Okay, let's dive into a detailed comparison of the Motorola Edge 20 and the Google Pixel 7. I'll break down the tech specs, translate them into real-world experiences, and give you a clear idea of which phone might be the best fit for you.
1. Specifications Breakdown
Here's a table comparing the key technical specifications of the Motorola Edge 20 and the Google Pixel 7:
| Feature | Motorola Edge 20 | Google Pixel 7 | Real-World Implications |
|---|---|---|---|
| Design | |||
| Dimensions | 163 × 76 × 7 mm | 155.6 × 73.2 × 8.7 mm | The Motorola is taller and wider, but thinner and lighter, whereas the Pixel is more compact. It's a difference in hand feel and pocketability. |
| Weight | 163g | 197g | The Motorola is significantly lighter which is beneficial for prolonged use and feels less tiring to hold. |
| Display | |||
| Size | 6.7" | 6.3" | The Motorola offers a larger display which is better for media consumption, gaming and multi-tasking |
| Resolution | 1080x2400 | 1080x2400 | Both have the same screen resolution, ensuring sharp and clear text and visuals. |
| PPI | 385 | 416 | The Pixel has slightly higher pixel density, providing slightly sharper images on a smaller screen. |
| Technology | OLED | AMOLED | Both use high quality display tech, offering good color and contrast, though AMOLED is slightly more advanced. |
| Refresh Rate | 144Hz | 90Hz | The Motorola's higher refresh rate results in noticeably smoother scrolling and animations which is particularly noticeable during gaming and heavy use. |
| Brightness | 0 nits | 1400 nits | The Pixel’s vastly superior brightness ensures great visibility even in direct sunlight. The Motorola is missing this information. |
| Performance | |||
| Chipset | Qualcomm Snapdragon 778G 5G (6 nm) | Google Tensor G2 (5 nm) | The Pixel's Tensor chip is more powerful and AI-focused, resulting in quicker app loading, improved multitasking and more efficient performance for everyday usage. |
| AnTuTu Score | 589,200 | 827,033 | The Pixel scores significantly higher, indicating better performance, especially with demanding tasks and gaming. |
| GPU | Adreno 642L | Mali-G710 MP7 | Different GPUs, with the Pixel's Mali offering generally better graphics performance, especially in modern games. |
| Camera | |||
| Main Camera | 108MP, f/1.9, 1/1.52" sensor | 50MP, f/1.85, 1/1.31" sensor | The Motorola has more megapixels but the Pixel has a larger sensor with wider aperture which allows more light into the lens resulting in higher quality low light shots. |
| Selfie Camera | 32MP, f/2.3 | 10.8MP, f/2.2, 1/2.65" sensor | The Motorola has a higher megapixel count, but the Pixel has a slightly wider aperture and larger pixel size. |
| Telephoto Lens | 8MP | None | The Motorola has a dedicated telephoto lens for zoom shots, which the Pixel lacks. |
| Wide Angle Lens | None | 12MP, f/2.2, 1/2.3" sensor | The Pixel has a wide-angle lens for expansive photos which the Motorola lacks. |
| Macro Lens | 16MP Wide Angle + Macro | None | The Motorola has a dedicated macro lens while the Pixel lacks one. |
| Video | 4K@30fps with EIS, up to 960fps slow-mo | 4K@60fps with HDR, OIS, EIS, up to 240fps slow-mo | The Pixel offers better video with higher frame rate and Optical Image Stabilization, as well as HDR support |
| DXOMark | Not Tested | Mobile: 140, Selfie: 138 | Pixel's camera quality is very well tested in industry tests showing excellent performance and capability. |
| Features | Optical zoom, Triple camera | Dual camera, OIS, PDAF, LAF, RAW, Night Mode | Pixel provides a complete suite of AI powered software features for great pictures and video, while the Motorola is more basic. |
| Battery Life | |||
| Capacity | 4020mAh | 4355mAh | The Pixel has a slightly larger battery, potentially offering better battery life. |
| Charging | 30W fast charging | 20W fast charging, 23W wireless | The Motorola offers faster wired charging while the Pixel offers wireless charging, providing more flexibility, however the Motorola charges faster. |
| Additional Features | Reverse charging, Non-removable | Reverse charging, Non-removable, No charger in box, Wireless charge 23W, Reverse wireless charge | Pixel's wireless charging adds to convenience while Motorola's reverse charging is good for sharing battery. |
| Software | |||
| OS | Android 11, max version 12 | Android 13, max version 14 | The Pixel has a newer operating system and will receive quicker updates and longer software support, making it more future-proof. |
| Connectivity | |||
| WiFi | Wi-Fi 6, MiMO | Wi-Fi 6 | Both devices provide the newest WiFi standards. |
| Bluetooth | Bluetooth 5.2 LE, various codecs | Bluetooth 5.2 LE, various codecs | Both provide identical standards here. |
| GPS | GPS, A-GPS, GLONASS, Beidou, Galileo | GPS, A-GPS, GLONASS, Beidou, QZSS, Galileo, GLONASS (L1) | Pixel provides better location accuracy with more systems. |
| SIM | Dual SIM (Nano SIM + Nano SIM) | Dual SIM (Nano SIM + eSIM) | Pixel has the option of using an eSIM, which is beneficial for travelling or having multiple plans. Motorola supports two SIMs simultaneously. |
| Storage | |||
| Internal Storage | 128 GB or 256 GB | 128 GB or 256 GB | Both offer the same storage options, which is standard. |
| RAM | 6 GB or 8 GB | 8 GB | Both provide good RAM options for seamless multitasking. |
| Expandable | No | No | Neither device supports expandable storage, which is a common downside for many modern phones. |
| Audio | |||
| Audio Quality | Basic audio features | Noise cancellation microphone, Stereo Speakers, 3 microphones | Pixel has a better microphone and speaker setup, allowing for more immersive audio and improved call clarity. |
| Security | |||
| Security Features | side-mounted fingerprint sensor | basic fingerprint sensor | Motorola has more advanced fingerprint unlocking. |
| Build Quality | |||
| Screen Protection | Corning Gorilla Glass 3 | Corning Gorilla Glass Victus | The Pixel's screen is significantly more resistant to scratches and damage. |
| Sensors | |||
| Sensors | Biometric: Fingerprint; Proximity: Proximity; Motion: Accelerometer, Compass, Gyroscope | Biometric: Fingerprint; Proximity: Proximity; Motion: Accelerometer, Gyroscope, Magnetometer; Environmental: Barometer | Pixel offers more sensors which is useful for weather reporting and navigation. |
2. Key Insights
Motorola Edge 20 Strengths:
- Lighter and Thinner: More comfortable for extended use.
