Smartphone Comparison: Apple iPhone 11 Pro Max vs. Motorola Edge 30
1. Specifications Comparison
| Feature | Apple iPhone 11 Pro Max | Motorola Edge 30 | Practical Impact |
|---|---|---|---|
| Design | |||
| Dimensions | 158 x 77.8 x 8.1 mm | 159.4 x 74.2 x 6.8 mm | The Motorola is slightly taller but narrower and noticeably thinner, leading to a more modern and easier to hold feel, especially in one hand. The iPhone 11 Pro Max has larger overall volume. |
| Weight | 226g | 155g | The Motorola is significantly lighter (71g), making it more comfortable to hold for extended periods. The iPhone 11 Pro Max can feel heavier over time. |
| Display | |||
| Size | 6.5" | 6.5" | Both have the same screen size. |
| Resolution | 1242 x 2688 | 1080 x 2400 | The iPhone has a higher resolution, resulting in sharper text and images, making it better for reading and detailed content. |
| Pixel Density | 458 ppi | 405 ppi | The iPhone's higher pixel density will result in a noticeably crisper and more detailed display. |
| Technology | OLED | AMOLED | Similar display technologies, both offering good contrast and vibrant colors. |
| Refresh Rate | 60Hz | 144Hz | The Motorola's 144Hz refresh rate offers much smoother scrolling and animations, making the phone feel more responsive, particularly for gaming. |
| Brightness | 1200 nits | 0 nits | The iPhone has a much brighter screen, making it significantly easier to view in direct sunlight. The Motorola's brightness specification is missing. |
| Performance | |||
| Chipset | Apple A13 Bionic | Snapdragon 778G+ 5G | The iPhone's A13 chip provides better performance in benchmarks, although the Snapdragon is a capable processor for everyday tasks and gaming. |
| AnTuTu Score | 916,151 | 609,900 | The iPhone scores higher, suggesting better performance in demanding tasks such as gaming and video editing. The iPhone is a more powerful device overall. |
| GPU | Apple GPU (4-core) | Adreno 642L | Different GPU configurations, both are suitable for gaming but the iPhone's GPU performance is likely higher, as per the overall performance. |
| Camera | |||
| Standard Camera | 12MP f/1.8, 1/2.55", 1.4µm | 50MP f/1.8, 1/1.55", 1.0µm | The Motorola's standard camera has a higher resolution and a larger sensor, which means it will capture more detail and perform better in low light, even though the pixel size is smaller. |
| Telephoto/Portrait | 12MP f/2.0 | None | The iPhone has a dedicated telephoto lens which allows for optical zoom and better portrait photos. |
| Selfie Camera | 12MP | 32MP f/2.25, 1/3.14", 0.7µm | The Motorola's selfie camera has a higher resolution, potentially offering more detailed selfies. |
| Wide Angle Lens | 12MP f/2.4 | None | The iPhone has a dedicated wide angle lens, allowing for capturing more of a scene in one frame. |
| Depth Sensor | None | 2MP f/2.4, 1.75µm | The Motorola has a depth sensor for better portrait mode with accurate background blur, something the iPhone handles via software. |
| Wide/Macro | None | 50MP f/2.2, 1/2.76", 0.64µm | The Motorola offers a dedicated lens for both ultrawide and macro shots, allowing for more versatility in photography. |
| Video Recording | Up to 4K@60fps | Up to 4K@30fps | Both offer 4k recording but the iPhone has a higher frame rate option, useful for smoother slow-motion shots. Both have EIS for stabilization. |
| DxoMark Scores | Mobile: 122, Selfie: 122 | Not tested | The iPhone's camera has been tested by DxOMark and shows strong scores, while the Motorola's camera lacks comparable data. |
| Battery | |||
| Capacity | 3969mAh | 4020mAh | Both have similar battery capacity and offer comparable battery life, though real-world usage will affect this. |
