Alright, let's break down the Motorola Edge 20 and Moto G72, focusing on what really matters to you as a smartphone user. I'll blend the spec sheet with real-world insights to help you make the right choice.
1. Specifications Breakdown
Here's a detailed look at the key specs, presented with a focus on how they impact your day-to-day smartphone experience:
| Feature | Motorola Edge 20 | Motorola Moto G72 | Real-World Implications |
|---|---|---|---|
| Design | |||
| Dimensions | 163 × 76 × 7 mm, 163g | 160.5 × 74.4 × 7.9 mm, 166g | Edge 20 is slightly taller and wider, but thinner. Both are lightweight and comfortable to hold. |
| Build | Gorilla Glass 3 (screen) | Unknown (screen) | Edge 20 provides better screen protection against scratches and minor impacts. |
| Display | |||
| Size | 6.7" | 6.6" | Edge 20 offers a slightly larger viewing area for immersive experiences. |
| Resolution | 1080x2400 | 1080x2400 | Both displays are sharp and vibrant, with no discernible difference in clarity. |
| Refresh Rate | 144Hz | 120Hz | Edge 20 provides smoother scrolling and animations, especially noticeable in fast-paced games. |
| Technology | OLED | P-OLED | Both offer excellent color accuracy and deep blacks, but P-OLED might have slightly improved flexibility. |
| Performance | |||
| Chipset | Snapdragon 778G 5G (6 nm) | MediaTek Helio G99 (6 nm) | Edge 20 is noticeably faster and more responsive, better for demanding apps and gaming. |
| AnTuTu Score | 589,200 | 415,300 | Edge 20 offers a smoother experience with less lag, especially during multitasking. |
| GPU | Adreno 642L | Mali-G57 MC2 | Edge 20 handles graphics-intensive tasks and games more efficiently. |
| Camera | |||
| Main Camera | 108MP (f/1.9, 0.7µm, S5KHM2) | 108MP (f/1.7, 0.64µm) | Moto G72's wider aperture (f/1.7) lets in more light, potentially improving low-light shots. |
| Selfie Camera | 32MP (f/2.3, 0.7µm) | 16MP | Edge 20 takes sharper, more detailed selfies. |
| Telephoto Lens | 8MP | None | Edge 20 offers optical zoom capabilities for clearer zoomed-in photos. |
| Wide-Angle Lens | 16MP (Wide Angle + Macro) | 8MP | Moto G72 captures wider scenes and has dedicated Macro lens. |
| Video Recording | Up to 4K@30fps | Up to 1080p@60fps | Edge 20 records higher-resolution videos with better detail and clarity. |
| Camera Features | Optical Zoom, Manual Focus, 4K Video | PDAF, LAF | Edge 20 offers more advanced photography features; Moto G72 focuses faster with PDAF and LAF. |
| Battery Life | |||
| Capacity | 4020mAh | 5000mAh | Moto G72 provides significantly longer battery life, easily lasting through a full day of heavy use. |
| Charging | 30W Fast Charging | 33W Fast Charging | Both offer fast charging, but Moto G72 might recharge slightly faster due to the larger battery. |
| Reverse Charging | Yes | No | Edge 20 can charge other devices wirelessly. |
| Software | |||
| OS | Android 11 (upgradeable to 12) | Android 12 | Moto G72 comes with a more recent Android version out of the box. |
| Connectivity | |||
| Wi-Fi | Wi-Fi 6 (802.11ax), Wi-Fi MiMO | Wi-Fi 5 (802.11ac) | Edge 20 offers faster and more reliable Wi-Fi connections. |
| Bluetooth | 5.2 (APT-x, LDAC, SBC, AAC) | 5.0 | Edge 20 has a more advanced Bluetooth version with better audio codec support. |
| Audio | |||
| Audio Quality | Basic audio features | Dolby Atmos, Stereo Speakers | Moto G72 delivers a richer, more immersive audio experience. |
| Security | |||
| Fingerprint Sensor | Side-mounted | Basic fingerprint sensor | Edge 20 has a more convenient and ergonomic fingerprint sensor placement. |
2. Key Insights
Motorola Edge 20:
- Strengths: Superior performance, smoother display, telephoto lens with optical zoom, better Wi-Fi and Bluetooth, and reverse charging.
- Competitive Advantages: Ideal for users who prioritize speed, gaming, photography, and advanced connectivity.
- Trade-offs: Smaller battery, older Android version, lacks stereo speakers, and no microSD card slot.
Motorola Moto G72:
- Strengths: Longer battery life, better audio quality (Dolby Atmos, stereo speakers), and a more recent Android version.
- Competitive Advantages: Suited for users who value battery endurance, media consumption, and a modern software experience.
- Trade-offs: Slower performance, lower-resolution selfie camera, and lacks a telephoto lens.
3. User Profiles and Recommendations
- Motorola Edge 20:
- Ideal User: Gamers, photographers, and power users who demand top-notch performance and connectivity.
- Use Cases: Playing graphics-intensive games, capturing detailed photos with optical zoom, streaming high-resolution content over Wi-Fi, and charging wireless accessories.
- Motorola Moto G72:
- Ideal User: Casual users and media consumers who prioritize battery life, immersive audio, and a modern software experience.
- Use Cases: Watching movies and TV shows with Dolby Atmos, listening to music through stereo speakers, browsing the web, and using social media apps all day without worrying about battery life.
4. Buying Decision Framework
Here are three practical questions to guide your buying decision:
- How important is performance to you?
- If you need a fast and responsive phone for gaming and demanding apps, the Edge 20 is the clear winner.
- If you mostly use your phone for basic tasks, the Moto G72 is adequate.
- How much do you value battery life and audio quality?
- If you need your phone to last all day and want immersive audio, the Moto G72 is the better choice.
- If you don't mind charging more frequently and are okay with basic audio, the Edge 20 is sufficient.
- What are your camera priorities?
- If you want optical zoom and high-resolution video, the Edge 20 is the way to go.
- If you want a wider field of view and a dedicated macro lens, the Moto G72 is more versatile.
Personal Recommendation
If I had to pick one, I would choose the Motorola Edge 20. Here's why:
As a tech journalist and someone who values performance, the Snapdragon 778G 5G chipset and the 144Hz display are major draws. The Edge 20 offers a significantly smoother and more responsive experience, which is essential for multitasking, gaming, and everyday use. While the Moto G72's larger battery and stereo speakers are nice to have, the Edge 20's faster performance, better camera capabilities, and superior connectivity make it a more compelling package for my needs. The ability to record in 4k and the optical zoom are features that I would make great use of. Finally, the design is a little sleeker, with better screen protection.
