Alright, let's dive into a head-to-head comparison of the Motorola Edge 30 and the Moto G85. Both phones are vying for your attention, but they each bring a different set of strengths to the table. I’ll break down the specs, explain what they mean for you, and help you figure out which one is the right fit.
1. Specifications Breakdown
Here’s a detailed look at how these two Motorola phones stack up, focusing on the real-world implications for daily usage:
| Feature | Motorola Edge 30 | Motorola Moto G85 | Real-World Implications |
|---|---|---|---|
| Design | |||
| Dimensions | 159.4 × 74.2 × 6.8 mm | 161.9 × 73.1 × 7.6 mm | Edge 30 is a bit smaller, making it slightly more pocketable, while the G85 is taller and thicker. |
| Weight | 155g | 171g | The Edge 30 is noticeably lighter, which could make it more comfortable to hold for extended periods. |
| Build Quality Screen | Corning Gorilla Glass 3 | Corning Gorilla Glass 5 | G85 has better drop and scratch resistance |
| Display | |||
| Size | 6.5" | 6.67" | The G85 offers a slightly larger display, great for media consumption. |
| Resolution | 1080x2400 | 1080x2400 | Both have sharp displays; no major difference in pixel density. |
| PPI | 405 | 395 | Both have very similar pixel density, providing crisp visuals |
| Technology | AMOLED | P-OLED | Both are good quality OLED-based panels, but differences are subtle; both produce vivid colors and deep blacks |
| Refresh Rate | 144Hz | 120Hz | Edge 30's 144Hz refresh rate makes scrolling and animations feel slightly smoother. |
| Brightness | 0 nits | 1600 nits | The G85's much higher brightness means it's far easier to see in direct sunlight. |
| Performance | |||
| Chipset | Qualcomm Snapdragon 778G+ 5G | Qualcomm Snapdragon 6s Gen 3 | Edge 30's chip is faster, resulting in smoother overall performance and better gaming. |
| Antutu Score | 609,900 | 475,000 | Edge 30 has a noticeable performance lead based on benchmark scores |
| GPU | Adreno 642L | Adreno 619 | Edge 30's GPU offers better graphical performance, ideal for games and GPU intensive tasks. |
| Camera | |||
| Standard Camera | 50MP, f/1.8, 1/1.55" sensor | 50MP, f/1.79, 1/2" sensor | Edge 30's larger sensor captures more light, but G85's wider aperture is better in low light. |
| Selfie Camera | 32MP, f/2.25, 1/3.14" sensor | 32MP, f/2.4 | Edge 30 has a slightly wider aperture for better selfies |
| Wide Angle Lens | No | 8MP, f/2.2 | G85 adds a wide angle lens to capture more in each photo |
| Portrait Lens | 2MP, f/2.4 | No | Edge 30 has a depth sensor for portrait modes |
| Wide Angle + Macro | 50MP, f/2.2, 1/2.76" sensor | No | Edge 30 offers a dedicated ultrawide/macro lens for versatility. |
| Video | 4K@30fps, 1080p@120fps | 1080p@60fps | Edge 30 records in higher resolutions and framerates for better video quality |
| DXoMark | Not Tested | Mobile: 88, Photo: 83, Video: 109 | G85 scored a fairly good dxomark for video, not sure how the Edge 30 would score |
| Battery Life | |||
| Capacity | 4020mAh | 5000mAh | G85's larger battery offers better endurance, lasting longer on a single charge. |
| Charging | 33W Fast Charging | 30W Fast Charging | Edge 30 charges slightly faster, but both support fast charging. |
| Software | |||
| OS | Android 12 (upgradable to 13) | Android 14 | G85 ships with a newer OS, which is more updated and secure. |
| Connectivity | |||
| Wi-Fi | Wi-Fi 6, MIMO | Wi-Fi 6 | Edge 30 has MIMO for improved internet speed and connectivity in a crowded environment |
| Bluetooth | 5.2, Apt-x, LDAC, SBC, AAC | 5.1 | Edge 30 has the latest Bluetooth Version that supports higher quality audio codecs |
| GPS | GPS, A-GPS, GLONASS, Beidou, Galileo | GPS, A-GPS, GLONASS, Beidou, QZSS, Galileo | G85 has more accurate GPS with the additional support for QZSS. |
| SIM | Dual SIM | Dual SIM (Nano SIM + Nano SIM / eSIM) | G85 offers an eSIM option, which can be handy for travelers |
| Storage | |||
| Internal Storage | 128/256 GB | 128/256 GB | Both have the same storage options |
| RAM | 6/8 GB | 8/12 GB | G85 has more RAM for better multitasking and app management. |
| Expandable Storage | No | No | Neither phone supports expandable storage. |
2. Key Insights
Motorola Edge 30:
- Strengths: Lighter and more compact design, smoother display due to 144Hz refresh rate, higher performance chipset, better overall camera performance with a 50 MP Ultrawide/Macro, and better video recording capabilities with 4K and 120fps 1080p
- Competitive Advantages: The stronger processor is better for demanding apps and games, with a smoother display experience for a more enjoyable use.
