Alright, let's break down the Motorola Edge 20 Pro and the ThinkPhone. I'll give you the straight dope, no marketing fluff, just what these specs actually mean for you.
1. Specifications Breakdown
Here’s the head-to-head, with a focus on what these numbers translate to in the real world:
| Feature | Motorola Edge 20 Pro | Motorola ThinkPhone | Real-World Implications |
|---|---|---|---|
| Design | |||
| Dimensions | 163 × 76 × 8 mm | 158.8 × 74.4 × 8.3 mm | Edge 20 Pro is taller and wider, ThinkPhone is slightly thicker. Affects pocketability and one-handed use. |
| Weight | 190g | 188.5g | Virtually identical – shouldn't feel a significant difference. |
| Display | |||
| Size | 6.7" | 6.6" | Minor difference, barely noticeable. |
| Resolution | 1080x2400 | 1080x2400 | Identical sharpness. |
| PPI | 385 | 399 | Similar Pixel Density. |
| Technology | OLED | P-OLED | Both offer vibrant colors and deep blacks. |
| Refresh Rate | 144Hz | 144Hz | Super smooth scrolling and gaming on both. |
| Brightness | 0 nits | 1200 nits | ThinkPhone wins big: Much better visibility in direct sunlight. |
| Performance | |||
| Chipset | Snapdragon 870 | Snapdragon 8+ Gen 1 | ThinkPhone dominates: Noticeably faster, smoother multitasking, better gaming. |
| AnTuTu Score | 813,800 | 1,232,700 | ThinkPhone will feel significantly snappier. |
| GPU | Adreno 650 | Adreno 730 | ThinkPhone handles graphics-intensive tasks and games better. |
| Camera | |||
| Main Camera | 108MP, f/1.9 | 50MP, f/1.8 | Edge 20 Pro has higher resolution but ThinkPhone has a slightly wider aperture. The ThinkPhone's larger pixel size will likely result in better low-light performance despite the lower megapixel count. |
| Selfie Camera | 32MP, f/2.3 | 32MP, f/2.45 | Similar selfie performance. |
| Telephoto Lens | Yes (8MP) | No | Edge 20 Pro gets you optical zoom, which is great for portraits and distant subjects. |
| Portrait Mode (Depth) | No | Yes (2MP) | ThinkPhone has depth sensor for better portrait mode shots. |
| Wide Angle + Macro | 16MP, f/2.2 | 13MP, f/2.4 | Edge 20 Pro has slightly better wide-angle shots in terms of resolution and low light. |
| Video | Up to 8K@60fps | Up to 8K@30fps | Both can shoot high-resolution video, but ThinkPhone includes HDR capabilities and better stabilization. |
| Features | Digital zoom, Optical zoom | Digital zoom, Optical zoom, OIS, PDAF, RAW | ThinkPhone has Optical Image Stabilization for sharper photos and smoother videos, Phase Detection Autofocus for faster and more accurate focusing. |
| Battery Life | |||
| Capacity | 4500mAh | 5000mAh | ThinkPhone likely lasts longer on a single charge. |
| Charging | 30W | 68W | ThinkPhone charges much faster. |
| Features | Reverse Charging | 15W Wireless Charging | Trade-off: Edge 20 Pro can charge other devices, ThinkPhone can be charged wirelessly. |
| Software | |||
| OS | Android 11 | Android 13 | ThinkPhone is newer and will receive updates for longer. |
| Other | |||
| Storage | 128/256GB | 256GB | Sufficient storage for most users, No expandable storage on either phone. |
| RAM | 12GB | 8GB | Edge 20 Pro has more RAM for smoother multitasking. |
| Audio | Basic | Dolby Atmos, Stereo Speakers | ThinkPhone offers a better audio experience with wider, more dynamic sound. |
| Build Quality | Gorilla Glass 5 | Gorilla Glass Victus | ThinkPhone has more durable screen protection. |
2. Key Insights
Motorola Edge 20 Pro:
- Strengths: Optical Zoom lens, slightly more RAM, Reverse Wireless Charging.
- Competitive Advantages: Might be available at a lower price point now (being an older model).
- Trade-offs: Older processor, older software, weaker build quality, lower battery capacity.
Motorola ThinkPhone:
- Strengths: Significantly faster processor, brighter display, better camera features (OIS, PDAF, larger pixel size), faster charging, longer battery life, better audio, more durable build, and newer software.
- Competitive Advantages: A more modern and well-rounded device.
- Limitations: No telephoto lens, less RAM.
3. User Profiles and Recommendations
- Motorola Edge 20 Pro: Best for users on a tight budget who prioritize having a telephoto zoom lens and reverse wireless charging. Ideal if you don't need the latest processor or the brightest screen.
- Motorola ThinkPhone: Geared towards power users and professionals who value performance, screen brightness, battery life, camera quality (especially in low light), and a more durable design. The improved software support is also a plus.
4. Buying Decision Framework
Here are three crucial questions to guide your choice:
- How much does raw performance matter to you? If you're a heavy gamer or multitasker, the ThinkPhone's Snapdragon 8+ Gen 1 is a significant advantage.
- Do you need excellent outdoor screen visibility? The ThinkPhone's brighter display is crucial if you frequently use your phone in sunny conditions.
- What's your budget? If budget is a major concern, the Edge 20 Pro might be the more economical option, but be aware of the trade-offs.
Which One Would I Choose?
Personally, I'd go with the Motorola ThinkPhone. Here's why:
- The performance difference is massive. As someone who juggles multiple apps, edits photos on the go, and occasionally games, the Snapdragon 8+ Gen 1 makes a real difference.
- The brighter display is a must. I spend a lot of time outdoors, and being able to see the screen clearly is non-negotiable.
- The camera is significantly better overall. The larger sensor pixels (better low-light performance), OIS, and PDAF all add up to a superior photography experience.
- The battery life and charging speed are important. I want a phone that lasts all day and charges quickly when needed.
- The audio matters. I do enjoy music and the stereo speakers on the ThinkPhone combined with Dolby Atmos just make the experience more enjoyable.
- Software longevity. The newer Android version means more updates and security patches, which is important for peace of mind.
While I'd miss the telephoto lens from the Edge 20 Pro, the overall package of the ThinkPhone is just too compelling to pass up. It's a more modern, powerful, and capable device that would better fit my needs. The extra cost is worth it for the performance, display, and camera improvements.
