Okay, let's dive deep into this comparison between the Motorola Edge 20 Pro and the Google Pixel 7. I'm going to put on my tech journalist hat and break this down in a way that's both technically accurate and easy to understand.
1. Specifications Breakdown
Here's a detailed look at the specs, along with what they actually mean for you, the user:
| Feature | Motorola Edge 20 Pro | Google Pixel 7 | Real-World Implications |
|---|---|---|---|
| Design | |||
| Dimensions | 163 × 76 × 8 mm | 155.6 × 73.2 × 8.7 mm | The Motorola is noticeably taller and wider but slimmer. The Pixel 7 is more compact and thicker. The difference in weight is minor. |
| Weight | 190g | 197g | Motorola is slightly lighter, could be noticeable in hand during long periods. |
| Display | |||
| Size | 6.7" | 6.3" | The Motorola provides a larger screen for more immersive media consumption. The Pixel 7 is more comfortable in a single hand use. |
| Resolution | 1080x2400 | 1080x2400 | Both have sharp displays; you won't see any pixelation. |
| PPI | 385 | 416 | Pixel 7 has a slightly sharper display. Minor difference in display sharpness. |
| Technology | OLED | AMOLED | Both use vibrant, high-contrast display tech. Essentially the same great experience. |
| Refresh Rate | 144Hz | 90Hz | The Motorola is significantly smoother when scrolling and gaming. The Pixel 7 is still smooth, but not quite as fluid. |
| Brightness | 0 nits | 1400 nits | Pixel 7 is much better for outdoor visibility, especially under bright sunlight. The Motorola is not great for outdoor use. |
| Performance | |||
| Chipset | Snapdragon 870 | Tensor G2 | Both provide a flagship level of performance; they handle everyday tasks with ease. The Tensor G2 is tailored for Google’s AI features. |
| Antutu Score | 813,800 | 827,033 | Both devices have nearly identical performance with only 2% difference. |
| GPU | Adreno 650 | Mali-G710 MP7 | Different chipsets, but the real-world experience is similar in graphical tasks. |
| Camera | |||
| Rear Main | 108MP, f/1.9 | 50MP, f/1.85 | Motorola boasts higher megapixel count; Pixel 7 has a larger sensor for better low-light performance. |
| Rear Sensor Size (Main) | 1/1.52" | 1/1.31" | The Pixel 7's larger sensor should lead to better low-light capabilities. |
| Selfie | 32MP, f/2.3 | 10.8MP, f/2.2 | The Motorola has a much higher resolution, but the Pixel has a larger sensor for better dynamic range. |
| Rear Cameras | Triple (telephoto, wide-macro) | Dual (Wide) | Motorola is more versatile with telephoto zoom. The Pixel has a dedicated ultra-wide lens. |
| Video (Main) | 8K@24, 4K@60, 1080@960 | 4K@60, 1080@240 | Motorola offers a higher video resolution and faster slow-mo recording. The Pixel features better stabilization and HDR recording. |
| Camera Score | N/A | 140 (DxOMark) | The Pixel 7 has been professionally tested and scored exceptionally well, demonstrating its photo and video prowess. The Motorola has not been professionally tested, making it hard to determine real performance. |
| Battery | |||
| Capacity | 4500mAh | 4355mAh | Both should offer similar all-day battery life; real-world usage will affect this more than the capacity. |
| Charging | 30W Fast | 20W Fast, 23W Wireless | Motorola offers faster wired charging. The Pixel 7 includes wireless charging and reverse wireless charging. |
| Software | |||
| OS | Android 11 | Android 13 | The Pixel 7 benefits from a more recent and updated OS and will continue to get faster updates. The Motorola is already two versions behind in OS. |
| Connectivity | |||
| WiFi | Wi-Fi 6, Wi-Fi MiMO | Wi-Fi 6 | Both devices support fast Wi-Fi standards. The Motorola additionally has Wi-Fi MiMO for faster download speeds. |
| Bluetooth | 5.1 | 5.2 | The Pixel 7 has a more updated Bluetooth version, though both offer similar audio codec support. |
| GPS | L1+L5+B1, B2+E1+E5a | L1+GLONASS+Beidou+QZSS+Galileo | Motorola supports more GPS frequencies, which can be more precise. |
| SIM | Dual SIM | Dual SIM (eSIM) | Pixel has eSIM support, which is useful for travelers. Motorola offers the possibility of using two physical SIMs simultaneously. |
| Storage & RAM | |||
| Internal Storage | 128GB/256GB | 128GB/256GB | Both offer ample storage. Neither offers expandable storage. |
| RAM | 12GB | 8GB | The Motorola should perform better in heavy multi-tasking scenarios due to more RAM. |
| Audio | |||
| Audio Quality | Basic | Stereo Speakers | Pixel 7 has more advanced audio features, making the sound richer and more immersive. |
| Security | |||
| Security Features | Side-mounted fingerprint sensor | Basic fingerprint sensor | Motorola fingerprint sensor is located on the side, while the Pixel has the traditional under-screen fingerprint. Both are fine to use. |
| Build Quality | |||
| Screen Protection | Gorilla Glass 5 | Gorilla Glass Victus | The Pixel 7 has superior screen protection with a more modern glass. |
| Sensors | |||
| Sensors | Accelerometer, Compass, Gyroscope | Accelerometer, Gyroscope, Magnetometer, Barometer | Pixel 7 offers additional sensors which may be used for other functions. |
2. Key Insights
Motorola Edge 20 Pro:
- Strengths:
- Display: Larger screen with a blazing-fast 144Hz refresh rate.
