Alright, let's break down the Motorola Edge 20 versus the Samsung Galaxy S24 Ultra. It's a bit of an unfair fight, honestly, pitting a mid-range phone from 2021 against a top-of-the-line flagship from 2024. But, hey, comparisons are always interesting, and it's a good exercise in understanding how far smartphone tech has come.
1. Specifications Breakdown
Here's a side-by-side look at the key specs and what they mean for you:
| Feature | Motorola Edge 20 | Samsung Galaxy S24 Ultra | Real-World Implications |
|---|---|---|---|
| Design | |||
| Launch Date | 2021-08-16 | 2024-01-24 | The S24 Ultra has significantly newer tech, software, and support. |
| Dimensions | 163 × 76 × 7 mm, 163g | 162.3 × 79 × 8.6 mm, 232g | Edge 20 is noticeably lighter and thinner, which may appeal to those prioritizing ergonomics. S24 Ultra is more substantial. |
| Build Quality | Gorilla Glass 3 | Gorilla Glass Armor | S24 Ultra’s screen is more resistant to scratches and cracks. |
| Display | |||
| Size | 6.7" | 6.8" | Negligible difference in screen real estate. |
| Resolution | 1080x2400 (385 PPI) | 1440x3120 (505 PPI) | S24 Ultra's display is significantly sharper and more detailed, making text and images look crisper. |
| Technology | OLED | Edge 20 has superior display technology, though this is not complete information. | |
| Refresh Rate | 144Hz | 120Hz | Edge 20 might feel slightly smoother in some scenarios, but both are very fluid. |
| Brightness | 0 nits | 2600 nits | S24 Ultra is much brighter, vastly improving visibility in direct sunlight. |
| Performance | |||
| Chipset | Snapdragon 778G 5G (6 nm) | Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 (4 nm) | S24 Ultra's chip is far more powerful, resulting in faster app loading, smoother multitasking, and better gaming performance. |
| AnTuTu Score | 589,200 | 1,814,869 | S24 Ultra has significantly better overall system performance based on benchmark scores. |
| GPU | Adreno 642L | Adreno 750 | S24 Ultra has a much more capable GPU, essential for demanding games and graphics-intensive tasks. |
| RAM | 6GB/8GB | 12GB | S24 Ultra can handle more apps and processes simultaneously without slowdowns. |
| Camera | |||
| Main Camera | 108MP, f/1.9, 1/1.52" | 200MP, f/1.7, 1/1.3" | S24 Ultra captures significantly more detailed images with better low-light performance. |
| Telephoto Lens | 8MP, f/2.4 | 10MP, f/3.4 (additional 50MP Telephoto + portrait lens) | S24 Ultra offers better zoom capabilities, especially with its additional telephoto lens. |
| Wide Angle Lens | 16MP, f/2.2 (Wide Angle + Macro) | 12.2MP, f/2.2 | S24 Ultra offers ultrawide photo option. |
| Selfie Camera | 32MP, f/2.3 | 12MP, f/2.2 | Selfie camera quality is expected to be roughly comparable, despite the megapixel count difference. |
| Video Recording | 4K@30fps | 8K@30fps, 4K@120fps | S24 Ultra records higher-resolution and smoother videos with better stabilization. |
| Battery Life | |||
| Capacity | 4020mAh | 5000mAh | S24 Ultra lasts longer on a single charge. |
| Charging | 30W | 45W | S24 Ultra charges faster. |
| Wireless Charging | No | 15W | S24 Ultra can be charged wirelessly, adding convenience. |
| Software | |||
| OS | Android 11 (upgradable to 12) | Android 14 (upgradable to 21) | S24 Ultra has a modern OS with longer support and more features. |
2. Key Insights
- Motorola Edge 20 Strengths:
- Lighter and thinner design.
- Potentially smoother display due to a 144Hz refresh rate.
- Samsung Galaxy S24 Ultra Strengths:
- Significantly more powerful processor and GPU.
- Much better display quality (resolution, brightness, protection).
- Superior camera system with more versatile lenses and better image quality.
- Longer battery life and faster charging (plus wireless charging).
- More modern software and longer software support.
- Additional features like stereo speakers, noise cancellation microphone and an S-Pen.
The Edge 20 has the advantage of being lighter and thinner, which some people may find more comfortable. However, the S24 Ultra simply outclasses it in nearly every other aspect.
3. User Profiles and Recommendations
- Motorola Edge 20:
- Best for users on a very tight budget who prioritize a lightweight design and basic smartphone functionality. It's suitable for casual use, like browsing, social media, and light gaming.
- Samsung Galaxy S24 Ultra:
- Ideal for power users, photographers, gamers, and anyone who wants the best possible smartphone experience. It excels in demanding tasks, content creation, and multimedia consumption.
4. Buying Decision Framework
Here are three questions to help you decide:
- What is your budget? The S24 Ultra is significantly more expensive.
- How important are performance and camera quality? If these are priorities, the S24 Ultra is the clear winner.
- Do you value a lightweight design, or are you okay with a larger, heavier phone? The Edge 20 is more comfortable to hold for some.
Scenario-Based Recommendations:
- Scenario 1: Budget is the primary concern: Consider the Motorola Edge 20, but also explore other modern budget or mid-range options that might offer a better balance of features and price.
- Scenario 2: You want the best possible Android experience: The Samsung Galaxy S24 Ultra is the top choice, offering cutting-edge technology and features.
- Scenario 3: You need a phone for demanding tasks like gaming and video editing: The Samsung Galaxy S24 Ultra is far better equipped to handle these workloads.
My Choice
If I had to choose, it's not even a question: I'd go with the Samsung Galaxy S24 Ultra, hands down. As a tech journalist and smartphone analyst, I need a phone that can keep up with my workflow, which includes a lot of multitasking, photo and video editing, and testing the latest apps and games. The S24 Ultra's superior performance, exceptional camera system, and long-lasting battery make it an indispensable tool for my job.
Yes, it's more expensive, but the investment is justified by the sheer amount of functionality and performance it delivers. Plus, the longer software support means it will stay relevant and secure for years to come. While the lightness of the Edge 20 is appealing, it simply can't compete with the S24 Ultra's overall capabilities.
