Okay, let's dive deep into this comparison between the Motorola Edge 20 Pro and the Apple iPhone 16 Plus. It’s a fascinating matchup, pitting a capable Android device from a couple of years ago against Apple's latest and greatest. Here’s a structured breakdown to help you navigate the nuances.
1. Specifications Breakdown
| Feature | Motorola Edge 20 Pro | Apple iPhone 16 Plus | Real-World Implications |
|---|---|---|---|
| Design | |||
| Dimensions | 163 × 76 × 8 mm | 160.9 × 77.8 × 7.8 mm | Edge 20 Pro is taller but slightly thinner, iPhone 16 Plus is wider. Not a huge difference in handling. |
| Weight | 190g | 199g | Edge 20 Pro is slightly lighter, which might be noticeable during prolonged use. |
| Foldable | Standard | Standard | Both are standard smartphones, not foldable. |
| Display | |||
| Size | 6.7" | 6.7" | Both have identical screen sizes. |
| Resolution | 1080x2400 | 1290x2796 | iPhone 16 Plus has significantly sharper text, images, and videos thanks to higher pixel count. |
| PPI | 385 | 460 | iPhone 16 Plus will look sharper with significantly higher pixel density. |
| Technology | OLED | OLED | Both offer vibrant colors and deep blacks. |
| Refresh Rate | 144Hz | 60Hz | Edge 20 Pro has much smoother animations and scrolling, great for gaming and browsing. |
| Brightness | 0 nits | 2000 nits | iPhone 16 Plus is much better for outdoor visibility under direct sunlight. |
| Performance | |||
| Chipset | Snapdragon 870 5G (7nm) | Apple A18 (3nm) | iPhone 16 Plus has a much more powerful and efficient processor, leading to snappier overall performance. |
| Antutu Score | 813,800 | 1,753,018 | iPhone 16 Plus offers noticeably faster app loading and smoother multitasking. |
| GPU | Adreno 650 (Qualcomm) | Apple GPU (5-core) | iPhone 16 Plus’s GPU excels in graphics-intensive tasks and gaming. |
| Battery Life | |||
| Capacity | 4500 mAh | 4674 mAh | Similar capacity, both should offer a full day of usage for most users. |
| Charging | 30W fast charging | 25W fast charging | Edge 20 Pro charges slightly faster, but the difference may not be very noticeable. |
| Features | Reverse charging | 25W Wireless Charging | Edge 20 Pro can charge other devices, while iPhone 16 Plus has wireless charging capability. |
| Camera | |||
| Standard Camera | 108MP (f/1.9, 1/1.52", 0.7µm) | 48MP (f/1.6, 1/1.3", 1.0µm) | Edge 20 Pro has more megapixels, but the iPhone 16 Plus has a larger sensor and wider aperture for better low-light photos. |
| Selfie Camera | 32MP (f/2.3, 0.7µm) | 12MP (f/1.9) | Edge 20 Pro has a higher resolution selfie camera, while iPhone has wider aperture for better low light pictures |
| Telephoto Lens | 8MP (f/3.4) | None | Edge 20 Pro offers optical zoom capability, which is absent in iPhone 16 Plus. |
| Wide Angle + Macro | 16MP (f/2.2) | 12MP (f/2.2, 1/2.55", 1.4µm) | Edge 20 Pro has a slightly higher resolution wide-angle lens but smaller sensor. |
| Video | 8K@24fps with EIS, 4K@60fps with EIS, 1080p@960fps with EIS | 4K@60fps with HDR, 1080p@240fps with HDR | Edge 20 Pro records up to 8K video and faster slow motion (960fps), while iPhone 16 Plus offers 4K HDR recording with stabilization. |
| Software | |||
| OS | Android 11 | iOS 18 | Different ecosystems, will have a significant impact on app experience and user familiarity. |
| Connectivity | |||
| Wi-Fi | Wi-Fi 6 | Wi-Fi 6E | iPhone 16 Plus has faster and more reliable Wi-Fi. |
| Bluetooth | 5.1 | 5.3 | iPhone 16 Plus has a newer and more efficient standard. |
| GPS | GPS, A-GPS, GLONASS, Beidou, Galileo, GPS (L1+L5), GLONASS (L1), BeiDou (B1), Galileo (E1+E5a), BeiDou (B2) | GPS, A-GPS, GLONASS, Beidou, QZSS, Galileo, BeiDou (B1), NavIC System | Similar location capabilities. |
| SIM | Dual Nano SIM | Dual Nano SIM + eSIM | iPhone 16 Plus offers eSIM for digital carrier switching. |
| Storage | |||
| Internal | 128/256 GB | 128/256/512 GB | iPhone 16 Plus has a higher maximum storage option (512GB). |
| RAM | 12 GB | 8 GB | Edge 20 Pro has higher RAM for multitasking, but iPhone 16 Plus has better memory management. |
| Expandable Storage | No | No | Neither device allows for expandable storage. |
| Audio | Basic Audio | Dolby Atmos, Noise cancellation microphone, Stereo Speakers, 3 microphones | iPhone 16 Plus has much better audio quality and advanced features. |
| Security | side-mounted fingerprint sensor | Basic Security Features | Edge 20 Pro includes a convenient fingerprint sensor for secure and easy access. |
| Build Quality | Corning Gorilla Glass 5 | Unknown | Edge 20 Pro uses superior screen protection |
| Sensors | Biometric: Fingerprint; Proximity: Proximity; Motion: Accelerometer, Compass, Gyroscope | Proximity: Proximity; Motion: Accelerometer, Compass, Gyroscope; Environmental: Barometer | iPhone 16 Plus has a barometer while Edge 20 Pro has a fingerprint sensor. |
2. Key Insights
Motorola Edge 20 Pro:
- Strengths:
- High Refresh Rate Display: The 144Hz refresh rate provides an exceptionally smooth visual experience, ideal for gamers and those who value fluid animations.
