Alright, let's dive into a head-to-head comparison of the Motorola Edge 20 Pro and the Samsung Galaxy A35. We'll break down the specs, highlight key insights, and figure out which phone might be the better fit for you.
1. Specifications Breakdown
Here's a detailed comparison of the Motorola Edge 20 Pro and Samsung Galaxy A35, focusing on what these specs mean in the real world:
| Feature | Motorola Edge 20 Pro | Samsung Galaxy A35 | Real-World Implications |
|---|---|---|---|
| Design | |||
| Dimensions | 163 x 76 x 8 mm | 161.7 x 78 x 8.2 mm | Edge 20 Pro is taller and slimmer; A35 is wider. Handling preference is subjective. |
| Weight | 190g | 209g | Edge 20 Pro feels lighter, better for prolonged use. |
| Build Quality | Gorilla Glass 5 | Gorilla Glass Victus | A35 has superior screen protection against scratches and drops. |
| Display | |||
| Size | 6.7" | 6.6" | Slightly more screen real estate on the Edge 20 Pro. |
| Resolution | 1080x2400 | 1080x2340 | Virtually identical visual sharpness. |
| Pixel Density | 385 PPI | 390 PPI | Negligible difference in clarity. |
| Technology | OLED | AMOLED | Similar vibrant colors and deep blacks on both. |
| Refresh Rate | 144Hz | 120Hz | Edge 20 Pro offers slightly smoother scrolling and gaming. |
| Brightness | 0 nits | 0 nits | Data Missing: We need brightness data to assess outdoor visibility. |
| Performance | |||
| Chipset | Snapdragon 870 (7nm) | Exynos 1380 (5nm) | Snapdragon 870 offers significantly faster processing and gaming performance. |
| AnTuTu Score | 813,800 | 578,500 | Edge 20 Pro is noticeably snappier in everyday tasks and demanding apps. |
| GPU | Adreno 650 | Mali-G68 MP5 | Adreno 650 delivers better graphics performance for gaming and GPU-intensive tasks. |
| RAM | 12GB | 6GB/8GB | Edge 20 Pro handles multitasking and memory-intensive apps more efficiently. |
| Camera | |||
| Main Camera | 108MP (f/1.9) | 50MP (f/1.8) | Edge 20 Pro captures more detail; A35 performs better in low light due to wider aperture. |
| Selfie Camera | 32MP (f/2.3) | 13MP (f/2.2) | Edge 20 Pro takes higher resolution selfies; A35 gathers more light for better low-light selfies. |
| Telephoto Lens | 8MP | None | Edge 20 Pro offers optical zoom capabilities. |
| Wide Angle Lens | 16MP | 8MP | Samsung has wide angle camera |
| Macro Lens | None | 5MP | Samsung has Macro lens camera |
| Video Recording | Up to 8K | Up to 4K | Edge 20 Pro can record higher resolution video. |
| Image Stabilization | EIS | OIS | Samsung provides better stabilization |
| Battery Life | |||
| Capacity | 4500mAh | 5000mAh | A35 likely provides longer battery life. |
| Charging | 30W | 25W | Edge 20 Pro charges slightly faster. |
| Software | |||
| Operating System | Android 11 | Android 14 | A35 offers a newer Android version with more features and security updates. |
| Other | |||
| Expandable Storage | No | No | Both phones lack expandable storage. |
| Audio | Basic | Dolby Atmos, Stereo Speakers | A35 provides a richer audio experience. |
2. Key Insights
Motorola Edge 20 Pro Strengths:
- Superior Performance: The Snapdragon 870 chipset provides significantly better performance for gaming, multitasking, and demanding applications.
- High-Resolution Camera: The 108MP main camera captures more detail in well-lit conditions, and the 8K video recording capability is a plus for videography enthusiasts.
- Lighter Design: The lighter weight makes it more comfortable to hold for extended periods.
Samsung Galaxy A35 Strengths:
- Newer Software: Android 14 offers the latest features and security updates.
- Better Battery Life: The larger battery capacity translates to longer usage between charges.
- Enhanced Audio: Dolby Atmos and stereo speakers provide a more immersive audio experience.
- Better Screen Protection: Gorilla Glass Victus offers superior protection against scratches and drops.
- Optical Image Stabilization: Provides a better video and photo experience
Trade-offs and Limitations:
- The Edge 20 Pro, while powerful, runs on older software (Android 11), and its battery life is likely shorter than the A35.
- The A35, while offering a more modern experience, lags behind in raw performance compared to the Edge 20 Pro.
- Neither phone offers expandable storage, so choosing the right storage variant (128GB or 256GB) is crucial.
3. User Profiles and Recommendations
- Motorola Edge 20 Pro:
- Ideal for: Gamers, power users, and photography enthusiasts who prioritize performance and camera resolution.
- Use Cases: Playing graphics-intensive games, editing photos and videos, multitasking with demanding apps.
- Samsung Galaxy A35:
- Ideal for: Everyday users who prioritize battery life, a modern software experience, and a durable design.
- Use Cases: Streaming media, browsing social media, capturing casual photos, and enjoying a more immersive audio experience.
4. Buying Decision Framework
Here are three practical questions to help you decide:
- How important is gaming and raw performance?
- If it's a top priority, the Edge 20 Pro is the better choice.
- How much do you value having the latest software and longer battery life?
- If these are essential, the Galaxy A35 is more suitable.
- How prone are you to dropping your phone?
- If you are accident prone, the Galaxy A35 provides better protection for your screen
Scenario-Based Recommendations:
- Scenario 1: You're a student who needs a reliable phone for classes, social media, and occasional gaming. You value battery life and a modern user interface.
- Recommendation: Samsung Galaxy A35
- Scenario 2: You're a mobile gamer who wants the best possible performance on a budget. You're willing to sacrifice some battery life and software features.
- Recommendation: Motorola Edge 20 Pro
- Scenario 3: You're a photography enthusiast who wants a high-resolution camera and the ability to record 8K video.
- Recommendation: Motorola Edge 20 Pro
My Choice
If I were making the decision, I'd lean towards the Samsung Galaxy A35. While the Motorola Edge 20 Pro's raw performance is tempting, the newer software (Android 14), larger battery, enhanced audio, and superior screen protection of the A35 make it a more well-rounded package for my daily needs. Plus, a more protected screen and better video image stabilization is a big bonus.
Although performance is important, the Exynos 1380 is still a solid chip that is capable of casual gaming and other daily activities. I also appreciate a longer lasting battery with the newer software experience that the Galaxy A35 provides.
