Alright, let's dive into a head-to-head comparison of the Motorola Edge 30 Fusion and the Nothing Phone (2). We'll break down the specs, discuss their real-world implications, and see which phone might be the better fit for you.
1. Specifications Breakdown
| Feature | Motorola Edge 30 Fusion | Nothing Phone (2) | Real-World Implications |
|---|---|---|---|
| Design | |||
| Dimensions | 158.5 × 72 × 7.5 mm | 162.1 × 76.4 × 8.6 mm | The Nothing Phone (2) is larger and thicker, may be less comfortable for smaller hands |
| Weight | 168g | 201.2g | Motorola is significantly lighter, which enhances comfort during long usage periods. |
| Display | |||
| Size | 6.55" | 6.7" | Nothing Phone (2) offers a slightly larger screen for more immersive media consumption. |
| Resolution | 1080x2400 | 1080x2412 | Both are sharp, but the difference is negligible in daily use. |
| Pixel Density | 402 PPI | 394 PPI | Both screens are very similar in terms of sharpness, with negligible difference. |
| Technology | P-OLED | OLED | Both offer vibrant colors and deep blacks. |
| Refresh Rate | 144Hz | 120Hz | Motorola has a smoother display refresh rate, which may be more responsive for gaming. |
| Brightness | 1100 nits | 1600 nits | Nothing Phone (2) has much better outdoor visibility in bright sunlight. |
| Performance | |||
| Chipset | Snapdragon 888+ 5G | Snapdragon 8+ Gen 1 | Nothing Phone (2) has a more recent and powerful chipset for faster app loading and smoother operations. |
| AnTuTu Score | 904,900 | 1,135,786 | Nothing Phone (2) has a 26% higher benchmark score, indicating better overall performance. |
| GPU | Adreno 660 | Adreno 730 | Nothing Phone (2) offers improved graphics performance, better for gaming and graphic intensive tasks. |
| Battery Life | |||
| Capacity | 4400mAh | 4700mAh | Nothing Phone (2) has slightly larger battery offering potentially better battery life |
| Charging | 68W Fast Charging | 45W Fast Charging | Motorola Edge 30 Fusion charges significantly faster. |
| Features | Non-removable | Wireless/Reverse Charging, Non-removable | Nothing Phone (2) offers Wireless and Reverse Wireless charging flexibility |
| Camera | |||
| Standard Camera | 50MP, f/1.8, 1/1.55" | 50MP, f/1.88, 1/1.56" | Both are capable, but Motorola has a slightly wider aperture and larger sensor which can mean better low light performance. |
| Selfie Camera | 32MP, f/2.2, 0.8µm | 32MP, f/2.45, 0.8µm | Motorola has a slightly wider aperture for better low light selfies |
| Wide Angle Camera | 13MP, f/2.2 | 50MP (Wide+Macro), f/2.2 | Motorola has a dedicated wide-angle lens, whereas Nothing's is combined with macro. |
| Portrait (Depth) Camera | 2MP, f/2.4 | N/A | Motorola has a dedicated depth sensor for portrait photography |
| Video | 8K@30fps, 4K@30fps, 1080p@120fps | 4K@60fps, OIS, EIS | Motorola has higher resolution video (8K vs 4K), while Nothing has OIS for stability. |
| Additional Features | 8K Video, Triple Camera, LAF, RAW | Time-Lapse, Dual Camera | Motorola offers more advanced options, Nothing offers time-lapse. |
| Software | |||
| OS | Android 12 (upgradable to 13) | Android 13 (upgradable to 16) | Nothing Phone (2) has the latest Android version, and will receive longer software support. |
| Connectivity | |||
| WiFi | WiFi 6 | WiFi 6, MiMO | Both share similar standards, but Nothing Phone(2) supports MiMO. |
| Bluetooth | 5.2 | 5.3, Apt-x, LDAC, SBC, AAC | Nothing Phone (2) has a more recent version with enhanced audio codecs. |
| GPS | GPS, A-GPS, GLONASS, BeiDou, SUPL, Galileo | GPS, A-GPS, GLONASS, BeiDou, QZSS, Galileo, NavIC | Nothing Phone (2) supports more satellite systems for potentially more accurate location. |
| Storage | |||
| Internal | 128/256 GB | 128/256/512 GB | Nothing Phone (2) offers a larger 512 GB storage option and therefore potentially more space for media. |
| RAM | 8/12 GB | 8/12 GB | Both offer adequate memory for multitasking. |
| Expandable Storage | No | No | Neither device allows for storage expansion. |
| Audio | |||
| Quality | Dolby Atmos, Stereo Speakers | Hi-Res Audio, Stereo Speakers, 3 mics | Nothing Phone (2) features Hi-Res Audio and 3 microphones for enhanced audio experience. |
