Alright, let's dive deep into the Motorola Edge 30 Fusion and the Moto G72. It's always exciting to see how different phones within the same brand cater to different needs, so let's break down these two contenders to see who comes out on top for you.
1. Specifications Breakdown
Here's a detailed comparison of the key specs for each phone, designed to show you not just the numbers, but also how those numbers translate into real-world experiences.
| Feature | Motorola Edge 30 Fusion | Motorola Moto G72 | Real-World Implications |
|---|---|---|---|
| DESIGN | |||
| Dimensions | 158.5 × 72 × 7.5 mm | 160.5 × 74.4 × 7.9 mm | The G72 is a bit larger and thicker, which could feel bulkier in your hand and pocket. The Edge 30 Fusion is sleeker and easier to manage. |
| Weight | 168g | 166g | Both are lightweight, but the 2g difference is negligible. |
| DISPLAY | |||
| Size | 6.55" | 6.6" | Practically identical size. The difference is hard to notice in daily use. |
| Resolution | 1080x2400 | 1080x2400 | Both offer sharp, detailed displays for clear content. |
| PPI | 402 | 402 | Both have the same pixel density, so text and images will look equally sharp. |
| Technology | P-OLED | P-OLED | Both use vibrant and contrast-rich P-OLED technology for excellent viewing. |
| Refresh Rate | 144Hz | 120Hz | The Edge 30 Fusion offers a slightly smoother experience, especially noticeable when scrolling through social feeds or playing games. |
| Brightness | 1100 nits | 0 nits | The Edge 30 Fusion will be much easier to see outdoors in bright sunlight, whereas the G72 does not specify. |
| PERFORMANCE | |||
| Chipset | Snapdragon 888+ 5G (5 nm) | Helio G99 (6 nm) | The Edge 30 Fusion's flagship chipset means faster app loading, more responsive multitasking, and smoother gaming. The G72 is mid-range, good for most tasks, but not for heavy gaming or resource intensive apps. |
| AnTuTu Score | 904,900 | 415,300 | The Edge 30 Fusion has over twice the performance in benchmarks. This is a HUGE difference. |
| GPU | Adreno 660 | Mali-G57 MC2 | The Edge 30 Fusion will handle graphically demanding games with better fidelity, higher frame rates, and more consistent performance. |
| CAMERA | |||
| Main Camera | 50MP, f/1.8, 1.0µm | 108MP, f/1.7, 0.64µm | The G72 boasts a higher resolution, but the Edge 30 Fusion has larger pixels, which could mean better low-light performance, along with OIS which is missing on the G72. |
| Selfie Camera | 32MP, f/2.2, 0.80µm | 16MP | The Edge 30 Fusion has the higher resolution front facing camera. |
| Wide Angle Lens | 13MP, f/2.2, 1.12µm | 8MP, f/1.9, 1.12µm | The Edge 30 Fusion captures wider shots with more detail, the G72 has a slightly wider aperture. |
| Depth Camera | 2MP, f/2.4, 1.75µm | N/A | The Edge 30 Fusion offers enhanced portrait mode with depth information. |
| Macro Lens | N/A | 2MP, f/2.4, 1.75µm | The G72 provides close-up shots using a dedicated macro camera. |
| Video Recording | Up to 8K@30fps EIS | 1080p@30/60fps | The Edge 30 Fusion is capable of capturing professional-grade 8K video and has enhanced stabilization. |
| Camera Features | 4K, 8K Video, OIS, RAW, Night Mode | Standard Features | The Edge 30 Fusion has additional features: 4K, 8K video, OIS, RAW, and Night Mode |
| BATTERY LIFE | |||
| Capacity | 4400mAh | 5000mAh | The G72 has a larger battery and should last longer, however this is highly variable depending on usage. |
| Charging | 68W Fast Charging | 33W Fast Charging | The Edge 30 Fusion will fully charge much faster than the G72, meaning less time spent plugged in. |
| SOFTWARE | |||
| OS | Android 12, Upgradable to 13 | Android 12 | The Edge 30 Fusion has been confirmed for Android 13, whilst the G72 does not specify. |
| CONNECTIVITY | |||
| Wi-Fi | Wi-Fi 6 (802.11ax) | Wi-Fi 5 (802.11ac) | The Edge 30 Fusion has the newest standard Wi-Fi which offers better speeds, lower latency, and improved performance in crowded networks. |
| Bluetooth | 5.2 | 5.0 | The Edge 30 Fusion has a newer, more efficient, and slightly faster Bluetooth version. |
| GPS | L1+L5, B1 | Standard | The Edge 30 Fusion can more accurately pinpoint your location. |
| STORAGE | |||
| Internal Storage | 128/256 GB | 128/256 GB | Both phones offer plenty of space for apps, media, and files. |
| RAM | 8/12 GB | 6/8 GB | The Edge 30 Fusion has the option of more RAM, which will result in better multitasking and faster app switching. |
| Expandable Storage | No | No | Neither phone lets you add extra storage. |
| AUDIO | |||
| Audio Features | Dolby Atmos, Stereo Speakers, 2 Microphones | Dolby Atmos, Stereo Speakers | The Edge 30 Fusion provides superior audio quality due to an additional microphone. |
| SECURITY | |||
| Security Features | Basic fingerprint sensor | Basic fingerprint sensor | Both phones have a basic fingerprint sensor. |
| SENSORS | |||
| Sensors | Accelerometer, Compass, Gyroscope | Accelerometer, Compass, Gyroscope, Magnetometer | The Moto G72 offers an additional magnetometer sensor, improving the accuracy of navigation and gaming. |
2. Key Insights
Motorola Edge 30 Fusion:
- Strengths: The Edge 30 Fusion clearly shines with its high-performance Snapdragon 888+ chipset, superior display with 144Hz refresh rate and higher brightness, faster charging, better camera system overall, and Wi-Fi 6. It's designed for those who demand top-tier performance and a premium experience.
