Okay, let's dive into a detailed comparison of the Motorola Edge 30 Ultra and the Samsung Galaxy S23+. As a tech journalist, I'm always looking beyond the spec sheets to understand how these devices actually perform in our day-to-day lives.
1. Specifications Breakdown
Here's a detailed look at how these two phones stack up, with a focus on real-world implications:
| Feature | Motorola Edge 30 Ultra | Samsung Galaxy S23+ | Real-World Implications |
|---|---|---|---|
| Design | |||
| Dimensions | 161.8 × 73.5 × 8.4 mm | 157.8 × 76.2 × 7.6 mm | The Motorola is taller and thicker; the Samsung is wider and thinner. The S23+ is more pocketable, while the Motorola has a bit more screen presence. |
| Weight | 198.5g | 196g | Both are very similar in weight, so you won't notice much difference in hand. |
| Display | |||
| Size | 6.67" | 6.6" | Both have large, immersive displays. The minor size difference is negligible. |
| Resolution | 1080x2400 | 1080x2340 | Sharpness is comparable. You won't notice the resolution difference in everyday use. |
| PPI | 395 | 393 | Similar pixel density means very crisp visuals. |
| Technology | P-OLED | AMOLED | Both offer vibrant colors and deep blacks, but AMOLED is often seen as slightly better in color accuracy. |
| Refresh Rate | 144Hz | 120Hz | The Motorola has a smoother feel for scrolling and gaming; the difference is noticeable but not a game changer. |
| Brightness | 1250 nits | 1750 nits | The Samsung is significantly brighter, making it much better to use in bright sunlight. |
| Performance | |||
| Chipset | Snapdragon 8+ Gen 1 | Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 | The S23+ has a newer, more efficient chip, meaning slightly faster performance and better battery life. |
| AnTuTu Score | 1,231,300 | 1,508,732 | S23+ is notably faster; this score is great for heavy gaming or graphic-intensive tasks. |
| GPU | Adreno 730 | Adreno 740 | The S23+ has a newer GPU which translates to better graphics performance for gaming. |
| Battery Life | |||
| Capacity | 4610mAh | 4700mAh | Both have very similar battery capacities, meaning similar all-day use. |
| Charging | 125W Fast Charging | 45W Fast Charging | The Motorola charges much faster, a major convenience. |
| Wireless Charging | 50W | 10W | Motorola's wireless charging is far quicker. |
| Reverse Wireless Charging | 10W | 4.5W | Motorola's reverse wireless charging is quicker. |
| Camera | |||
| Main Camera Resolution | 200MP | 50MP | Motorola prioritizes high-resolution capture, while the S23+ focuses on detail and low-light performance. |
| Main Camera Sensor Size | 1/1.22" | 1/1.57" | Motorola's larger sensor can capture more light, which should mean better low light performance, in theory. |
| Main Camera Aperture | f/1.95 | f/1.8 | S23+ has a wider aperture, theoretically better for low-light. |
| Selfie Camera Resolution | 60MP | 12MP | Motorola has much higher resolution for selfies, which can be good for cropping, while the S23+ is more for basic needs. |
| Telephoto Lens Resolution | 12MP | 10MP | Both are quite similar here, but Motorola's telephoto has a slightly wider aperture. |
| Wide Angle Lens Resolution | 50MP | 12.2MP | Motorola has a higher-resolution wide-angle. |
| Video Recording | Up to 8K@30fps | Up to 8K@30fps | Both offer similar high-quality recording options, great for pro-grade video. |
| DXOMark Score | Not Available | 133 | S23+ has a strong camera rating, this would be an advantage. |
| Software | |||
| OS | Android 12 (up to 13) | Android 13 (up to 17) | S23+ has a newer OS out of the box and likely gets longer software support. |
| Connectivity | |||
| WiFi | WiFi 6 (802.11ax) | WiFi 6 (802.11ax) | Both support the latest WiFi standards. |
| Bluetooth | 5.2 | 5.3 | The S23+ has a slightly newer Bluetooth version. |
| GPS | GPS, A-GPS, GLONASS, Beidou, QZSS, SUPL, Galileo | GPS, A-GPS, GLONASS, Beidou, QZSS, Galileo | The S23+ supports additional GPS satellites, potentially better location accuracy. |
| SIM | Dual SIM (Nano + Nano) | Dual SIM (Nano + eSIM) | The S23+ supports eSIM, more convenient for traveling. |
| Storage | |||
| Internal Storage | 128/256 GB | 256/512 GB | The S23+ offers more internal storage options. |
| RAM | 8/12 GB | 8 GB | Motorola has an option for more RAM, potentially better for heavy multitasking. |
| Expandable Storage | No | No | Neither phone offers expandable storage. |
| Audio | |||
| Audio Quality | Dolby Atmos, Stereo Speakers | Dolby Atmos, Hi-Res Audio, Stereo Speakers | S23+ has Hi-Res audio for better sound quality. |
| Security | |||
| Security | Basic Fingerprint | Basic Fingerprint | Similar security on both. |
| Build Quality | |||
| Screen Protection | Corning Gorilla Glass 5 | Corning Gorilla Glass Victus 2 | The S23+ uses superior screen protection. |
| Sensors | Accelerometer, Compass, Gyroscope | Accelerometer, Compass, Gyroscope, Barometer | S23+ is equipped with more sensors that can enhance user experiances. |
2. Key Insights
Motorola Edge 30 Ultra Strengths:
- Blazing Fast Charging: The 125W charging is a standout feature, getting you back to full power much quicker than the S23+.