| Charging | 18W Fast Charge | 33W Fast Charge | The Motorola charges much faster than the iPhone, allowing it to be topped up quicker. |
| Features | Wireless Charging, Fast Charge | Non-removable | The iPhone has wireless charging and reverse wireless charging, providing convenience. The Motorola does not support wireless charging. |
| Software | |||
| OS | iOS 13 up to 18 | Android 12 up to 13 | Different operating systems, each providing different user experience (iOS more streamlined and Android more customizable). |
| Connectivity | |||
| WiFi | WiFi 6 | WiFi 6, Direct, Display, MiMO | Both have modern WiFi capabilities, but the Motorola has additional features for advanced connectivity. |
| Bluetooth | 5.0 LE, A2DP | 5.2 LE, A2DP, APT-x, LDAC, SBC, AAC | The Motorola uses newer Bluetooth standards and supports more audio codecs for improved audio quality. |
| GPS | GPS, A-GPS, GLONASS, QZSS, Galileo | GPS, A-GPS, GLONASS, Beidou, Galileo | Both have multiple GPS systems for location accuracy but use different systems. |
| SIM | Dual SIM, eSIM | Dual SIM | The iPhone offers an eSIM which can be convenient for travel and multiple carrier use. |
| Storage | |||
| Internal | 64, 256, 512 GB | 128, 256 GB | The iPhone has a 512GB storage option, useful for those storing lots of large media files. Both don't offer expandable storage. |
| RAM | 4 GB | 6, 8 GB | Motorola has more RAM for better multitasking. |
| Expandable | No | No | Neither phone supports expandable storage. |
| Audio | |||
| Audio Quality | Dolby Atmos, Noise Cancellation, Stereo Speakers | Dolby Atmos, Stereo Speakers, 2 Microphones | Both offer Dolby Atmos and stereo speakers, the iPhone has a dedicated noise cancellation microphone. |
| Security | |||
| Security Features | Basic | Fingerprint Sensor | The Motorola provides basic biometrics with a fingerprint sensor. |
| Build Quality | |||
| Screen Protection | Unknown | Gorilla Glass 3 | Motorola offers Gorilla Glass protection for added screen durability. |
| Sensors | |||
| Sensors | Proximity, Accelerometer, Compass, Gyroscope, Barometer | Proximity, Accelerometer, Compass, Gyroscope, Fingerprint | The Motorola includes a Fingerprint sensor for authentication, while the iPhone has a barometer for tracking changes in altitude. |
2. Key Differences Analysis
Apple iPhone 11 Pro Max Advantages:
- Superior Display Clarity: Higher resolution and pixel density for a sharper viewing experience.
- Higher Brightness: Significantly better outdoor visibility, particularly in sunlight.
- More Powerful Performance: The Apple A13 Bionic chip offers better performance for demanding tasks and gaming.
- Telephoto Lens: Provides optical zoom capabilities and improved portrait photography.
- Wide-Angle Lens: Allows for capturing more of a scene in a single shot.
- Wireless Charging: Offers convenient charging options and reverse wireless charging.
- eSIM Support: Allows for easy switching between carriers.
- Established Ecosystem: Access to the Apple ecosystem and app store.
- Better Video Quality Supports higher FPS for smoother slow motion recording.
Motorola Edge 30 Advantages:
- Lighter and Thinner Design: More comfortable to hold and pocket.
- Smoother Display: 144Hz refresh rate provides a fluid and responsive experience.
- Faster Charging: 33W charging significantly reduces the time needed to charge the battery.
- Higher Resolution Standard and Selfie Cameras: Offers more detail in images.
- Dedicated Wide/Macro Lens: Enhances photo versatility with ultrawide and macro capabilities.
- Portrait Depth Camera: Allows for enhanced portrait mode with background blur.
- Fingerprint Sensor: Convenient biometric security for faster unlocking.
- More RAM: Better for multitasking and gaming.
