Alright, let's dive into a head-to-head comparison of the Motorola Edge 30 Ultra and the Moto G72. As a tech journalist with an engineering background, I'm always keen to understand what these specs mean for you, the user, not just the numbers on a sheet.
1. Specifications Breakdown
Here’s a breakdown comparing the key specs of each phone, along with a look at their real-world implications:
| Feature | Motorola Edge 30 Ultra | Motorola Moto G72 | Real-World Implications |
|---|---|---|---|
| Design | |||
| Dimensions | 161.8 × 73.5 × 8.4 mm | 160.5 × 74.4 × 7.9 mm | Edge is slightly taller and thicker, but both feel good in the hand. |
| Weight | 198.5g | 166g | G72 is significantly lighter, making it more comfortable for extended use. |
| Display | |||
| Size | 6.67" | 6.6" | Very similar screen sizes, negligible difference. |
| Resolution | 1080x2400 | 1080x2400 | Both offer sharp, clear visuals. |
| PPI | 395 | 402 | Near identical pixel density for crisp images. |
| Technology | P-OLED | P-OLED | Both use vibrant P-OLED displays with excellent contrast. |
| Refresh Rate | 144Hz | 120Hz | Edge provides slightly smoother scrolling and animations. |
| Brightness | 1250 nits | 0 nits | Edge is much brighter, making it far more usable in direct sunlight. |
| Performance | |||
| Chipset | Qualcomm SM8475 Snapdragon 8+ Gen 1 (4 nm) | Mediatek Helio G99 (6 nm) | Edge has a flagship chipset for top-tier performance, the G72 a mid-range one. |
| Antutu Score | 1,231,300 | 415,300 | Edge is significantly faster for heavy multitasking and gaming. |
| GPU | Adreno 730 | Mali-G57 MC2 | Edge's GPU is much more powerful for demanding graphics. |
| Camera | |||
| Standard Camera | 200MP, f/1.95 | 108MP, f/1.7 | Edge has higher resolution, but the G72 has a wider aperture for better low-light. |
| Selfie Camera | 60MP, f/2.2 | 16MP | Edge captures significantly higher-resolution selfies. |
| Telephoto Lens | 12MP, f/1.6 | None | Edge has a dedicated telephoto lens for optical zoom. |
| Wide-Angle Lens | 50MP, f/2.2 | 8MP, f/1.9 | Edge has a significantly higher resolution wide-angle sensor, the G72 has wider aperture. |
| Macro Lens | None | 2MP, f/2.4 | G72 includes a macro lens for close-up photography. |
| Video Recording | Up to 8K@30fps | Up to 1080p@60fps | Edge supports much higher resolution and framerate for video. |
| Video Features | 8K Video, OIS | None | Edge has video features for professional-grade recordings, the G72 does not. |
| Battery | |||
| Capacity | 4610mAh | 5000mAh | G72 has a slightly larger battery, for slightly longer battery life. |
| Charging | 125W fast charging | 33W fast charging | Edge charges much faster, quickly topping off the battery. |
| Wireless Charging | 50W Wireless Charging | None | Edge offers very fast wireless charging as a bonus. |
| Reverse Wireless | 10W Reverse Wireless Charging | None | Edge can wirelessly charge other devices. |
| Software | |||
| OS | Android 12, upgradeable to 13 | Android 12 | Edge can be updated to the newer Android version. |
| Connectivity | |||
| Wi-Fi | WiFi 6 (802.11ax), MiMO | 802.11ac | Edge supports faster, more reliable WiFi with Wi-Fi 6. |
| Bluetooth | Bluetooth 5.2 LE | Bluetooth 5.0 LE | Edge has a slightly newer Bluetooth version for more reliable connections |
| GPS | More Satellites (GPS L1+L5) | Basic GPS | Edge has more satellite support for better accuracy. |
| Storage | |||
| Internal | 128GB/256GB | 128GB/256GB | Both have the same maximum storage of 256GB. |
| RAM | 8GB/12GB | 6GB/8GB | Edge has more RAM for smoother multitasking. |
| Expandable | No | No | Neither offers expandable storage. |
| Audio | |||
| Quality | Dolby Atmos, Stereo Speakers, 2 microphones | Dolby Atmos, Stereo Speakers | Edge offers better spatial audio and enhanced voice capture with its dual mics. |
| Security | |||
| Sensor | basic fingerprint sensor | basic fingerprint sensor | Both offer basic fingerprint sensor. |
| Build Quality | |||
| Protection | Corning Gorilla Glass 5 | Unknown | Edge is more durable with Gorilla Glass 5 screen protection. |
| Sensors | |||
| Sensors | Accelerometer, Compass, Gyroscope | Accelerometer, Compass, Gyroscope, Magnetometer | Edge has a basic set of sensors, the G72 adds a magnetometer. |
2. Key Insights
Motorola Edge 30 Ultra:
- Strengths: This phone is a performance beast with a flagship Snapdragon processor, a stunning high-refresh-rate display, a versatile 200MP camera system, and incredibly fast 125W charging, plus wireless charging and reverse wireless charging. It also has better Wi-Fi and Bluetooth connectivity.
