Okay, let's dive deep into a head-to-head comparison of the Motorola Edge 30 and the Moto G Stylus 5G (2024). I'll break down the specs, translate them into real-world usage, and help you figure out which device might be your best pick.
Motorola Edge 30 vs. Moto G Stylus 5G (2024): A Detailed Showdown
1. Specifications Breakdown
Here's a comprehensive look at the key specifications, presented with their real-world implications:
| Feature | Motorola Edge 30 | Motorola Moto G Stylus 5G (2024) | Real-World Implications |
|---|---|---|---|
| Design | |||
| Dimensions | 159.4 x 74.2 x 6.8 mm | 162.6 x 74.8 x 8.3 mm | Edge 30 is slimmer and more compact, Stylus 5G (2024) is larger and potentially less pocketable. |
| Weight | 155g | 190g | Edge 30 is significantly lighter, which can improve comfort during prolonged use. |
| Display | |||
| Size | 6.5" | 6.7" | Stylus 5G (2024) provides a slightly larger viewing area, potentially better for media consumption. |
| Resolution | 1080x2400 | 1080x2400 | Both have the same sharpness; text and images should appear similarly crisp. |
| Pixel Density (PPI) | 405 | 395 | Practically identical sharpness; negligible difference in visual clarity. |
| Technology | AMOLED | P-OLED | Both technologies produce vibrant colors, but AMOLED might have slightly deeper blacks. |
| Refresh Rate | 144Hz | 120Hz | Edge 30 has a smoother screen, leading to a more fluid experience when scrolling or gaming. |
| Brightness | 0 nits | 1200 nits | Stylus 5G (2024) is significantly brighter and much better for outdoor visibility in sunlight. |
| Performance | |||
| Chipset | Snapdragon 778G+ 5G (6 nm) | Snapdragon 6 Gen 1 (4 nm) | Edge 30 has a slightly older but higher-performing chipset, while the Stylus 5G (2024) chip is more efficient and newer. |
| AnTuTu Score | 609,900 | 514,000 | Edge 30 is faster in synthetic benchmarks, meaning slightly snappier performance. |
| GPU | Adreno 642L | Adreno 710 | The Edge 30's GPU may offer better performance in gaming. |
| Camera | |||
| Standard Camera | 50MP (f/1.8, 1/1.55") | 50MP (f/1.8, 1/1.56") | Edge 30 has a slightly larger sensor, potentially allowing more light to be captured. |
| Selfie Camera | 32MP (f/2.25, 1/3.14") | 32MP (f/2.45) | Edge 30 has a wider aperture, potentially better for low-light selfies. |
| Portrait Camera | 2MP (f/2.4) | Not Present | Edge 30 has a dedicated depth sensor, meaning more accurate bokeh effect in portrait mode. |
| Wide + Macro Camera | 50MP (f/2.2, 1/2.76") | 13MP (f/2.2) | Edge 30 has a higher-resolution ultra-wide camera, better for more detailed and expansive landscape shots. |
| Video | Up to 4K@30fps, 960fps slow mo | Up to 4K@30fps, 240fps slow mo | Edge 30 supports higher frame rate slow mo video. |
| Battery Life | |||
| Capacity | 4020mAh | 5000mAh | Stylus 5G (2024) has significantly more battery capacity, likely for longer endurance. |
| Charging | 33W fast charging | 30W fast charging | Edge 30 has slightly faster wired charging. |
| Features | Non-removable | Reverse, 15W Wireless charging | Stylus 5G (2024) has wireless charging and reverse charging capabilities, making it more versatile. |
| Other | |||
| OS | Android 12 (upgradable to 13) | Android 14 (upgradable to 15) | Stylus 5G (2024) has a more recent OS, guaranteeing longer software support and access to new features. |
| Wi-Fi | Wi-Fi 6 | Wi-Fi 6E | Stylus 5G (2024) supports newer WiFi standard, offering faster speeds and lower latency. |
| Bluetooth | Bluetooth 5.2 | Bluetooth 5.1 | Edge 30 uses a slightly newer Bluetooth version. |
| GPS | GPS, A-GPS, GLONASS, Beidou, Galileo | GPS, A-GPS, GLONASS, SUPL, Galileo, GPS (L1+L5), Galileo (E1+E5a), NavIC System | Stylus 5G (2024) supports more satellite systems for more precise location tracking. |
| SIM | Dual SIM (Nano + Nano) | Dual SIM (Nano + eSIM) | Stylus 5G (2024) supports eSIM, offering more digital carrier options. |
| Storage | 128GB/256GB | 256GB | Both phones have non-expandable storage. Edge 30 has a 128 GB option. |
| RAM | 6GB/8GB | 8GB | Stylus 5G (2024) has a fixed 8 GB RAM. |
2. Key Insights
Motorola Edge 30:
- Strengths: Slim design, lighter build, smoother 144Hz display, a slightly more powerful processor and GPU, better standard, selfie and wide cameras, fast charging.
