Okay, let's dive deep into a head-to-head comparison of the Motorola Edge 30 Ultra and the Motorola ThinkPhone. These two devices, while sharing some DNA, cater to different priorities and offer unique user experiences. I'll break down the specs, offering insights into what each one means for you in the real world.
Motorola Edge 30 Ultra vs. Motorola ThinkPhone: A Detailed Comparison
1. Specifications Breakdown
| Feature | Motorola Edge 30 Ultra | Motorola ThinkPhone | Real-World Implications |
|---|---|---|---|
| Design | |||
| Launch Date | 2022-09-08 | 2023-01-29 | ThinkPhone is newer by 4+ months, suggesting more modern tech. |
| Dimensions | 161.8 x 73.5 x 8.4 mm | 158.8 x 74.4 x 8.3 mm | Edge 30 Ultra is taller but slightly thinner; ThinkPhone is a bit wider, potentially impacting hand feel. |
| Weight | 198.5g | 188.5g | ThinkPhone is 10g lighter, which can make a difference in extended use. |
| Build | Gorilla Glass 5 | Gorilla Glass Victus | ThinkPhone has superior screen protection, better for longevity. |
| Display | |||
| Size | 6.67" | 6.6" | Both displays are very similar; a negligble difference of 0.07" |
| Resolution | 1080 x 2400 | 1080 x 2400 | Both phones offer crisp, clear visuals. |
| Pixel Density | 395 PPI | 399 PPI | Similar sharpness levels, both appear sharp to the human eye. |
| Technology | P-OLED | P-OLED | Both phones offer vivid colours, deep blacks, and high contrast. |
| Refresh Rate | 144Hz | 144Hz | Fluid scrolling and gaming on both phones. |
| Brightness | 1250 nits | 1200 nits | Edge 30 Ultra is slightly brighter, but both are bright enough for outdoor use. |
| Performance | |||
| Chipset | Snapdragon 8+ Gen 1 | Snapdragon 8+ Gen 1 | Both offer top-tier performance for smooth multitasking and gaming. |
| AnTuTu Score | 1,231,300 | 1,232,700 | Performance is virtually identical; you won't notice a difference in speed. |
| GPU | Adreno 730 | Adreno 730 | Both phones will handle graphically intensive tasks with ease. |
| Camera | |||
| Main Camera | 200MP, f/1.95, 1/1.22" | 50MP, f/1.8, 1/1.55" | Edge 30 Ultra has higher resolution for cropping, ThinkPhone has better low-light due to larger pixel size and aperture. |
| Selfie Camera | 60MP, f/2.2, 1/2.8" | 32MP, f/2.45 | Edge 30 Ultra is better for detailed selfie photos, lower light performance is unknown. |
| Telephoto Lens | 12MP, f/1.6 | None | Edge 30 Ultra can achieve greater optical zoom, missing on the ThinkPhone |
| Wide Angle Lens | 50MP, f/2.2, 1/2.76" | None | Edge 30 Ultra has a dedicated wide lens, allowing for ultra wide shots. |
| Portrait Mode | None | 2MP, f/2.4 | ThinkPhone has a depth sensor for better portrait shots. |
| Wide Angle + Macro | None | 13MP, f/2.4 | ThinkPhone has a dedicated macro lens. |
| Video Recording | Up to 8K@30fps | Up to 8K@30fps | Both capture high-quality videos but with different capabilities |
| Camera Features | Manual Focus, Night Mode | No Manual Focus, No Night Mode | Edge 30 Ultra has more controls and a dedicated night mode, potentially offering more versatility for photos in manual scenarios |
| Battery Life | |||
| Capacity | 4610 mAh | 5000 mAh | ThinkPhone has a slightly larger battery, potentially lasting longer. |
| Charging | 125W wired, 50W wireless | 68W wired, 15W wireless | Edge 30 Ultra has much faster wired and wireless charging. |
| Battery Features | 10W reverse wireless | None | Edge 30 Ultra can wirelessly charge other devices, a handy feature for users on the go. |
| Software | |||
| OS | Android 12 (upgradable to 13) | Android 13 | ThinkPhone ships with newer software, potentially fewer bugs and more future updates. |
| Connectivity | |||
| WiFi | Wi-Fi 6E | Wi-Fi 6E | Both have the latest WiFi technology. |
| Bluetooth | 5.2 LE | 5.2 LE | Modern bluetooth version for stable connectivity with wireless accessories |
| GPS | More Systems | Less Systems | Edge 30 Ultra has a wider range of satellite connectivity, potentially offering greater accuracy |
| SIM | Dual SIM | Dual SIM | Both support two SIM cards for dual service. |
| Storage | |||
