Okay, let's dive into a detailed comparison of the Motorola Edge 30 and the Moto G Stylus 5G (2023). I'll break down the specs, highlight key differences, and offer a clear buying guide based on real-world implications.
Motorola Edge 30 vs. Moto G Stylus 5G (2023): A Detailed Comparison
1. Specifications Breakdown
Here's a detailed table comparing the two devices, focusing on the practical impact of each specification:
| Feature | Motorola Edge 30 | Motorola Moto G Stylus 5G (2023) | Real-World Implications |
|---|---|---|---|
| Design | |||
| Dimensions | 159.4 x 74.2 x 6.8 mm | 162.8 x 73.8 x 9.2 mm | Edge 30 is slimmer and more compact; Stylus 5G is noticeably thicker and taller, feeling more substantial in hand. |
| Weight | 155g | 202g | Edge 30 is significantly lighter, enhancing comfort during extended use. Stylus 5G is heavier due to the larger battery & stylus. |
| Foldable | Standard | Standard | Both are standard slab-style phones. |
| Display | |||
| Size | 6.5" | 6.6" | Minimal difference; both offer good screen real estate. |
| Resolution | 1080x2400 | 1080x2400 | Both offer sharp visuals with identical resolutions. |
| Pixel Density (PPI) | 405 | 399 | Near identical sharpness; both provide clear text and images. |
| Technology | AMOLED | IPS LCD | Edge 30's AMOLED delivers richer colors, deeper blacks, and better contrast - making media consumption more enjoyable. |
| Refresh Rate | 144Hz | 120Hz | Edge 30 has slightly smoother scrolling and animations which translates into a more fluid experience. |
| Brightness | 0 nits | 0 nits | Both have the same (unknown) peak brightness |
| Performance | |||
| Chipset | Snapdragon 778G+ 5G (6nm) | Snapdragon 6 Gen 1 (4nm) | Edge 30's chipset is tuned for higher performance, better suited for gaming and heavy multitasking. Stylus 5G's is more energy efficient. |
| AnTuTu Score | 609,900 | 565,000 | Edge 30 has a noticeable edge in raw performance, though both are competent for daily use. |
| GPU | Adreno 642L | Adreno 710 | Edge 30's GPU will handle graphics-intensive tasks slightly better. |
| Camera | |||
| Main Camera | 50MP (f/1.8) | 50MP (f/1.88) | Edge 30’s wider aperture (f/1.8) captures slightly more light, resulting in better low-light performance; both share the same sensor. |
| Selfie Camera | 32MP (f/2.25) | 16MP (f/2.5) | Edge 30’s higher-resolution, wider aperture selfie camera captures more detailed and vibrant self-portraits. |
| Wide Angle + Macro | 50MP (f/2.2) | 8MP (f/2.2) | Edge 30 has a significantly higher resolution wide-angle lens which will result in better, more detailed wide-angle shots. |
| Portrait mode | 2MP depth sensor | None | Edge 30 has a dedicated depth sensor resulting in better portrait photos with a natural bokeh effect. |
| Video Recording | Up to 4K@30fps, 1080p@120fps | Up to 4K@30fps, 1080p@60fps | Both record high quality videos, Edge 30 offers more options with 120fps recording in 1080p which would help with smooth slow-motion. |
| Battery Life | |||
| Capacity | 4020mAh | 5000mAh | Stylus 5G’s larger battery will likely last significantly longer, especially for heavy users. |
| Charging | 33W fast charging | 20W fast charging | Edge 30 charges faster, mitigating the impact of its smaller battery capacity. |
| Software | |||
| Operating System | Android 12, upgradable to 13 | Android 13 | Stylus 5G ships with a newer OS; Edge 30 will receive fewer OS updates. |
| Connectivity | |||
| Wi-Fi | WiFi 6, MIMO | WiFi 6 | Edge 30 offers an additional Wi-Fi technology. |
| Bluetooth | 5.2 LE with aptX, LDAC | 5.2 LE with aptX, LDAC | Both support modern Bluetooth codecs for high-quality audio. |
| GPS | GPS, A-GPS, GLONASS, Beidou, Galileo | GPS, A-GPS, SUPL, GPS (L1+L5), Galileo (E1+E5a) | Both offer good positioning, with Edge 30 supporting more satellite systems but G Stylus has some more accurate versions. |
| SIM | Dual SIM | Single SIM | Edge 30 can use two SIMs at once, while Stylus 5G is limited to one. |
| Storage & Memory | |||
| Internal | 128/256 GB | 128/256 GB | Both offer the same storage options. |
| RAM | 6/8 GB | 4/6/8 GB | Both offers similar RAM amounts. |
| Expandable Storage | No | No | Neither phone allows for storage expansion, meaning you're stuck with the base config. |
| Audio | |||
| Quality | Dolby Atmos, Stereo Speakers | Dolby Atmos, Stereo Speakers | Both offer a solid audio experience with the same specifications. |
| Security | |||
| Features | basic fingerprint sensor | side-mounted fingerprint sensor | Stylus 5G has a more convenient side-mounted fingerprint sensor. |
| Build Quality | |||
| Screen Protection | Gorilla Glass 3 | Unknown | Edge 30 has some screen protection and the G Stylus 5G does not. |
| Sensors | |||
| Features | Accelerometer, Compass, Gyroscope, Proximity | Accelerometer, Gyroscope, Proximity, Hall, Geomagnetic | Edge 30 has a Compass sensor and G Stylus has a Hall and Geomagnetic sensor. |
| ### 2. Key Insights |
Motorola Edge 30 Strengths:
- Superior Display: The AMOLED panel delivers a far more vibrant and immersive viewing experience compared to the IPS LCD on the Stylus 5G. This is especially noticeable when consuming media or gaming.
