Okay, let's dive deep into the Motorola Edge 30 and the Realme 11 Pro, breaking down their specs and figuring out which one might be the better fit for you.
1. Specifications Breakdown
Here’s a detailed look at how these two smartphones stack up, along with what these specs mean for you:
| Feature | Motorola Edge 30 | Realme 11 Pro | Real-World Implications |
|---|---|---|---|
| Design | |||
| Dimensions | 159.4 x 74.2 x 6.8 mm | 161.7 x 73.9 x 8.2 mm | The Edge 30 is noticeably thinner and slightly shorter, likely making it feel more compact. The Realme 11 Pro is a bit taller and thicker, which might feel more substantial. |
| Weight | 155g | 183g | The Edge 30 is significantly lighter, making it more comfortable for extended use and one-handed operation. The Realme 11 Pro is heavier, which might feel more premium but could also be tiring after a while. |
| Display | |||
| Size | 6.5" | 6.7" | The Realme 11 Pro offers a slightly larger screen for a more immersive viewing experience, great for media consumption. |
| Resolution | 1080 x 2400 | 1080 x 2412 | Both have a crisp, high-definition display. The negligible difference in resolution isn’t noticeable in daily use. |
| Pixel Density | 405 PPI | 394 PPI | Both have nearly identical pixel density, resulting in sharp and detailed displays. |
| Technology | AMOLED | AMOLED | Both have vibrant, high-contrast AMOLED panels with deep blacks and excellent color reproduction. |
| Refresh Rate | 144Hz | 120Hz | The Edge 30 has a slightly smoother display, making animations and scrolling feel more fluid and responsive. |
| Brightness | 0 nits | 950 nits | The Realme 11 Pro offers superior outdoor visibility with higher brightness, essential for sunny conditions. Note that the 0 nits on the Edge 30 appears to be an error. |
| Performance | |||
| Chipset | Qualcomm Snapdragon 778G+ (6 nm) | Mediatek Dimensity 7050 (6 nm) | The Edge 30 has a Qualcomm chipset known for strong and reliable performance; the 778G+ performs well in mid-range phones. The Dimensity 7050 in the Realme 11 Pro is good, but the Edge 30 wins in raw power. |
| AnTuTu Score | 609,900 | 540,800 | The Edge 30 has a higher score, indicating better overall performance, which means better gaming and multitasking experiences. |
| GPU | Adreno 642L | Mali-G68 MC4 | Different GPUs mean a difference in graphics processing capabilities. The Adreno 642L in the Edge 30 tends to have a slight edge in gaming performance. |
| Camera | |||
| Standard Camera | 50MP (f/1.8, 1/1.55", 1.0µm) | 100MP (f/1.75, 1/1.8", 0.61µm) | Realme 11 Pro has more megapixels, which can be great for detail, but the larger sensor on the Edge 30 typically captures more light and has better low-light performance. |
| Selfie Camera | 32MP (f/2.25, 1/3.14", 0.7µm) | 16MP (f/2.45, 1/3.1", 1.0µm) | The Edge 30’s selfie cam has more megapixels, and both have similarly-sized sensors, which means better details in self portraits with the Edge 30 |
| Portrait Mode (Depth) | 2MP (f/2.4, 1.75µm) | None | Edge 30 has a dedicated depth sensor for better portrait mode photos, which means better separation of the subject from the background. |
| Macro Lens | None | 2MP (f/2.4, 1/5", 1.75µm) | Realme 11 Pro has a dedicated macro lens for detailed close-up shots, which makes it a more versatile camera system for varied situations. |
| Wide Angle + Macro | 50MP (f/2.2, 1/2.76", 0.64µm) | None | The Edge 30’s wide-angle lens is very versatile. |
| Video | 4K@30/1080p@up to 120fps | 4K@30/1080p@up to 120fps | Both capture 4K video, but the Edge 30 has a more versatile set of shooting options, while the Realme 11 Pro has UIS and UIS Max for video stabilization. |
| Camera Features | Triple Camera, Manual Focus, RAW | Dual Camera, UIS, UIS Max, Continuous AF | The Edge 30 provides more camera settings and flexibility, while the Realme 11 Pro has a dual-camera setup with enhanced image stabilization. |
| Battery Life | |||
| Capacity | 4020mAh | 5000mAh | Realme 11 Pro has a larger battery, meaning longer battery life. |
| Charging | 33W Fast Charging | 67W Fast Charging | The Realme 11 Pro charges much faster, meaning less time tethered to the wall. |
| Software | |||
| OS | Android 12 (upgradable to 13) | Android 13 (upgradable to 15) | The Realme 11 Pro has a more recent OS version and promises longer software support, providing access to the newest features and security updates. |
| Connectivity | |||
| Wi-Fi | WiFi 6, Wi-Fi MiMO | WiFi 6 | Both support modern WiFi, but the Edge 30 has slightly more advanced MIMO technology for better connectivity. |
| Bluetooth | 5.2 | 5.3 | Realme 11 Pro uses a more modern Bluetooth standard, providing slightly better speed and efficiency. |
| GPS | Standard GPS | Enhanced GPS | Realme 11 Pro has an enhanced GPS for improved location accuracy |
| Storage | |||
| Internal | 128GB or 256GB | 128GB, 256GB or 512 GB | The Realme 11 Pro offers more storage options, which can be a great plus for those who hoard pictures and videos. |
| RAM | 6GB or 8GB | 8GB or 12 GB | The Realme 11 Pro can be configured with more RAM, making multitasking better. |