| Internal | 128/256 GB | 256 GB | Both phones offer 256GB, but the Edge 30 Ultra gives a cheaper 128GB option. |
| RAM | 8/12 GB | 8 GB | Edge 30 Ultra offers greater RAM, better for heavy multitasking. |
| Expandable | No | No | Neither phone offers expandable storage. |
| Audio | |||
| Quality | Dolby Atmos, Stereo speakers | Dolby Atmos, Stereo speakers | Both phones are evenly matched in audio capabilities. |
| Security | |||
| Features | Fingerprint Sensor | Fingerprint Sensor | Both phones offer basic biometric security via fingerprint sensor. |
| Sensors | |||
| Sensors | More Sensors | Less Sensors | Edge 30 Ultra offers a more comprehensive set of sensors. |
2. Key Insights
Motorola Edge 30 Ultra:
- Strengths: A top performer that offers excellent camera capabilities with it's 200MP primary sensor and wide lens offerings, along with significantly faster wired and wireless charging, more RAM, and a comprehensive sensor suite, making it a powerhouse for multimedia and gaming.
- Competitive Advantages: Higher resolution camera, faster charging speeds, better sensor package and a cheaper 128GB model
- Trade-offs: Slightly less battery capacity, slightly older operating system.
Motorola ThinkPhone:
- Strengths: The ThinkPhone is a newer device with a larger battery and more secure screen, making it a more robust and potentially longer-lasting device. It also has a larger pixel size for low-light performance and dedicated macro/depth cameras.
- Competitive Advantages: Newer software, larger battery, more durable screen.
- Trade-offs: Slower charging speeds, less capable camera module, and less RAM.
3. User Profiles and Recommendations
Motorola Edge 30 Ultra:
- Best for: Users who want the best possible camera experience, fast charging, heavy multitasking, and gaming capabilities. Ideal for those who often need a premium camera setup or for users on-the-go who would benefit from quick charging and reverse wireless charging.
- Use Cases: Social media content creators, photographers who need flexibility, mobile gamers, or professionals who need a device that can keep up with their workflow.
Motorola ThinkPhone:
- Best for: Users who prioritize battery life, a durable design and a slightly more future-proof software experience. It's designed for professionals who want a reliable, secure device for everyday use and productivity.
- Use Cases: Professionals with on-the-go work, those working in rugged environments or users who need a device for day to day tasks and productivity.
4. Buying Decision Framework
Here are three questions to help you decide:
- How much do you value camera quality, speed and features? The Edge 30 Ultra takes the lead in these categories with its 200MP main sensor and faster charging.
- How important is battery life and device durability to you? The ThinkPhone provides a more substantial battery life and better screen protection.
- Which device better fits your budget? The Edge 30 Ultra offers a more affordable 128GB version.
Scenario-Based Recommendations:
- Content Creator: Choose the Edge 30 Ultra for its superior camera capabilities, including the 200MP main sensor, and versatile video recording options, all complemented by fast charging.
- Business Professional: The ThinkPhone is a better option with its robust design, longer battery life, and potentially more secure software.
- Tech Enthusiast: The Edge 30 Ultra has a slight edge due to its more powerful cameras, better charging, more RAM and a more comprehensive sensor package
- Everyday User: The ThinkPhone might be the better choice due to it's more rugged nature, better software support and longer lasting battery life.
My Choice
If I were choosing between these two devices, I'd lean towards the Motorola Edge 30 Ultra. While the ThinkPhone's durability and updated software are tempting, the Edge 30 Ultra’s superior camera system and faster charging are more important to my daily use. As someone who values mobile photography and needs a device that can keep up with a busy schedule, the Edge 30 Ultra feels like the more versatile option.