- Higher Performance: The Snapdragon 778G+ chipset, combined with a higher AnTuTu score and GPU, offers a smoother experience, especially for demanding tasks and gaming.
- Better Camera: The main, selfie and wide-angle camera are all significantly better on the Edge 30, providing clearer and more detailed shots in most scenarios. Additionally, the inclusion of a depth sensor improves portrait shots.
- Faster Charging: The 33W charging will quickly top up the Edge 30, allowing for quicker recharge times.
- Slimmer and Lighter: The sleek design of the Edge 30 makes it more comfortable for prolonged use and portability.
Motorola Moto G Stylus 5G (2023) Strengths:
- Longer Battery Life: The 5000mAh battery ensures a full day of use or longer for most users, especially when compared to the smaller battery of the Edge 30.
- Newer Software: It ships with Android 13, potentially receiving more timely updates in the future.
- Integrated Stylus: While not detailed here, the Stylus adds a level of creativity and productivity that is not present on the Edge 30.
- Side-mounted Fingerprint Sensor: More convinient than the fingerprint sensor on the Edge 30
- Additional sensors: Hall and Geomagnetic sensors can be useful
Trade-offs and Limitations
- Edge 30: Smaller battery might require more frequent charging for heavy users.
- Moto G Stylus 5G (2023): Less vibrant display, lower camera quality, heavier design and a more basic processor mean the phone will be less snappy than the Edge 30.
3. User Profiles and Recommendations
- Motorola Edge 30:
- Best for: Users who prioritize performance, display quality, and a premium camera experience.
- Use Cases: Mobile gamers, media consumers, photographers, and anyone seeking a sleek and powerful device for daily tasks.
- Recommendation: If you're okay with slightly less battery life in favor of a better screen and overall performance, the Edge 30 is an excellent choice.
- Motorola Moto G Stylus 5G (2023):
- Best for: Users who need long battery life, enjoy stylus interaction, and prefer newer software out of the box.
- Use Cases: Note-taking, creative tasks with the stylus, users on a tighter budget, and those who prioritize all-day battery life.
- Recommendation: If you use the stylus often or need the device to last more than a day, the Stylus 5G is a good option, but keep in mind that it's not as powerful or vibrant as the Edge 30.
4. Buying Decision Framework
Here are three questions to help you choose:
- How important is display quality to you? If the AMOLED display on the Edge 30 is a must-have, that's the clear choice. If you're okay with an LCD display, the Stylus 5G is fine.
- Do you need all-day battery life? If you are very heavy on the phone throughout the day then the Stylus 5G is the one for you. Otherwise, the Edge 30 will get you by, especially with its faster charging.
- Do you use a Stylus often? If you often need to write notes or create content on the go, then the Stylus 5G is for you.
Scenario-Based Recommendations:
- For the Power User: Choose the Motorola Edge 30 for its superior performance, display, and camera quality.
- For the Battery Life Enthusiast: Choose the Moto G Stylus 5G (2023) for its bigger battery, though know that you are making some compromises in terms of performance and display.
- For the Stylus Fan: Choose the Moto G Stylus 5G (2023) for its integrated stylus, which is not included on the Edge 30.
My Choice
If I had to choose between these two devices, I would personally go with the Motorola Edge 30. While the larger battery on the Moto G Stylus 5G (2023) is appealing, the significant jump in display quality, performance, and camera capabilities of the Edge 30 is more important to me. As someone who appreciates a vibrant screen for consuming media and demands snappy performance, the Edge 30 just fits my needs better. Plus, the faster charging mitigates any potential concerns about battery life. I don't often need to use a Stylus, but if I did then the answer might be different. The fact it has better build quality with Gorilla Glass is also very appealing.