- Trade-offs: Smaller battery, slightly less bright screen, older operating system
- Limitations: No expandable storage, less robust build quality (Gorilla Glass 3)
Motorola Moto G85:
- Strengths: Much brighter display, bigger battery capacity, more RAM in the top spec option, more updated operating system out of the box, and the addition of a wide angle lens.
- Competitive Advantages: Longer battery life, significantly better screen visibility under bright sunlight, and a more future proof operating system.
- Trade-offs: Slightly bigger design with a less performing chip.
- Limitations: No macro capabilities, lower video recording capabilities, less build quality in the display and less powerful chip.
3. User Profiles and Recommendations
Motorola Edge 30:
- Best Suited For: Users who prioritize performance, gaming, and content creation (especially video).
- Use Cases: Gamers who need the extra power and smooth display, content creators who require higher quality video recording, people who don't mind charging a bit more often and don't use their phone under bright sunlight.
Motorola Moto G85:
- Best Suited For: Users who value battery life, screen visibility and the flexibility of a wide angle lens.
- Use Cases: Frequent travellers, people who spend a lot of time outdoors and need good screen visibility, users who prioritize battery life and multitasking.
4. Buying Decision Framework
To help you choose, ask yourself these three questions:
- How important is screen brightness to you? If you use your phone in bright sunlight often, the Moto G85 is a better fit due to its much higher brightness.
- Do you need the best possible mobile gaming or video recording performance? If performance is a high priority, the Edge 30's faster chip and better camera capabilities would be ideal.
- How important is battery life? If you want your phone to last as long as possible on a single charge, the Moto G85's larger battery is the way to go.
Scenario-Based Recommendations:
- For the Mobile Gamer: Choose the Edge 30. Its faster chipset, smoother 144Hz display, and better GPU make it the winner for gaming.
- For the Outdoor Enthusiast: Choose the Moto G85. The 1600 nits brightness makes it much easier to see in bright sunlight, with the wide angle lens being a handy addition.
- For the Average User: If you just need a dependable, everyday phone with a large battery, the Moto G85’s longer battery life, and brighter screen is suitable for most needs. If you also do some light gaming and want a smoother overall experience and can deal with lower battery life and screen brightness, then go for the Edge 30.
My Pick
If I were choosing between these two devices, I would choose the Motorola Edge 30.
While the Moto G85 certainly has its merits, especially the longer battery life and significantly brighter screen, the Edge 30’s overall package just wins me over. The Snapdragon 778G+ chipset offers a more responsive experience and better performance in games, and as someone who occasionally likes to game on the go, that extra punch is valuable. Also, the better video capabilities and overall camera versatility of the edge 30, is a very tempting value proposition.
Ultimately, both phones are solid choices, but the Edge 30’s superior performance and camera capabilities make it my choice for a daily driver. The slightly less battery and brightness would be my tradeoff.