| Expandable Storage | No | No | Neither phone supports expandable storage, so pick the storage option wisely. |
| Audio | |||
| Quality | Dolby Atmos, Stereo Speakers, 2 Microphones | Dolby Atmos, Stereo Speakers | Both offer great sound, but the Edge 30 has 2 microphones for better audio recording. |
| Security | |||
| Features | Basic Fingerprint Sensor | Basic Fingerprint Sensor | Both phones offer biometric security with a fingerprint sensor. |
| Build Quality | |||
| Protection | Corning Gorilla Glass 3 | Unknown | The Edge 30 has Gorilla Glass screen protection; Realme 11 Pro has an unknown rating. |
| Sensors | |||
| Features | Fingerprint, Proximity, Accelerometer, Compass, Gyroscope | Fingerprint, Proximity, Accelerometer, Gyroscope, Geomagnetic | Both are equipped with standard sensors, with the Edge 30 having a Compass, and the Realme 11 Pro with Geomagnetic. |
2. Key Insights
Motorola Edge 30:
- Strengths:
- Significantly lighter and thinner, making it very pocketable.
- Slightly smoother 144Hz display for better user experience.
- More powerful chipset, leading to a more fluid and responsive experience.
- Better camera with a more versatile setup, including macro and a portrait mode.
- More advanced Wi-Fi features with Wi-Fi MIMO.
- Limitations:
- Smaller battery, which could translate to less battery life.
- Slower charging speeds.
- Older version of Android.
- Less storage capacity.
Realme 11 Pro:
- Strengths:
- Larger display with much better brightness, perfect for outdoor use.
- Much larger battery for extended use.
- Faster charging speeds.
- Newer version of Android and likely more extended software support.
- More storage and RAM options.
- Enhanced GPS for more accurate positioning.
- Limitations:
- Heavier and thicker build.
- Slightly less powerful chipset.
- Less versatile camera with less capable secondary lenses.
- No screen protection rating
3. User Profiles and Recommendations
- Motorola Edge 30:
- Ideal for: Users who prioritize a light and slim design, smoother performance, versatile camera system, and advanced Wi-Fi.
- Use Cases: Ideal for gaming, photography, and general use. Its slim design makes it easy to carry around all day.
- Who Should Buy: Tech enthusiasts who want a great all-arounder with a focus on performance and design.
- Realme 11 Pro:
- Ideal for: Users who need a long-lasting battery, a large screen, and fast charging, and prefer up-to-date software.
- Use Cases: Perfect for media consumption, outdoor use in bright sunlight, and power users who need the latest Android features.
- Who Should Buy: People who prioritize battery life and software support, and want a large screen for media.
4. Buying Decision Framework
Here are three questions to help you decide:
- What's more important – overall performance and a light form factor, or a large battery and fast charging?
- If you value performance and a light design, choose the Edge 30.
- If battery life and quick charging are crucial, go for the Realme 11 Pro.
- How much do you value a smooth display versus having a bright screen in the sun?
- If smoothness is your main priority, the Edge 30 is a great option.
- If you need high brightness for outdoors, pick the Realme 11 Pro.
- How much storage do you need, and are you okay with the latest software updates?
- If you need 512GB, the Realme 11 Pro has the most onboard storage.
- If having a newer software version is essential, go with the Realme 11 Pro.
Scenario-Based Recommendations:
- The Mobile Gamer: Go for the Edge 30; Its faster chipset and smoother display will provide a better experience.
- The Photographer: The Edge 30 will win out. It has a versatile camera system, including wide and macro lenses, better light sensitivity, and RAW settings.
- The Constant Traveler: The Realme 11 Pro is the winner; its large battery and fast charging will make sure you never run out of juice.
- The Outdoor User: Choose the Realme 11 Pro; Its screen is brighter, allowing you to see in direct sunlight.
My Choice
If I were choosing, I'd lean towards the Motorola Edge 30. Here's why:
- Performance and Design Balance: As someone who appreciates a phone that feels light and performs well, the Edge 30’s combination of a high refresh rate display, slim design and powerful chipset makes it a great choice.
- Camera Versatility: I often find myself taking various types of shots, from close-ups to wide landscapes, and the Edge 30’s versatile camera setup provides me with the most options for all scenarios.
- Usability: I tend to prefer smaller and more ergonomic form factors, so the slim design of the Edge 30 is appealing.
While the Realme 11 Pro has its strong points, the Edge 30 aligns better with my everyday usage patterns and preferences, balancing design, performance, and photographic versatility. However, if I was regularly using my phone outdoors, or often found my battery life too short, I'd pick the Realme 11 Pro without a second thought.
I hope this analysis helps you make an informed decision!
