Okay, let's dive deep into the Motorola Edge 20 and the Blackview A96. Here’s a breakdown designed to cut through the tech jargon and give you a clear picture of what each phone brings to the table.
1. Specifications Breakdown
| Feature | Motorola Edge 20 | Blackview A96 | Real-World Implications |
|---|---|---|---|
| Design | |||
| Dimensions | 163 × 76 × 7 mm, 163g | 161.8 × 74.2 × 8.6 mm, 193.9g | Edge 20 is taller and wider, but significantly lighter, making it more comfortable for extended use, while the A96 is slightly smaller but heavier and thicker. |
| Foldable | Standard | Standard | Both are standard smartphones, no folding features to consider. |
| Display | |||
| Size | 6.7" | 6.5" | Edge 20 offers a slightly larger display, good for media consumption. |
| Resolution | 1080x2400 | 1080x2400 | Both have the same Full HD+ resolution, meaning sharp, clear images and text. |
| PPI | 385 | 405 | A96 has slightly higher pixel density, making images a bit sharper, but not dramatically noticeable in real use. |
| Technology | OLED | IPS LCD | Edge 20 has an OLED display which provides better contrast, richer colors, and deeper blacks than the IPS LCD of the A96. |
| Refresh Rate | 144Hz | 120Hz | Edge 20 has a higher refresh rate, leading to smoother animations and a more responsive feel in everyday use. |
| Brightness | 0 nits | 0 nits | Both phones have identical peak brightness at 0 nits. |
| Performance | |||
| Chipset | Qualcomm Snapdragon 778G 5G (6 nm) | Mediatek Helio G99 (6 nm) | Edge 20's Snapdragon 778G offers better performance, especially in gaming and demanding tasks. |
| AnTuTu Score | 589,200 | 423,393 | Edge 20's benchmark score suggests superior performance in day-to-day operations and more resource intensive applications. |
| GPU | Adreno 642L | Mali-G57 MC2 | The Adreno GPU in the Edge 20 is more powerful, resulting in better graphics performance for games and apps. |
| Camera | |||
| Standard Camera | 108MP, f/1.9, 1/1.52" | 48MP, f/1.6, 1/2" | Edge 20 has higher resolution and larger sensor, but the A96 has a wider aperture for better low-light performance. |
| Selfie Camera | 32MP, f/2.3 | 16MP, 1/3" | Edge 20 captures more detailed selfies. |
| Telephoto Lens | 8MP, f/2.4 | None | Edge 20 has an extra telephoto lens for optical zoom capabilities, which is lacking on the A96. |
| Wide Angle Lens | None | 8MP, f/2.4 | A96 offers a dedicated wide-angle lens, missing on the Edge 20, allowing for more flexible photography. |
| Macro Lens | None | 2MP, f/2.4 | A96 includes a macro lens for close-up shots. |
| Wide Angle + Macro | 16MP, f/2.2 | None | Edge 20 has a combo Wide angle + Macro lens, adding more versatility to the camera setup. |
| Video | 4K@30fps with EIS | 1440p@30fps | Edge 20 can record in 4K with EIS, while A96 maxes out at 1440p, which may impact video quality for more demanding users. |
| Camera Features | 4K Video, Optical Zoom, etc. | PDAF, Front Flash, etc. | Edge 20 is geared more for advanced photographers with its Optical Zoom, while the A96 offers a Front Flash for better selfies. |
| Battery Life | |||
| Capacity | 4020mAh | 4380mAh | A96 has a slightly larger battery, which may result in a marginally better battery life. |
| Charging | 30W Fast Charging | 18W Fast Charging | Edge 20 charges faster with its 30W charger. |
| Features | Reverse Charging | None | Edge 20 can reverse charge other devices, a useful feature not found on the A96. |
| Software | |||
| OS | Android 11 (upgradable to 12) | Android 13 | A96 comes with a newer Android version out of the box, offering better security, features, and long-term support. |
| Connectivity | |||
| Wi-Fi | Wi-Fi 6, MIMO | Wi-Fi 5 | Edge 20 offers more advanced Wi-Fi with Wi-Fi 6 and MIMO for faster, more stable connections. |
| Bluetooth | 5.2 with aptX, LDAC | 5.0 | Edge 20 has a newer version and better audio codecs, leading to enhanced sound quality for wireless audio devices. |
| GPS | Galileo | None | Edge 20 has better location tracking with Galileo. |
| Storage | |||
| Internal | 128 GB or 256 GB | 256 GB | A96 offers 256 GB storage, but Edge 20 offers options for both 128 and 256 GB variants. |
| RAM | 6 GB or 8 GB | 8 GB or 12 GB | A96 has more RAM, particularly the 12GB option, offering smoother multi-tasking and resource-intensive use. |
| Expandable Storage | No | No | Neither phone supports expandable storage, limiting storage capacity to what is on board. |
| Audio | |||
| Quality | Basic audio | Stereo speakers | A96 offers better audio with stereo speakers compared to the basic audio of the Edge 20. |
| Security | |||
| Features | side-mounted fingerprint sensor | side-mounted fingerprint sensor | Both phones offer side-mounted fingerprint readers for quick biometric unlocking. |
| Build Quality | |||
| Screen Protection | Corning Gorilla Glass 3 | Unknown | Motorola Edge 20 has a more durable screen with Corning Gorilla Glass 3. |
| Sensors | |||
| Features | Comprehensive sensor suite | Comprehensive sensor suite | Both phones have a comprehensive sensor suite, but the Edge 20 features an additional gravity sensor, useful for more advanced applications. |
2. Key Insights
Motorola Edge 20
Strengths:
- Superior Display: OLED display with 144Hz refresh rate provides vibrant visuals and very smooth scrolling.
