Motorola Edge 30 Ultra vs Motorola Edge 40 - Detailed Phone Comparison

Detailed Comparison

Specification
Motorola Edge 40
Motorola Edge 40
Motorola

General

Launch Date September 8, 2022 May 4, 2023
Release Year 2022 2023

Physical

Volume 99.9 cm³ 86.68 cm³
Screen Size to Weight Ratio 3.36 "/g 3.92 "/g
Weight 198.5 g 167 g
Height 161.8 mm 158.4 mm
Width 73.5 mm 72 mm
Thickness 8.4 mm 7.6 mm
Foldable Design No No
Available Colors
  • Interstellar Black
  • Starlight White
  • Eclipse Black
  • Nebula Green
  • Viva Magenta
  • Lunar Blue

Display

Screen Size 6.67 " 6.55 "
Resolution 1080 x 2400 1080 x 2400
Aspect Ratio 20:9 20:9
Screen-to-Body Ratio 90.3 % 90.8 %
Pixel Density 395 PPI 402 PPI
Refresh Rate 144 Hz 144 Hz
Typical Brightness N/A N/A
HBM Brightness N/A N/A
Peak Brightness 1250 nits 1200 nits

Hardware

Battery Capacity per Screen Area 103.62 mAh/in² 102.56 mAh/in²
Battery Density 46.15 mAh/cm³ 50.76 mAh/cm³
Battery Capacity 4610 mAh 4400 mAh
NFC Support Yes Yes
Chipset Qualcomm SM8475 Snapdragon 8+ Gen 1 (4 nm) Mediatek Dimensity 8020 (6 nm)
CPU Octa-core (1x3.19 GHz Cortex-X2 & 3x2.75 GHz Cortex-A710 & 4x1.80 GHz Cortex-A510) Octa-core (4x2.6 GHz Cortex-A78 & 4x2.0 GHz Cortex-A55)
GPU Adreno 730 Mali-G77 MC9

Connectivity

USB Version 3.1 2.0
OTG Support 1 1
DisplayPort 1
DisplayPort Version 1.4 N/A
USB Features USB Type-C 3.1, OTG, DisplayPort 1.4 USB Type-C 2.0, OTG

Software

Operating System Android Android
Initial OS Version 12 13
Maximum OS Version 13 15

Comparison Summary

Alright, let's break down these two Motorola contenders – the Edge 30 Ultra and the newer Edge 40. I've been digging into the specs, and here's a breakdown to help you decide which one might be the right fit for you.

1. Specifications Breakdown

Here's a detailed comparison table that goes beyond raw numbers, explaining what each spec means in real-world scenarios:

FeatureMotorola Edge 30 UltraMotorola Edge 40Real-World Implications
Design
Launch Date2022-09-082023-05-04The Edge 40 is newer by about 8 months, indicating more recent software and potentially newer features.
Dimensions161.8 × 73.5 × 8.4 mm158.4 × 72 × 7.6 mmEdge 40 is more compact and easier to handle with one hand, while the Edge 30 Ultra is slightly bulkier.
Weight198.5g167gEdge 40 is significantly lighter, making it more comfortable for prolonged use.
Display
Size6.67"6.55"Edge 30 Ultra has a slightly larger screen for more immersive media consumption.
Resolution1080x24001080x2400Both offer sharp, detailed visuals; pixel density differences are negligible in daily use.
TechnologyP-OLEDP-OLEDBoth offer vibrant colors, deep blacks and good viewing angles.
Refresh Rate144Hz144HzBoth offer super smooth scrolling and fluid animations, great for gaming.
Brightness1250 nits1200 nitsEdge 30 Ultra gets a bit brighter, which might help in direct sunlight, but the difference isn't massive.
Performance
ChipsetQualcomm Snapdragon 8+ Gen 1 (4nm)Mediatek Dimensity 8020 (6nm)Edge 30 Ultra offers significantly higher raw power for demanding tasks and gaming, thanks to its flagship chipset.
AnTuTu Score1,231,300762,526Edge 30 Ultra has a clear performance advantage in benchmarks, leading to faster app loading and multitasking.
GPUAdreno 730Mali-G77 MC9Edge 30 Ultra's Adreno GPU is more powerful for intensive graphics, like gaming and video editing.
Camera
Main Camera200MP, f/1.95, 1/1.22"50MP, f/1.4, 1/1.55"Edge 30 Ultra captures extremely detailed photos thanks to the 200MP sensor. Edge 40's wider aperture may excel in low light.
Selfie Camera60MP, f/2.2, 1/2.8"32MP, f/2.4Edge 30 Ultra has higher resolution and a slightly wider aperture for better selfies.
Telephoto Lens12MP, f/1.6NoneEdge 30 Ultra provides better zoom capabilities for more versatile shooting.
Wide-Angle Lens50MP, f/2.2, 1/2.76"13MP (Wide + Macro), f/2.2Edge 30 Ultra has dedicated wide angle. Edge 40 has wide-angle and macro lens together.
VideoUp to 8K@30fpsUp to 4K@30fpsEdge 30 Ultra captures higher-resolution videos for professional-grade content creation.
Camera Features8K, Optical Zoom, Triple CameraDual Camera, Laser AutofocusEdge 30 Ultra provides additional flexibility in capturing different scenes. Edge 40 excels in quick and accurate focusing
Battery Life
Capacity4610mAh4400mAhEdge 30 Ultra has a slightly larger battery, potentially offering a little bit more usage time.
Charging125W wired, 50W wireless68W wired, 15W wirelessEdge 30 Ultra charges much faster, both wired and wirelessly.
Software
OSAndroid 12 (upgradable to 13)Android 13 (upgradable to 15)Edge 40 has the latest Android version out of the box and promises two OS updates, offering newer features and security.
Connectivity
Wi-FiWi-Fi 6, MIMOWi-Fi 6Edge 30 Ultra supports more wifi technology and is suitable for larger wifi networks
Bluetooth5.2 LE5.2 LE, with better codecsEdge 40 supports more Bluetooth codecs for better audio experience, particularly for wireless headphones.
GPSMore satellite supportStandard GPS supportEdge 30 Ultra provides more reliable and precise navigation with enhanced satellite tracking.
SIMDual Nano SIMDual Nano SIM + eSIMEdge 40 provides eSIM support for easier carrier switching and dual SIM usage.
Storage
Internal128/256 GB256 GBBoth have the same maximum storage capacity (256 GB), with a 128 GB option available in the Edge 30 Ultra.
RAM8/12 GB8 GBEdge 30 Ultra has a 12GB RAM option for enhanced multitasking capabilities.
ExpandableNoNoNeither phone supports storage expansion, so choosing the right capacity at purchase is crucial.
Audio
Audio QualityDolby Atmos, Stereo Speakers, 2 microphonesDolby Atmos, Stereo Speakers, 3 microphonesEdge 40 has enhanced voice capturing and audio quality with the addition of a microphone

