Motorola Edge 20 Pro vs OnePlus 12 - Detailed Phone Comparison

Detailed Comparison

Specification
OnePlus 12
OnePlus 12
Oneplus

General

Launch Date August 16, 2021 December 11, 2023
Release Year 2021 2023

Physical

Volume 99.1 cm³ 114.58 cm³
Screen Size to Weight Ratio 3.53 "/g 3.1 "/g
Weight 190 g 220 g
Height 163 mm 164.3 mm
Width 76 mm 75.8 mm
Thickness 8 mm 9.2 mm
Foldable Design No No
Available Colors
  • Midnight Blue
  • Blue Vegan Leather
  • Iridescent Cloud
  • Flowy Emerald
  • Silky Black
  • Silver (Glacial White)

Display

Screen Size 6.7 " 6.82 "
Resolution 1080 x 2400 1440 x 3168
Aspect Ratio 20:9 20:9
Screen-to-Body Ratio 87.5 % 90.8 %
Pixel Density 385 PPI 510 PPI
Refresh Rate 144 Hz 120 Hz
Typical Brightness N/A 600 nits
HBM Brightness N/A 1600 nits
Peak Brightness N/A 4500 nits

Hardware

Battery Capacity per Screen Area 100.25 mAh/in² 116.10 mAh/in²
Battery Density 45.41 mAh/cm³ 47.13 mAh/cm³
Battery Capacity 4500 mAh 5400 mAh
NFC Support Yes Yes
Chipset Qualcomm SM8250-AC Snapdragon 870 5G (7 nm) Qualcomm SM8650-AB Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 (4 nm)
CPU Octa-core (1x3.2 GHz Kryo 585 & 3x2.42 GHz Kryo 585 & 4x1.80 GHz Kryo 585) Octa-core (1x3.3 GHz Cortex-X4 & 3x3.2 GHz Cortex-A720 & 2x3.0 GHz Cortex-A720 & 2x2.3 GHz Cortex-A520)
GPU Adreno 650 Adreno 750

Connectivity

USB Version 3.1 3.2
OTG Support 1
DisplayPort 1
DisplayPort Version 1.4 N/A
USB Features USB Type-C 3.1, DisplayPort 1.4 USB Type-C 3.2, OTG

Software

Operating System Android Android
Initial OS Version 11 14
Maximum OS Version 18

Comparison Summary

Alright, let's break down the Motorola Edge 20 Pro versus the OnePlus 12. This is a classic matchup of an older, still-capable phone against a modern powerhouse. We'll go deep, but keep it real, focusing on what matters to you, the user.

1. Specifications Breakdown

Here's a detailed look at the key specs, along with what they actually mean to you day-to-day:

FeatureMotorola Edge 20 ProOnePlus 12Real-World Implications
Design
Dimensions163 × 76 × 8 mm164.3 × 75.8 × 9.2 mmOneplus is slightly larger, a noticeable difference for pocket and hand feel.
Weight190g220gMotorola lighter, more comfortable for long-term use, especially one-handed.
Display
Size6.7"6.82"OnePlus 12 has a slightly larger screen, better for multimedia consumption.
Resolution1080x24001440x3168OnePlus 12: Noticeably sharper, crisper visuals. Text and images look cleaner.
PPI385510Denser pixels on OnePlus mean finer details are visible.
TechnologyOLEDAMOLEDSimilar quality, vibrant colors, deep blacks on both.
Refresh Rate144Hz120HzMotorola: Marginally smoother scrolling, but likely imperceptible for most users.
Brightness0 nits4500 nitsOnePlus 12: Game-changing outdoor visibility. Easily readable in direct sunlight.
Performance
ChipsetSnapdragon 870Snapdragon 8 Gen 3OnePlus 12: Significantly faster, smoother performance. Handles demanding tasks with ease.
AnTuTu Score813,8002,110,808OnePlus 12: Apps load faster, multitasking is seamless, and gaming is a breeze.
GPUAdreno 650Adreno 750OnePlus 12: Superior graphics performance for gaming and graphically intensive apps.
Camera
Main Camera108MP, f/1.950MP, f/1.6OnePlus 12: Better low-light performance due to wider aperture and larger pixel size.
Telephoto8MP64MPOnePlus 12: Superior zoom capabilities and portrait shots.
Wide Angle16MP48MPOnePlus 12: Higher resolution wide-angle shots with more detail.
Selfie Camera32MP, f/2.332MP, f/2.4Marginal advantage to Motorola in aperture, but likely unnoticeable.
VideoUp to 8KUp to 8KBoth support high-resolution video recording, but OnePlus has HDR & better Stabilization.
Battery Life
Capacity4500mAh5400mAhOnePlus 12: Longer battery life, comfortably lasting a full day.
Charging30W100WOnePlus 12: Much faster charging, refilling the battery in a fraction of the time.
Wireless ChargingNo50WOnePlus 12: Convenient wireless charging, a modern must-have for many.
Software
OSAndroid 11Android 14OnePlus 12: Newer OS with latest features, security updates, and likely longer support.
Connectivity
Wi-FiWi-Fi 6Wi-Fi 7OnePlus 12: Faster and more stable Wi-Fi connection, especially with Wi-Fi 7 routers.
BluetoothBluetooth 5.1Bluetooth 5.4OnePlus 12: Slightly improved Bluetooth connectivity.
SIMNano SIMNano SIM/eSIMOnePlus 12: eSIM support provides greater flexibility for travel and managing multiple lines.
Storage
Internal128/256GB256/512/1024GBOnePlus 12: More storage options, essential for media hoarders.
RAM12GB12/16/24GBOnePlus 12: Higher RAM ensures smoother multitasking and handles demanding apps.
ExpandableNoNoNeither phone supports expandable storage
Audio
FeaturesBasicDolby Atmos, Stereo Speakers, Noise CancellationOnePlus 12: Premium audio experience with immersive sound and clear calls.
Security
FingerprintSide-mountedBasicMotorola: side-mounted vs basic - no clear benefit
Build Quality
Screen ProtectionGorilla Glass 5Gorilla Glass Victus 2OnePlus 12: More durable screen, better protection against scratches and drops.
SensorsCompassGravity, Hall, Geomagnetic, RGBOnePlus 12: Comprehensive sensor suite suitable for advanced features and gaming