- More Modern Bluetooth Supports more audio codecs for improved audio quality.
- More Modern OS: Android 12 (can be upgraded) versus iOS 13 (up to 18)
Trade-offs:
- The iPhone sacrifices the higher refresh rate and lighter design for superior screen resolution, brightness, and overall performance.
- The Motorola has a newer OS, and more versatility in camera setups, it sacrifices the raw processing power and peak display quality of the iPhone.
- The Motorola provides fast charging and more versatility in camera setups and sacrifices wireless charging and an established ecosystem.
3. User Profiles & Recommendations
Ideal User for Apple iPhone 11 Pro Max:
- Content Creators: Professionals who need a high-quality screen for editing and a powerful processor for demanding tasks such as video editing.
- Outdoor Users: Individuals who need a screen that is easily visible under direct sunlight.
- Photography Enthusiasts: Those who want a reliable camera with features like optical zoom and a wide-angle lens.
- iOS Ecosystem Users: People deeply invested in the Apple ecosystem and prefer its streamlined user interface.
- Users that prefer a mature device Even though the device is older, its consistent track record for software and hardware quality makes it a solid choice for users that seek reliability.
Ideal User for Motorola Edge 30:
- Gamers: Those who want a smoother display with a 144Hz refresh rate and more RAM for better performance.
- Photography Enthusiasts: Those that want a phone that provides versatile photography capabilities with ultrawide, macro, and portrait modes.
- Value Seekers: Individuals looking for a feature-rich phone at a potentially lower price point.
- Android Enthusiasts: People who prefer the flexibility and customization options that Android provides.
- Users that prefer a thinner and lighter device: For those that like to use their phone single handedly and prefer a less bulky device.
Specific Use Cases:
- iPhone 11 Pro Max: Photo and video editing, outdoor photography, professional content creation, smooth app experience.
- Motorola Edge 30: Mobile gaming, social media, diverse photography with macro and wide-angle features, smooth scrolling and animations.
4. Decision Framework
Key Questions for Buyers:
- Display Priority: Do you value a super sharp screen with high brightness (iPhone) or a smoother display with a higher refresh rate (Motorola)?
- Performance Needs: Do you need the most powerful performance for demanding tasks (iPhone) or is a mid-range chipset sufficient for your needs (Motorola)?
- Camera Versatility: Do you prefer a telephoto lens for zoom and portrait (iPhone) or a macro/ultrawide combo for versatile photography (Motorola)?
Scenario-Based Recommendations:
Scenario 1: Demanding User: If you are a heavy user, value high-end performance, and the highest screen brightness, the iPhone 11 Pro Max is the better choice despite being older.
Scenario 2: Gamer/Multimedia User: If you are a gamer or heavily use social media and multimedia and want a smooth display and a versatile camera at a potentially lower cost, the Motorola Edge 30 is the better choice.
Scenario 3: Value Conscious: If you want a good performance with a smooth display at a potentially better price point and don't need the most cutting-edge technology, the Motorola Edge 30 is the more balanced option.
My Choice
I would choose the Motorola Edge 30. Here's why:
While the iPhone 11 Pro Max excels in raw power, display brightness and overall image quality, the Motorola Edge 30 offers a more appealing package for my needs. The lighter and thinner design makes it easier to handle for extended periods. I value the 144Hz refresh rate, which provides a much smoother user experience. The versatility of the camera, with dedicated macro and ultrawide lenses, is also very appealing. The Motorola offers newer features such as a fingerprint sensor for convenient unlocking, and a more modern OS. While the raw performance and display brightness of the iPhone are tempting, the benefits of the Motorola's faster charging, lighter and more modern design, and a more versatile camera system are more relevant to my daily needs. The phone also provides a more modern Bluetooth connection, which provides better audio quality for my wireless earbuds. The price-to-value ratio of the Motorola is also more appealing. I value the advantages that the device provides more than the advantages of the iPhone.
