Alright, let's dive into a detailed comparison between the Motorola Edge 30 Ultra and the Samsung Galaxy S24 Ultra. I'll break down the specs, explain what they mean for you in real life, and help you figure out which phone might be the better fit.
1. Specifications Breakdown
Here’s a deep dive into the specs, focusing on how they translate to real-world user experience:
| Feature | Motorola Edge 30 Ultra | Samsung Galaxy S24 Ultra | Real-World Implications |
|---|---|---|---|
| DESIGN | |||
| Launch Date | 2022-09-08 | 2024-01-24 | The S24 Ultra is newer by about 1 year and 4 months, offering more recent tech. |
| Form Factor | Standard Smartphone | Standard Smartphone | Both are standard smartphones, no folding here. |
| Dimensions | 161.8 × 73.5 × 8.4 mm | 162.3 × 79 × 8.6 mm | S24 Ultra is slightly taller and noticeably wider, it may feel bulkier in hand. |
| Weight | 198.5g | 232g | Edge 30 Ultra is significantly lighter, making it more comfortable for extended use. |
| DISPLAY | |||
| Size | 6.67" | 6.8" | S24 Ultra has a slightly larger display, great for immersive media consumption. |
| Resolution | 1080x2400 | 1440x3120 | S24 Ultra has a much sharper display, with a noticeably clearer image for text and visuals. |
| PPI | 395 | 505 | S24 Ultra offers a much higher pixel density, which translates into a crisper visual experience. |
| Technology | P-OLED | (Likely AMOLED) | The Edge 30 Ultra's P-OLED is a type of OLED that typically offers vibrant colors and deep blacks. |
| Refresh Rate | 144Hz | 120Hz | Edge 30 Ultra's 144Hz refresh rate provides smoother animations, especially for gaming. |
| Brightness | 1250 nits | 2600 nits | S24 Ultra's significantly higher brightness ensures better readability in bright sunlight. |
| PERFORMANCE | |||
| Chipset | Snapdragon 8+ Gen 1 (4 nm) | Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 (4 nm) | S24 Ultra's newer chipset offers improved performance and efficiency for demanding apps. |
| AnTuTu Score | 1,231,300 | 1,814,869 | S24 Ultra has significantly better benchmark scores, expect faster app loading and smoother operation. |
| GPU | Adreno 730 | Adreno 750 | S24 Ultra's newer GPU delivers better graphics performance for gaming and graphics-heavy tasks. |
| BATTERY LIFE | |||
| Capacity | 4610mAh | 5000mAh | S24 Ultra has a slightly larger battery, which might offer a bit more usage time. |
| Charging | 125W Fast Charging, Li-Polymer | 45W Fast Charging, Li-Ion | Edge 30 Ultra has significantly faster charging, filling up the battery in minutes. |
| Wireless Charging | 50W Fast Charging | 15W | Edge 30 Ultra has faster wireless charging and can charge compatible devices wirelessly faster. |
| Reverse Charging | 10W | 4.5W | Edge 30 Ultra can charge other devices wirelessly at double the power of the S24 Ultra. |
| CAMERA | |||
| Standard Lens | 200MP f/1.95 1/1.22" | 200MP f/1.7 1/1.3" | S24 Ultra has a wider aperture and larger pixel size, allowing for better low light performance and image quality. |
| Telephoto + Portrait Lens | None | 50MP f/2.4 1/1.56" | S24 Ultra has a dedicated lens for portrait mode pictures. |
| Selfie Camera | 60MP f/2.2 1/2.8" | 12MP f/2.2 | Edge 30 Ultra has a much higher resolution for selfies, ideal for detail-oriented images. |
| Telephoto Lens | 12MP f/1.6 | 10MP f/3.4 1/3.52" | Edge 30 Ultra has a slightly higher resolution and a wider aperture for better low-light zoom. |
| Wide Angle Lens | 50MP f/2.2 1/2.76" | 12.2MP f/2.2 1/2.55" | Edge 30 Ultra has a significantly higher resolution, but the S24 has a larger sensor. |
| Video Recording | Up to 8K 30fps | Up to 8K 30fps | Both support high-resolution video. S24 Ultra also has stereo sound for videos. |
| DXOMark | Not Available | Mobile: 144 | S24 Ultra has a benchmark score indicating strong camera performance. |
| Camera Features | Triple Camera, OIS, HDR, etc. | Quadruple Camera, OIS, HDR etc. | Both have a comprehensive set of features, S24 Ultra has an additional Telephoto + portrait lens and night mode 2.0. |
| SOFTWARE | |||
| OS | Android 12 (up to 13) | Android 14 (up to 21) | S24 Ultra has a newer OS and significantly more years of updates guaranteed. |
| CONNECTIVITY | |||
| WiFi | WiFi 6 | WiFi 6E | S24 Ultra supports WiFi 6E for faster speeds and lower latency. |
| Bluetooth | 5.2 | 5.3 | S24 Ultra's newer Bluetooth version has enhanced features. |
| GPS | Dual-Band | Dual-Band | Both provide accurate location tracking, but S24 Ultra supports more systems. |
| SIM | Dual SIM | Dual SIM/eSIM | S24 Ultra offers eSIM support for greater flexibility. |
| STORAGE | |||
| Internal | 128/256 GB | 256/512/1024 GB | S24 Ultra offers significantly more storage options, which is important for heavy media users. |
| RAM | 8/12 GB | 12 GB | Both offer sufficient RAM for smooth multitasking, S24 Ultra has 12 GB guaranteed. |
| Expandable | No | No | Neither phone offers expandable storage. |
| AUDIO | |||
| Quality | Dolby Atmos, Stereo Speakers | Stereo Speakers, Noise Cancellation | Edge 30 Ultra offers better spatial audio, whereas the S24 Ultra has a noise cancellation microphone. |
| SECURITY | |||
| Security | Fingerprint | Fingerprint | Both offer basic fingerprint security. |
| BUILD | |||
| Screen Protection | Gorilla Glass 5 | Gorilla Glass Armor | The S24 Ultra has superior screen protection. |
| SENSORS | |||
| Sensors | Accelerometer, Compass, Gyroscope, Proximity, Fingerprint | Accelerometer, Compass, Gyroscope, Proximity, Fingerprint, Barometer | Samsung Galaxy S24 Ultra has additional Environmental sensors and a barometers. |
2. Key Insights
Motorola Edge 30 Ultra:
- Strengths:
- Blazing-Fast Charging: The 125W charging is a game-changer, allowing you to quickly top up your battery.
