Alright, let's dive deep into a head-to-head comparison of the Motorola Edge 30 Ultra and the Realme 11 Pro. As a tech journalist with a penchant for getting into the nitty-gritty, I'll be focusing not just on specs, but also what these numbers mean for your day-to-day experience.
Specifications Breakdown
| Feature | Motorola Edge 30 Ultra | Realme 11 Pro | Real-World Implications |
|---|---|---|---|
| Design | |||
| Launch Date | 2022-09-08 | 2023-05-15 | Realme is about 8 months newer, potentially having refined tech. |
| Size (mm) | 161.8 × 73.5 × 8.4 | 161.7 × 73.9 × 8.2 | Very similar dimensions; Edge 30 Ultra is slightly thicker. |
| Weight (g) | 198.5 | 183 | Realme is noticeably lighter, better for prolonged use. |
| Display | |||
| Size (inches) | 6.67” | 6.7” | Practically the same size, differences are negligible. |
| Resolution | 1080x2400 | 1080x2412 | Similar clarity, no visible difference in sharpness. |
| PPI | 395 | 394 | Nearly identical pixel density for crisp visuals. |
| Technology | P-OLED | AMOLED | Both deliver vibrant colors, deep blacks. |
| Refresh Rate (Hz) | 144Hz | 120Hz | Edge 30 Ultra offers slightly smoother scrolling and animations. |
| Brightness (nits) | 1250 | 950 | Edge 30 Ultra is significantly brighter, better in sunlight. |
| Performance | |||
| Chipset | Snapdragon 8+ Gen 1 | Dimensity 7050 | Edge 30 Ultra has a significantly more powerful processor. |
| AnTuTu Score | 1,231,300 | 540,800 | Edge 30 Ultra offers much faster performance and better gaming capability. |
| GPU | Adreno 730 | Mali-G68 MC4 | Edge 30 Ultra has the more powerful graphics unit. |
| Battery Life | |||
| Capacity (mAh) | 4610 | 5000 | Realme has a slightly larger battery for potentially longer usage. |
| Charging | 125W | 67W | Edge 30 Ultra charges much faster; significant time savings. |
| Wireless Charging | 50W, 10W Reverse | None | Edge 30 Ultra offers convenient wireless and reverse charging. |
| Camera | |||
| Main Camera | 200MP, f/1.95, 1/1.22" | 100MP, f/1.75, 1/1.8" | Edge 30 Ultra has a larger sensor and higher resolution for better image quality. |
| Selfie Camera | 60MP, f/2.2, 1/2.8" | 16MP, f/2.45, 1/3.1" | Edge 30 Ultra offers much higher resolution and brighter selfies. |
| Telephoto Lens | 12MP, f/1.6 | None | Edge 30 Ultra has an optical zoom capability. |
| Wide Angle Lens | 50MP, f/2.2, 1/2.76" | None | Edge 30 Ultra allows for more versatile shots. |
| Macro Lens | None | 2MP, f/2.4, 1/5" | Realme has a dedicated macro lens for close-ups. |
| Video Resolution | 8K@30fps | 4K@30fps | Edge 30 Ultra can capture much higher quality video. |
| Software | |||
| OS | Android 12 | Android 13 | Realme offers a more up-to-date experience out of the box. |
| Max Version | Android 13 | Android 15 | Realme has a longer future software support |
| Connectivity | |||
| Wi-Fi | Wi-Fi 6, MiMO | Wi-Fi 6 | Both have similar Wi-Fi but Edge 30 Ultra has a better system. |
| Bluetooth | 5.2 LE | 5.3 LE, APT-x, LDAC | Realme has a newer standard and supports high-fidelity audio codecs. |
| GPS | L1+L5,SUPL | L1+L5, GLONASS(L1), BeiDou(B2) | Realme supports more satellite systems for better location accuracy. |
| Storage | |||
| Internal | 128/256 GB | 128/256/512 GB | Realme offers the option of more storage, with up to 512 GB. |
| RAM | 8/12 GB | 8/12 GB | Both offer similar RAM options, great for multitasking. |
| Expandable | No | No | Neither phone allows for expandable storage. |
| Audio | |||
| Quality | Dolby Atmos, Stereo, 2 Mics | Dolby Atmos, Stereo | Edge 30 Ultra has an extra microphone for better audio quality. |
| Security | |||
| Fingerprint | Basic | Basic | Both utilize a basic fingerprint sensor for security. |
| Build Quality | |||
| Screen Protection | Gorilla Glass 5 | Unknown | Edge 30 Ultra has a known robust screen protection. |
| Sensors | |||
| Sensors | Compass, Gravity | Geomagnetic | Edge 30 Ultra features a compass and gravity sensor; Realme has a geomagnetic sensor |
Key Insights
Motorola Edge 30 Ultra: The Performance Powerhouse
- Strengths:
- Blazing Performance: The Snapdragon 8+ Gen 1 chipset crushes the competition in benchmarks, offering superior speed for apps, gaming, and multitasking.
