Alright, let's break down these two smartphones, the Motorola Edge 30 and the Samsung Galaxy A04. I'll keep things grounded in real-world usage and focus on what these specs actually mean for you, the user.
1. Specifications Breakdown
Here's a detailed comparison of the key specs, along with real-world implications:
| Feature | Motorola Edge 30 | Samsung Galaxy A04 | Real-World Implications |
|---|---|---|---|
| Design | |||
| Dimensions | 159.4 × 74.2 × 6.8 mm | 164.4 × 76.3 × 9.1 mm | Edge 30 is slimmer and more compact; A04 is taller and bulkier. |
| Weight | 155g | 192g | Edge 30 feels significantly lighter and more comfortable to hold for longer periods. |
| Display | |||
| Size | 6.5" | 6.5" | Both have the same screen size. |
| Resolution | 1080x2400 | 720x1600 | Edge 30's display is much sharper, offering better detail. |
| PPI | 405 | 270 | Edge 30's higher pixel density means clearer text, sharper images and videos. |
| Technology | AMOLED | PLS LCD | Edge 30's AMOLED offers deeper blacks, better contrast, and more vibrant colors; A04's LCD is not as visually appealing. |
| Refresh Rate | 144Hz | 60Hz | Edge 30 offers much smoother scrolling and animations, especially noticeable during gaming. |
| Brightness | 0 nits | 0 nits | Both phones have identical peak brightness at 0 nits. |
| Performance | |||
| Chipset | Snapdragon 778G+ 5G (6 nm) | Helio P35 (12 nm) | Edge 30 is much more powerful, handling demanding apps and games with ease; A04 will struggle with intensive tasks. |
| AnTuTu Score | 609,900 | 124,000 | Edge 30 is significantly faster, with smoother app loading and multitasking; A04 is slow by comparison. |
| GPU | Adreno 642L | PowerVR GE8320 | Edge 30's GPU is more capable for gaming and graphics-heavy tasks. |
| Camera | |||
| Standard | 50MP, f/1.8, 1/1.55" sensor (OV50A), 1.00µm pixels | 50MP, f/1.8, 0.80µm pixels | Both have 50MP main cameras, but the Edge 30's larger sensor and pixels should capture more light, resulting in better photos, especially in low light. |
| Selfie | 32MP, f/2.25, 1/3.14" sensor (Samsung JD1), 0.70µm pixels | 5MP, f/2.2 | Edge 30 has a significantly higher-resolution selfie camera for sharper selfies, while A04 has a wider aperture. |
| Portrait | 2MP, f/2.4, 1.75 µm pixel size | 2MP, f/2.4 | Both have 2MP depth cameras, performance should be similar for portrait photography. |
| Wide Angle + Macro | 50MP, f/2.2, 1/2.76" sensor (Samsung S5KJN1), 0.64µm pixels | None | Edge 30 has a dedicated wide-angle/macro lens, adding versatility for different shots. |
| Video | 4K@30fps, 1080p@30/60/120fps, 720p@960fps; HDR, EIS | 1080p@30fps | Edge 30 shoots in 4K with HDR, offering significantly higher video quality and more recording options. |
| Features | 4K Video, OIS, PDAF, RAW, Night Mode, etc. | Autofocus, HDR, etc. | Edge 30 has advanced features such as optical image stabilization, RAW support and night mode, providing greater control and better results; A04 has basic camera features. |
| Battery Life | |||
| Capacity | 4020mAh | 5000mAh | A04 has a larger battery, potentially leading to longer battery life. |
| Charging | 33W Fast Charging (Li-Polymer) | Li-Ion | Edge 30 charges faster thanks to 33W fast charging. |
| Software | |||
| OS | Android 12, upgradeable to 13 | Android 13 | A04 uses newer Android version |
| Connectivity | |||
| Wi-Fi | WiFi 6 (802.11ax), Dual-band, MIMO | 802.11ac, Wi-Fi Direct | Edge 30 supports faster Wi-Fi 6 and MIMO, providing better speed and performance on modern networks. |
| Bluetooth | 5.2, aptX, LDAC, SBC, AAC | 5.0 | Edge 30 has a newer version of Bluetooth with better codec support for higher-quality audio. |
| GPS | GPS, A-GPS, GLONASS, Beidou, Galileo | GPS, A-GPS, GLONASS | Edge 30 offers more satellite positioning options for greater accuracy. |
| Storage | |||
| Internal | 128/256 GB | 32/64/128 GB | Edge 30 comes in larger storage options; A04 has more variant storage options. |
| RAM | 6/8 GB | 3/4/6 GB | Edge 30 offers more RAM, resulting in better multitasking performance. |
| Expandable | No | No | Neither phone has expandable storage. |
| Audio | |||
| Quality | Dolby Atmos, Stereo Speakers, 2 microphones | Basic audio features | Edge 30 provides superior audio quality with Dolby Atmos, stereo speakers, and better microphone setup. |
| Security | |||
| Features | Fingerprint Sensor | Basic security features | Edge 30 has basic fingerprint sensors for quicker and secure access. |
| Build Quality | |||
| Protection | Corning Gorilla Glass 3 | Unknown | Motorola Edge 30 has an extra layer of protection over A04. |
| Sensors | |||
| Motion | Accelerometer, Compass, Gyroscope | Accelerometer | Edge 30 has more advanced motion sensors, enabling more applications. |
2. Key Insights
Motorola Edge 30 Strengths:
- Superior Display: The AMOLED panel with a 144Hz refresh rate provides a far more enjoyable viewing experience with vibrant colors, deep blacks, and smoother animations compared to the A04's LCD screen.
