Alright, let's break down the Motorola Edge 20 Pro versus the Xiaomi Poco C65. It's a classic battle of "older flagship" versus "newer budget" phone, and as usual, the specs tell a compelling story.
1. Specifications Breakdown
Here’s a detailed comparison of the key specifications, focusing on what they actually mean for you:
| Feature | Motorola Edge 20 Pro | Xiaomi Poco C65 | Real-World Implications |
|---|---|---|---|
| Design | |||
| Dimensions | 163 × 76 × 8 mm, 190g | 168 × 78 × 8.1 mm, 192g | Similar size and weight. The Poco C65 is slightly larger and heavier, but not noticeably so. |
| Build Quality | Gorilla Glass 5 (screen) | Unknown (screen) | The Edge 20 Pro likely offers better screen protection. |
| Display | |||
| Size | 6.7" | 6.74" | Virtually identical screen size; negligible difference. |
| Resolution | 1080x2400 (FHD+) | 720x1600 (HD+) | The Edge 20 Pro's display is much sharper. Text and images will look noticeably clearer. |
| Pixel Density (PPI) | 385 | 260 | As above: expect a significantly sharper image on the Edge 20 Pro. |
| Technology | OLED | IPS LCD | OLED offers richer colors, deeper blacks, and better contrast compared to the LCD on the Poco. |
| Refresh Rate | 144Hz | 90Hz | Smoother scrolling and animations on the Edge 20 Pro. Gaming will feel more responsive. |
| Brightness | 0 nits | 0 nits | We cannot compare here. |
| Performance | |||
| Chipset | Snapdragon 870 (7nm) | Helio G85 (12nm) | The Snapdragon 870 is significantly more powerful. Expect much faster app loading, multitasking, and gaming. |
| AnTuTu Score | 813,800 | 237,768 | Reinforces the chipset difference. The Edge 20 Pro will feel much snappier. |
| GPU | Adreno 650 | Mali-G52 MC2 | The Adreno 650 is a much more capable GPU, better for gaming and graphics-intensive tasks. |
| RAM | 12GB | 4/6/8GB | The Edge 20 Pro's 12GB RAM means smoother multitasking and better handling of large apps. |
| Camera | |||
| Main Camera | 108MP (f/1.9, 1/1.52") | 50MP (f/1.8, 1/2.76") | On paper, the Edge 20 Pro has a larger sensor and higher resolution which is crucial for image quality. |
| Selfie Camera | 32MP (f/2.3) | 8MP (f/2.2) | Significantly higher resolution selfie camera on the Edge 20 Pro. |
| Telephoto Lens | 8MP | None | The Edge 20 Pro offers optical zoom capabilities. |
| Ultra-Wide Camera | 16MP | None | The Edge 20 Pro offers ultrawide capabilities. |
| Portrait/Macro | None | 2MP/2MP | Poco C65 has dedicated macro and portrait lenses. |
| Video | Up to 8K@24fps | Up to 1080p@30fps | The Edge 20 Pro can record much higher resolution video. |
| Battery Life | |||
| Capacity | 4500mAh | 5000mAh | The Poco C65 likely offers longer battery life due to its lower power chipset. |
| Charging | 30W | 18W | Faster charging on the Edge 20 Pro. |
| Software | |||
| OS | Android 11 | Android 13 | The Poco C65 ships with a newer version of Android, which may offer UI and security improvements. |
2. Key Insights
Motorola Edge 20 Pro Strengths:
- Performance: The Snapdragon 870 chipset is significantly faster, making the phone smoother and more responsive for gaming and demanding apps.
- Display: The OLED screen with a 144Hz refresh rate offers a superior viewing experience in terms of sharpness, color accuracy, and fluidity.
- Camera: The higher resolution main camera and the inclusion of a telephoto lens provide more versatility and better image quality, especially in good lighting conditions.
Xiaomi Poco C65 Strengths:
- Battery Life: The larger battery capacity paired with a less power-hungry chipset likely provides longer battery life.
- Software: Ships with a newer version of Android.
- Price: It will likely be cheaper.
Trade-offs and Limitations:
- The Edge 20 Pro is an older phone, so it might receive fewer software updates in the future.
- The Poco C65 sacrifices performance and display quality for affordability and battery life.
3. User Profiles and Recommendations
Motorola Edge 20 Pro is ideal for:
- Gamers who need a smooth, responsive display and powerful performance.
- Users who prioritize camera quality and versatility.
- Anyone who wants a premium viewing experience with vibrant colors and sharp details.
Xiaomi Poco C65 is ideal for:
- Budget-conscious users who need a reliable phone for basic tasks.
- Users who prioritize battery life over performance and display quality.
- People who prefer a newer version of Android out of the box.
4. Buying Decision Framework
Here are three questions to help you decide:
- How important is performance to you? If you plan to play demanding games or run resource-intensive apps, the Edge 20 Pro is the clear winner.
- What do you value more: display quality or battery life? The Edge 20 Pro offers a superior display, while the Poco C65 likely provides longer battery life.
- What is your budget? If you are on a tight budget, the Poco C65 will likely be the more affordable option.
Recommendation
For me, it's clear: I would choose the Motorola Edge 20 Pro.
Here's why:
- Performance Matters: As a tech journalist, I need a phone that can handle multiple apps, web browsing, and occasional gaming without breaking a sweat. The Snapdragon 870 is a significant upgrade over the Helio G85.
- Display Quality: I spend a lot of time looking at my phone, and the OLED screen with a high refresh rate on the Edge 20 Pro would make a noticeable difference in my daily experience.
- Camera Versatility: While the Poco C65 offers basic camera functionality, the Edge 20 Pro's higher resolution sensor and telephoto lens would provide more flexibility for capturing different types of photos.
While battery life is important, I can manage with the Edge 20 Pro's 4500mAh battery and fast charging. The trade-offs in performance and display quality with the Poco C65 are simply too significant for my use case.
