Alright, let's break down the Motorola Edge 20 versus the Samsung Galaxy S24+. It's a classic case of a solid mid-ranger going up against a modern flagship. Buckle up, because we're diving deep into the specs and figuring out which phone makes the most sense for you.
1. Specifications Breakdown
Here's a detailed look at the key specs, presented in a way that highlights what they actually mean for your day-to-day use.
| Feature | Motorola Edge 20 | Samsung Galaxy S24+ | Real-World Implications |
|---|---|---|---|
| Design | |||
| Dimensions | 163 × 76 × 7 mm, 163g | 158.5 × 75.9 × 7.7 mm, 196g | S24+ is more compact and heavier, Edge 20 is taller and lighter. |
| Build Quality | Gorilla Glass 3 | Gorilla Glass Victus 2 | S24+ offers significantly better scratch and shatter resistance. |
| Display | |||
| Size | 6.7" | 6.7" | Identical screen size. |
| Resolution | 1080x2400 (385 PPI) | 1440x3120 (513 PPI) | S24+ has a much sharper, more detailed display. Noticeably better for text, images, and video. |
| Technology | OLED | Edge 20 utilizes OLED. | |
| Refresh Rate | 144Hz | 120Hz | Edge 20 slightly smoother scrolling, though the difference is subtle. |
| Brightness | 0 nits | 2600 nits | S24+ is dramatically brighter, making it much easier to see outdoors in sunlight. |
| Performance | |||
| Chipset | Snapdragon 778G 5G (6 nm) | Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 (4 nm) - USA/CA/CN | S24+ is vastly more powerful. Handles demanding apps, multitasking, and gaming with ease. |
| AnTuTu Score | 589,200 | 1,639,695 | S24+ is nearly three times faster in benchmarks. |
| GPU | Adreno 642L | Adreno 750 | S24+ has a much more capable GPU, crucial for gaming and graphics-intensive tasks. |
| RAM | 6GB/8GB | 12GB | S24+ allows for more apps to run simultaneously without slowdown. |
| Storage | 128GB/256GB | 256GB/512GB | S24+ offers more storage space for apps, photos, videos, and files. |
| Expandable Storage | No | No | Neither phone allows for storage expansion. |
| Camera | |||
| Main Camera | 108MP (f/1.9, 0.70µm) | 50MP (f/1.8, 1.00µm) | S24+ likely captures better low-light images and videos due to larger pixel size. |
| Ultrawide Camera | 16MP | 12.2MP | S24+ has a dedicated ultrawide lens, which Edge 20 lacks |
| Telephoto Camera | 8MP | 10MP | S24+ has a telephoto lens, so it has better zoomed photos. |
| Selfie Camera | 32MP (f/2.3, 0.70µm) | 12MP (f/2.2) | S24+ likely captures better selfies due to larger pixel size and wider aperture. |
| Video Recording | Up to 4K@30fps | Up to 8K@30fps | S24+ allows you to record higher resolution videos. |
| Battery Life | |||
| Capacity | 4020mAh | 4900mAh | S24+ will last significantly longer on a single charge. |
| Charging | 30W | 45W | S24+ charges faster. |
| Wireless Charging | No | 15W | S24+ offers wireless charging, a convenient feature for many. |
| Software | |||
| OS | Android 11 (upgradable to 12) | Android 14 (upgradable to 21) | S24+ has a much newer version of Android and will receive updates for longer. |
| Connectivity | |||
| Wi-Fi | Wi-Fi 6 | Wi-Fi 6E | S24+ supports newer Wi-Fi standards. |
2. Key Insights
Motorola Edge 20 - Strengths:
- Lightweight and Slim: The Edge 20 is noticeably lighter, making it more comfortable for extended use.
- Higher Refresh Rate: A 144Hz refresh rate for slightly smoother scrolling.
Motorola Edge 20 - Competitive Disadvantages
- Old Software Launched with Android 11 and only upgradable to Android 12.
- Dim Display: Extremely low brightness so difficult to see in outdoor scenarios.
- Weaker Cameras: Cameras are not up to par with modern flagships.
Samsung Galaxy S24+ - Strengths:
- Superior Display: Higher resolution, much brighter, and likely more color-accurate.
- Blazing-Fast Performance: Top-of-the-line Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 chipset.
- Versatile Camera System: Multiple lenses, better low-light performance, and 8K video recording.
- Longer Battery Life: Larger battery and faster charging.
- Modern Features: Wireless charging, advanced connectivity, and the latest Android version.
- Samsung Galaxy S24+ - Trade-offs
- Higher Price: Flagship-level performance comes at a premium.
- Heavier: It is heavier than the Edge 20.
3. User Profiles and Recommendations
Motorola Edge 20 - Ideal For:
- Users on a very tight budget who prioritize a lightweight phone for basic tasks.
- Those who don't need the latest features or cutting-edge performance.
Samsung Galaxy S24+ - Ideal For:
- Power users who demand top-tier performance for gaming, content creation, and multitasking.
- Photography enthusiasts who want a versatile and capable camera system.
- Anyone who values a premium display and a long-lasting battery.
- Those who want a phone that will receive software updates for years to come.
4. Buying Decision Framework
Here are three questions to help you decide:
- What's your budget? The S24+ is significantly more expensive. If money is tight, the Edge 20 might be your only option.
- How important is performance? If you plan to play demanding games, edit videos, or run multiple apps simultaneously, the S24+ is the clear winner.
- How much do you value the camera and display? If you take a lot of photos or watch a lot of videos, the S24+ will provide a much better experience.
Scenario-Based Recommendations:
- Scenario 1: Basic User
- You mostly use your phone for calls, texts, social media, and browsing the web. You don't play games or take a lot of photos.
- Recommendation: Motorola Edge 20 (if the budget is extremely tight, but be aware of its limitations).
- Scenario 2: Power User/Content Creator
- You need a phone that can handle demanding games, edit videos, and run multiple apps smoothly. You also want a great camera and a vibrant display.
- Recommendation: Samsung Galaxy S24+
My Choice: Samsung Galaxy S24+
If I were choosing between these two, I'd go with the Samsung Galaxy S24+. Here's why:
- Future-Proofing: The Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 chipset and ample RAM mean the S24+ will remain fast and responsive for years to come. The newer Android version also guarantees more software updates.
- Overall Experience: The superior display, camera system, and battery life make the S24+ a much more enjoyable phone to use every day.
- Worth the Investment: While the S24+ is more expensive, the performance and features justify the price.
While the Motorola Edge 20 has its merits, it simply can't compete with the Samsung Galaxy S24+ in terms of performance, features, and overall user experience. The Edge 20 is an aging phone. The S24+ is a modern powerhouse.