| Security | |||
| Fingerprint Sensor | Basic Fingerprint Sensor | Basic Fingerprint Sensor | Both phones offer basic biometric security for ease of access |
| Sensors | |||
| Sensors | Fingerprint, Proximity, Accelerometer, Compass, Gyroscope | Fingerprint, Proximity, Accelerometer, Compass, Gyroscope, Gravity | Nothing Phone (2) offers a gravity sensor, which provides additional orientation data. |
2. Key Insights
Motorola Edge 30 Fusion:
- Strengths: The Motorola Edge 30 Fusion excels in display smoothness with its 144Hz refresh rate and faster 68W charging. Its lighter weight and comfortable form factor make it great for extended use. It also features an 8k recording capability and a dedicated depth sensor for portraits.
- Competitive Advantages: The Edge 30 Fusion offers a slightly sharper display and higher refresh rate. It is also a lighter device and features faster charging than the Nothing Phone(2).
- Trade-offs: Slightly older chipset. Lacks wireless charging, reverse charging, and Hi-Res audio. It does not have the extended software support of Nothing phone(2)
Nothing Phone (2):
- Strengths: The Nothing Phone (2) shines with a more powerful chipset for smoother performance and a significantly brighter display for better visibility in sunlight. It offers reverse charging, wireless charging and has more storage options.
- Competitive Advantages: The Nothing Phone (2) has a better chipset, much brighter display and more modern software with promise of updates. It also offers wireless charging capabilities.
- Trade-offs: Its larger size and heavier build may not be as comfortable for some users. It also charges slower, and does not have the 8k recording or dedicated depth camera of Motorola.
3. User Profiles and Recommendations
- Motorola Edge 30 Fusion: This phone is a good fit for users who prioritize a smooth display, fast charging, and a lighter design. It's excellent for multimedia consumption, mobile gaming, and those seeking a comfortable and easily handled device. It would suit gamers and users who want a great display.
- Nothing Phone (2): Ideal for users seeking top performance, a premium build, and advanced features like wireless charging and Hi-Res audio. It is well suited for those who want long-term software support and a display that shines brightly even in direct sunlight.
4. Buying Decision Framework
Here are three questions to help you decide:
- Do you need the absolute fastest charging, 8k video or is a lighter device a priority? If so, the Motorola is probably better for you.
- Do you prioritize long-term software updates, wireless charging, and more performance? Then the Nothing Phone (2) is the better pick.
- Do you need the brightest screen, larger storage, and the best audio quality possible in this price range? If so, the Nothing Phone (2) might suit you better.
Scenario-Based Recommendations:
- Multimedia Lover: The Motorola Edge 30 Fusion is a great choice for its vibrant display and high refresh rate.
- Power User: The Nothing Phone (2) has a more recent chipset and should provide a smoother, faster experience, in addition to being better for gaming with its superior GPU.
- Outdoor Enthusiast: The Nothing Phone (2) is the clear winner with its much brighter display, it is also more water and dust resistant making it more suitable.
- Everyday User: Both devices are great, but the Motorola is the less expensive option. The Nothing Phone (2) is likely to last longer due to extended software support.
Final Choice
If I had to pick between these two devices, I'd choose the Nothing Phone (2). While the Motorola Edge 30 Fusion certainly has some appealing aspects, like its lighter design and faster charging, the Nothing Phone (2) has a newer, more powerful chipset that translates to a smoother overall experience, a significantly brighter display that performs much better in bright conditions, and longer-term software support, which ensures the device will remain relevant for longer. The addition of wireless charging, reverse charging and a larger storage option also makes it a more compelling, future-proof device in my eyes.
