Alright, let's break down the Motorola Edge 20 Pro versus the Samsung Galaxy S23 FE. I'll put on my tech journalist hat and give you the lowdown as if we were chatting over coffee.
1. Specifications Breakdown
Okay, here's a side-by-side look at the critical specs, with the "so what?" included.
| Feature | Motorola Edge 20 Pro | Samsung Galaxy S23 FE | Real-World Implications |
|---|---|---|---|
| Design | |||
| Dimensions | 163 × 76 × 8 mm, 190g | 158 × 76.5 × 8.2 mm, 209g | Edge 20 Pro is taller and lighter. S23 FE is more compact, but slightly heavier. Weight impacts long-term comfort. |
| Build | Gorilla Glass 5 | Gorilla Glass 5 | Both offer decent scratch resistance. |
| Display | |||
| Size | 6.7" | 6.4" | Edge 20 Pro has more screen real estate, better for media consumption. S23 FE is easier to handle one-handed. |
| Resolution | 1080x2400 (385 PPI) | 1080x2340 (403 PPI) | Both are sharp enough. S23 FE has slightly higher pixel density, but likely unnoticeable. |
| Technology | OLED | AMOLED | Marketing difference. Very similar, vibrant colors. |
| Refresh Rate | 144Hz | 120Hz | Edge 20 Pro is smoother for gaming and scrolling. The difference is noticeable to some users. |
| Brightness | 0 nits | 0 nits | Peak brightness is missing, impacting outdoor visibility. |
| Performance | |||
| Chipset | Snapdragon 870 (7 nm) | Exynos 2200 (4 nm) | S23 FE's Exynos 2200 is theoretically more powerful and efficient. Noticeable difference in demanding tasks. |
| AnTuTu Score | 813,800 | 1,188,176 | S23 FE has a higher benchmark score indicating faster performance in real-world usage, such as gaming, video editing and multi-tasking activities. |
| GPU | Adreno 650 | Xclipse 920 | S23 FE's GPU should be better for gaming and graphics-intensive tasks, though Exynos can throttle under sustained load. |
| RAM | 12GB | 8GB | Edge 20 Pro handles more apps in memory, less likely to reload. |
| Camera | |||
| Main Camera | 108MP (f/1.9, 0.7µm) | 50MP (f/1.8, 1.0µm) | Edge 20 Pro has higher resolution, but the S23 FE has larger pixels and potentially better low-light performance. |
| Telephoto | 8MP | 8MP | Both have telephoto, offering optical zoom capabilities. |
| Wide Angle | 16MP | 13MP | Edge 20 Pro has slightly higher resolution for wide-angle shots. |
| Selfie | 32MP (f/2.3, 0.7µm) | 10.8MP (f/2.4, 1.22µm) | Edge 20 Pro has higher resolution. S23 FE has larger pixels, better low-light selfies. |
| Video | Up to 8K@24fps | Up to 8K@24fps | Both can record high-resolution video. |
| Features | EIS | OIS, Ultra Stable Video, more advanced autofocus | S23 FE has better stabilization for smoother videos and more refined autofocus. |
| DxOMark | N/A | 127 | S23 FE has a tested, reputable camera performance score. |
| Battery Life | |||
| Capacity | 4500mAh | 4500mAh | Similar battery life, all else being equal. |
| Charging | 30W | 25W | Edge 20 Pro charges slightly faster. |
| Features | Reverse charging | Wireless charging, reverse wireless charging | S23 FE offers wireless charging, a significant convenience for some users. |
| Software | |||
| OS | Android 11 | Android 13, upgradable to 17 | S23 FE has newer software and longer support. |
| Connectivity | |||
| Bluetooth | 5.1 | 5.3 | S23 FE has the latest Bluetooth, slightly better range and efficiency. |
| GPS | More satellite systems | Standard GPS | Edge 20 Pro may have slightly better GPS accuracy. |
| Storage | |||
| Expandable | No | No | Neither offers expandable storage. Choose storage carefully. |
| Audio | |||
| Features | Basic | Dolby Atmos, Stereo Speakers | S23 FE has better audio quality for media consumption. |
| Security | Side-mounted fingerprint | Fingerprint | Edge 20 Pro has the more advance side-mounted fingerprint, more ergonomic, providing basic biometric security |
2. Key Insights
- Motorola Edge 20 Pro Strengths:
- Lighter and taller, more screen real estate.
- Slightly faster charging.
- More RAM for multitasking.
- 144Hz refresh rate for smoother scrolling.
- Potentially more accurate GPS.
- Samsung Galaxy S23 FE Strengths:
- More powerful and efficient chipset.
- Significantly higher benchmark score.
- Better camera features, including OIS and advanced autofocus.
- Wireless charging.
- Newer software with longer support.
- Better audio quality with Dolby Atmos and stereo speakers.
Trade-offs:
- Edge 20 Pro sacrifices camera quality and features for a slightly smoother display and lighter weight.
- S23 FE is heavier and pricier but offers a more modern, feature-rich experience.
3. User Profiles and Recommendations
- Motorola Edge 20 Pro:
- Best for users who prioritize a lightweight design, larger display, and smooth scrolling experience over camera capabilities and software updates.
- Suitable for gamers who can benefit from the 144Hz refresh rate and users who need lots of RAM for running multiple apps simultaneously.
- Samsung Galaxy S23 FE:
- Ideal for users who want a well-rounded device with a good camera, modern software, and wireless charging.
- Perfect for social media enthusiasts, photographers, and anyone who values a premium experience.
4. Buying Decision Framework
Here are three key questions to help you decide:
- How important is the camera to you? If photography is a priority, the S23 FE wins hands down.
- Do you value software updates and longevity? The S23 FE will receive updates for much longer.
- What is your budget? S23 FE is expected to be pricier, therefore it is important to consider if features are worth the extra buck.
Scenario-Based Recommendations:
- Budget-conscious user: Motorola Edge 20 Pro (if the price difference is significant)
- Photography enthusiast: Samsung Galaxy S23 FE
- Power user/Gamer: Samsung Galaxy S23 FE (more powerful chipset)
- All-around user: Samsung Galaxy S23 FE
My Pick
If I were choosing between these two phones, I'd go with the Samsung Galaxy S23 FE.
Why? While the Motorola Edge 20 Pro has some appealing aspects like its lighter weight and 144Hz display, the S23 FE is the more complete package. The newer chipset offers a significant performance boost, which is important for longevity. The camera is also superior, and I value having wireless charging. While it might be a bit heavier, the overall experience is much more refined and future-proof, and given the improvements in display technology over the last two years, I think the difference between 120Hz and 144Hz refresh rates on these phones is negligible, particularly since you are already getting a lot of the same benefits on a 120Hz panel.
