Alright, let's break down the Honor 50 and the Motorola Edge 20. These two mid-range contenders from 2021 offer similar specs but cater to slightly different needs. Let's see where they shine and where they fall short.
1. Specifications Breakdown
Here's a detailed comparison to give you a clear picture of what each phone brings to the table:
| Feature | Honor 50 | Motorola Edge 20 | Real-World Implications |
|---|---|---|---|
| Design | |||
| Dimensions | 160 x 73.8 x 7.8 mm, 175g | 163 x 76 x 7 mm, 163g | Edge 20 is taller and wider, but thinner and lighter. Honor 50 is more compact. |
| Build Material | Unknown | Corning Gorilla Glass 3 | Edge 20 offers better screen protection against scratches and minor impacts. |
| Display | |||
| Size | 6.57" | 6.7" | Slightly larger screen on Edge 20 offers a more immersive viewing experience. |
| Resolution | 1080x2340 | 1080x2400 | Both are sharp; the difference is negligible. |
| Refresh Rate | 120Hz | 144Hz | Edge 20 offers slightly smoother scrolling and animations. |
| Technology | OLED | OLED | Vibrant colors and deep blacks on both devices. |
| Performance | |||
| Chipset | Snapdragon 778G 5G | Snapdragon 778G 5G | Both offer snappy performance for everyday tasks and gaming. |
| AnTuTu Score | 582,766 | 589,200 | Virtually identical performance scores. |
| GPU | Adreno 642L | Adreno 642L | Similar gaming performance. |
| RAM | 6/8/12 GB | 6/8 GB | Honor 50 has a 12 GB RAM option for serious multitaskers. |
| Camera | |||
| Main Camera | 108MP, f/1.9 | 108MP, f/1.9 | Similar high-resolution photography. |
| Ultrawide | 8MP, f/2.2 | 16MP (Wide Angle + Macro), f/2.2 | Honor 50 has a dedicated ultrawide lens, whereas Edge 20 merges it with macro |
| Telephoto | None | 8MP Telephoto, f/2.4 | Motorola Edge 20 features a telephoto lens. |
| Other Cameras | 2MP Depth, 2MP Macro | None | Honor 50 includes dedicated macro and depth sensors. |
| Selfie Camera | 32MP, f/2.2 | 32MP, f/2.3 | Both offer high-resolution selfies; Honor 50 has a slightly wider aperture |
| Video | Up to 4K@30fps | Up to 4K@30fps, Slow-mo 960fps | Both can record 4K video; Motorola Edge 20 has more impressive slow-motion capabilities. |
| Battery Life | |||
| Capacity | 4300mAh | 4020mAh | Honor 50 might offer slightly longer battery life. |
| Charging | 66W Fast Charging | 30W Fast Charging | Honor 50 charges much faster. |
| Software | |||
| OS | Android 11 | Android 11, upgradeable to 12 | Edge 20 offers potential for future updates. |
| Other | |||
| Audio Quality | Hi-Res Audio | Basic | Honor 50 delivers better audio fidelity. |
| Security | Basic Fingerprint Sensor | Side-Mounted Fingerprint Sensor | Edge 20 has side-mounted fingerprint sensor, which is more convenient |
| GPS | GPS (L1+L5), BeiDou (B1), A-GPS, GLONASS, Beidou | GPS, A-GPS, GLONASS, Beidou, Galileo | Honor 50 has higher GPS accuracy |
2. Key Insights
Honor 50:
- Strengths: Faster charging, slightly larger battery, potentially better audio quality with Hi-Res Audio, GPS accuracy, a more compact design.
- Competitive Advantages: Excellent charging speed is a huge plus for those constantly on the go.
- Trade-offs: Older Android version, unknown screen protection.
Motorola Edge 20:
- Strengths: Thinner and lighter, larger display, slightly smoother refresh rate (144Hz), telephoto lens for better zoom capabilities, more advanced side-mounted fingerprint sensor.
- Competitive Advantages: The 144Hz display provides a slicker visual experience. Telephoto lens enables creative photography.
- Trade-offs: Slower charging, smaller battery capacity.
3. User Profiles and Recommendations
- Honor 50: Best for users who prioritize fast charging, a more compact design, and potentially better audio, and GPS accuracy. Ideal for those who frequently need to top up their battery quickly.
- Motorola Edge 20: Suited for users who value a larger, smoother display, a thinner and lighter design, and the versatility of a telephoto lens. A good choice for media consumption and photography enthusiasts.
4. Buying Decision Framework
Here are three practical questions to guide your decision:
- How important is fast charging to you? If you can't stand waiting for your phone to charge, the Honor 50 is the clear winner.
- Do you value a telephoto lens for zoomed photography? The Motorola Edge 20 offers this feature, which is absent on the Honor 50.
- Do you prefer a more compact phone or a larger display? The Honor 50 is more pocketable, while the Edge 20 offers a larger viewing area.
Scenario-Based Recommendations:
- Travel Photographer: The Motorola Edge 20's telephoto lens provides added versatility for capturing distant subjects.
- Busy Professional: The Honor 50's lightning-fast charging ensures you're always ready to go.
- Multimedia Enthusiast: The Motorola Edge 20's larger, smoother display enhances the viewing experience.
My Choice
Personally, I would lean towards the Motorola Edge 20. While I appreciate fast charging, the combination of a larger, smoother (144Hz) display and the inclusion of a telephoto lens makes it a more appealing package for my usage. As a photographer, having that extra reach with the telephoto lens is incredibly valuable. I can deal with slightly slower charging, especially since I tend to charge my phone overnight. Also, the side-mounted fingerprint scanner is something I prefer, as it is really practical.
Ultimately, the best choice depends on your individual priorities. Consider how you use your phone daily and weigh the pros and cons accordingly!
