Alright, let's dive deep into a face-off between the Motorola Edge 20 Pro and the newer Motorola Moto G35. We're going to break down what each phone brings to the table, focusing on what matters in your everyday life.
1. Specifications Breakdown
Here’s a head-to-head comparison, cutting through the jargon to show what these specs mean for you.
| Feature | Motorola Edge 20 Pro | Motorola Moto G35 | Real-World Implications |
|---|---|---|---|
| Design | |||
| Dimensions | 163 × 76 × 8 mm | 166.3 × 76 × 7.8 mm | Similar width, G35 slightly taller and thinner; negligible difference in hand. |
| Weight | 190g | 188g | Virtually identical feel in the pocket or hand. |
| Display | |||
| Size | 6.7" | 6.72" | Nearly identical screen size. |
| Resolution | 1080x2400 | 1080x2400 | Sharp, clear images on both. |
| PPI | 385 | 392 | Almost indistinguishable pixel density. |
| Technology | OLED | IPS LCD | Edge 20 Pro: richer colors, deeper blacks, better contrast. |
| Refresh Rate | 144Hz | 120Hz | Edge 20 Pro: smoother scrolling, especially in gaming. |
| Brightness | 0 nits | 1000 nits | Moto G35: significantly better outdoor visibility. |
| Performance | |||
| Chipset | Snapdragon 870 5G | Unisoc T760 | Edge 20 Pro: far superior performance for gaming, multitasking, and demanding apps. |
| AnTuTu Score | 813,800 | 423,297 | Edge 20 Pro: significantly faster and more responsive. |
| GPU | Adreno 650 | Mali-G57 | Edge 20 Pro: better graphics performance for gaming and video editing. |
| Camera | |||
| Main Camera | 108MP, f/1.9 | 50MP, f/1.8 | Edge 20 Pro: more detailed images, especially in good lighting. |
| Sensor Size | 1/1.52" | 1/2.76" | Edge 20 Pro: better low-light performance, more detail, and dynamic range. |
| Selfie Camera | 32MP, f/2.3 | 16MP, f/2.45 | Edge 20 Pro: sharper, more detailed selfies. |
| Telephoto Lens | Yes | No | Edge 20 Pro: optical zoom for distant subjects without significant quality loss. |
| Wide Angle Lens | No | Yes | Moto G35: wider field of view for group shots and landscapes. |
| Video Recording | 8K@24fps | 4K@30fps | Edge 20 Pro: higher resolution video recording for professional-quality footage. |
| Battery Life | |||
| Capacity | 4500mAh | 5000mAh | Moto G35: potentially longer battery life between charges. |
| Charging | 30W | 18W | Edge 20 Pro: faster charging times. |
| Reverse Charging | Yes | No | Edge 20 Pro: can charge other devices wirelessly. |
| Software | |||
| OS | Android 11 | Android 14 | Moto G35: newer OS with the latest features and security updates. |
| Connectivity | |||
| Wi-Fi | Wi-Fi 6 | Wi-Fi 5 | Edge 20 Pro: faster and more efficient Wi-Fi. |
| Bluetooth | 5.1 | 5.0 | Edge 20 Pro: slightly more efficient and reliable Bluetooth connection. |
| SIM | Dual Nano SIM | Dual Nano SIM + eSIM | Moto G35: eSIM support for flexible carrier options. |
| Storage | |||
| RAM | 12GB | 4GB/8GB | Edge 20 Pro: smoother multitasking and app performance. |
| Expandable | No | No | Neither phone allows for expandable storage. |
| Audio | |||
| Audio | Basic | Dolby Atmos, Stereo Speakers | Moto G35: significantly better audio experience for music, videos, and gaming. |
| Build Quality | |||
| Screen Protection | Gorilla Glass 5 | Gorilla Glass 3 | Edge 20 Pro: better scratch and shatter resistance. |
2. Key Insights
Motorola Edge 20 Pro Strengths:
- Performance Powerhouse: The Snapdragon 870 chipset is a clear winner, providing smooth, responsive performance for demanding tasks like gaming and video editing.
- Superior Display Quality: The OLED display delivers vibrant colors and deep blacks, enhancing the viewing experience.
- Advanced Camera System: Offers higher resolution images, a telephoto lens for optical zoom, and 8K video recording capabilities.
- Faster Connectivity: Features Wi-Fi 6 and Bluetooth 5.1 for better wireless performance.
Motorola Moto G35 Strengths:
- Newer Software: Ships with Android 14, offering the latest features and security updates.
- Better Battery Life: Larger battery capacity for extended usage between charges.
- Enhanced Audio: Dolby Atmos and stereo speakers provide an immersive audio experience.
- Wider Angle Lens: Inclusion of a wider angle lens allows to take better photos.
- eSIM Support: Offers eSIM compatibility for greater flexibility with carrier options.
- Brighter Screen: Offers significantly better outdoor visibility.
Trade-offs:
- The Edge 20 Pro, despite its age, still offers a premium experience in performance and display quality but it is running an older version of Android.
- The Moto G35 sacrifices raw performance for a newer OS and enhanced audio, making it suitable for more casual users.
3. User Profiles and Recommendations
- Motorola Edge 20 Pro:
- Ideal For: Gamers, photographers, video editors, and power users who need a high-performance device.
- Use Cases: Demanding mobile games, high-resolution video recording, photo editing, and multitasking with resource-intensive apps.
- Motorola Moto G35:
- Ideal For: Casual users who prioritize battery life, audio quality, and the latest software features.
- Use Cases: Streaming music and videos, taking everyday photos, and general productivity tasks.
4. Buying Decision Framework
Here are three questions to guide your decision:
- Performance Needs: How important is raw performance for gaming and resource-intensive tasks? If it's a priority, the Edge 20 Pro is the clear choice.
- Software and Battery: Do you value having the latest Android version and longer battery life over display quality and camera capabilities? If yes, the Moto G35 is a better fit.
- Budget: Consider your budget and whether the performance gains of the Edge 20 Pro justify the price difference.
Scenario-Based Recommendations:
- Scenario 1: Mobile Gamer: Choose the Edge 20 Pro for its superior chipset, GPU, and high refresh rate display.
- Scenario 2: Multimedia Enthusiast: The Moto G35's Dolby Atmos speakers and brighter screen make it a great pick for media consumption.
- Scenario 3: Budget-Conscious User: If you don't need top-tier performance, the Moto G35 offers a balanced experience with a newer OS and better battery life.
My Choice
If I had to pick one, I'd lean towards the Motorola Edge 20 Pro. Here's why:
As a tech journalist and analyst, I frequently use my phone for tasks that demand high performance: photo and video editing on the go, testing new apps, and even some occasional gaming. The Snapdragon 870 chipset in the Edge 20 Pro provides the raw power I need for these activities.
Yes, the Moto G35 has a newer OS and better audio, but the significant performance gap and the superior display of the Edge 20 Pro make it the better choice for my specific needs. The OLED display is fantastic for viewing and editing content, and the advanced camera system offers more versatility for capturing high-quality photos and videos.
