Alright, let's dive into this head-to-head comparison of the Motorola Edge 30 Ultra and the Samsung Galaxy A34. It’s a classic battle of flagship-adjacent vs. mid-ranger, so let’s see how they stack up.
1. Specifications Breakdown
Here's a detailed look at the specs, broken down into practical implications for real-world use:
| Feature | Motorola Edge 30 Ultra | Samsung Galaxy A34 | Real-World Implications |
|---|---|---|---|
| DESIGN | |||
| Launch Date | 2022-09-08 | 2023-03-24 | Galaxy A34 is newer with potentially better software support. |
| Dimensions | 161.8 × 73.5 × 8.4 mm | 161.3 × 78.1 × 8.2 mm | Edge 30 Ultra is slimmer, while A34 is wider, affecting one-handed use. |
| Weight | 198.5g | 199g | Virtually identical, both feel similar in hand. |
| DISPLAY | |||
| Size | 6.67" | 6.6" | Very similar; both offer a great viewing experience. |
| Resolution | 1080x2400 | 1080x2340 | Similar sharpness, fine details look great on both. |
| Pixel Density (PPI) | 395 | 390 | Virtually indistinguishable sharpness. |
| Technology | P-OLED | AMOLED | Both deliver excellent contrast and vibrant colors. |
| Refresh Rate | 144Hz | 120Hz | Edge 30 Ultra has smoother animations, especially for gaming and scrolling. |
| Brightness | 1250 nits | 0 nits | Edge 30 Ultra is significantly brighter for outdoor use under sunlight. |
| PERFORMANCE | |||
| Chipset | Snapdragon 8+ Gen 1 | Dimensity 1080 | Edge 30 Ultra is a powerhouse; A34 handles everyday tasks well. |
| Antutu Score | 1,231,300 | 532,300 | Edge 30 Ultra offers significantly faster performance for gaming and heavy apps. |
| GPU | Adreno 730 | Mali-G68 MC4 | Edge 30 Ultra's GPU is significantly better for graphics-intensive tasks. |
| CAMERA | |||
| Main Camera | 200MP, f/1.95 | 48MP, f/1.8 | Edge 30 Ultra has far higher resolution, larger sensor for better low-light performance. A34 has a wider aperture. |
| Selfie Camera | 60MP, f/2.2 | 13MP, f/2.2 | Edge 30 Ultra takes much more detailed selfies, also with a larger sensor. |
| Telephoto Lens | 12MP, f/1.6 | None | Edge 30 Ultra has more versatile zoom capabilities. |
| Wide Angle Lens | 50MP, f/2.2 | 5MP, f/2.2 | Edge 30 Ultra can take much higher detail wide-angle pictures. |
| Portrait Camera | None | 5MP f/2.4 | Galaxy A34 has a dedicated depth sensor. |
| Video | Up to 8K@30fps | Up to 4K@30fps | Edge 30 Ultra shoots much higher quality video. |
| BATTERY LIFE | |||
| Capacity | 4610mAh | 5000mAh | Galaxy A34 has a slightly larger battery for longer use between charges. |
| Charging | 125W Fast | 25W Fast | Edge 30 Ultra charges much faster, great for quick top-ups. |
| Wireless Charging | 50W, 10W Reverse | None | Edge 30 Ultra offers faster wireless charging and reverse wireless charging capabilities |
| SOFTWARE & CONNECTIVITY | |||
| OS | Android 12, Upgradable to 13 | Android 13, upgradable to 17 | Galaxy A34 is more up to date with software and more upgrades |
| Wi-Fi | WiFi 6 | Wi-Fi 5 | Edge 30 Ultra is faster for data transfers, downloads, and overall Wi-Fi performance |
| Bluetooth | 5.2 | 5.3 | Galaxy A34 has a newer Bluetooth version. |
| GPS | More systems | Fewer systems | Edge 30 Ultra has slightly better positioning accuracy. |
| STORAGE | |||
| RAM | 8/12 GB | 6/8 GB | Edge 30 Ultra excels in multitasking and memory-intensive applications. |
| Internal | 128/256 GB | 128/256 GB | Both offer ample storage for most users |
| Expandable | No | No | Neither has expandable storage, so choose wisely. |
| AUDIO | |||
| Audio Quality | Dolby Atmos, Stereo Speakers, 2 microphones | Dolby Atmos, Stereo Speakers | Edge 30 Ultra has a slight edge in audio quality and better voice capture due to its microphones. |
| SECURITY | |||
| Security | Basic Fingerprint | Basic Fingerprint | Both offer similar basic fingerprint security. |
| BUILD | |||
| Screen Protection | Corning Gorilla Glass 5 | Unknown | Edge 30 Ultra offers superior screen protection. |
| SENSORS | |||
| Sensors | More sensors | Fewer sensors | Edge 30 Ultra has a better sensor suite. |
2. Key Insights
Motorola Edge 30 Ultra
- Strengths: It's a performance beast, thanks to the Snapdragon 8+ Gen 1, and its superior camera system with a massive 200MP sensor, telephoto and wide-angle lenses. The 144Hz refresh rate and incredibly bright screen are great for gaming and consuming media, especially under bright sunlight. The crazy fast 125W charging is a game-changer for anyone who hates waiting around.
