Alright, let's dive into a head-to-head comparison of the Motorola Edge 30 Fusion and the Motorola ThinkPhone. It's always fascinating to see how different design philosophies translate into real-world performance, and these two Motorola devices offer a great study in contrasts.
1. Specifications Breakdown
Here's a detailed look at how these two phones stack up, focusing on practical implications rather than just raw numbers:
| Feature | Motorola Edge 30 Fusion | Motorola ThinkPhone | Real-World Implications |
|---|---|---|---|
| Design | |||
| Launch Date | 2022-09-08 | 2023-01-29 | The ThinkPhone is newer by about 4 months, potentially benefitting from more refined software and newer components. |
| Size | 158.5 × 72 × 7.5 mm | 158.8 × 74.4 × 8.3 mm | Edge 30 Fusion is slightly thinner and narrower, likely feeling more streamlined in hand. The ThinkPhone is more substantial. |
| Weight | 168g | 188.5g | Edge 30 Fusion is significantly lighter, enhancing comfort during extended use. |
| Display | |||
| Size | 6.55" | 6.6" | Both offer a very similar display size, with negligible practical differences |
| Resolution | 1080x2400 | 1080x2400 | Sharp and detailed screens. |
| Pixel Density (PPI) | 402 | 399 | Both phones display crisp text and images. |
| Technology | P-OLED | P-OLED | Rich colors and deep blacks are common on both screens |
| Refresh Rate | 144Hz | 144Hz | Super smooth scrolling and animation, ideal for gaming. |
| Brightness | 1100 nits | 1200 nits | The ThinkPhone offers slightly better visibility in bright sunlight. |
| Performance | |||
| Chipset | Snapdragon 888+ 5G (5nm) | Snapdragon 8+ Gen 1 (4nm) | The ThinkPhone's newer chip results in noticeable speed improvements and better power efficiency. |
| AnTuTu Score | 904,900 | 1,232,700 | The ThinkPhone boasts significantly higher performance, making demanding tasks smoother. |
| GPU | Adreno 660 | Adreno 730 | The ThinkPhone's Adreno 730 handles graphics-intensive tasks with ease and offers a better gaming experience. |
| Battery Life | |||
| Capacity | 4400 mAh | 5000 mAh | The ThinkPhone's larger battery likely provides extended usage between charges. |
| Charging | 68W Fast Charging | 68W Fast Charging | Quick top-ups for both, minimizing downtime. |
| Features | Non-removable | Non-removable, 15W Wireless Charging | The ThinkPhone adds the convenience of wireless charging. |
| Camera | |||
| Main Camera | 50MP, f/1.8, OIS | 50MP, f/1.8, OIS | Both offer high-quality main cameras with similar specs, implying comparable performance in daylight. |
| Selfie Camera | 32MP, f/2.2 | 32MP, f/2.45 | Edge 30 Fusion's wider aperture may result in better low-light selfies. |
| Wide Angle | 13MP, f/2.2 | Not Present | The Edge 30 Fusion has a dedicated ultrawide camera, while the ThinkPhone does not. |
| Depth | 2MP, f/2.4 | 2MP, f/2.4 | Both provide similar depth sensors for portrait mode. |
| Wide Angle + Macro | Not Present | 13MP, f/2.4 | The ThinkPhone incorporates a macro lens into its ultrawide camera, adding to its flexibility. |
| Video | Up to 8K@30fps with EIS | Up to 8K@30fps with HDR, EIS, including 4k@60fps | The ThinkPhone is geared toward videographers, boasting a higher framerate at 4k. |
| Camera Features | Laser AF, Night Mode | Optical Zoom | The Edge 30 Fusion includes a laser autofocus for faster focusing, and a dedicated Night Mode. The ThinkPhone offers optical zoom for enhanced versatility. |
| Software | |||
| OS | Android 12, Upgrade to 13 | Android 13 | The ThinkPhone ships with a newer version of Android, offering the latest features and security updates. |
| Connectivity | |||
| Wi-Fi | Wi-Fi 6, MIMO | Wi-Fi 6 , Wi-Fi MIMO | Both offer fast Wi-Fi capabilities, ThinkPhone has added the advanced Wi-Fi MIMO standard |
| Bluetooth | 5.2 LE | 5.2 LE | Both support the latest Bluetooth audio standards. |
| GPS | L1+L5, BeiDou (B1) | GPS, Galileo, etc | The Edge 30 Fusion has more satellite systems, potentially better for GPS accuracy. |
| SIM | Dual SIM | Dual SIM | Both support using two SIM cards simultaneously. |
| Storage | |||
| Internal | 128GB/256GB | 256GB | Both devices come with ample storage, ThinkPhone only at the larger size. |
| RAM | 8GB/12GB | 8GB | The Edge 30 Fusion is available with up to 12GB of RAM, better for heavy multitasking and demanding games. |
| Expandable Storage | No | No | Neither device offers storage expansion via SD card. |
| Audio | |||
| Quality | Dolby Atmos, Stereo Speakers | Dolby Atmos, Stereo Speakers | Both provide high-quality audio experience with stereo speakers and Dolby Atmos enhancement. |
| Security | |||
| Features | Fingerprint sensor | Fingerprint sensor | Both devices have a fingerprint sensor for basic security |
| Build Quality | |||
| Protection | Unknown | Corning Gorilla Glass Victus | The ThinkPhone provides better screen protection against scratches and damage. |
2. Key Insights
Motorola Edge 30 Fusion:
- Strengths: Lighter, thinner, and a dedicated wide-angle camera with a laser autofocus. It also has an option for more RAM. This phone is designed with a focus on sleek design and everyday photography.
