Alright, let's dive into a detailed comparison of the Motorola Edge 30 and the Motorola Moto G35. I’ve spent a good amount of time with each of these types of devices, and I'm excited to share my insights. Here’s a breakdown structured to help you make the best choice.
1. Specifications Breakdown
Here’s a detailed look at how these phones stack up, complete with real-world implications for daily use:
| Feature | Motorola Edge 30 | Motorola Moto G35 | Real-World Implications |
|---|---|---|---|
| Design | |||
| Dimensions | 159.4 x 74.2 x 6.8 mm | 166.3 x 76 x 7.8 mm | Edge 30 is slimmer and more compact, likely easier to handle with one hand. G35 is bulkier. |
| Weight | 155g | 188g | Edge 30 is significantly lighter, making it more comfortable for prolonged use. |
| Display | |||
| Size | 6.5" | 6.72" | G35 offers a slightly larger screen for immersive media, while Edge 30 is more compact |
| Resolution | 1080 x 2400 | 1080 x 2400 | Both have sharp displays, text and images will be clear on both. |
| PPI | 405 | 392 | Very similar pixel densities; both will look crisp, Edge 30 will be slightly sharper. |
| Technology | AMOLED | IPS LCD | Edge 30's AMOLED will provide richer colors, deeper blacks, and better power efficiency. |
| Refresh Rate | 144Hz | 120Hz | Edge 30 has smoother animations and scrolling, especially noticeable when gaming. |
| Brightness | 0 nits | 1000 nits | G35 will be much easier to see in bright sunlight due to dramatically higher peak brightness. |
| Performance | |||
| Chipset | Snapdragon 778G+ 5G | Unisoc T760 | Edge 30 will provide faster app loading, smoother multitasking, and better gaming performance. |
| AnTuTu Score | 609,900 | 423,297 | Edge 30 is significantly faster overall, great for demanding tasks and gaming. G35 is for basic usage. |
| GPU | Adreno 642L | Mali-G57 | Edge 30's GPU will handle graphics-intensive tasks more efficiently, enhancing gaming. |
| Camera | |||
| Main Camera | 50MP, f/1.8, 1/1.55" | 50MP, f/1.8, 1/2.76" | Edge 30’s larger sensor captures more light and detail, leading to better low-light photos. |
| Selfie Camera | 32MP, f/2.25, 1/3.14" | 16MP, f/2.45 | Edge 30 takes more detailed selfies, especially in good lighting. |
| Wide Angle Lens | None | 8MP, f/2.2 | G35 offers an extra wide-angle lens for group photos and scenic shots. |
| Portrait Mode (Depth) | 2MP, f/2.4 | None | Edge 30 offers a dedicated depth sensor for better portrait shots. |
| Wide Angle + Macro | 50MP, f/2.2, 1/2.76" | None | Edge 30 offers a versatile wide angle and macro combined lens. |
| Video | 4K@30, 1080p@120 | 4K@30, 1080p@30 | Edge 30 offers high quality video and more flexible frame rates. |
| Features | Triple cam, OIS, PDAF, RAW | Dual cam | Edge 30's has more advanced features like OIS for more stable shots and RAW capture for advanced edits. |
| Battery Life | |||
| Capacity | 4020mAh | 5000mAh | G35 should last longer on a single charge, beneficial for heavy users and long days. |
| Charging | 33W Fast Charging | 18W Fast Charging | Edge 30 charges faster, reducing downtime. |
| Software | |||
| OS | Android 12, up to 13 | Android 14 | G35 has a newer Android version, which will have updated features and security. |
| Connectivity | |||
| Wi-Fi | Wi-Fi 6 | Wi-Fi 5 | Edge 30 supports a faster Wi-Fi standard for improved connectivity. |
| Bluetooth | 5.2 LE | 5.0 LE | Edge 30 has a more updated Bluetooth connection, supports LDAC and aptX audio codecs |
| GPS | GPS, A-GPS, GLONASS, Beidou, Galileo | GPS, A-GPS, GLONASS, Beidou, QZSS, Galileo | G35 offers more accurate GPS with more satellite systems, especially in urban canyons. |
| SIM | Dual SIM (Nano SIM + Nano SIM) | Dual SIM (Nano SIM + eSIM) | G35 supports eSIM for digital carrier switching, Edge 30 supports two SIMs simultaneously |
| Storage | |||
| Internal | 128GB or 256GB | 128GB or 256GB | Both devices offer the same internal storage capacities. |
| RAM | 6GB or 8GB | 4GB or 8GB | Both phones have a max of 8 GB of RAM, Edge 30 offers 6 GB for a starting point. |
| Expandable | No | No | Neither phone has expandable storage. |
| Audio | |||
| Quality | Dolby Atmos, Stereo Speakers, 2 microphones | Dolby Atmos, Stereo Speakers, 2 microphones | Both devices offer the same audio quality and features. |
| Security | |||
| Features | Basic Fingerprint | Side-mounted Fingerprint | G35 has a more convenient side mounted fingerprint scanner. |
| Build Quality | |||
| Protection | Corning Gorilla Glass 3 | Corning Gorilla Glass 3 | Both use the same screen protection for preventing scratches. |
| Sensors | |||
| Features | Full suite | Full suite | Both have a full set of sensors. |
2. Key Insights
Motorola Edge 30 Strengths:
- Superior Display: The AMOLED screen offers better color accuracy, contrast, and power efficiency, plus a 144Hz refresh rate for a smoother user experience.
