Alright, let's pit the Motorola Edge 20 Pro against the Sony Xperia 5 III. Both phones were released in 2021 and aim for the premium mid-range market, but they take slightly different approaches. I'll break it down into a way that will help you to decide which is best for you.
1. Specifications Breakdown
Here's a detailed spec comparison:
| Feature | Motorola Edge 20 Pro | Sony Xperia 5 III | Real-World Implications |
|---|---|---|---|
| Design | |||
| Dimensions | 163 × 76 × 8 mm | 157 × 68 × 8.2 mm | The Xperia 5 III is more compact, which some users find easier to handle one-handed. The Edge 20 Pro is taller and wider. |
| Weight | 190g | 168g | Xperia 5 III is lighter, making it more comfortable for prolonged use. |
| Display | |||
| Size | 6.7" | 6.1" | The Edge 20 Pro offers a larger screen, better for media consumption and gaming. The Xperia 5 III's smaller screen is sharper due to higher pixel density. |
| Resolution | 1080x2400 | 1080x2520 | Both are FHD+, but the Xperia has a taller aspect ratio. |
| Pixel Density | 385 ppi | 449 ppi | Xperia 5 III's display will look noticeably sharper. |
| Technology | OLED | OLED | Both offer vibrant colors and deep blacks. |
| Refresh Rate | 144Hz | 120Hz | Edge 20 Pro has a marginally smoother scrolling experience. |
| Performance | |||
| Chipset | Snapdragon 870 5G (7 nm) | Snapdragon 888 5G (5 nm) | The 888 in the Xperia 5 III is a more powerful chip, particularly for graphics-intensive tasks and sustained performance. |
| AnTuTu Score | 813,800 | 880,000 | The Xperia 5 III will offer slightly smoother performance in demanding apps and games. |
| GPU | Adreno 650 | Adreno 660 | The Adreno 660 in the Xperia provides better graphics processing power, important for gaming and video editing. |
| RAM | 12 GB | 8 GB | Edge 20 Pro allows better multitasking and keeps more apps open in the background. |
| Camera | |||
| Main Camera | 108MP, f/1.9 | 12MP, f/1.7 | The Edge 20 Pro captures more detailed images in good lighting conditions, whereas the Xperia 5 III performs better in low light. |
| Ultrawide Camera | 16MP (Wide Angle + Macro) | 12MP, f/2.3 | Xperia 5 III has a dedicated ultrawide lens, while the Edge 20 Pro combines ultrawide with macro functionality. |
| Telephoto Lens | 8MP, f/3.4 | 12MP, f/2.2 | Xperia 5 III has a brighter telephoto lens, capturing more detail and light at a distance. |
| Selfie Camera | 32MP, f/2.3 | 8MP, f/2.0 | Edge 20 Pro captures more detailed selfies in good lighting. Xperia 5 III has a wider aperture for better low-light selfies. |
| Video Recording | Up to 8K@24fps | Up to 4K@120fps | Edge 20 Pro offers higher resolution video recording, while the Xperia 5 III provides smoother, high-frame-rate 4K recording with OIS/EIS. |
| Battery Life | |||
| Capacity | 4500mAh | 4500mAh | Both should offer similar battery life depending on usage. |
| Charging | 30W Fast Charging | 30W Fast Charging | Both support 30W fast charging, providing a reasonably quick recharge time. |
| Software | |||
| OS | Android 11 | Android 11 (upgradeable to 13) | Xperia 5 III has better long-term software support. |
| Audio | Basic | Dolby Atmos, Hi-Res Audio, Stereo Speakers | Xperia 5 III has a superior audio experience. |
| Build Quality | Gorilla Glass 5 | Gorilla Glass 6 | Xperia 5 III has better screen protection. |
2. Key Insights
Motorola Edge 20 Pro:
- Strengths: Larger display with a higher refresh rate, higher resolution main camera, and more RAM for multitasking.
- Competitive Advantages: The 8K video recording is a standout feature, though its practical use may be limited.
- Trade-offs: Less powerful chipset, bulkier design, and lacks the premium audio features of the Xperia.
Sony Xperia 5 III:
- Strengths: More compact and lighter design, sharper display, more powerful chipset, superior camera versatility, and enhanced audio features.
- Competitive Advantages: The advanced camera features, like real-time tracking and high frame rate recording, cater to enthusiasts.
- Trade-offs: Smaller screen and less RAM compared to the Edge 20 Pro.
3. User Profiles and Recommendations
- Motorola Edge 20 Pro:
- Best Suited For: Media consumers who prioritize screen size and a smooth display. Users who do a lot of multitasking.
- Use Cases: Watching movies, playing games, browsing the web, using multiple apps simultaneously.
- Sony Xperia 5 III:
- Best Suited For: Photography and videography enthusiasts who want a compact device with high-end features.
- Use Cases: Capturing photos and videos, listening to music, enjoying immersive audio experiences, and those who prefer a pocket-friendly phone.
4. Buying Decision Framework
Here are three questions to guide your decision:
- Do you prioritize screen size and refresh rate, or a more compact design and sharper display?
- Is camera versatility and advanced features more important than having the highest resolution sensor?
- Are you a heavy multitasker who needs more RAM, or do you value superior audio quality and a more powerful chipset?
Scenario-Based Recommendations:
- For the Casual User: If you primarily use your phone for basic tasks, the Xperia 5 III's compact design, superior audio and capable camera make it a well-rounded choice.
- For the Media Enthusiast: If you watch a lot of movies and play games, the Motorola Edge 20 Pro's larger screen and high refresh rate will provide a more immersive experience.
- For the Content Creator: The Xperia 5 III has the better set of features.
My Choice
Personally, I'd lean towards the Sony Xperia 5 III. While the Motorola Edge 20 Pro has its strengths, the Xperia 5 III's combination of a more powerful processor, better camera features (especially the telephoto lens and video capabilities), and superior audio experience makes it the more compelling overall package. I value the compactness and I am often frustrated with my phone's low-light camera performance. The Xperia 5 III is a little better in that department. For me, it’s a better balance of power, portability, and features.