- Competitive Advantages: Its standout features include 8K video recording, optical image stabilization (OIS), better Wi-Fi, and a smoother user experience. Its sleek design also makes it more portable and comfortable to use.
- Trade-offs: It has a smaller battery capacity compared to the Moto G72, potentially sacrificing some battery life for its higher performance. It lacks a dedicated macro camera.
Motorola Moto G72:
- Strengths: The Moto G72 has a larger battery, a higher resolution main camera and a macro camera. It's a more affordable option that still provides good all-round performance for typical daily tasks.
- Competitive Advantages: Its longer-lasting battery and inclusion of a macro lens makes it a good choice for users who prioritize those features over raw performance.
- Trade-offs: The G72 falls short in performance, display smoothness, charging speed, and video recording capabilities compared to the Edge 30 Fusion. Its brightness is also not specified, and may not be suitable for viewing in direct sunlight.
3. User Profiles and Recommendations
Motorola Edge 30 Fusion:
- Best For: Power users, mobile gamers, and anyone who values top-notch performance and a premium experience. Content creators will appreciate the advanced video features.
- Use Cases: Gaming, graphic-intensive apps, demanding multitasking, and those seeking top level performance and screen quality.
- Price-to-Value: Although more expensive, it offers flagship-level performance and features, making it a great choice for those who want the best, and don't mind paying the premium.
Motorola Moto G72:
- Best For: Everyday users who need a reliable and long-lasting phone for basic tasks, browsing, and social media.
- Use Cases: Daily use, photography (including macro shots), general productivity, and those who value battery life.
- Price-to-Value: This phone is a great option for those seeking good value, and don't require top-tier performance.
4. Buying Decision Framework
Here are three questions to help you decide:
- How important is raw performance to you? If you game heavily, edit videos, or need the fastest possible performance, the Edge 30 Fusion is a much better fit. If you use your phone for basic tasks and social media, the G72 will work for you just fine.
- Do you need a top-notch display and better video quality? The Edge 30 Fusion's screen is noticeably brighter and smoother, which makes a difference in your daily experience. It also excels in video performance. If that is less important, the G72 will suffice.
- Do you value a bigger battery and macro camera over faster charging and overall performance? The G72 offers a bit more battery life and macro capabilities, but at the cost of performance and camera features.
Scenario-Based Recommendations:
- For the Gamer: Get the Edge 30 Fusion. Its superior chipset and 144Hz screen is designed for gaming.
- For the Content Creator: Get the Edge 30 Fusion. Its 8K recording, OIS, and quality camera system will allow you to film better quality video.
- For the Everyday User on a Budget: The Moto G72 will provide a solid experience for basic tasks, with great battery life.
- For the Photography Enthusiast: The Edge 30 Fusion offers superior image quality in low-light and better video quality due to OIS, whilst the Moto G72 allows the user to take macro shots, however may struggle in low-light.
What I Would Choose and Why
Personally, I would choose the Motorola Edge 30 Fusion. As a tech journalist, and someone who values the latest in technology and performance, I simply could not compromise on the chipset and display of the Edge 30 Fusion. The Snapdragon 888+ is a real powerhouse, and will make using this phone a dream. The 144Hz display is significantly smoother, and the higher brightness will enable me to use this phone outdoors.
I don't use the macro camera often, so that is not a problem for me. Additionally, whilst the G72 does have a larger battery, the 68W charging of the Edge 30 Fusion is so fast that I could easily top it up within minutes. The ability to record 8K video is also very appealing to me, and something I would use often. The improved GPS system is also a bonus.
The extra cost of the Edge 30 Fusion is worth it for the additional performance and features it offers. The G72 is a fine phone for basic use cases, however the Edge 30 Fusion is a better fit for me.
