Alright, let's dive into this Motorola showdown. We've got the Edge 20 Pro, a former flagship packing some serious heat, squaring off against the newer, budget-friendly Moto G04s. I'll break down the specs, give you the real-world implications, and help you figure out which one fits your needs.
1. Specifications Breakdown
Here's a detailed look at how these two phones stack up, with a focus on what the specs actually mean for you.
| Feature | Motorola Edge 20 Pro | Motorola Moto G04s | Real-World Implications |
|---|---|---|---|
| Design | |||
| Dimensions | 163 × 76 × 8 mm | 163.5 × 74.5 × 8 mm | Edge 20 Pro is a bit wider; both are slim. Minimal difference practically. |
| Weight | 190g | 178.8g | G04s is noticeably lighter, potentially more comfortable for prolonged use. |
| Display | |||
| Size | 6.7" | 6.56" | Edge 20 Pro offers a slightly larger viewing area, good for media consumption. |
| Resolution | 1080x2400 | 720x1612 | Edge 20 Pro's display is significantly sharper. Text is clearer, images are more detailed. |
| PPI | 385 | 269 | Same as above: Edge 20 Pro's higher pixel density translates to a crisper image. |
| Technology | OLED | IPS LCD | Edge 20 Pro has superior contrast, deeper blacks, and more vibrant colors. |
| Refresh Rate | 144Hz | 90Hz | Edge 20 Pro's display feels smoother and more responsive, especially in games and while scrolling. |
| Brightness | 0 nits | 0 nits | Unfortunately, the peak brightness is not available for either phone, impacting visibility in direct sunlight. |
| Performance | |||
| Chipset | Snapdragon 870 5G | Unisoc T606 | Edge 20 Pro is far more powerful. Handles demanding apps and games with ease. G04s is suited for basic tasks. |
| AnTuTu Score | 813,800 | 220,000 | Quantifies the performance difference. Edge 20 Pro is in a different league. |
| GPU | Adreno 650 | Mali-G57 MP1 | Edge 20 Pro offers vastly superior graphics performance. |
| Camera | |||
| Main Camera | 108MP, f/1.9 | 50MP, f/1.8 | Edge 20 Pro has a higher resolution sensor, potentially capturing more detail. |
| Sensor Size | 1/1.52" | 1/2.76" | Edge 20 Pro's larger sensor allows for better low-light performance and dynamic range. |
| Selfie Camera | 32MP, f/2.3 | 5MP, f/2.2 | Edge 20 Pro's selfie camera will capture much sharper and detailed selfies. |
| Telephoto Lens | Yes | No | Edge 20 Pro can optically zoom without significant quality loss. |
| Wide Angle/Macro | Yes | No | Edge 20 Pro offers more versatile shooting options. |
| Video | Up to 8K | Up to 1080p | Edge 20 Pro can record much higher resolution video. |
| Features | 4K Video, 8K Video, Triple camera, Manual focus | Optical Stabilization (OIS), Phase detection autofocus (PDAF), Laser autofocus (LAF) | Edge 20 Pro offers more video resolution capabilities. Moto G04s offers image stabilization and autofocus featues. |
| Battery Life | |||
| Capacity | 4500mAh | 5000mAh | G04s has a larger battery and should offer longer battery life. |
| Charging | 30W | 15W | Edge 20 Pro charges significantly faster, despite smaller battery. |
| Software | |||
| OS | Android 11 | Android 14 | G04s has a much newer version of Android. |
| Connectivity | |||
| WiFi | WiFi 6 | WiFi 5 | Edge 20 Pro supports faster and more efficient WiFi. |
| Bluetooth | 5.1 | 5.0 | Slightly newer Bluetooth on the Edge 20 Pro. |
| Storage & RAM | |||
| RAM | 12GB | 4GB | Edge 20 Pro handles multitasking and demanding apps much better. |
| Internal Storage | 128/256GB | 64/128/256GB | Both offer similar storage options, but Edge 20 Pro has double the RAM. |
| Expandable | No | No | Neither phone allows for storage expansion. |
| Audio | |||
| Quality | Basic audio features | Dolby Atmos | Motorola Moto G04s has a slight edge in audio features (by a small margin) offering enhanced spatial audio |
| Build Quality | |||
| Screen Protection | Corning Gorilla Glass 5 | Corning Gorilla Glass 3 | Motorola Edge 20 Pro uses superior screen protection |
| Other | |||
| GPS | L1+L5 | L1 | Edge 20 Pro offers more accurate GPS. |
2. Key Insights
Motorola Edge 20 Pro: This phone is all about performance and display quality. The Snapdragon 870 is a powerhouse, the OLED screen is gorgeous, and the 144Hz refresh rate is buttery smooth. The camera system is also significantly more versatile. However, it's older, so software updates might be limited, and the battery life isn't as good as the G04s.
Motorola Moto G04s: The G04s prioritizes affordability and battery life. It's lighter, has a newer version of Android, and the larger battery should last longer. However, performance is significantly lower, the display isn't nearly as good, and the camera system is basic.
3. User Profiles and Recommendations
Motorola Edge 20 Pro:
- Ideal For: Gamers, photography enthusiasts, power users who need a fast and responsive phone.
- Use Cases: Playing demanding games, editing photos and videos, multitasking with many apps open, enjoying media with vibrant colors and smooth motion.
Motorola Moto G04s:
- Ideal For: Budget-conscious users, people who prioritize battery life over everything else, those who primarily use their phone for basic tasks.
- Use Cases: Making calls, sending texts, browsing the web, using social media, and streaming music.
4. Buying Decision Framework
Here are three questions to help you decide:
- How important is performance to you? If you need a phone that can handle demanding tasks, the Edge 20 Pro is the clear winner.
- What's your budget? The G04s is significantly more affordable, making it a great option for budget-conscious buyers.
- How much do you value display quality? The OLED screen and high refresh rate of the Edge 20 Pro make a noticeable difference, especially for media consumption and gaming.
Scenario-Based Recommendations:
- Budget Gamer: If you're on a tight budget but still want to play games, the Edge 20 Pro offers the best performance for the price (if you can find it at a competitive price).
- Battery Life King/Queen: If you need a phone that will last all day on a single charge, the Moto G04s is the better choice.
- Photo Enthusiast: The Edge 20 Pro's versatile camera system and higher resolution sensors make it the better option for taking photos and videos.
- Average user who wants to read and watch videos: The Edge 20 Pro provides the best experience for resolution, sharpness and smoothness for videos, pictures and reading.
My Choice
I would choose the Motorola Edge 20 Pro. While it's an older device, its strengths in performance, display quality, and camera versatility outweigh the G04s's advantages in battery life and software. As a tech journalist and analyst, I use my phone for a wide range of tasks, from editing photos and videos to playing games and researching articles. The Edge 20 Pro's Snapdragon 870 processor and stunning OLED display make it a much better fit for my needs, and for users who want a premium smartphone experience. The difference in quality is very noticeable.
