Alright, let's dive into a head-to-head comparison of the Motorola Edge 20 and the Samsung Galaxy S24. I'll break down the specs, highlight the key differences, and give you my take on which phone comes out on top for different user needs.
1. Specifications Breakdown
Here's a detailed comparison table to give you a clear view of the core specifications:
| Feature | Motorola Edge 20 | Samsung Galaxy S24 | Real-World Implications |
|---|---|---|---|
| Design | |||
| Dimensions | 163 × 76 × 7 mm | 147 × 70.6 × 7.6 mm | The S24 is more compact, making it easier to handle for one-handed use. The Edge 20 is thinner. |
| Weight | 163g | 167g | Negligible difference; both feel light. |
| Display | |||
| Size | 6.7" | 6.2" | The Edge 20 offers a larger screen for immersive viewing. The S24 is more pocketable. |
| Resolution | 1080x2400 | 1080x2340 | Virtually identical sharpness. |
| PPI | 385 | 416 | The S24 will look slightly sharper due to higher pixel density, but the difference is not huge. |
| Technology | OLED | OLED generally offers better contrast and colors compared to LCD. | |
| Refresh Rate | 144Hz | 120Hz | The Edge 20's 144Hz display provides slightly smoother scrolling and animations. |
| Brightness | 0 nits | 2600 nits | The S24's display is significantly brighter, making it much easier to see in direct sunlight. |
| Performance | |||
| Chipset | Snapdragon 778G 5G (6 nm) | Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 (4 nm) | The S24's chipset is significantly faster and more power-efficient, resulting in smoother performance. |
| AnTuTu Score | 589,200 | 1,639,695 | The S24 is far more capable for demanding tasks, from gaming to video editing. |
| GPU | Adreno 642L | Adreno 750 | The S24's GPU provides superior graphics performance. |
| Camera | |||
| Main Camera | 108MP f/1.9 | 50MP f/1.8 | The Edge 20 has a higher megapixel count, but the S24's larger pixel size often results in better low-light performance. |
| Selfie Camera | 32MP f/2.3 | 12MP f/2.2 | The Edge 20 has a higher megapixel count, but that doesn't always translate to better image quality. |
| Telephoto Lens | 8MP f/2.4 | 10MP f/2.4 | Similar telephoto capabilities. |
| Wide Angle Lens | Wide Angle + Macro 16MP f/2.2 | 12.2MP f/2.2 | The S24 has a dedicated ultrawide lens. The Edge 20 has an ultrawide with macro capabilities. |
| Video Recording | Up to 4K@30fps | Up to 8K@30fps | The S24 can record significantly higher resolution video. |
| Features | Manual Focus | Night Mode 2.0, OIS, PDAF, RAW | Samsung S24 packs OIS and PDAF for better image quality, especially in low light. |
| Battery Life | |||
| Capacity | 4020mAh | 4000mAh | Virtually identical battery capacity. |
| Charging | 30W Fast Charging | 25W Fast Charging | The Edge 20 charges slightly faster. |
| Features | Reverse Charging | Bypass Charging, Reverse Charging | The S24's Bypass Charging feature allows the phone to power directly from the charger during gaming. |
| Software | |||
| OS | Android 11 (upgradable to 12) | Android 14 (upgradable to 21) | The S24 has a much newer version of Android, ensuring longer software support and the latest features. |
| Connectivity | |||
| Wi-Fi | Wi-Fi 6 | Wi-Fi 6E | The S24 supports Wi-Fi 6E for potentially faster and more reliable wireless connections. |
| Bluetooth | Bluetooth 5.2 | Bluetooth 5.3 | The S24 has a slightly newer version of Bluetooth with improved efficiency and features. |
| SIM | Nano SIM + Nano SIM | Nano SIM / eSIM + Nano SIM / eSIM | The S24 supports eSIM, offering greater flexibility in managing multiple phone numbers. |
| Storage | |||
| Internal | 128/256GB | 128/256/512GB | The S24 offers a 512GB option for users with extensive storage needs. |
| RAM | 6/8GB | 8/12GB | The S24 offers more RAM for smoother multitasking and app performance. |
| Expandable | No | No | Neither phone supports microSD card expansion. |
| Audio | |||
| Quality | Basic Audio Features | Stereo Speakers, Noise Cancellation Microphone | The S24 offers a much better audio experience with stereo speakers and noise cancellation. |
| Security | |||
| Features | Side-Mounted Fingerprint Sensor | Basic Fingerprint Sensor | |
| Build Quality | |||
| Screen Protection | Gorilla Glass 3 | Gorilla Glass Victus 2 | The S24 has significantly more scratch and shatter-resistant screen protection. |
| Sensors | |||
| Sensors | Accelerometer, Gyroscope... | Accelerometer, Gyroscope, Barometer, Geomagnetic... | The S24 includes a barometer and Geomagnetic sensor, which can be useful for certain apps and features. |
2. Key Insights
- Samsung Galaxy S24 Strengths:
- Performance: The Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 provides a massive performance advantage.
- Display: Much brighter display, making it usable outdoors.
- Camera: More advanced camera features like OIS, PDAF, and 8K video recording.
- Software: Newer Android version with longer support.
- Build Quality: Superior screen protection.
- Audio: Stereo speakers offer a better audio experience.
- Motorola Edge 20 Strengths:
- Display: Larger display with a slightly faster refresh rate.
- Design: Slimmer profile.
3. User Profiles and Recommendations
- For the Power User: The Samsung Galaxy S24 is the clear winner. Its superior processor, advanced camera features, and brighter display make it the best choice for demanding tasks and media consumption.
- For the Budget-Conscious: If you're on a tight budget and primarily need a phone for basic communication and web browsing, the Motorola Edge 20 might suffice. However, be prepared for a significant performance difference and shorter software support.
4. Buying Decision Framework
Here are three questions to ask yourself:
- How important is performance to you? If you play demanding games, edit videos, or multitask heavily, the S24 is essential.
- How important is camera quality? If you want the best possible image quality, especially in low light, the S24 is the better choice.
- How long do you plan to use the phone? The S24's newer software will ensure it remains up-to-date and secure for longer.
Which Would I Choose?
If I had to pick one, I'd go with the Samsung Galaxy S24, without a doubt. The superior performance of the Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 chip, the brighter and more vibrant display, and the more advanced camera features are all compelling reasons. While the Motorola Edge 20 has its merits – particularly its larger screen and slimmer design – the S24 offers a much more well-rounded and future-proof package. The better screen protection and guaranteed software support for years to come seals the deal for me. The Edge 20 is just too old now, and with those specs is going to struggle with newer apps.
Sure, you'll pay more for the S24, but the investment is worth it for the significantly improved user experience.