- Blazing-Fast Performance: The Snapdragon 778G+ chipset puts the Edge 30 in a different league when it comes to performance. It handles demanding tasks, games, and multitasking with ease, something the A04 simply can't match.
- Versatile Camera System: The Edge 30's 50MP main camera, along with the dedicated wide-angle/macro lens and a higher-resolution selfie camera, results in far more versatile and high-quality photos and videos. It also boasts 4k recording.
- Premium Audio: With Dolby Atmos and stereo speakers, the audio experience on the Edge 30 is much richer and immersive.
- Sleek Design: The Edge 30 is noticeably thinner and lighter than the A04, making it more comfortable to hold and carry.
- Enhanced Connectivity: Superior WiFi and Bluetooth versions allow faster data transfers and a smoother user experience.
Samsung Galaxy A04 Strengths:
- Larger Battery: The A04 has a larger battery capacity which may offer longer battery life depending on usage patterns.
- More variant Storage Option: The A04 comes with 3 variant storage options compared to the Edge 30's 2.
- Price: The A04 is likely to be significantly more affordable than the Edge 30.
Trade-offs and Limitations:
- Motorola Edge 30: Smaller battery, no expandable storage.
- Samsung Galaxy A04: Significantly slower performance, inferior display, basic camera setup, lacks advanced features like OIS, and is a lot heavier and bulkier.
3. User Profiles and Recommendations
Motorola Edge 30 is best for:
- Power Users: Those who demand fast performance, great multitasking capabilities, and seamless gaming experiences.
- Multimedia Enthusiasts: People who enjoy watching videos and movies, listening to high-quality audio, and taking great photos and videos.
- Users Seeking Premium Experience: Those who value a high-quality display, a sleek design, and advanced camera capabilities.
Samsung Galaxy A04 is best for:
- Budget-Conscious Users: Those looking for a basic smartphone at an affordable price.
- Casual Users: People who primarily use their phone for basic tasks like calling, texting, and browsing social media.
- Users Prioritizing Battery Life: Those who need a phone that can last through a full day of moderate use without needing to recharge.
4. Buying Decision Framework
Here are three questions to consider before choosing between these phones:
- How important is performance to you? If you need a smooth, responsive phone that can handle demanding tasks, the Edge 30 is the clear winner. If you're a casual user, the A04 might suffice.
- What do you prioritize in the display? If you want a vibrant and sharp screen with smooth animations, the AMOLED panel of the Edge 30 is far superior to the A04's LCD display.
- What is your budget? The A04 is likely to be more budget friendly. If you are not in need of extra power, the A04 may be a better option for you.
Scenario-Based Recommendations:
- For the Mobile Gamer: The Motorola Edge 30, without a doubt. Its powerful chipset, high refresh rate display, and superior GPU will provide the best gaming experience.
- For the Photography Enthusiast: Again, the Edge 30, thanks to its versatile camera system and features like OIS, 4k video, and night mode.
- For the Everyday User on a Tight Budget: The Samsung Galaxy A04, as long as you’re okay with basic performance and display quality.
- For the Multimedia Consumer: The Motorola Edge 30 is perfect for watching high-quality videos thanks to its AMOLED display and superior sound experience thanks to its stereo speakers and Dolby Atmos support.
My Choice
If I were choosing between these two, I would absolutely go for the Motorola Edge 30. The performance difference alone is a game-changer. As someone who uses a smartphone daily, the superior display, faster performance, and more versatile camera system make it a much more compelling option despite its smaller battery. I'm willing to sacrifice a bit of battery life for a noticeably smoother and richer user experience. The added audio improvements and sleek build are just icing on the cake. While the Samsung A04 is budget-friendly and boasts a bigger battery, its overall user experience is severely lacking compared to the Motorola Edge 30. In my view, the Edge 30 justifies its likely higher price tag with a far superior experience.
