Alright, let's dive into a detailed comparison of the Motorola Edge 30 Ultra and the Blackview A96. We’ve got a fascinating matchup here, with two phones that, despite sharing some similarities, cater to very different needs and priorities. I’ll break down their specs, focusing on what really matters in daily use, and then give you my take on which phone might be right for you.
1. Specifications Breakdown
| Feature | Motorola Edge 30 Ultra | Blackview A96 | Real-World Implications |
|---|---|---|---|
| Design | |||
| Dimensions | 161.8 × 73.5 × 8.4 mm | 161.8 × 74.2 × 8.6 mm | Virtually identical size, both comfortable to hold. The Blackview is marginally wider and thicker. |
| Weight | 198.5g | 193.9g | Both phones are very similar in hand, neither feels noticeably heavier or lighter. |
| Display | |||
| Size | 6.67" | 6.5" | Motorola has a slightly larger screen, providing a more immersive experience for media consumption. |
| Resolution | 1080x2400 | 1080x2400 | Both offer sharp, detailed visuals at the same resolution. |
| PPI | 395 | 405 | Both have high pixel density, meaning sharp text and images. |
| Technology | P-OLED | IPS LCD | Motorola’s P-OLED will offer deeper blacks, more vibrant colors, and better contrast. |
| Refresh Rate | 144Hz | 120Hz | Motorola’s 144Hz display will result in smoother scrolling and animations, a subtle but noticeable improvement. |
| Brightness | 1250 nits | 0 nits | Motorola is drastically brighter and far more usable in direct sunlight. |
| Performance | |||
| Chipset | Qualcomm Snapdragon 8+ Gen 1 (4 nm) | Mediatek Helio G99 (6 nm) | The Motorola’s Snapdragon is a flagship-level processor, offering top-tier performance for gaming and multitasking. The Mediatek chip is a solid mid-range chip but not in the same league. |
| AnTuTu Score | 1,231,300 | 423,393 | This benchmark score really shows the difference in power. Motorola is significantly faster in every task. |
| GPU | Adreno 730 | Mali-G57 MC2 | Motorola's GPU is way more powerful, enabling smoother gameplay and graphic-heavy apps. |
| Camera | |||
| Rear Main Camera | 200MP, f/1.95, 1/1.22", Samsung ISOCELL HP1, 0.64 µm pixel size | 48MP, f/1.6, 1/2", Samsung S5KGM2, 0.80 µm pixel size | Motorola has significantly higher resolution with larger sensor, meaning far more detail, better low light performance and potentially better dynamic range. |
| Selfie Camera | 60MP, f/2.2, 1/2.8", Omnivision OV60A, 0.64 µm pixel size | 16MP, 1/3", Hynix HI-1634, 1.00 µm pixel size | Motorola offers much higher resolution for more detailed selfies with its larger sensor size, and the higher megapixel count can create sharper and more detailed images. |
| Telephoto Lens | 12MP, f/1.6 | N/A | Motorola offers optical zoom capabilities for better zoomed photos and portraits. |
| Wide Angle Lens | 50MP, f/2.2, 1/2.76", Samsung S5KJN1, 0.64 µm pixel size | 8MP, f/2.4 | Motorola offers much higher resolution wide angle images. |
| Macro Lens | N/A | 2MP, f/2.4 | Blackview allows for closeup shots with macro lens but in low detail. |
| Video Recording | 8K@30fps, 4K@60fps, up to 1080p@960fps with HDR and EIS | 1440p@30fps, 1080p@30fps | Motorola is a strong video performer with higher resolutions, better stabilization and 960fps slow motion for professional looking recordings. |
| Battery Life | |||
| Capacity | 4610mAh | 4380mAh | Slightly better capacity in the Motorola but both should get you through a day. |
| Charging | 125W fast charging | 18W fast charging | Motorola has blisteringly faster charging that gets you topped up in minutes. |
| Charging Features | 50W wireless fast charging, 10W reverse wireless charging | N/A | Motorola offers the convenience of wireless charging, and even the ability to wirelessly charge other devices |
| Software | |||
| OS | Android 12, upgradable to 13 | Android 13 | Blackview ships with the newer version of Android out of the box. |
| Connectivity | |||
| Wi-Fi | Wi-Fi 6 (802.11ax) | 802.11ac | Motorola can use faster Wi-Fi standards for better networking performance |
| Bluetooth | 5.2 LE | 5.0 | Motorola uses a more efficient and newer standard of Bluetooth |
| GPS | Comprehensive with Dual Frequency | Basic | Motorola has access to a wider array of satalites which can aid with better location accuracy. |
| Storage and RAM | |||
| Internal Storage | 128 GB or 256 GB | 256 GB | Both offer decent internal storage for apps and media. |
| RAM | 8 GB or 12 GB | 8 GB or 12 GB | Plenty of RAM for multitasking on both models, even the base model will be fine for most users. |
| Expandable Storage | No | No | Neither supports MicroSD expansion. |
| Audio | |||
| Speakers | Stereo speakers with Dolby Atmos, 2 microphones | Stereo Speakers | Motorola includes better audio tuning software and better microphone quality |
| Security | |||
| Fingerprint Sensor | Basic | Side-mounted | Blackview fingerprint sensor is better for easy access to unlock the phone. |
| Build Quality | |||
| Screen Protection | Corning Gorilla Glass 5 | Unknown | Motorola uses a known reputable screen protection standard. |
2. Key Insights
Motorola Edge 30 Ultra Strengths:
- Flagship Performance: The Snapdragon 8+ Gen 1 chipset paired with the Adreno 730 GPU offers unparalleled speed and graphics performance. It’s a mobile powerhouse ready for the most demanding apps and games.
