Alright, let's break down the Motorola Edge 20 Pro and the OnePlus Nord 3. Here's a comparison that goes beyond the spec sheet and gets into the real-world implications for you.
Motorola Edge 20 Pro vs. OnePlus Nord 3: A Detailed Comparison
1. Specifications Breakdown
Here's a table that dives deep into the specs, explaining what they mean for your everyday use:
| Feature | Motorola Edge 20 Pro | OnePlus Nord 3 | Real-World Implications |
|---|---|---|---|
| Design | |||
| Dimensions | 163 x 76 x 8 mm | 162 x 75.1 x 8.2 mm | Virtually identical, pocket-friendly |
| Weight | 190g | 193.5g | Negligible difference, both lightweight |
| Build Quality | Gorilla Glass 5 | Unknown | Edge 20 Pro offers better scratch/drop protection |
| Display | |||
| Size | 6.7" | 6.74" | Near identical screen size |
| Resolution | 1080x2400 | 1240x2772 | Nord 3: Sharper, clearer visuals |
| PPI | 385 | 451 | Nord 3: Finer details, less pixelation |
| Technology | OLED | AMOLED | Similar quality, vibrant colors |
| Refresh Rate | 144Hz | 120Hz | Edge 20 Pro: Slightly smoother scrolling, gaming |
| Brightness | 0 nits | 1450 nits | Nord 3: Excellent visibility in bright sunlight |
| Performance | |||
| Chipset | Snapdragon 870 | Dimensity 9000 | Nord 3: Faster performance, better multitasking |
| AnTuTu Score | 813,800 | 1,103,441 | Nord 3: Snappier app loading, smoother UI |
| GPU | Adreno 650 | Mali-G710 MC10 | Nord 3: Superior graphics performance |
| Camera | |||
| Main Camera | 108MP, f/1.9 | 50MP, f/1.8 | Edge 20 Pro: Higher resolution; Nord 3: Better low light performance |
| Selfie Camera | 32MP, f/2.3 | 16MP, f/2.4 | Edge 20 Pro: More detailed selfies |
| Telephoto Lens | 8MP | None | Edge 20 Pro: Optical zoom capabilities |
| Wide Angle Lens | 16MP | 8MP | Edge 20 Pro: Wider field of view, great for landscape |
| Macro Lens | None | 2MP | OnePlus Nord 3: Ability to take close-up pictures |
| Video | Up to 8K | Up to 4K | Edge 20 Pro: Higher resolution video recording |
| Stabilization | EIS | OIS | OnePlus Nord 3: Image Stabilization |
| Battery Life | |||
| Capacity | 4500mAh | 5000mAh | Nord 3: Longer battery life |
| Charging | 30W | 80W | Nord 3: Significantly faster charging |
| Reverse Charging | Yes | No | Edge 20 Pro: Can charge other devices |
| Software | |||
| OS | Android 11 | Android 13 | Nord 3: Newer OS, longer software support |
| Connectivity | |||
| WiFi | Wi-Fi 6 | Wi-Fi 6 | Similar performance |
| Bluetooth | 5.1 | 5.3 | Nord 3: More efficient, better range |
| GPS | More systems | Fewer systems | Edge 20 Pro: Slightly better location accuracy |
| Storage | |||
| Internal | 128/256GB | 128/256GB | Same storage options |
| RAM | 12GB | 8/16GB | Nord 3: Option for more RAM, better multitasking |
| Expandable | No | No | No additional storage allowed |
| Audio | |||
| Audio Quality | Basic | Dolby Atmos, Hi-Res | Nord 3: Immersive audio experience |
| Security | |||
| Fingerprint Sensor | Side-mounted | Standard | Edge 20 Pro: Potentially faster access |
| Other | |||
| Sensors | Compass | Gravity, Geomagnetic, SensorCore | Edge 20 Pro: Compass; Nord 3: gaming-related features |
2. Key Insights
- OnePlus Nord 3: This phone is the clear winner for performance, display quality, charging speed, and software. The Dimensity 9000 chipset blows the Snapdragon 870 out of the water, the display is sharper and brighter, and the 80W charging is a game-changer.
- Motorola Edge 20 Pro: It holds its ground with a higher refresh rate display, more versatile camera setup with a Telephoto, reverse charging, and compass. But the older chipset and software hold it back.
3. User Profiles and Recommendations
- OnePlus Nord 3:
- Ideal for: Gamers, media consumers, power users.
- Use Cases: Playing demanding games, streaming HDR content, heavy multitasking.
- Motorola Edge 20 Pro:
- Ideal for: Casual users, photographers who need an optical zoom, users who appreciate reverse charging.
- Use Cases: Taking photos with optical zoom, extending the battery life of other devices, basic smartphone tasks.
4. Buying Decision Framework
Here are three questions to ask yourself:
- How important is performance to you? If you need the snappiest performance, go for the OnePlus Nord 3.
- Do you value camera versatility or software updates? The Motorola Edge 20 Pro has optical zoom, while the OnePlus Nord 3 has a better main camera, Macro and software support.
- How much do you care about battery life and charging speed? The OnePlus Nord 3 offers a bigger battery and much faster charging.
Final Recommendation
If I were choosing between these two, I'd go for the OnePlus Nord 3. Yes, the Edge 20 Pro has some nice-to-have features like reverse charging and optical zoom, but the Nord 3's superior performance, display, faster charging, and modern software make it a much better choice. It simply offers a more complete and future-proof package. The faster processor and brighter screen make it the clear winner.