- Versatile Camera System: Includes a telephoto lens for optical zoom, which the iPhone 16 Plus lacks.
- Faster Charging: 30W charging is slightly faster than 25W in iPhone 16 Plus
- Higher RAM: 12 GB is more than 8 GB in iPhone 16 Plus, useful for multitasking and demanding games
- Reverse Charging: Can charge other devices.
- Competitive Advantages:
- Offers a more affordable entry point with very competitive performance for most users.
- The high refresh rate screen and versatile camera system cater to those who prioritize gaming and photography features.
- Limitations:
- Significantly less powerful chipset compared to iPhone 16 Plus.
- Lower pixel density and brightness, especially in outdoor conditions.
- Older OS (Android 11) and therefore outdated software and security updates.
Apple iPhone 16 Plus:
- Strengths:
- Superior Performance: The A18 chip offers class-leading speed and efficiency.
- High-Quality Display: Sharper, brighter, and more vibrant screen with higher resolution and brightness.
- Excellent Camera Quality: Despite fewer megapixels, it captures better photos with larger pixels and sensor, and better low light pictures.
- Advanced Software and Ecosystem: Benefits from the latest features of iOS 18 and strong integration with Apple's ecosystem.
- Improved Audio Quality: Dolby Atmos, Noise cancellation microphone, Stereo Speakers, 3 microphones provide an enhanced audio experience
- More Storage Options: 512 GB top variant offers more storage
- Competitive Advantages:
- The overall experience is more polished and refined, with faster processing speeds and better camera performance.
- The iOS ecosystem provides seamless integration across other Apple devices and is known for its ease of use and app quality.
- Limitations:
- Significantly more expensive compared to Motorola Edge 20 Pro.
- Does not have the same refresh rate as Motorola Edge 20 Pro, and the 60Hz display might not feel as smooth.
- No telephoto lens, less video recording options, slower charging, no fingerprint sensor
3. User Profiles and Recommendations
Motorola Edge 20 Pro:
- Ideal User: Gamers, users who prioritize screen smoothness and want a versatile camera system at a lower price, Android enthusiasts who want a good Android device for a better price.
- Use Cases: Mobile gaming, media consumption, users who value optical zoom, casual photographers, everyday users who need a dependable device.
Apple iPhone 16 Plus:
- Ideal User: Professionals, power users, those deeply invested in Apple's ecosystem, and anyone who wants the best overall performance and camera quality.
- Use Cases: Professional photography and videography, content creation, demanding mobile tasks, users who want seamless Apple ecosystem integration.
4. Buying Decision Framework
Here are three crucial questions to help you decide:
- Budget: Are you price-sensitive, or are you willing to pay a premium for the best possible performance and user experience?
- Ecosystem Preference: Are you already heavily invested in the Apple ecosystem, or do you prefer the flexibility of Android?
- Usage Priorities: Do you prioritize gaming and high refresh rates, or are you more concerned with camera quality and overall performance?
Scenario-Based Recommendations:
- Gaming & Media Enthusiast (Price-Sensitive): Go for the Motorola Edge 20 Pro. The high refresh rate screen and decent performance offer a great gaming and media experience.
- Professional User (Performance is Key): Choose the Apple iPhone 16 Plus. The processing power and excellent camera will make your workflow smoother and enhance your productivity.
- Casual User (Balanced Experience): Consider the Motorola Edge 20 Pro if price is a primary concern. The iPhone 16 Plus provides the best of everything, but it comes at a higher cost.
My Choice
If I had to choose, I'd go with the Apple iPhone 16 Plus. Here's why:
While the Motorola Edge 20 Pro is a solid performer, especially for its age and price, the iPhone 16 Plus represents a leap forward in overall technology and user experience. The vastly superior processor (Apple A18 vs Snapdragon 870), the higher quality display, and the better camera performance would make a significant difference in my daily usage. Yes, I would miss the telephoto lens and higher refresh rate of the Edge 20 Pro, but the gains in processing power, image quality, and software experience more than make up for it.
As someone who uses their phone for both work and play, the iPhone 16 Plus’s processing power and software stability give it the edge, making it the best option for my needs. Its ecosystem integration and better software updates are also big pluses for a long-term, future-proof device, especially when compared to a device from 2021, even if that one is cheaper. While the Edge 20 Pro might be tempting due to its price, I value the long-term support and better performance of Apple's flagship model. The 16 Plus offers a balance of features and performance that better aligns with my needs and expectations, even if it comes at a premium price.
