Smartphone Comparison: Apple iPhone 12 vs. Motorola Edge 30 Pro
1. Specifications Comparison
| Feature | Apple iPhone 12 | Motorola Edge 30 Pro | Practical Impact |
|---|---|---|---|
| Design | |||
| Dimensions | 146.7 × 71.5 × 7.4 mm | 163.1 × 76 × 8.8 mm | Edge 30 Pro is larger and may be less comfortable for one-handed use. |
| Weight | 164g | 196g | iPhone 12 is noticeably lighter, improving portability and comfort during prolonged use. |
| Display | |||
| Size | 6.1" | 6.7" | Edge 30 Pro provides a more immersive viewing experience for media consumption and gaming. |
| Resolution | 1170x2532 | 1080x2400 | iPhone 12 has slightly sharper text and images due to higher pixel density. |
| Pixel Density (PPI) | 460 | 393 | iPhone 12 offers a visibly crisper display, especially noticeable for reading and detailed graphics. |
| Refresh Rate | 60Hz | 144Hz | Edge 30 Pro offers significantly smoother scrolling, animations, and gaming visuals. |
| Brightness | 1200 nits | 0 nits | iPhone 12's screen is much more readable in direct sunlight. Motorola Edge 30 Pro brightness is unknown and may affect outdoor visibility. |
| Performance | |||
| Chipset | Apple A14 Bionic (5 nm) | Qualcomm Snapdragon 8 Gen 1 (4 nm) | Both offer flagship-level performance for demanding tasks and gaming. |
| AnTuTu Score | 1,083,947 | 1,061,400 | Comparable performance for everyday use and demanding applications. |
| RAM | 4 GB | 8 GB or 12 GB | Edge 30 Pro allows smoother multitasking, especially with numerous apps open or running memory-intensive applications. |
| Camera | |||
| Main Camera | 12MP, f/1.6 | 50MP, f/1.8 | Edge 30 Pro's higher resolution allows for more detailed photos and greater flexibility in cropping. iPhone 12's wider aperture allows more light to enter, improving low-light performance. |
| Ultrawide Camera | 12MP, f/2.4 | 50MP, f/2.2 | iPhone 12 provides ultra wide angle lens capabilities that Motorola Edge 30 Pro doesn't have. |
| Selfie Camera | 12MP, f/2.2 | 60MP, f/2.2 | Edge 30 Pro captures more detailed selfies with higher resolution sensor. |
| Video Recording | Up to 4K@60fps | Up to 8K@30fps | Edge 30 Pro enables recording in 8K, which is suitable for professional use and future-proofing. |
| DXOMark (Mobile) | 117 | 101 | iPhone 12 has superior overall camera performance according to DXOMark, particularly in photo and video quality. |
| Battery | |||
| Capacity | 2815mAh | 4800mAh | Edge 30 Pro should provide significantly longer battery life, reducing the need for frequent charging. |
| Charging | 20W wired, 15W wireless (MagSafe), 7.5W (Qi) | 68W wired, 15W wireless, 5W reverse wireless | Edge 30 Pro charges much faster, minimizing downtime. The reverse wireless charging can be used to charge accessories. |
| Software | |||
| OS | iOS 14.1 | Android 12 | iOS offers tight ecosystem integration, while Android provides greater customization options. |
| Connectivity | |||
| Wi-Fi | Wi-Fi 6 | Wi-Fi 6 | Similar Wi-Fi capabilities. |
| Bluetooth | 5.1 | 5.2 | Edge 30 Pro has a slightly newer Bluetooth version, potentially offering improved efficiency and range. Supports more audio codecs. |
| SIM | Nano SIM + eSIM | Dual Nano SIM | iPhone 12 offers eSIM support for convenient carrier switching. |
| Storage | |||
| Internal | 64/128/256 GB | 128/256/512 GB | Edge 30 Pro offers larger storage options, especially beneficial for users with extensive media libraries. |
| Expandable | No | No | Neither phone allows for expandable storage, so choosing the right internal storage option is crucial. |
| Security | |||
| Biometrics | Face ID | Side-mounted Fingerprint Sensor | Edge 30 Pro has a fingerprint sensor |
2. Key Differences Analysis
Apple iPhone 12 Advantages:
- More Compact and Lighter: Easier to handle and carry.
- Sharper Display: Higher pixel density offers a crisper viewing experience.
- Superior Camera Performance (DXOMark): Better photo and video quality overall.
- MagSafe: Convenient wireless charging and accessory ecosystem.
- eSIM Support: Flexibility for carrier switching.
Motorola Edge 30 Pro Advantages:
- Larger Display: More immersive viewing experience.
- Higher Refresh Rate (144Hz): Smoother scrolling and animations.
- Larger Battery: Longer battery life.
- Faster Charging: Significantly quicker charging times.
- Higher Resolution Selfie Camera: More detailed selfies.
- 8K Video Recording: Future-proof video capabilities.
- More RAM: Better multitasking performance.
- Fingerprint Sensor: Alternative biometric security option.
- Reverse Wireless Charging: Charge other devices wirelessly.
- Larger Maximum Storage: more space for files, photos, and videos.
Trade-offs:
- iPhone 12: Smaller screen and battery, slower charging, less RAM, and lower resolution cameras compared to the Edge 30 Pro.
- Edge 30 Pro: Larger and heavier, lower pixel density display, unconfirmed screen brightness may affect outdoor visibility, and lower DXOMark camera scores compared to the iPhone 12.
3. User Profiles & Recommendations
- Apple iPhone 12:
- Ideal User: Users deeply integrated into the Apple ecosystem, those who value a compact and lightweight phone with a high-quality camera, and those who prefer iOS.
- Use Cases:
- Everyday photography and videography, particularly in well-lit conditions.
- Users who prioritize portability and one-handed use.
- Seamless integration with other Apple devices.
- Motorola Edge 30 Pro:
- Ideal User: Gamers, media consumers, and power users who prioritize a large, smooth display, long battery life, and fast charging.
- Use Cases:
- Gaming: High refresh rate display and ample RAM for smooth gameplay.
- Video Streaming: Large display and long battery life for extended viewing sessions.
- Photography and Videography: Versatile camera system with high-resolution selfie camera and 8K video recording.
4. Decision Framework
Consider these questions before making a decision:
- What is your preferred operating system (iOS vs. Android)? This is a fundamental choice that impacts the entire user experience.
- How important is battery life and charging speed to you? If you need all-day battery and quick top-ups, the Edge 30 Pro is the better choice.
- Do you prioritize camera quality (photo and video) or a smoother display and larger screen? The iPhone 12 has better DXOMark scores but the Edge 30 Pro has a better refresh rate and larger screen.
Scenario-Based Recommendations:
- Photography Enthusiast: If you prioritize camera quality and are heavily invested in the Apple ecosystem, the iPhone 12 is a solid choice.
- Gamer/Media Consumer: If you value a large, smooth display and long battery life for gaming and video streaming, the Edge 30 Pro is a better fit.
- Budget-Conscious Buyer: Consider the price differences and whether the extra features of the Edge 30 Pro justify the cost.
My Choice
If I were choosing between these two phones, I would lean towards the Motorola Edge 30 Pro. While the iPhone 12 has a slightly sharper display and a better camera according to DXOMark, the Edge 30 Pro offers a more compelling package for my personal needs. I value the larger and smoother 144Hz display for gaming and media consumption. The significantly larger battery and much faster charging are also big advantages for my usage patterns. While the camera might not be quite as good as the iPhone 12's, the 8K video recording and high-resolution selfie camera are still very appealing.
