Alright, let's break down the Motorola Edge 20 Pro versus the Samsung Galaxy S23 Ultra. We'll cut through the marketing jargon and see what these phones really offer in the real world.
1. Specifications Breakdown
Here's a detailed look at how these phones stack up, with a focus on what the specs mean for you:
| Feature | Motorola Edge 20 Pro | Samsung Galaxy S23 Ultra | Real-World Implications |
|---|---|---|---|
| Design | |||
| Dimensions | 163 × 76 × 8 mm, 190g | 163.4 × 78.1 × 8.9 mm, 234g | S23 Ultra is slightly bulkier and heavier. Edge 20 Pro is more comfortable for extended use if you prioritize a lighter phone. |
| Build Quality | Gorilla Glass 5 | Gorilla Glass Victus 2 | S23 Ultra has superior screen protection, better resistance to scratches and drops. |
| Display | |||
| Size | 6.7" | 6.8" | Negligible difference in size; both provide ample screen real estate. |
| Resolution | 1080x2400 (385 PPI) | 1440x3088 (500 PPI) | S23 Ultra offers a noticeably sharper and more detailed display, making text and images look crisper. |
| Technology | OLED | AMOLED | Similar quality; both offer vibrant colors and deep blacks, but Samsung has a slight edge in color accuracy. |
| Refresh Rate | 144Hz | 120Hz | Edge 20 Pro provides slightly smoother animations in everyday use, though the difference is subtle. |
| Brightness | 0 nits | 1750 nits | S23 Ultra is dramatically brighter, offering excellent visibility in direct sunlight. Edge 20 Pro's brightness is unknown, raising concerns for outdoor use. |
| Performance | |||
| Chipset | Snapdragon 870 (7 nm) | Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 (4 nm) | S23 Ultra's chipset is significantly faster and more power-efficient. Expect smoother multitasking, faster app loading, and better gaming performance. |
| AnTuTu Score | 813,800 | 1,521,862 | S23 Ultra benchmark scores are nearly double, reflecting superior overall performance. |
| GPU | Adreno 650 | Adreno 740 | S23 Ultra's GPU provides significantly better graphics performance, ideal for demanding games and graphic-intensive tasks. |
| RAM | 12 GB | 8/12 GB | Both offer ample RAM for smooth multitasking, but the base S23 Ultra configuration with 8GB might be a bottleneck for the most demanding users. |
| Camera | |||
| Main Sensor | 108MP, f/1.9 | 200MP, f/1.7 | S23 Ultra captures more detail, performs better in low light, and offers greater dynamic range. |
| Telephoto | 8MP, f/3.4 | 12MP, f/4.9 | S23 Ultra's telephoto provides better zoom capabilities and overall image quality. |
| Ultrawide | 16MP, f/2.2 (Macro) | 12.2MP, f/2.2 | S23 Ultra offers a dedicated ultrawide lens for wider shots, while Edge 20 Pro combines ultrawide with macro. S23 Ultra will capture more details in Ultra Wide Photos |
| Selfie Camera | 32MP, f/2.3 | 12MP, f/2.2 | Edge 20 Pro's higher resolution doesn't necessarily translate to better selfies; S23 Ultra's advanced processing likely yields superior results. |
| Video Recording | Up to 8K@24fps | Up to 8K@30fps | Both offer high-resolution video, but S23 Ultra includes features like HDR and stereo sound, enhancing video quality. |
| Features | Limited | Extensive | S23 Ultra offers advanced features like OIS, PDAF, Laser AF, RAW capture, and Night Mode, making it a more versatile and capable camera system. |
| Battery Life | |||
| Capacity | 4500mAh | 5000mAh | S23 Ultra's larger battery typically provides longer battery life, especially with its more efficient chipset. |
| Charging | 30W | 45W | S23 Ultra charges faster, reducing downtime. |
| Features | Reverse Charging | Bypass Charging | Edge 20 Pro can charge other devices wirelessly. S23 Ultra can bypass charging the battery when plugged in during gaming, reducing heat. |
| Software | |||
| OS | Android 11 | Android 13 | S23 Ultra offers a more up-to-date Android version with more features and security updates. |
| Connectivity | |||
| Bluetooth | 5.1 | 5.3 | S23 Ultra has the latest Bluetooth version, offering improved connectivity and efficiency. |
| SIM | Nano SIM + Nano SIM | Nano SIM + Nano SIM / eSIM | S23 Ultra supports eSIM for added flexibility. |
| Storage | 128/256 GB | 256/512/1024 GB | S23 Ultra offers much more storage options, essential for storing high-resolution photos, videos, and large apps. |
| Expandable Storage | No | No | Both lack expandable storage, making storage capacity at purchase crucial. |
| Audio | Basic | Hi-Res, Stereo Speakers | S23 Ultra provides a much richer and more immersive audio experience with better sound quality and noise cancellation. |
| Security | Side-mounted Fingerprint | Basic Fingerprint | Both offer fingerprint security, but it's unclear how the S23 Ultra's sensor is "basic" compared to the Edge 20 Pro's side-mounted one. |
| Sensors | Limited | Extensive | S23 Ultra includes a barometer for measuring atmospheric pressure, useful for weather tracking and altitude measurements. |
2. Key Insights
Motorola Edge 20 Pro:
- Strengths: Lighter weight, slightly smoother display (144Hz), reverse charging.
- Competitive Advantages: More budget friendly.
- Trade-offs: Older chipset, less impressive camera, outdated software.
Samsung Galaxy S23 Ultra:
- Strengths: Stunning display, top-tier performance, versatile camera system, large battery, and modern features.
- Competitive Advantages: Best-in-class technology across the board.
- Trade-offs: Higher price, heavier and bulkier design.
3. User Profiles and Recommendations
- Motorola Edge 20 Pro: Best for budget-conscious users who prioritize a lightweight phone and don't need the latest features or top-end performance.
- Samsung Galaxy S23 Ultra: Ideal for power users, photographers, and tech enthusiasts who want the best possible performance, display, and camera capabilities, regardless of price.
4. Buying Decision Framework
Key Questions to Ask Yourself:
- How much do I value camera quality and versatility? If photography is a priority, the S23 Ultra is the clear winner.
- What is my budget? The S23 Ultra is a premium device with a price tag to match. If budget is a major concern, the Edge 20 Pro is the more affordable option.
- How important is having the latest technology and software? The S23 Ultra offers a more modern experience with a newer Android version and advanced features.
Scenario-Based Recommendations:
- Budget-Conscious User: Go with the Motorola Edge 20 Pro.
- Photography Enthusiast: The Samsung Galaxy S23 Ultra is the better choice.
- Power User/Gamer: Go with the Samsung Galaxy S23 Ultra.
My Choice
If I were choosing, I'd go with the Samsung Galaxy S23 Ultra.
Here's why:
As a tech journalist and analyst, I need a phone that can keep up with my demanding workload. The S23 Ultra's powerful chipset ensures smooth multitasking and app performance, which is crucial for my productivity. Also, the exceptional camera system is invaluable for capturing high-quality photos and videos for my reviews and content creation.
While the Motorola Edge 20 Pro has its merits, particularly its lighter weight and more budget-friendly price point, it simply can't compete with the S23 Ultra's overall performance, camera capabilities, and software features.