- User Experience: The Edge is designed for users who want top-tier performance, stunning visuals, and high-end camera features. It's great for gamers, media consumers, and photography enthusiasts who need the best available technology. The faster charging and brighter screen are practical benefits for on-the-go users.
- Trade-offs: It's heavier and slightly bulkier, also more expensive than the G72 and has no macro lens.
Motorola Moto G72:
- Strengths: The G72 has a good mid-range chipset, a large 5000mAh battery for longer life, and includes a macro lens. It is also lightweight and more affordable, making it a good value option.
- User Experience: The G72 suits users who need a reliable phone for everyday tasks, with good battery life and a decent camera. It’s designed for practical, budget-conscious users who don't need flagship performance.
- Trade-offs: It has a less impressive display, significantly lower performance, a basic camera system with no optical zoom and slower video recording capabilities. It also lacks the fast charging speeds and robust build quality of the Edge 30 Ultra.
3. User Profiles and Recommendations
Motorola Edge 30 Ultra:
- Ideal for: Gamers, photography enthusiasts, heavy multitaskers, and anyone who wants cutting-edge performance and premium features.
- Use Cases: Mobile gaming, professional photography/videography, heavy app usage, media consumption, and anyone requiring a premium device with robust build quality.
- Price-to-Value: High price point, but offers top-tier performance and features that justify the cost for those who need them.
Motorola Moto G72:
- Ideal for: Budget-conscious users, everyday users who need a reliable phone with good battery life, and those who prioritize practicality over premium features.
- Use Cases: Daily communication, social media browsing, basic photography, and users who don’t need cutting-edge performance.
- Price-to-Value: Excellent value, offering a balance of features and good daily performance for the price.
4. Buying Decision Framework
Here are three key questions to help you decide between these phones:
- Do you need top-tier performance and advanced features? If so, the Edge 30 Ultra is the clear winner. If you only need good everyday performance, the G72 may suffice.
- What’s your primary use case? If you’re a serious mobile gamer or camera enthusiast, the Edge 30 Ultra will make your life easier. For everyday use, the G72 is still very capable.
- What’s your budget? If you’re on a budget, the G72 is much more affordable. If you are after the best performance at a higher price, go for the Edge.
Scenario-Based Recommendations
- For the Heavy User: If you are a power user, the Edge 30 Ultra is the better choice. Its top-tier performance is worth the extra cost for daily productivity and speed.
- For the Casual User: If you just want a phone for calls, texting, and some light social media use, the G72 will serve you well and save you money.
- For the Photographer: The Edge 30 Ultra has the better camera system and video recording abilities. The G72 might work if you only need it for casual photography.
- For the Gamer: Edge 30 Ultra is by far the superior choice, it has a better processor, refresh rate, and GPU.
My Choice
Personally, I'd pick the Motorola Edge 30 Ultra. While the Moto G72 has a great price and larger battery, the performance gap is too significant for me to ignore, the Edge has a significantly higher screen brightness, faster processor and significantly better camera. As someone who values top-tier performance, I’d pay the premium for the Edge's outstanding display, the processing power, and the more versatile camera system. The fast charging is an added bonus, especially with the wireless capability. The performance difference, in particular, would make the Edge much more enjoyable and useful for my daily tasks.
I hope this detailed comparison helps you make the best decision for your needs! Let me know if you have any other questions.
