Alright, let's dive into a head-to-head comparison of the Motorola Edge 20 and the newer Moto G85. We'll break down the specs, discuss real-world implications, and figure out which phone might be the better fit for you.
1. Specifications Breakdown
Here’s a detailed look at how these two Motorola phones stack up:
| Feature | Motorola Edge 20 | Motorola Moto G85 | Real-World Implications |
|---|---|---|---|
| Design | |||
| Dimensions | 163 × 76 × 7 mm | 161.9 × 73.1 × 7.6 mm | The Edge 20 is slightly taller and wider, but thinner. The G85 is more compact and easier to hold for some. |
| Weight | 163g | 171g | The Edge 20 is a bit lighter, which might be noticeable over long periods of use. |
| Display | |||
| Size | 6.7" | 6.67" | Negligible difference. Both offer large screens for immersive viewing. |
| Resolution | 1080x2400 | 1080x2400 | Identical sharpness; both screens will look crisp. |
| PPI | 385 | 395 | Essentially the same pixel density; you won't see a difference in clarity. |
| Technology | OLED | P-OLED | Both offer vibrant colors and deep blacks. P-OLED might offer slightly better flexibility and durability. |
| Refresh Rate | 144Hz | 120Hz | The Edge 20's higher refresh rate provides slightly smoother scrolling and animations. |
| Brightness | 0 nits | 1600 nits | The Moto G85 will be significantly brighter and more visible outdoors in direct sunlight. Massive advantage here. |
| Performance | |||
| Chipset | Qualcomm SM7325 Snapdragon 778G 5G (6 nm) | Qualcomm SM6375 Snapdragon 6s Gen 3 (6 nm) | The Edge 20's Snapdragon 778G is a more powerful chip, offering snappier performance in demanding apps and games. |
| AnTuTu Score | 589,200 | 475,000 | The Edge 20 benchmark's higher, indicating faster app loading and smoother multitasking. |
| GPU | Adreno 642L | Adreno 619 | The Edge 20's GPU is more capable for gaming and graphics-intensive tasks. |
| Camera | |||
| Main Camera | 108MP, f/1.9, 1/1.52", 0.70µm | 50MP, f/1.79, 1/2", 1.00µm | The Edge 20 has a higher resolution sensor and larger sensor size, capturing more detail, but smaller pixels; G85 has larger pixels. |
| Selfie Camera | 32MP, f/2.3 | 32MP, f/2.4 | Similar selfie performance, though the Edge 20 might have a slight edge in low light due to the wider aperture. |
| Telephoto Lens | 8MP | None | The Edge 20 offers optical zoom capabilities, which is great for distant subjects. |
| Wide Angle Lens | 16MP | 8MP | The Edge 20 has a higher resolution wide angle lens. |
| Video | Up to 4K@30fps | Up to 1080p@60fps | The Edge 20 can record higher resolution video, resulting in sharper footage. |
| Camera Features | 4K Video, Optical Zoom, Triple Camera | OIS, PDAF, Laser Autofocus, Dual Camera | Edge 20 is more versatile; Moto G85 excels in stabilization and autofocus speed. |
| Battery Life | |||
| Capacity | 4020mAh | 5000mAh | The Moto G85 will likely last significantly longer on a single charge. |
| Charging | 30W | 30W | Both offer fast charging, but the G85's larger battery means it will take longer to fully charge. |
| Reverse Charging | Yes | No | The Edge 20 can be used to charge other devices wirelessly. |
| Software | |||
| OS | Android 11 (upgradable to 12) | Android 14 | The Moto G85 has a more up-to-date OS and likely longer software support. |
| Connectivity | |||
| Bluetooth | 5.2 | 5.1 | Slight advantage to the Edge 20 in terms of range and efficiency. |
| GPS | GPS, A-GPS, GLONASS, Beidou, Galileo | GPS, A-GPS, GLONASS, Beidou, QZSS, Galileo | The Moto G85 offers slightly better location accuracy with QZSS support. |
| SIM | Dual SIM | Dual SIM + eSIM | The Moto G85's eSIM support offers more flexibility in managing phone numbers. |
| Storage | |||
| RAM | 6GB/8GB | 8GB/12GB | The Moto G85 offers more RAM, leading to better multitasking. |
| Expandable | No | No | Neither phone offers expandable storage. |
| Audio | |||
| Quality | Basic audio features | Dolby Atmos, Stereo Speakers, 2 microphones | The Moto G85 provides a significantly better audio experience. |
| Build Quality | |||
| Screen Protection | Gorilla Glass 3 | Gorilla Glass 5 | The Moto G85 is more resistant to scratches and drops. |
2. Key Insights
Motorola Edge 20:
- Strengths: More powerful processor and GPU, better camera versatility (telephoto, higher resolution wide angle), higher refresh rate display, reverse charging.
- Competitive Advantages: Performance for gaming and demanding tasks, better zoom capabilities for photography, smoother UI, can be used as a power bank to charge other devices.
- Trade-offs: Older software, smaller battery, older Gorilla Glass, basic audio.
Motorola Moto G85:
- Strengths: Significantly brighter display, larger battery, newer software, better audio, eSIM support, better screen protection, and more RAM.
- Competitive Advantages: Longer battery life, better outdoor visibility, more modern OS, and enhanced audio-visual experience.
- Trade-offs: Less powerful chipset and GPU, no telephoto lens.
3. User Profiles and Recommendations
Motorola Edge 20:
- Best Suited For: Users who prioritize performance for gaming and resource-intensive apps, value camera zoom capabilities, and appreciate a smoother display experience.
- Use Cases: Mobile gamers, photography enthusiasts, those who often need to charge other devices.
Motorola Moto G85:
- Best Suited For: Users who prioritize battery life, outdoor visibility, a modern software experience, and enhanced audio.
- Use Cases: Daily commuters, outdoor enthusiasts, media consumers, international travelers.
4. Buying Decision Framework
Here are three questions to help you decide:
- Do you prioritize performance or battery life? The Edge 20 is better for gaming, while the Moto G85 excels in endurance.
- How important is outdoor visibility? The Moto G85's brighter screen is a game-changer for outdoor use.
- Do you want a modern software experience? The Moto G85 ships with a newer version of Android and will likely receive updates for longer.
Scenario 1: Performance and Camera Versatility: If you primarily use your phone for gaming and want the flexibility of optical zoom, the Motorola Edge 20 is the better choice.
Scenario 2: Battery Life and Outdoor Use: If you need a phone that can last all day and is easy to see in direct sunlight, the Motorola Moto G85 is the clear winner.
Final Verdict
Personally, I'd choose the Motorola Moto G85.
While the Edge 20 has a more powerful processor and a better camera setup on paper, the G85 offers a more well-rounded package for my everyday needs. I prioritize battery life, a bright display for outdoor use, and a modern software experience. The improved audio is a nice bonus, and the more durable screen gives me peace of mind. While I appreciate a powerful phone, the performance difference isn't significant enough to outweigh the G85's advantages in other areas. Plus, having that extra bit of RAM makes a difference in keeping my workflow smooth.
Ultimately, the best choice depends on your specific needs and priorities. But for me, the Moto G85 strikes the right balance between features, performance, and usability.