2. Key Insights

  • Motorola Edge 30 Ultra Strengths:
    • Raw Power: The Snapdragon 8+ Gen 1 chipset delivers top-tier performance for demanding tasks and gaming.
    • Camera Versatility: The 200MP main sensor, coupled with telephoto and ultrawide lenses, offers exceptional image quality and zoom capabilities.
    • Fast Charging: The 125W wired and 50W wireless charging speeds are incredibly fast, making battery anxiety a thing of the past.
  • Motorola Edge 40 Strengths:

    • Ergonomics: The Edge 40 is lighter, thinner, and more comfortable to hold, especially for extended use.
    • Latest Software: Ships with Android 13, guaranteeing longer software support and access to the newest features.
    • Audio: Supports more Bluetooth codecs for enhanced wireless audio experience and has one more microphone for better audio capture.
    • Low-Light Performance: The wider aperture on the main camera may perform slightly better in low-light photography.
  • Trade-offs & Limitations:

    • The Edge 30 Ultra is heavier and bulkier, which can be less convenient for some users.
    • The Edge 40 has a less powerful chipset, which may not be suitable for hardcore gamers.
    • Both phones lack expandable storage.

3. User Profiles and Recommendations

  • Motorola Edge 30 Ultra is best for:
    • Power Users & Gamers: Those who need maximum performance for demanding games, video editing, and multitasking.
    • Photography Enthusiasts: Users who prioritize versatility in camera performance and desire high-resolution images.
    • Tech Aficionados: Users who want the cutting-edge technology with the fastest charging capabilities.
  • Motorola Edge 40 is best for:
    • Everyday Users: Those who want a stylish, reliable device for daily tasks, media consumption, and casual photography.
    • Comfort & Portability: Individuals who value a lighter, more ergonomic design that's easy to carry around.
    • Software & Audio: Those who appreciate latest Android updates and enhanced audio playback.

4. Buying Decision Framework

Here are three questions to guide your decision:

  1. How important is raw performance to me? If you frequently game, use heavy applications, or need top-tier performance, the Edge 30 Ultra is the better option. If you need good overall performance without pushing limits, then the Edge 40 is good enough.
  2. Do I prioritize a compact and lightweight design, or do I want the best camera and fastest charging experience? If size and portability matter most, choose the Edge 40. If camera versatility and super fast charging is the main priority, Edge 30 Ultra is a better choice.
  3. Do I care about latest software and Audio enhancements? If you value the latest software and better audio, the Edge 40 with its newer Android version and better Bluetooth codecs would be more suitable.

Scenario-Based Recommendations:

  • For the Gamer: Go for the Motorola Edge 30 Ultra for its superior chipset and GPU.
  • For the Photographer: The Motorola Edge 30 Ultra will give you more camera versatility with 200MP main and optical zoom.
  • For the Mobile Professional: The Motorola Edge 40 provides great balance between performance and portability and better audio quality on the go.
  • For the Everyday user: The Motorola Edge 40 is more than enough for day to day use and casual photography.

What I Would Choose and Why

If I were choosing between these two, I would lean towards the Motorola Edge 30 Ultra. Here's my rationale:

As a tech journalist and analyst, I need a device that can handle anything I throw at it. The Edge 30 Ultra's top-tier Snapdragon 8+ Gen 1 processor would make app testing, benchmarking, and running resource-intensive tools a breeze. I'm also very keen on the camera, and the ability to capture detailed 200MP images along with zoom capabilities is incredibly useful for my work. While I appreciate the compact design and newer software on the Edge 40, the sheer power and camera flexibility of the Edge 30 Ultra win out for my needs. Plus, those charging speeds are a huge convenience.

Of course, if portability were my top concern, or if I was a more casual user, the Edge 40 would be an excellent choice. But for my use case, the Edge 30 Ultra offers more of what I need – and a bit of tech indulgence to boot.

Alex Griffin
Alex Griffin

Technology analyst specializing in mobile devices and consumer electronics.

Core Expertise

  • Mobile technology analysis
  • Consumer electronics evaluation
  • Technical specification interpretation
  • User experience insights

Professional Mission Empowering readers to make informed technology decisions by transforming intricate specifications into understandable, practical guidance.

Demystifying technology, one device at a time.