2. Key Insights

  • Motorola Edge 20 Pro:

    • Strengths: Lighter build, slightly higher refresh rate, and potentially a lower price point on the used market.
    • Competitive Advantages: Still usable but outdated now.
    • Trade-offs: Older chipset, outdated software, significantly weaker camera, battery, and display.
  • OnePlus 12:

    • Strengths: Top-tier performance, stunning display, versatile camera system, long battery life, and fast charging.
    • Competitive Advantages: Modern flagship features, superior user experience.
    • Trade-offs: Heavier and bulkier design.

3. User Profiles and Recommendations

  • Motorola Edge 20 Pro:

    • Best Suited For: Users on a very tight budget who need a basic smartphone for calls, texts, and light web browsing. Or someone who values a very lightweight phone.
    • Use Cases: Basic communication, occasional social media, light app usage.
    • Price-to-Value: Only justifiable if the price is extremely low, as the performance and features are significantly behind modern standards.
  • OnePlus 12:

    • Best Suited For: Power users, gamers, photographers, and anyone who wants a premium smartphone experience.
    • Use Cases: Demanding games, high-resolution photography and videography, multitasking, media consumption, and professional use.
    • Price-to-Value: Excellent, considering the top-of-the-line specifications and features.

4. Buying Decision Framework

Here are three questions to guide your decision:

  1. What's your budget? If you're severely budget-constrained, the Motorola Edge 20 Pro might be the only option. However, consider saving up for a better phone if possible.
  2. How important is performance? If you need a fast, responsive phone for gaming, multitasking, and demanding apps, the OnePlus 12 is the clear winner.
  3. How much do you value camera quality and battery life? The OnePlus 12 offers a vastly superior camera system and significantly better battery life, making it a better choice for photography enthusiasts and heavy users.

Scenario-Based Recommendations:

  • Budget Shopper: Look for a used Motorola Edge 20 Pro at a very low price. Understand its limitations and manage your expectations.
  • Everyday User: The OnePlus 12 is the better choice, offering a smoother, more enjoyable experience for all your daily tasks.
  • Power User/Tech Enthusiast: The OnePlus 12 is the clear winner, providing the best performance, camera, and features.

My Choice

If I were choosing between these two phones, I would pick the OnePlus 12, hands down.

Here's why:

  • Performance: As someone who uses their phone for work, photography, and gaming, the Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 is a must-have. It ensures that I can handle any task without lag or stuttering.
  • Camera: The camera system on the OnePlus 12 is significantly better than the Motorola's. I value high-quality photos and videos, especially in low-light conditions.
  • Display: The higher resolution and brightness of the OnePlus 12's display make a noticeable difference in everyday use. It's easier to read text, view photos, and watch videos, even in bright sunlight.
  • Battery Life and Charging: The larger battery and faster charging on the OnePlus 12 are incredibly convenient. I don't want to worry about running out of battery or waiting hours for my phone to charge.
  • Software: The newer version of Android on the OnePlus 12 ensures that I have access to the latest features and security updates.

While the Motorola Edge 20 Pro might be a viable option for those on a very tight budget, the OnePlus 12 offers a far superior user experience that is well worth the investment.

Alex Griffin
Alex Griffin

Technology analyst specializing in mobile devices and consumer electronics.

Core Expertise

  • Mobile technology analysis
  • Consumer electronics evaluation
  • Technical specification interpretation
  • User experience insights

Professional Mission Empowering readers to make informed technology decisions by transforming intricate specifications into understandable, practical guidance.

Demystifying technology, one device at a time.