- Stunning Display: The higher refresh rate (144Hz) and brightness (1250 nits) makes the display incredibly smooth and usable in bright conditions.
- Superior Cameras: The 200MP main camera, 60MP selfie camera, and additional telephoto and wide-angle lenses offer amazing photography capabilities, giving it an edge for photography enthusiasts.
- Fastest Charging: 125W wired and 50W wireless charging make it the fastest charger of the two, minimizing downtime and maximizing usability.
- Additional Features: The inclusion of wireless charging, reverse wireless charging, and an extra microphone enhances the device's versatility and audio quality.
- Trade-offs:
- Older Software: Ships with Android 12 (upgradeable to 13), while Realme comes with Android 13 out of the box.
- Bulkier: Heavier and thicker compared to the Realme.
- Competitive Advantage: Top-tier performance, a superior camera system, and very fast charging make it a strong choice for power users.
Realme 11 Pro: The Balanced Contender
- Strengths:
- Lighter and More Ergonomic: Its lighter build makes it more comfortable to handle for longer durations.
- Modern Software: Ships with Android 13 for the newest features and a longer future update plan.
- Larger Battery: The bigger battery provides slightly longer battery life.
- More Storage Option: Option for up to 512GB storage if you need the extra space.
- Better Bluetooth: Comes with a newer version of bluetooth that includes high quality audio codecs.
- Additional Sensors: Includes a Geomagnetic sensor not on the Motorola.
- Trade-offs:
- Weaker Performance: The Dimensity 7050 chipset is notably weaker than the Snapdragon in raw power and graphical capabilities.
- Basic Camera System: Lacks a telephoto and wide angle lens, limiting shooting versatility; also has a lower quality selfie camera.
- Slower Charging: The 67W charging isn't slow, but it's less convenient than Motorola's 125W charging.
- Lacks Wireless Charging: No wireless or reverse wireless charging capabilities.
- Competitive Advantage: Better ergonomics, a more up to date software, and additional features make it an excellent pick for regular users seeking a well-rounded device.
User Profiles and Recommendations
Motorola Edge 30 Ultra
- Ideal For: Power users, mobile gamers, photography enthusiasts, anyone who wants top-tier performance and speed.
- Use Cases: Playing graphic-intensive games, heavy multitasking, shooting high-quality photos and videos, needing quick battery top-ups.
- Why? The incredible performance, superior camera capabilities, and blazing-fast charging speeds make it ideal for users who demand the absolute best.
Realme 11 Pro
- Ideal For: Everyday users, those who value portability and updated software, anyone who does not need the high performance and camera quality provided by the Motorola.
- Use Cases: Regular browsing, social media, casual gaming, capturing everyday photos and videos, needing a long-lasting device.
- Why? The lighter build, longer battery life, more updated software, and affordable price, make it a balanced choice for everyday users.
Buying Decision Framework
Here are three questions to help you decide:
- Do you need absolute top-tier performance? If your answer is yes, the Motorola Edge 30 Ultra is the superior choice. The significant performance difference will be noticeable in gaming, heavy multitasking, and video editing.
- How important is camera versatility? If photography is one of your passions or a big need, the Motorola's additional telephoto and wide-angle lenses, as well as its superior main camera, will make a significant difference.
- How important is battery life and speed? If you need to charge up as quickly as possible and dont mind a slightly smaller battery, the Motorola wins, but if you need that slightly larger battery, the Realme may be a better fit.
Scenario-Based Recommendations:
- The Gaming Enthusiast: Choose the Motorola Edge 30 Ultra for its superior gaming performance, smooth display, and fast charging.
- The Content Creator: Opt for the Motorola Edge 30 Ultra for its 8K video recording, high-resolution cameras, and impressive display.
- The Everyday User: Pick the Realme 11 Pro for its lighter weight, longer battery, more updated software, and balanced performance for daily tasks.
- The Frequent Traveler: Go with the Realme 11 Pro as it's lightweight, has a larger battery and more up to date software for your travels.
Final Thoughts
Both phones have their strengths and weaknesses. The Motorola Edge 30 Ultra is designed for power users who want the absolute best in performance, camera, and display technology. On the other hand, the Realme 11 Pro is the well-balanced option for those who value ergonomics, affordability, and software. Consider your specific needs and priorities when choosing between these two capable devices.
What I Would Choose and Why
Personally, I would lean towards the Motorola Edge 30 Ultra. While the Realme 11 Pro is a very good phone for most users, my use case involves heavy app usage, a lot of multitasking, and I often find myself in situations where I want to take great photos and videos, and I want to charge as quickly as possible. The superior processing power of the Snapdragon 8+ Gen 1, combined with the better camera system, wireless charging, and the exceptionally fast charging speeds of the Motorola Edge 30 Ultra are all major advantages for me. I also really enjoy having a brighter screen, making it far more readable outdoors. While the Realme has a better updated system, its not enough for me to chose it over the Motorola's other advantages. I do, however, think that if I were to be more casual in my phone usage, or were concerned about my budget, I would definitely chose the Realme 11 Pro as it is an excellent choice overall.