- Competitive Advantages: Ideal for users who prioritize performance, screen smoothness, and a sleek form factor.
- Trade-offs: Smaller battery, older OS, less future proof.
Motorola Moto G Stylus 5G (2024):
- Strengths: Significantly larger battery, much brighter display, newer Android OS, Wireless charging, expandable storage via MicroSD and the stylus for note-taking and creativity.
- Competitive Advantages: Appeals to users who value longer battery life, outdoor visibility, digital creation via a built in stylus, and future-proof software.
- Trade-offs: Heavier, thicker, slightly less performant than Edge 30, less capable video options.
3. User Profiles and Recommendations
- Motorola Edge 30: Best suited for:
- Users who prioritize a premium feeling, pocketable design and a high refresh rate display.
- Gamers and mobile enthusiasts who need a snappier device.
- Those who take many selfies and portrait mode shots.
- Motorola Moto G Stylus 5G (2024): Best suited for:
- Users who need a long-lasting battery that can go all day.
- Those who want a device with a built in stylus, excellent outdoor visibility, a recent OS with future upgrade and wireless charging.
- People who regularly use their phone for note-taking, digital creation, and media consumption.
4. Buying Decision Framework
Here are three crucial questions to ask yourself:
- Do you prioritize performance and a smoother screen, or battery life and outdoor visibility? If performance and a sleek device are paramount, choose the Edge 30. If all-day battery life and outdoor screen visibility are essential, then the Stylus 5G (2024) is the winner.
- How important is software longevity and future proofing? The Stylus 5G (2024) with its newer OS will get updates longer and a more feature rich experience.
- Do you need a stylus? The stylus on the Stylus 5G (2024) is invaluable for those who need it, whereas if you do not need this feature, the Edge 30 is the clear winner.
Scenario-Based Recommendations:
- The Gamer/Power User: Go for the Edge 30. The faster performance and smoother screen will make gaming or heavy use more enjoyable.
- The Digital Creator: The Moto G Stylus 5G (2024) is the better pick due to the stylus functionality and excellent battery life.
- The Outdoor Enthusiast/Traveler: The Moto G Stylus 5G (2024) is the winner thanks to its much brighter display, better location tracking and battery capacity to make it through long days without charging.
- The Budget-Conscious User: The Edge 30 is a few years older, this may mean it's cheaper. Check out prices at your local retailer to see if this is the case.
My Choice and Why
If I were choosing between these two, I'd personally lean towards the Motorola Moto G Stylus 5G (2024). While the Edge 30 offers slightly better performance on paper, the real-world advantages of the Stylus 5G (2024)—its much larger battery, the extremely bright display, its newer OS, built-in stylus, and wireless charging—are more compelling for my daily needs. I'm not a heavy gamer, but having a device that lasts all day, has a bright screen for outdoor use, and includes a stylus for quick notes and creative sketches is incredibly valuable for me. The Stylus 5G (2024) seems like the more balanced option for everyday use and the future, even if it means sacrificing a bit of pure speed.
