Motorola Edge 20 vs Samsung Galaxy A23 - Detailed Phone Comparison

Detailed Comparison

Specification
Motorola Edge 20
Motorola Edge 20
Motorola

General

Launch Date August 16, 2021 March 25, 2022
Release Year 2021 2022

Physical

Volume 86.72 cm³ 106.84 cm³
Screen Size to Weight Ratio 4.11 "/g 3.38 "/g
Weight 163 g 195 g
Height 163 mm 165.4 mm
Width 76 mm 76.9 mm
Thickness 7 mm 8.4 mm
Foldable Design No No
Available Colors
  • Frosted Grey
  • Frosted White
  • Frosted Emerald
  • Black
  • Blue
  • White
  • Peach

Display

Screen Size 6.7 " 6.6 "
Resolution 1080 x 2400 1080 x 2408
Aspect Ratio 20:9 20:9
Screen-to-Body Ratio 87.5 % 82.5 %
Pixel Density 385 PPI 400 PPI
Refresh Rate 144 Hz 90 Hz
Typical Brightness N/A N/A
HBM Brightness N/A N/A
Peak Brightness N/A N/A

Hardware

Battery Capacity per Screen Area 89.11 mAh/in² 114.78 mAh/in²
Battery Density 46.13 mAh/cm³ 46.8 mAh/cm³
Battery Capacity 4000 mAh 5000 mAh
NFC Support Yes Yes
Chipset Qualcomm SM7325 Snapdragon 778G 5G (6 nm) Qualcomm SM6225 Snapdragon 680 4G (6 nm)
CPU Octa-core (1x2.4 GHz Cortex-A78 & 3x2.2 GHz Cortex-A78 & 4x1.9 GHz Cortex-A55) Octa-core (4x2.4 GHz Kryo 265 Gold & 4x1.9 GHz Kryo 265 Silver)
GPU Adreno 642L Adreno 610

Connectivity

USB Version 2.0 2.0
OTG Support
DisplayPort
DisplayPort Version N/A N/A
USB Features USB Type-C 2.0 USB Type-C 2.0

Software

Operating System Android Android
Initial OS Version 11 12
Maximum OS Version 12 14

Comparison Summary

Alright, let's break down the Motorola Edge 20 and Samsung Galaxy A23 and see which one comes out on top for different users. Think of this as a friendly chat over coffee about these two phones.

1. Specifications Breakdown

Here's a detailed comparison table to get us started, focusing on what these specs actually mean for you.

FeatureMotorola Edge 20Samsung Galaxy A23Real-World Implications
Design
Dimensions163 × 76 × 7 mm, 163g165.4 × 76.9 × 8.4 mm, 195gEdge 20 is noticeably thinner and lighter, making it more pocketable and comfortable for long-term use. The A23 is a bit bulkier.
BuildGorilla Glass 3Gorilla Glass 5A23's screen is likely more scratch-resistant due to the newer Gorilla Glass.
Display
Size6.7"6.6"Edge 20 offers a slightly larger viewing area.
TechnologyOLEDPLS LCDEdge 20's OLED display will have richer colors, deeper blacks, and better contrast, resulting in a more vibrant and enjoyable viewing experience.
Resolution1080x24001080x2408Essentially the same sharpness.
Refresh Rate144Hz90HzEdge 20 provides significantly smoother scrolling, animations, and gaming. Makes the phone feel more responsive.
Performance
ChipsetSnapdragon 778G 5G (6 nm)Snapdragon 680 4G (6 nm)Edge 20's processor is significantly faster, leading to snappier app loading, smoother multitasking, and better gaming performance. Also supports 5G connectivity.
AnTuTu Score589,200401,000Confirms the Edge 20's superior performance.
GPUAdreno 642LAdreno 610Edge 20's better GPU means smoother graphics and higher frame rates in games.
RAM6/8GB4/6GBEdge 20 with 8GB RAM will handle more apps running in the background without slowing down.
Camera
Main Camera108MP, f/1.9, 1/1.52"50MP, f/1.8, 1/2.76"Edge 20's main camera has higher resolution, a larger sensor, but a smaller aperture; generally translates to better detail and low-light performance.
Selfie Camera32MP, f/2.38MP, f/2.2Edge 20's selfie camera will capture much more detailed selfies.
Additional CamerasTelephoto, Wide Angle+MacroWide Angle, Macro, DepthA23 offers greater versatility with its dedicated wide-angle, macro, and depth sensors. Edge 20 counters with a telephoto lens for zoomed shots.
VideoUp to 4K@30fpsUp to 1080p@30fpsEdge 20 can record higher-quality videos.
Battery Life
Capacity4020mAh5000mAhA23 will likely last longer on a single charge, especially with less demanding tasks.
Charging30W25WEdge 20 charges slightly faster, but the A23's larger battery might still take longer to fully charge.
Software
OSAndroid 11 (upgradable to 12)Android 12 (upgradable to 14)A23 has a newer starting OS and promises longer software support.
Other
Wi-FiWi-Fi 6Wi-Fi 5Edge 20 supports faster and more efficient Wi-Fi.
Expandable StorageNoYesThe A23 gives you the ability to expand your storage!

