Alright, let's dive into a head-to-head comparison of the Motorola Edge 20 and the realme 8. This is going to be fun because, on paper, these phones target slightly different user needs. I'll break down the specs, highlight the key differences, and help you figure out which one might be the better fit for you.
1. Specifications Breakdown
Here's a detailed comparison table to break down the key specs of each phone:
| Feature | Motorola Edge 20 | realme 8 | Real-World Implications |
|---|---|---|---|
| Design | |||
| Launch Date | 2021-08-16 | 2024-05-28 | The realme 8 is newer by 9 months, 12 days. |
| Dimensions | 163 × 76 × 7 mm | 162 × 75.1 × 8.7 mm | The Motorola Edge 20 is thinner, which might make it feel more sleek and pocketable. The realme 8 is a bit shorter and narrower. |
| Weight | 163g | 191g | The Edge 20 is noticeably lighter, making it more comfortable to hold for extended periods. |
| Display | |||
| Size | 6.7" | 6.78" | Negligible difference in screen size. |
| Resolution | 1080x2400 | 1264x2780 | The realme 8 has a higher resolution, resulting in sharper images and text. |
| PPI | 385 | 450 | The higher pixel density on the realme 8 means finer details are visible. |
| Technology | OLED | AMOLED | Both offer vibrant colors and deep blacks, with slight variations in color accuracy and power efficiency. |
| Refresh Rate | 144Hz | 120Hz | The Edge 20 has a slightly smoother scrolling and gaming experience. |
| Brightness | 0 nits | 0 nits | Brightness can’t be directly compared due to lack of reference unit. |
| Performance | |||
| Chipset | Qualcomm SM7325 Snapdragon 778G 5G (6 nm) | Qualcomm SM7675 Snapdragon 7+ Gen 3 (4 nm) | The realme 8 with the Snapdragon 7+ Gen 3 should offer significantly faster performance, especially in demanding tasks and gaming. |
| AnTuTu Score | 589,200 | N/A | Without data for the realme 8, direct performance comparison is limited, but the Snapdragon 7+ Gen 3 is expected to outperform the Snapdragon 778G. |
| GPU | Adreno 642L | Adreno 732 | The Adreno 732 in the realme 8 will provide better graphics performance, resulting in smoother gameplay and improved visual fidelity. |
| Camera | |||
| Main Camera | 108MP, f/1.9 | N/A | The Edge 20's 108MP main camera should capture highly detailed photos in good lighting. |
| Selfie Camera | 32MP, f/2.3 | N/A | Edge 20 should capture detailed selfies. |
| Telephoto Lens | 8MP, f/2.4 | N/A | Allows Edge 20 to capture zoomed-in shots with some level of detail. |
| Wide Angle + Macro | 16MP, f/2.2 | N/A | Edge 20 can capture wide-angle shots and close-up macro photos. |
| Video | 4K@30fps with EIS | 4K@30/60fps with OIS, EIS | realme 8 can record with OIS and at 60fps. |
| Features | 4K Video, Digital zoom, Optical zoom, Triple camera, Digital image stabilization, Autofocus, Touch focus, Manual focus, Continuous shooting, Geotagging, Panorama, HDR, Face detection, White balance settings, ISO settings, Exposure compensation, Scene mode, Self-timer | Edge 20: Comprehensive set of features for versatile photography. | |
| Battery Life | |||
| Capacity | 4020mAh | 0mAh | Edge 20 provides enough power for moderate usage, although the realme 8's capacity is unknown. |
| Charging | 30W fast charging | Standard charging | The Edge 20 charges faster, allowing for quick top-ups. |
| Features | Reverse charging, Non-removable | Standard features | The Edge 20 can charge other devices wirelessly. |
| Software | |||
| OS | Android 11, upgradable to 12 | Android 14 | The realme 8 has a more up-to-date Android version. |
| Connectivity | |||
| Wi-Fi | 802.11a/b/g/n/ac/ax (Wi-Fi 6) | Edge 20 supports faster and more efficient Wi-Fi connectivity. | |
| Bluetooth | 5.2 | Edge 20 supports modern Bluetooth version. | |
| GPS | GPS, A-GPS, GLONASS, Beidou, Galileo | Edge 20 has a more robust GPS system for better location accuracy. | |
| SIM | Dual SIM Dual Standby (Nano SIM + Nano SIM) | Edge 20 allows you to use two SIM cards at the same time. | |
| Storage | |||
| Internal | 128 GB or 256 GB | Edge 20 can have a large internal storage. | |
| RAM | 6 GB or 8 GB | Edge 20 has enough RAM for smooth multitasking. | |
| Expandable | No | No | Neither phone allows you to add extra storage. |
| Security | |||
| Features | side-mounted fingerprint sensor | basic fingerprint sensor | Edge 20 provides a convenient and secure way to unlock your phone. |
| Build Quality | |||
| Screen Protection | Corning Gorilla Glass 3 | Unknown | Edge 20: Decent protection against scratches and minor impacts. |
| Sensors | |||
| Sensors | Biometric: Fingerprint; Proximity: Proximity; Motion: Accelerometer, Compass, Gyroscope | Basic sensors | Edge 20 has a comprehensive set of sensors for various functions. |
2. Key Insights
Motorola Edge 20:
- Strengths: Slim and lightweight design, high refresh rate display (144Hz), capable main camera (108MP), good battery life, fast charging, and a more comprehensive set of sensors.
- Competitive Advantages: The higher refresh rate is great for gamers and those who enjoy smooth animations. The camera system is more feature-rich compared to the realme 8.
- Trade-offs: Older chipset compared to the realme 8, and running an older version of Android.
realme 8:
- Strengths: More up-to-date chipset, higher resolution display, and likely better graphics performance.
- Competitive Advantages: The newer chipset should provide a more responsive and smoother overall experience.
- Trade-offs: Less information on the rest of the specifications.
3. User Profiles and Recommendations
- Motorola Edge 20:
- Best For: Users who prioritize a slim and lightweight design, smooth display, versatile camera system, and are okay with an older chipset.
- Use Cases: Casual gaming, photography enthusiasts, users who consume a lot of media, and those who value portability.
- realme 8:
- Best For: Users who prioritize performance and are looking for the latest chipset.
- Use Cases: Demanding games, users who run resource-intensive apps, and those who want a future-proof device.
4. Buying Decision Framework
Here are three questions to help you decide:
- How important is performance to you? If you want the latest and greatest chipset, the realme 8 is the clear winner. If you're a casual user, the Edge 20's Snapdragon 778G is still quite capable.
- Do you value a slim and lightweight design or cutting edge performance? The Edge 20 excels in design, while the realme 8 excels in performance.
- How much do you care about the camera? The Edge 20 has a more feature-rich camera system.
Scenario-Based Recommendations:
- Gamer: realme 8 - The newer chipset and GPU will provide a better gaming experience.
- Casual User: It depends on their needs.
- Photography Enthusiast: Motorola Edge 20 - The versatile camera system with its 108MP main sensor, telephoto, and ultrawide lens offers more creative options.
My Choice
If I were choosing between these two, I'd lean towards the realme 8. While the Motorola Edge 20 has some compelling features like its slim design, fast charging, and high refresh rate display, the significantly newer and more powerful Snapdragon 7+ Gen 3 in the realme 8 is hard to ignore. As a tech journalist, I often use my phone for tasks that benefit from a faster processor, such as editing photos and videos, testing demanding apps, and of course, playing the occasional game. The promise of smoother performance and a longer lifespan makes the realme 8 a more appealing choice, especially considering the Motorola Edge 20 is running an older version of Android.
