Alright, let's dive into a detailed comparison of the Motorola Edge 30 and the Realme 12+. We'll get past the spec sheets and focus on what these differences mean for you, the user.
1. Specifications Breakdown
Here’s a breakdown of the key specs, focusing on real-world implications:
| Feature | Motorola Edge 30 | Realme 12+ | Real-World Implications |
|---|---|---|---|
| Design | |||
| Launch Date | 2022-05-12 | 2024-03-02 | Realme 12+ is a much newer device, which often translates to improved technology and features. |
| Dimensions (mm) | 159.4 × 74.2 × 6.8 | 163 × 75.5 × 7.9 | The Edge 30 is noticeably thinner and more compact, which may feel more comfortable for one-handed use. |
| Weight (g) | 155 | 190 | Edge 30 is significantly lighter, making it more comfortable to hold for longer periods. |
| Display | |||
| Size (inches) | 6.5 | 6.67 | The Realme 12+ offers a slightly larger screen for a more immersive experience. |
| Resolution | 1080x2400 | 1080x2400 | Both offer sharp, detailed images for everyday use. |
| PPI | 405 | 395 | Visually, the pixel density difference is negligible; both look very sharp. |
| Technology | AMOLED | AMOLED | Both offer vibrant colors and deep blacks. |
| Refresh Rate | 144Hz | 120Hz | The Edge 30 provides slightly smoother animations and scrolling. |
| Brightness | 0 nits | 2000 nits | Realme 12+ provides dramatically better visibility in direct sunlight, much better for outdoor use. |
| Performance | |||
| Chipset | Qualcomm Snapdragon 778G+ | Mediatek Dimensity 7050 | Both are capable of handling everyday tasks and most games; subtle differences in performance. |
| AnTuTu Score | 609,900 | 601,000 | Both phones provide near identical performance, capable of handling intensive applications and games. |
| GPU | Adreno 642L | Mali-G68 MC4 | Subtle differences in graphics processing that might be noticed by hardcore gamers. |
| Camera | |||
| Standard Camera | 50MP, f/1.8, 1/1.55", OV50A | 50MP, f/1.88, 1/2", Sony LYT-600 | Edge 30 has a larger sensor and wider aperture for better low-light performance. |
| Front Camera | 32MP, f/2.25, 1/3.14", Samsung JD1 | 16MP, f/2.45, | Edge 30 offers a higher resolution front camera. |
| Wide Angle Lens | No | 8MP, f/2.2 | Realme 12+ offers an extra ultrawide lens, increasing its versatility for photography. |
| Depth Sensor | 2MP, f/2.4 | No | Edge 30 includes a depth sensor, improving portrait mode shots. |
| Macro Lens | No | 2MP, f/2.4 | Realme 12+ has a dedicated macro lens, enabling detailed close-up shots. |
| Wide Angle + Macro | 50MP, f/2.2, 1/2.76", Samsung S5KJN1 | No | Edge 30 uses one of it's rear cameras for macro and wide angle pictures. |
| Video | Up to 4K@30fps, HDR, EIS | Up to 4K@30fps, EIS | Both support 4K video recording with stabilization; Edge 30 has more frame rate and slow motion options. |
| Camera Features | More features including manual focus, continuous shooting, RAW and night mode | A good amount of features for photography | The Edge 30 has more camera features for more advanced users. |
| Battery Life | |||
| Capacity | 4020 mAh | 5000 mAh | Realme 12+ has a larger battery, likely providing longer battery life. |
| Charging | 33W Fast Charging | 67W Fast Charging | Realme 12+ charges much faster, reducing the downtime while charging. |
| Software & Connectivity | |||
| OS | Android 12, upgradable to 13 | Android 14, upgradable to 16 | Realme 12+ has a much more up to date OS out of the box. |
| WiFi | 802.11ax, MIMO | 802.11ax | Both support modern Wi-Fi standards, with Edge 30 including MIMO. |
| Bluetooth | 5.2, A2DP, LE, APT-x, LDAC, SBC, AAC | 5.2, A2DP, EDR, HID, LE | Motorola has a few more audio codec features for audio quality. |
| GPS | GPS, A-GPS, GLONASS, Beidou, Galileo | GPS, A-GPS, GLONASS, Beidou | Edge 30 has support for Galileo, which may lead to a slightly more accurate location. |
| Storage & Audio | |||
| Internal Storage | 128/256GB | 128/256/512GB | Realme 12+ has a 512GB option and higher storage options overall. |
| RAM | 6/8GB | 8/12GB | Realme 12+ has higher RAM options, which may result in better performance. |
| Expandable Storage | No | No | Neither phone allows for expandable storage. |
| Audio | Dolby Atmos, Stereo Speakers, 2 mics | Dolby Atmos, Hi-Res Audio, Noise cancellation microphone, Stereo Speakers, 2 mics | Realme 12+ offers slightly more in depth audio features including Hi-Res audio. |
| Security | |||
| Fingerprint Sensor | Basic Fingerprint | Basic Fingerprint | Both phones include basic fingerprint sensor technology. |
| Build Quality | |||
| Screen Protection | Corning Gorilla Glass 3 | Unknown | Motorola offers screen protection from Corning. |
2. Key Insights
Motorola Edge 30:
- Strengths: This phone is noticeably lighter and thinner, making it incredibly comfortable for one-handed use. It has a smoother 144Hz refresh rate and a better main and front camera (sensor size, low light). It also has a slightly better set of camera features.