- High-Resolution Camera: The 200MP main sensor, 60MP selfie camera, and the 50MP wide-angle lens allow for capturing more detail in photos, even with cropping.
- Higher Refresh Rate: The 144Hz display provides a smoother, more responsive experience, especially noticeable when gaming or scrolling.
- More RAM Option: The availability of a 12GB RAM version is beneficial for heavy users who multitask frequently.
Samsung Galaxy S23+ Strengths:
- Superior Display: The higher brightness and AMOLED tech make for a more enjoyable viewing experience, especially outdoors.
- Stronger Performance: The Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 chipset is noticeably faster and more efficient, translating to a smoother experience and better battery life in demanding apps or gaming.
- Better Camera Tuning: The S23+ prioritizes color science and low-light performance. The DXOMark score is high, showing real-world performance in this area.
- Longer Software Support: Samsung offers a longer commitment to software updates, ensuring your device stays relevant for a longer period.
- eSIM Support: Convenient for international travel, allowing you to switch carriers without physical SIM cards.
- Hi-Res Audio: Better sound quality for audiophiles.
Trade-offs:
- The Motorola’s camera might capture more detail with its 200MP sensor, but the processing on the S23+ offers more consistent results in most scenarios, especially low light, with better dynamic range.
- While the Motorola charges faster, the S23+ has longer battery endurance thanks to its more efficient chip.
3. User Profiles and Recommendations
Motorola Edge 30 Ultra:
- Power Users on the Go: Ideal for individuals who need super-fast charging, and want to have that higher refresh rate with more ram.
- Photographers: Those who like the option to crop photos. The high-resolution cameras are also good for capturing a lot of detail.
- Gamers: The 144Hz display and the option for more ram can make for a very good experience.
Samsung Galaxy S23+:
- Everyday Professionals: People who need a reliable, high-performing device with a great display, and camera for all-day use.
- Content Creators: Users who value video quality and color accuracy.
- Those who want long-term software updates.
4. Buying Decision Framework
Here are three practical questions to guide your decision:
- How important is fast charging to you?
- If you absolutely need the fastest charging, the Motorola is a clear winner.
- How much do you value a brighter display and general photo quality?
- If you prioritize outdoor visibility, better low-light images, or high-quality video, the Samsung is the better choice.
- Do you want the newest OS with longer software support?
- If you want the most software updates, then the Samsung is the clear winner.
Scenario-Based Recommendations:
- "I want the fastest charging and don't mind a slightly less brilliant screen:" Choose the Motorola Edge 30 Ultra.
- "I'm a professional who needs a reliable camera, bright screen, and longer software support": Choose the Samsung Galaxy S23+.
- "I love photography and want the most megapixels possible:" The Motorola's higher-resolution cameras are for you.
- "I'm a gamer who values smooth responsiveness with high ram:" The Motorola Edge 30 Ultra is a good option with that higher refresh rate, but not as smooth as other gaming phones.
- "I travel a lot and want eSIM support": Choose the Samsung Galaxy S23+.
My Choice
If I were to choose between these two, I would personally go for the Samsung Galaxy S23+. While the Motorola's charging speed is incredibly attractive, the S23+'s combination of a superior display, the newer processor, and better camera tuning aligns more with my day-to-day use case as a journalist and content creator. The promise of longer software support is also a significant factor that favors the Samsung device. In my opinion, the S23+ edges out the Motorola as it prioritizes the components and areas that are of more importance for my requirements.
