Alright, let's dive deep into a comparison of the Motorola Edge 20 Pro and the Realme 9 Pro+. I'll break down what these specs mean for you, the user, and help you decide which phone might be the better fit for your needs.
1. Specifications Breakdown
Here's a detailed comparison table to get us started:
| Feature | Motorola Edge 20 Pro | Realme 9 Pro+ | Real-World Implications |
|---|---|---|---|
| Design | |||
| Launch Date | 2021-08-16 | 2022-02-21 | Realme is newer, potentially longer software support |
| Dimensions | 163 × 76 × 8 mm | 160.2 × 73.3 × 8 mm | Edge 20 Pro is slightly larger; Realme 9 Pro+ might feel more compact in hand |
| Weight | 190g | 182g | Realme 9 Pro+ is slightly lighter, better for extended use |
| Display | |||
| Size | 6.7" | 6.4" | Edge 20 Pro provides more screen real estate for media and multitasking |
| Resolution | 1080x2400 | 1080x2400 | Both offer sharp visuals |
| Pixel Density | 385 PPI | 411 PPI | Realme 9 Pro+ has slightly sharper display |
| Technology | OLED | AMOLED | Both offer vibrant colors and deep blacks |
| Refresh Rate | 144Hz | 90Hz | Edge 20 Pro offers smoother scrolling and gaming |
| Brightness | 0 nits | 0 nits | Both phones have identical peak brightness at 0 nits - Data Missing |
| Performance | |||
| Chipset | Snapdragon 870 | Dimensity 920 | Snapdragon 870 offers significantly better performance for gaming and demanding apps |
| AnTuTu Score | 813,800 | 496,970 | Edge 20 Pro is much faster in benchmarks |
| GPU | Adreno 650 | Mali-G68 MC4 | Adreno 650 offers superior graphics performance |
| Camera | |||
| Main Camera | 108MP (f/1.9) | 50MP (f/1.8) | Edge 20 Pro has higher resolution, Realme has slightly wider aperture and larger pixel size |
| Selfie Camera | 32MP (f/2.3) | 16MP (f/2.4) | Edge 20 Pro captures more detailed selfies |
| Telephoto Lens | Yes (8MP) | No | Edge 20 Pro offers optical zoom capabilities |
| Wide Angle Lens | No | Yes (8MP) | Realme 9 Pro+ captures wider scenes |
| Macro Lens | No | Yes (2MP) | Realme 9 Pro+ can take close-up shots |
| Wide Angle + Macro | Yes (16MP) | No | Edge 20 Pro can take wide angle and Macro shots |
| Video Recording | Up to 8K | Up to 4K | Edge 20 Pro can record higher resolution videos |
| Camera Features | Optical Zoom | OIS, RAW, Night Mode | Realme 9 Pro+ has better low-light capabilities |
| Battery Life | |||
| Capacity | 4500mAh | 4500mAh | Similar battery life expected |
| Charging | 30W | 60W | Realme 9 Pro+ charges much faster |
| Reverse Charging | Yes | No | Edge 20 Pro can charge other devices wirelessly |
| Software | |||
| OS | Android 11 | Android 12/13 | Realme 9 Pro+ has a newer OS version, potentially better long term support |
| Connectivity | |||
| Wi-Fi | Wi-Fi 6 | Wi-Fi 6 | Both offer modern Wi-Fi standards |
| Bluetooth | 5.1 | 5.2 | Realme 9 Pro+ has slightly newer Bluetooth version |
| GPS | More Satellite Support | QZSS | Edge 20 Pro offers better location accuracy |
| SIM | Dual SIM | Dual SIM | Both support dual SIM functionality |
| Storage | |||
| Internal | 128/256 GB | 128/256 GB | Both offer ample storage options |
| RAM | 12 GB | 6/8 GB | Edge 20 Pro offers more RAM for better multitasking |
| Expandable | No | No | Neither phone supports expandable storage |
| Audio | |||
| Audio Quality | Basic | Dolby Atmos, Hi-Res Audio, Stereo Speakers | Realme 9 Pro+ offers significantly better audio experience |
| Security | |||
| Fingerprint Sensor | Side-mounted | Basic | Edge 20 Pro's side-mounted sensor is potentially more ergonomic |
| Build Quality | |||
| Screen Protection | Gorilla Glass 5 | Gorilla Glass 5 | Both offer good screen protection |
| Sensors | |||
| Sensors | Compass | Heart Rate | Unique sensor offerings |
2. Key Insights
Motorola Edge 20 Pro: Strengths
- Performance Powerhouse: The Snapdragon 870 chipset and 12GB of RAM make this phone a beast for gaming and heavy multitasking.
- High Refresh Rate Display: The 144Hz display provides incredibly smooth visuals, enhancing the user experience.
- Versatile Camera System: With its telephoto lens, 8K video recording, and high-resolution sensors, it’s great for photography enthusiasts.
- Reverse Charging: The ability to charge other devices wirelessly is a convenient feature.
- Better GPS Accuracy: Supporting more satellite systems ensures precise location tracking.
Realme 9 Pro+: Strengths
- Superior Audio: Dolby Atmos, Hi-Res Audio, and stereo speakers deliver a fantastic audio experience.
- Faster Charging: The 60W fast charging is a game-changer, getting you back up and running quickly.
- Optimized Camera for Low Light: The OIS, RAW support, and Night Mode make it excel in low-light photography.
- Newer Software: Comes with a newer version of Android with the potential for longer software support.
- More Compact and Lighter: Easier to handle and carry around.
Trade-offs and Limitations
- Motorola Edge 20 Pro: Lacks wide-angle and macro lenses, doesn't have OIS, and has an older Android version.
- Realme 9 Pro+: Significantly lower performance compared to the Edge 20 Pro, less RAM, lacks reverse charging, and has a lower refresh rate display.
3. User Profiles and Recommendations
- Motorola Edge 20 Pro:
- Ideal for: Gamers, power users who need a fast and responsive device, photography enthusiasts who want a versatile camera with optical zoom.
- Use Cases: Playing graphics-intensive games, editing videos on the go, capturing detailed photos in various scenarios.
- Realme 9 Pro+:
- Ideal for: Users who prioritize audio quality, fast charging, and good low-light camera performance.
- Use Cases: Listening to music, watching videos, taking photos in low-light environments, and quickly charging the phone throughout the day.
4. Buying Decision Framework
Here are three questions to help you decide:
- Performance or Features?
- Do you prioritize raw processing power and smooth performance above all else? (Edge 20 Pro)
- Or are you looking for a well-rounded experience with features like fast charging, great audio, and a capable low-light camera? (Realme 9 Pro+)
- Camera Needs?
- Do you need optical zoom and high-resolution video recording? (Edge 20 Pro)
- Or are you more concerned with low-light performance and wide-angle shots? (Realme 9 Pro+)
- Size and Handling?
- Do you prefer a larger screen for immersive media consumption? (Edge 20 Pro)
- Or do you prefer a more compact and lighter device that’s easier to handle? (Realme 9 Pro+)
My Choice
If I were making the decision, I would lean towards the Motorola Edge 20 Pro. While the Realme 9 Pro+ has some compelling features, the sheer performance advantage of the Snapdragon 870 and the higher refresh rate display are too good to pass up. As someone who enjoys mobile gaming and needs a responsive device for multitasking, the Edge 20 Pro simply offers a smoother and more powerful experience. The more versatile camera system, including the telephoto lens and 8K video recording, is another significant advantage. The only thing I would miss is the faster charging and the wider angel camera, but the rest of the pros outweigh the cons.
