Common complaints by early Moto Edge 50 Pro adopters include sluggish camera app performance, shutter lag resulting in missed shots, and over-processed photos with inaccurate colors. Disappointingly, video recording seems to be the weakest link, with users reporting overheating, unstable footage, and significant frame rate drops.

One user goes into extensive detail, calling for specific improvements across the board. From autofocus issues to inconsistent HDR and a lack of dedicated night mode for the front camera, the user lays out a comprehensive list of problems. The sentiment is echoed by others who point out the stark contrast between Motorola’s marketing campaign touting a “great camera” and the reality of using it.

It’s possible some frustration may be related to the phone’s mid-range Snapdragon 7 Gen 3 processor compared to last year’s Edge 40 Pro. But the finger of blame falls heavily on the software side of things. A senior Motorola representative acknowledged the camera issues in a forum post, admitting that the “new AI enhancements may result in slower captures.” However, the post offered no guarantee of a fix, instead requesting users to submit sample photos and videos to aid in troubleshooting.

This response has left a bitter taste in the mouths of some long-time Motorola users, who feel the company has prioritized AI features at the expense of a functional camera experience. With the European price tag hovering around €700, the Edge 50 Pro faces stiff competition from players like Google Pixel 8 and Xiaomi 14.

The situation surrounding the Motorola Edge 50 Pro camera highlights the ongoing struggle to strike a balance between cutting-edge AI features and user experience. While AI has the potential to revolutionize smartphone photography, its implementation needs to be well-honed to avoid hindering basic functionalities. Motorola has an opportunity to turn things around by addressing the annoying camera lag and other software issues affecting the otherwise impressive Edge 50 Pro with prompt and effective updates.

Featured image: Motorola