- Superior Display: The P-OLED display with a 144Hz refresh rate and 1250 nits of brightness offers vibrant colors, smooth animations, and excellent outdoor visibility. This is a major step up in user experience.
- Advanced Camera System: The 200MP main camera, combined with a capable telephoto and wide-angle lens, provides exceptional image quality, detail and versatility for all shooting scenarios. This is backed up with high quality video recording, slow motion and better software.
- Blazing-Fast Charging: 125W wired and 50W wireless charging is incredibly convenient. You’ll spend less time plugged in and more time using your device.
- Advanced Features: This device has been designed to provide the top end of features, such as better Wi-Fi, GPS, Bluetooth, and much more.
Blackview A96 Strengths:
- Solid Mid-Range Performance: The Helio G99 chip is efficient and powerful enough for daily use, social media, and some gaming.
- Newer Android Version: It ships with Android 13 out of the box which is an improvement on the older Android 12.
- Macro Lens: If you enjoy closeup photography, this is a welcome inclusion.
- Good Battery Life: The 4380mAh battery, combined with the efficient chipset, ensures the device can easily last a day.
- Affordable Option: The Blackview will be priced competitively, making it accessible to a wide range of users.
- Side-Mounted Fingerprint Sensor: This is a much more convinient and faster unlocking mechanism.
Trade-Offs and Limitations:
- Motorola Edge 30 Ultra: It is significantly more expensive, lacks expandable storage and also has a basic fingerprint reader. It also ships with a slightly older version of Android.
- Blackview A96: The Blackview’s camera is weaker, and the screen is not as impressive, meaning the user experience won't be as fluid as it could be. The charging is also much slower, meaning much longer periods plugged into the wall to keep it topped up. The performance of the chipset is not comparable to the Motorola as well, meaning less processing power for intensive tasks.
3. User Profiles and Recommendations
Motorola Edge 30 Ultra is Best For:
- Power Users: Those who demand the best performance for gaming, multitasking, and running intensive apps.
- Photography Enthusiasts: Users who value camera versatility, high-quality images, and professional video features.
- Multimedia Consumers: People who enjoy watching high-resolution content on a vibrant display with smooth animations.
- Busy Individuals: Those who need fast charging to minimize downtime and stay productive.
Blackview A96 is Best For:
- Budget-Conscious Buyers: Users looking for a reliable, capable smartphone without breaking the bank.
- Everyday Users: People who primarily use their phone for social media, browsing, and basic productivity.
- Users Who Value Latest Software: Those that prefer the latest versions of Android.
- Casual Photographers: Individuals who prefer to take the odd snap with the macro lens.
- Users Who Value Fingerprint Reader Placement: This placement means quicker unlocking.
4. Buying Decision Framework
To help you make a decision, consider these questions:
- What's Your Budget? If money is no object and you want the best performance, the Motorola Edge 30 Ultra is the obvious choice. If you are on a tighter budget, the Blackview will be better suited to you.
- How Important is Performance? If gaming or running demanding apps is your priority, the Motorola is a clear winner. If you need your device to run daily tasks, both devices will be able to handle the task.
- How Much Do You Value the Camera? If you take a lot of photos, especially in low light or video, the Motorola’s camera system offers a significant advantage. If you are taking the odd snap, both cameras will do.
Scenario-Based Recommendations:
- Scenario 1: The Mobile Gamer - Choose the Motorola Edge 30 Ultra for its superior performance, vibrant display, and advanced cooling system, ensuring the best gaming experience.
- Scenario 2: The Budget-Conscious User - Choose the Blackview A96 for a reliable and feature-rich experience at a price you can afford.
- Scenario 3: The Aspiring Photographer - Choose the Motorola Edge 30 Ultra for its high-quality camera, multiple lens options, and versatile video capabilities.
- Scenario 4: The Daily Driver - Both phones will offer a great experience for a user that needs a device for daily tasks, but if you are using the device for daily intensive tasks, then the Motorola Edge 30 Ultra is the one to chose.
My Choice
If I were making this decision today, I would choose the Motorola Edge 30 Ultra. The reason is simply that the flagship processor makes such a drastic difference to everyday tasks and intense tasks, the display is simply better with the POLED technology, and the camera is far more versatile. The fast charging is also a must have in a world that runs at a fast pace. This is an example of paying for the higher performance and technology. While I appreciate the Blackview A96's affordability and newer software, the Motorola’s superior display, camera, and performance make it worth the extra investment for my specific needs. As a tech journalist, the ability to test the top end of what a smartphone can offer is too enticing to ignore. However, I would not be unhappy with the Blackview A96 as a backup device, but it does feel like it has too many trade offs compared to the Motorola.
I hope this detailed analysis has helped you to think about what is important when purchasing your next smartphone.