- Competitive Advantages: Top-tier chipset, versatile camera, fastest charging, brightest screen, smoother refresh.
- Trade-offs: Slightly smaller battery, may cost more, no expandable storage.
Samsung Galaxy A34
- Strengths: It offers a great balance of features for a midrange phone. Its AMOLED screen is vibrant, and the battery is slightly larger which provides longer run time. The software is more up-to-date, with further updates in the future.
- Competitive Advantages: Slightly longer battery life, newer Bluetooth and OS, it is usually more affordable than the Motorola.
- Trade-offs: Significantly lower performance, basic camera setup, slower charging, and lower brightness.
3. User Profiles and Recommendations
Motorola Edge 30 Ultra:
- Best for: Power users, gamers, photography enthusiasts, and those who prioritize fast charging and a top-tier display experience.
- Use Cases: High-end mobile gaming, professional photography and videography, watching high-resolution media, and heavy multi-tasking.
Samsung Galaxy A34:
- Best for: Casual users, those on a tighter budget, users who prefer a more recent operating system, and those who want a slightly longer battery life and a vibrant screen.
- Use Cases: Everyday tasks, social media, casual gaming, general content consumption.
4. Buying Decision Framework
Here are three questions to ask yourself when deciding:
- How important is top-tier performance to you? If you need the fastest possible experience, the Edge 30 Ultra is a clear winner. If your needs are more casual, the Galaxy A34 is sufficient.
- How much do you value camera capabilities? The Edge 30 Ultra's camera system is much more versatile. If high-resolution, detailed photos and versatile zoom options are essential, the Motorola is the better option.
- What is your budget? If cost is a major factor, the A34 will be the more affordable choice. However, if you are willing to pay for top-tier features, then the Edge 30 Ultra is the winner.
Scenario-based Recommendations:
- If you're a gamer: The Edge 30 Ultra's Snapdragon 8+ Gen 1 chipset, 144Hz display, and significantly better GPU make it the clear choice.
- If you are a photographer: The Edge 30 Ultra with its 200MP primary sensor and additional lenses is the winner here.
- If you are a student and on a tight budget: The Samsung Galaxy A34 is the better choice.
- If you value a more recent software: The Samsung Galaxy A34 will get you more software updates.
- If you value long battery life: Samsung A34 is marginally better than the Motorola Edge 30 Ultra
My Pick
Personally, I'd choose the Motorola Edge 30 Ultra. Here’s why:
As a tech journalist and phone enthusiast, the superior performance is a big draw. The Snapdragon 8+ Gen 1 chip, along with the high refresh rate and much brighter display, makes for a significantly better user experience, especially when gaming or watching content. The fast 125W charging is incredibly convenient, and the camera system offers versatility and quality that the Samsung A34 cannot match. The better sensor package is also a must for me as well as better quality audio thanks to its microphones.
While the A34 is a good phone for the price, the Edge 30 Ultra's strengths in performance, display, and camera align more with my priorities. I’d be willing to pay more for a better experience.
Ultimately, it boils down to what you value the most in a smartphone. If you are looking for top-tier performance the Motorola is the way to go, otherwise, the Samsung is the more affordable option.