- Performance: Ample RAM for smooth multitasking and demanding apps.
- Camera: Versatile camera system with a telephoto lens and 8K video.
- Connectivity: Support for more GPS frequencies which can offer more precise location tracking.
- Charging: Faster wired charging at 30W.
- Trade-offs:
- Display Brightness: Poor outdoor visibility makes this a device difficult to use in broad daylight.
- Camera Quality: Lower quality sensors compared to the Pixel 7 may make the camera system have lower performance.
- Software: Ships with an older version of Android (Android 11) and likely to receive fewer updates compared to the Pixel 7.
- Audio: Basic sound features.
- No wireless charging: Lacks the convenience of wireless charging.
Google Pixel 7:
- Strengths:
- Display: Superior outdoor visibility with high peak brightness.
- Camera: Exceptional photo quality with the larger sensor, along with the latest software optimizations from Google.
- Software: Latest Android with the guarantee of timely updates.
- Battery: Includes wireless charging (and reverse wireless charging) for added convenience.
- Audio: Enhanced with stereo speakers.
- Build Quality: Better screen protection with Gorilla Glass Victus.
- Camera Performance: Professionally tested with great camera scores.
- Trade-offs:
- Display: Smaller screen and lower refresh rate compared to the Motorola.
- RAM: Less RAM which may hinder multi-tasking ability.
- Camera: No telephoto lens for optical zoom functionality.
- Charging: Slower wired charging speed (20W) compared to the Motorola.
- GPS: Less GPS frequencies.
3. User Profiles and Recommendations
- Motorola Edge 20 Pro:
- Ideal User: Gamers and heavy multitaskers. Users who prefer a large display and value smooth scrolling. Also good for users who use their phone camera for 8K video recording.
- Use Cases: Mobile gaming, video consumption, content creation, and users who want the ability to use two physical SIMs.
- Google Pixel 7:
- Ideal User: Photography enthusiasts, people who value the latest software updates, and users who prioritize a reliable and high-quality camera. Also good for people who value wireless charging.
- Use Cases: Capturing high-quality photos, using AI-powered features (like magic eraser), and those who desire fast software updates.
4. Buying Decision Framework
Here are three practical questions to help you decide:
- How important is display smoothness and size? If you crave the smoothest experience with a larger canvas, the Motorola's 144Hz screen and 6.7" display may suit you better. If you don't mind a slightly smaller display and want a more compact device the Pixel 7 will be a good fit.
- Do you prefer a great camera experience over all else? The Google Pixel 7 consistently delivers stunning photos with software features that are very effective. The Pixel 7 is a more consistent and predictable camera system.
- Do you need wireless charging and fast updates? If you value wireless charging and the latest Android version with guaranteed updates, the Pixel 7 is the better pick.
Scenario-Based Recommendations:
- For the Mobile Gamer: If gaming is your top priority, the Motorola's 144Hz display and larger RAM are a better pick.
- For the Photography Enthusiast: The Google Pixel 7's excellent camera system and software enhancements make it the clear winner.
- For the Power User: If you need multiple apps running simultaneously, the Motorola has more RAM, but both devices will be fine.
- For the Casual User: The Pixel 7 is a more reliable, overall experience, with its high-quality camera, more modern software, and convenience features.
My Choice
If I were to choose, I would go for the Google Pixel 7. Although the Motorola Edge 20 Pro has a faster refresh rate and more RAM, the Pixel 7's overall package is more compelling. The Pixel 7 has a much brighter display that performs far better in direct sunlight, a great camera system which is more important to me, consistent and up-to-date software, superior screen protection, wireless charging and overall, I expect it to be a more reliable device for daily use. While the Motorola Edge 20 Pro has some great specifications, it comes with trade-offs that I would rather not deal with on a day to day basis, especially the poor outdoor visibility.