- Competitive Advantages: Its focus on sleek design and camera features makes it ideal for those who want a device that feels great in the hand and takes excellent pictures, especially selfies and low-light photos.
- Trade-offs: It falls short in battery life compared to the Realme 12+. Also, its display brightness is very low, making it unsuitable for outdoor use.
Realme 12+:
- Strengths: This phone stands out with its brighter display (2000 nits), allowing for excellent visibility even in bright sunlight, superior battery life with faster charging, and a more modern Android version out of the box. The addition of a dedicated ultrawide and macro lens on the camera is also an advantage.
- Competitive Advantages: It excels in situations where visibility and battery life are critical, like outdoor use and all-day usage. Its 512GB storage option also is good for high storage users.
- Trade-offs: It's a bit bulkier and heavier than the Edge 30, and lacks a depth sensor, which can impact portrait mode quality. It also has a lower refresh rate, which can feel slightly less smooth than the Motorola.
3. User Profiles and Recommendations
Motorola Edge 30 is best for:
- Users who prioritize a lightweight, compact design and comfortable one-handed operation.
- Photography enthusiasts who want high-quality selfies and great low-light performance.
- Those who value a smooth display experience and don't need high brightness.
- People that would want more camera features.
Realme 12+ is best for:
- Users who prioritize battery life and fast charging.
- Those who need a phone with excellent outdoor visibility.
- Users who want a more up to date operating system, and plan on using it for a long time.
- People who need more storage space.
- Users who are looking for a more versatile camera setup with ultrawide and macro lenses.
4. Buying Decision Framework
Here are three practical questions to help you decide:
How important is outdoor visibility? If you often use your phone in bright sunlight, the Realme 12+ is the clear winner. The Edge 30's 0 nit brightness makes it unsuitable for outside use.
Do you prioritize lightweight design or long battery life? If you value a light, slim phone and are okay with average battery life, choose the Edge 30. If you need the longest possible battery life, choose the Realme 12+.
Which camera features are more important to you? Do you want great selfies and low-light performance, or a versatile camera setup with ultrawide and macro lenses?
Scenario-Based Recommendations:
- The Traveler/Outdoors Enthusiast: Go with the Realme 12+ for its exceptional brightness and long battery life.
- The Social Media Creator: The Edge 30's camera and sleeker design makes it a good option.
- The Power User: Realme 12+ has higher Ram and storage options, alongside a more recent OS version.
- The Casual User: Either phone will be fine, but the Realme 12+ will likely have a longer update cycle.
Final Verdict
If I were choosing between these two phones, I'd personally go with the Realme 12+.
Here's why: While I appreciate the sleek design and selfie camera on the Motorola Edge 30, I value the improved battery life, faster charging, and significantly better outdoor visibility of the Realme 12+. In my day-to-day use, these features would make a more significant impact. The versatility of having an ultrawide and macro lens is also nice to have for various shooting scenarios.
Furthermore, I believe the modern Android version will make it a device that I can use for a longer period.
While the Motorola Edge 30 is a great option for certain users, the Realme 12+ is the better all rounder.