- Lighter and More Comfortable: Its lighter build makes it easier to handle for extended periods.
- Higher Refresh Rate Display: A smoother 144Hz refresh rate for a more fluid user experience.
- Better Audio Experience: Dolby Atmos paired with stereo speakers provides enhanced audio output.
- Trade-offs:
- Older Tech: It's using an older chipset and overall lacks some of the latest advancements.
- Lower Display Resolution: Its display won't be as crisp as the S24 Ultra.
- Less Refined Camera System: The photos might not be as sharp, detailed, and with more saturated colors when compared to the S24 Ultra
Samsung Galaxy S24 Ultra:
- Strengths:
- Superior Display: Sharper, brighter display with higher resolution for better visuals.
- Newer and Faster Chipset: The latest Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 chip for better overall performance.
- More Versatile Camera: The 200MP main sensor with a wider aperture is great for low light. It also has additional camera lenses for more photo versatility.
- Longer Software Support: Expect more years of software updates.
- Larger Storage Options: Offers up to 1TB of storage for users with heavy storage requirements.
- Trade-offs:
- Heavier: The extra weight might be less comfortable during extended use.
- Slower Charging: While the battery is a bit larger, charging is slower.
- Less Immersive Audio While still having great audio output, the S24 Ultra does not have Dolby Atmos.
3. User Profiles and Recommendations
- Motorola Edge 30 Ultra:
- Ideal User: Someone who prioritizes fast charging, a lightweight design, and smooth performance. Also, someone who values an immersive audio experience.
- Use Cases: Ideal for frequent travelers, gamers, or anyone who wants a phone that charges quickly and is easy to handle.
- Samsung Galaxy S24 Ultra:
- Ideal User: Someone who wants the best display, top performance, great camera experience, and long-term software support. Also, someone who stores lots of media.
- Use Cases: Ideal for photographers, videographers, power users, and people who want cutting-edge technology and need a reliable daily driver.
4. Buying Decision Framework
Here are three questions to help you decide:
Do you prioritize fast charging and a lightweight phone over cutting-edge display and performance?
- If yes: The Motorola Edge 30 Ultra is your pick.
- If no: Consider the Samsung Galaxy S24 Ultra.
Do you need the absolute best camera for photography and videography?
- If yes: The Samsung Galaxy S24 Ultra is better in this regard.
- If no: Both phones have a capable camera system.
Do you need lots of storage space?
- If yes: The Samsung Galaxy S24 Ultra can go up to 1TB, while the Motorola only offers up to 256GB.
- If no: Both phones have ample storage for typical usage.
Scenario-Based Recommendations:
- The On-the-Go User: If you’re always on the move and need a quick top-up, the Motorola Edge 30 Ultra’s fast charging is a winner.
- The Tech Enthusiast: If you want the latest and greatest, the Samsung Galaxy S24 Ultra’s superior display, chipset, and camera are a no-brainer.
- The Content Creator: For those who prioritize photo and video quality, the Galaxy S24 Ultra delivers a professional-grade camera experience.
- The Average User: The S24 Ultra may be the better choice given the improved software support and more refined experience.
What I would choose and why!
If I were to choose between the two, I'd lean towards the Samsung Galaxy S24 Ultra. Here's why:
While I am a huge fan of the incredibly fast charging offered by the Motorola, I need a reliable daily driver that will deliver high performance over the long term. The S24 Ultra's newer chipset, significantly better display (especially the higher pixel density), and its superior camera system win me over. Given the higher scores on DXOMark, the overall camera system is much more refined and better overall. The additional software support is also a huge draw, knowing the phone will stay relevant for a longer period of time.
I am also personally someone who stores a lot of content on their phone, and the 1TB storage option is something I'd greatly appreciate. While I do enjoy fast charging and the lighter design of the Motorola, the overall better build, camera system, and software make the S24 Ultra the better choice for me.
Ultimately, the best phone for you will depend on your individual needs and priorities, but in my view the S24 Ultra is the better phone overall given its superior hardware and overall design.