- Larger Display: Better for media consumption, gaming and multi-tasking.
- Higher Refresh Rate: Smoother scrolling, more immersive gaming experience.
- Faster Wired Charging: Less time plugged into the wall.
- Optical zoom lens: Allows better zoom shots compared to the Pixel.
- Macro lens: Allows for closer focus shots compared to the Pixel.
- Side-mounted Fingerprint sensor: More convenient and ergonomic than standard fingerprint sensors.
Google Pixel 7 Strengths:
- More Powerful Performance: The Google Tensor G2 chipset provides faster overall performance and better AI features, which results in a better overall smartphone experience.
- Superior Display Brightness: Much better visibility outdoors in direct sunlight.
- Better Main Camera: Larger sensor size, resulting in improved image quality with more light detail and a wider aperture for better low light shots.
- Advanced Video Recording: Offers OIS for stable, shake-free video and HDR.
- Wireless Charging: Greater charging convenience.
- Better Audio: Stereo speakers and noise-canceling mic.
- Wide Angle lens: Better for landscape shots and group photos.
- Latest OS: Newer Android version and longer software support, providing better security and the latest features.
- Improved Screen Protection: Stronger Gorilla Glass Victus.
- More Environmental Sensors: More sensors means the device will be able to be more detailed with tracking location, as well as reporting atmospheric pressure.
Trade-offs and Limitations:
- The Motorola's camera system, while versatile, doesn't match the Pixel's overall image quality.
- The Pixel's battery, although larger, might not translate to significantly better battery life due to its more demanding processor and display.
- The Motorola has a noticeably lower peak brightness which makes it unsuitable for usage in direct sunlight.
3. User Profiles and Recommendations
Motorola Edge 20:
- Media Consumers: Those who watch a lot of videos and want a large, smooth display.
- Budget-Conscious Gamers: Great for smooth performance in casual and mobile games.
- Everyday Users: People who want a reliable phone with a long-lasting battery that can easily be charged.
Google Pixel 7:
- Photography Enthusiasts: Users who value excellent camera quality and want the latest image processing.
- Power Users: Users who need the latest software, and the best performance.
- Outdoor Users: People who need a bright display visible in direct sunlight.
- Tech Enthusiasts: Those who value the best integration of hardware and software, and are excited by the latest tech.
4. Buying Decision Framework
Here are three practical questions to help you decide:
- Do you prioritize a larger display and smooth scrolling, or a compact design with excellent camera and high performance? If the former, the Motorola is a great choice; if the latter, go for the Pixel.
- How important is low light camera performance and video quality to you? If you're a photography lover, the Pixel's camera will be the best choice, if you aren't it may be better to save some money with the Motorola
- Do you need fast wired charging and a lighter phone, or wireless charging and better screen protection? This is a key consideration. If you value portability and don't like waiting for your phone to charge, the Motorola is better, otherwise, the Pixel is better if you're comfortable with a thicker, heavier phone.
Scenario-Based Recommendations:
- For the Casual User: If you mostly browse social media and occasionally take pictures, the Motorola Edge 20 offers a good balance of features, and is good value for money.
- For the Photography Lover: If you take frequent photos and want great quality and access to the latest and best features, the Google Pixel 7 is the clear winner.
- For the Performance Seeker: If you need a phone that will run smoothly when playing video games, or editing videos, the Google Pixel 7 offers significantly better performance.
What I would choose
Personally, I'd lean towards the Google Pixel 7. While the Motorola Edge 20 has a lot to offer with its larger screen and lighter weight, the Pixel 7's overall package is more compelling. The superior performance and brightness and camera quality of the Pixel make it a better long-term investment for me, especially given the promise of faster and more consistent software updates. As someone who regularly uses my phone's camera for photography, the advanced features are extremely appealing. I also appreciate the convenience of wireless charging, and I generally prefer the more modern design of the Pixel. The screen is also much better for outdoor use which is a massive benefit for my lifestyle. While the Motorola's lighter design is appreciated, it's not quite enough to sway me. I'd prefer to make the small trade-off in weight for the best features overall.