2. Key Insights

  • Motorola Edge 20 Strengths:

    • Performance: Significantly faster processor and GPU make it ideal for gaming, multitasking, and demanding apps.
    • Display: Superior OLED display with a 144Hz refresh rate provides a smoother, more vibrant visual experience.
    • Camera (Main & Selfie): Higher resolution cameras capture more detail.
    • Design: Thinner and lighter, easier to handle.
    • Wi-Fi 6: Faster and more reliable Wi-Fi connectivity.
  • Samsung Galaxy A23 Strengths:

    • Battery Life: Larger battery offers better endurance.
    • Camera Versatility: Offers a wider range of camera lenses (wide-angle, macro, depth).
    • Software Support: Newer Android version with a longer update guarantee.
    • Screen Protection: Newer Gorilla Glass provides slightly better screen protection.
    • Expandable Storage: Adds significant flexibility.
  • Trade-offs:

    • Edge 20 sacrifices battery life and camera versatility for superior performance and display.
    • A23 prioritizes battery life and camera options over raw processing power and display quality.

3. User Profiles and Recommendations

  • Motorola Edge 20:

    • Ideal For: Gamers, power users, and anyone who values a smooth and responsive experience. Also great for those who prioritize high-quality photos, especially selfies.
    • Use Cases: Mobile gaming, video editing, streaming high-resolution content, taking detailed photos and videos.
    • Price-to-Value: If you can find it at a competitive price, the Edge 20 offers excellent value for its performance and display quality.
  • Samsung Galaxy A23:

    • Ideal For: Users who prioritize battery life, need versatile camera options, and want a reliable device with long-term software support.
    • Use Cases: All-day usage without frequent charging, capturing diverse photos (landscapes, close-ups, portraits), and general everyday tasks.
    • Price-to-Value: A solid choice for budget-conscious users who want a well-rounded phone with a focus on practicality.

4. Buying Decision Framework

Here are three questions to help you decide:

  1. Performance vs. Battery: Do you prioritize raw processing power and a buttery-smooth display, or do you need all-day battery life?
  2. Camera Needs: Do you need higher-resolution photos and selfies, or do you prefer the versatility of having multiple camera lenses (wide-angle, macro)?
  3. Long-Term Use: Is having the newest software and continued updates more important than top-tier performance?
  • Scenario-Based Recommendations:

    • Gaming Enthusiast: Go with the Motorola Edge 20 for its superior performance and 144Hz display.
    • Photography Lover: The Samsung Galaxy A23 offers a wider range of creative options with its multiple lenses.
    • All-Day User: The Samsung Galaxy A23’s larger battery will keep you going longer.
    • Budget-Conscious User: Both are great options, but weigh the need for storage.

My Choice

If I were choosing between these two, I would go with the Motorola Edge 20. Here's why:

As someone who values performance and a great display, the Edge 20 simply ticks more boxes for me. The Snapdragon 778G 5G will provide a much smoother experience overall, especially when multitasking and gaming. The OLED display with its 144Hz refresh rate is a significant upgrade over the A23's LCD, making everything from scrolling through social media to watching videos more enjoyable. The camera is a close call as I do enjoy capturing different types of images, but I am willing to sacrifice having an ultra-wide, and depth sensor for a better overall image quality with the main and selfie cameras.

While the battery life on the A23 is definitely appealing, I am more than willing to sacrifice the bigger battery for faster charging and more immersive features on the Motorola Edge 20.

Alex Griffin
Alex Griffin

Technology analyst specializing in mobile devices and consumer electronics.

Core Expertise

  • Mobile technology analysis
  • Consumer electronics evaluation
  • Technical specification interpretation
  • User experience insights

Professional Mission Empowering readers to make informed technology decisions by transforming intricate specifications into understandable, practical guidance.

Demystifying technology, one device at a time.