- Performance Powerhouse: The Snapdragon 778G+ provides a notable performance edge, making it ideal for gaming and heavy multitasking.
- Enhanced Camera System: The larger sensor, optical image stabilization, and additional lenses allow for more detailed and versatile photos and videos.
- Faster Charging: 33W charging significantly reduces the time needed to power up the device.
Motorola Moto G35 Strengths:
- Longer Battery Life: The 5000mAh battery offers better endurance, perfect for all-day use without needing to recharge.
- Brighter Display: The higher brightness makes the display significantly more visible in bright sunlight.
- Newer OS: Android 14 provides the latest software features, security, and improvements.
- eSIM Support: The eSIM capability allows for easy switching between carriers.
- Lower Cost: Typically this will be available at a cheaper price point.
Trade-offs and Limitations
- Motorola Edge 30: Sacrifices battery size and display brightness for superior display technology, performance, and camera capabilities.
- Motorola Moto G35: Falls behind in performance, display technology, and camera versatility compared to the Edge 30 but has significantly longer battery life.
3. User Profiles and Recommendations
Motorola Edge 30 is Ideal For:
- Media Enthusiasts: Those who value high-quality displays and are interested in video/photo capturing capabilities.
- Mobile Gamers: Users who require smooth, responsive performance for mobile gaming.
- Tech-Savvy Users: Those who appreciate the latest features and top performance.
Motorola Moto G35 is Ideal For:
- Budget-Conscious Buyers: Users looking for a reliable smartphone with great battery life.
- Outdoor Users: Those who need a bright screen for use in sunny environments.
- Everyday Users: People who prioritize long battery life and a simple, reliable device with the latest Android OS.
4. Buying Decision Framework
Here are three questions to help you decide:
- Performance vs. Battery Life: Do you prioritize top performance for gaming, or is long battery life for all-day use more important? If performance, choose the Edge 30, otherwise the G35.
- Display Quality vs. Outdoor Visibility: Do you value vibrant colors and a high refresh rate, or is a bright screen for outdoor use more critical? If a vibrant display, choose the Edge 30, otherwise the G35.
- Camera Versatility: Do you need versatile photo and video capabilities with advanced features, or is a basic camera enough? If you need advanced features, choose the Edge 30, otherwise the G35.
Scenario-Based Recommendations:
- "The Power User": If you need top performance, fast charging, and a superior display, the Motorola Edge 30 is the clear winner, even with the battery trade off.
- "The All-Day Adventurer": If you prioritize battery life and bright outdoor visibility, the Motorola Moto G35 will serve you well.
- "The Budget Conscious": If you want the best bang for your buck and long-lasting battery, the Moto G35 will be the better choice.
My Choice:
Personally, I'd go for the Motorola Edge 30. While the G35's battery life and higher brightness are tempting, the Edge 30's AMOLED display and powerful performance make it the more versatile and enjoyable phone for my use cases. The better camera is also a major advantage for my use case in capturing and sharing content. I'm usually around a charger and would rather use a device that does not compromise on display and overall feel. The Edge 30’s sleeker design, premium build, and smoother user experience ultimately win out.