- Competitive Advantages: The lighter build of the Edge 30 Fusion is a standout and may be more comfortable for a lot of people. The dedicated wide-angle lens, along with Laser Autofocus, gives it an edge in some specific photography scenarios.
- Trade-offs: It has an older chipset and a smaller battery compared to the ThinkPhone.
Motorola ThinkPhone:
- Strengths: The more modern chipset provides better performance and the larger battery will lead to better battery life. It also has the added benefit of wireless charging and a slightly brighter display, plus a more durable screen and better video recording capabilities.
- Competitive Advantages: The ThinkPhone excels in performance, display, build quality, and battery life. The focus here is on a more robust and functional experience.
- Trade-offs: The ThinkPhone is bulkier, heavier, and lacks a dedicated wide angle lens.
3. User Profiles and Recommendations
- Motorola Edge 30 Fusion: Best suited for users who prioritize a lightweight, slim design and prefer having a dedicated wide angle lens. The extra RAM option is a nice bonus for those that have demanding workflows. It's an excellent fit for everyday users who want a stylish phone without breaking the bank.
- Motorola ThinkPhone: Ideal for professionals who value performance and want a device that will keep up with their busy lives. The superior battery life, wireless charging, robust design, and better video recording suite make it suitable for power users and those who need a reliable device for both work and leisure.
4. Buying Decision Framework
To help you decide, consider these questions:
What is my primary use case?
- If it's mainly for social media, some casual gaming, and everyday use, the Edge 30 Fusion is a great choice.
- If you're a power user who needs the best performance and battery life for demanding apps and workflows, the ThinkPhone is the way to go.
How important is the design and weight?
- If a sleek, lightweight phone is a must, then the Edge 30 Fusion wins.
- If you prefer a more durable, robust design and don't mind the extra weight, the ThinkPhone might suit you better.
What are my camera priorities?
- If a dedicated wide-angle lens is a must-have, the Edge 30 Fusion's inclusion of this is a big benefit.
- If video recording capabilities and a macro lens are a priority, or optical zoom is needed, the ThinkPhone is the better choice.
Scenario-Based Recommendations:
- For the Everyday User: The Motorola Edge 30 Fusion balances design, performance, and price, making it perfect for everyday tasks.
- For the Power User: The Motorola ThinkPhone's robust build, newer chipset, and superior battery life make it an excellent choice for demanding users.
- For the Mobile Photographer: The Motorola Edge 30 Fusion's dedicated wide-angle and laser autofocus, give it an advantage for most situations, but the ThinkPhone excels in video and macro shots.
My Choice
If I were making the choice for myself right now, I would choose the Motorola ThinkPhone. While the Edge 30 Fusion is undeniably a stylish and capable device, the ThinkPhone's strengths align better with my needs. As a tech journalist and someone who frequently uses their phone for multitasking, gaming, video, and research, I need a device that doesn't quit on me and has that extra power. The larger battery, more powerful chipset, superior screen protection, wireless charging, and enhanced video suite, outweigh the benefits of the Edge 30 Fusion's slim design and laser AF. The trade-off in weight is worth it for the enhanced features. The enhanced build quality with Gorilla Glass Victus gives me extra piece of mind and makes this a phone that is ready to keep up with my day. I would happily give up the dedicated wide angle lens on the Edge 30 Fusion for the ThinkPhone’s much more compelling overall package.