- Faster Performance: The Snapdragon 778G chipset is significantly more powerful, making it better for gaming and demanding apps.
- Advanced Camera: Features a 108MP main sensor, telephoto lens, and 4K video with EIS, for more diverse shooting options.
- Faster Charging: 30W fast charging is a considerable benefit for quickly topping up the battery.
- Modern Connectivity: Offers newer Wi-Fi 6 and Bluetooth 5.2 with advanced audio codecs for faster wireless connections and better audio quality.
- Reverse Charging: Can charge other devices.
- Screen Protection: Corning Gorilla Glass 3
Competitive Advantages: The Edge 20 is the clear choice for users wanting top-tier display quality, performance, and a versatile camera system.
Limitations: Slightly smaller battery capacity and basic audio features.
Blackview A96
Strengths:
- Larger Battery: While the difference isn’t huge, the 4380mAh battery might offer slightly better battery life.
- More RAM: The 12GB RAM option is excellent for heavy multitasking.
- Newer Android Version: Comes with Android 13 out of the box, with a better user experience and potentially longer software support.
- Stereo Speakers: Offers a better audio experience with its stereo speakers.
- Macro and Wide Angle Lenses: Includes a dedicated macro lens and wide angle lens for versatile photography, missing on the Edge 20.
- Front Flash: Front Flash for better selfies
Competitive Advantages: The A96 stands out for those needing more RAM, newer software, and better audio. It's also a good option for budget-conscious users who still want a well-rounded phone.
Limitations: Lower performance chip, IPS LCD display, slower charging, and less advanced camera features overall.
3. User Profiles and Recommendations
Motorola Edge 20
- Ideal User: Tech enthusiasts, mobile gamers, and those who prioritize a top-tier display and powerful performance.
- Use Cases: Demanding games, high-resolution video streaming, fast-paced multi-tasking, professional photography, content creators.
- Value Proposition: Premium performance and display at a reasonable price point.
Blackview A96
- Ideal User: Users who value battery life, multitaskers, and those seeking a good balance between features and price, who may prefer versatile camera options.
- Use Cases: Everyday usage, social media browsing, multimedia consumption, photography on a budget.
- Value Proposition: Great value for the money with a solid feature set.
4. Buying Decision Framework
Here are three questions to help you decide:
How important is display quality and performance to you? If you prioritize a vibrant, smooth display and superior performance, the Edge 20 is the clear winner.
Do you need the most up-to-date software and multitasking capabilities? If so, the A96 with Android 13 and potentially 12GB of RAM might be the better choice.
What kind of camera features do you need? If you want optical zoom and high-resolution video, go with the Edge 20, but if you want macro and wide-angle lenses along with a front flash, consider the A96.
Scenario-Based Recommendations:
- The Gamer: Choose the Edge 20 for its powerful processor, higher refresh rate, and graphics performance.
- The Photographer: The Edge 20 is better for high resolution photography and optical zoom. The A96 is better for those seeking more camera versatility.
- The Daily User: The A96 is a strong contender here for its balance of battery, RAM, and Android 13, but the Edge 20 is excellent with its fast performance.
- The Audiophile: The A96 would be a better choice for the stereo speaker setup.
My Choice and Why
If I had to choose between the Motorola Edge 20 and the Blackview A96, I would lean towards the Motorola Edge 20. Here's why:
As a tech journalist and analyst, I prioritize performance and display quality for both everyday use and to evaluate new advancements in mobile technology. The OLED display with its 144Hz refresh rate is a major draw for me, as is the more powerful Snapdragon 778G chip. The higher benchmark scores of the Edge 20 speak volumes about its processing prowess and provide a smoother user experience overall.
While the Blackview A96 does have its merits such as a more up to date Android version and slightly larger battery, the Edge 20's superior display, performance, and more versatile camera system with Optical Zoom tip the scales in its favor for my needs. The faster 30W charging also aligns better with my fast-paced lifestyle and I also like that the phone is protected by Gorilla Glass 3 for an extra peace of mind.
Although the Blackview A96 has a newer Android version, its other features do not offset the benefits that the Motorola Edge 20 provides, making it my preferred option.
In the end, while both are excellent devices for different needs, for my particular use case, the Motorola Edge 20 is the clear winner.
