Alright, let's dive into a head-to-head comparison of the Motorola Edge 30 and the Samsung Galaxy M35. These two phones are aiming for a similar market segment but take slightly different approaches. Let’s break down the specs and see how they stack up in the real world.
1. Specifications Breakdown
Here's a detailed look at the key specifications, translating the technical jargon into practical implications:
| Feature | Motorola Edge 30 | Samsung Galaxy M35 | Real-World Implications |
|---|---|---|---|
| Design | |||
| Dimensions | 159.4 x 74.2 x 6.8 mm | 162.3 x 78.6 x 9.1 mm | The Edge 30 is noticeably slimmer and lighter, which means it's likely to be more comfortable for one-handed use and carrying around. |
| Weight | 155g | 222g | The Edge 30 is much lighter, making it less fatiguing to hold for extended periods. |
| Build Material | Corning Gorilla Glass 3 | Corning Gorilla Glass Victus | M35 has much better scratch resistance for a longer lasting screen protection. |
| Display | |||
| Size | 6.5" | 6.6" | Very similar screen sizes. Minimal difference. |
| Resolution | 1080 x 2400 | 1080 x 2340 | Similar resolution, both will offer sharp visuals, slight difference won't be noticeable. |
| Pixel Density | 405 PPI | 390 PPI | The Edge 30 has a slightly sharper display, but this will be hard to tell with the naked eye. |
| Technology | AMOLED | AMOLED | Both use AMOLED, which means vibrant colors, deep blacks, and good contrast. |
| Refresh Rate | 144Hz | 120Hz | The Edge 30's higher refresh rate will result in smoother scrolling and animations. |
| Brightness | 0 nits | 0 nits | Peak brightness is unknown for both. This is important for outdoor visibility. |
| Performance | |||
| Chipset | Qualcomm Snapdragon 778G+ 5G (6 nm) | Exynos 1380 (5 nm) | The Snapdragon in the Edge 30 is known for balanced performance and efficiency. The Exynos in the M35 is also solid, with slight differences in performance in everyday tasks. |
| Antutu Score | 609,900 | 578,500 | The Edge 30 scores slightly higher, indicating potentially better overall performance. |
| GPU | Adreno 642L | Mali-G68 MP5 | These are different architectures, but both will handle gaming decently in their respective tiers. |
| Camera | |||
| Main Camera | 50MP (f/1.8, 1/1.55" sensor) | 50MP (f/1.8, 1/2" sensor) | The Edge 30 has a larger sensor for better light gathering, which typically translates to better low-light shots. |
| Wide Angle/Macro | 50MP (f/2.2, 1/2.76" sensor) | 8MP/2MP | Edge 30 packs this into a single camera. M35 has separate cameras. Edge 30 might get better wide angle shots. |
| Selfie Camera | 32MP (f/2.25, 1/3.14" sensor) | 13MP (f/2.2) | The Edge 30 has higher resolution, while the M35 has a slightly wider aperture. Edge 30 is expected to have sharper images. |
| Additional Lenses | 2MP depth sensor | 8MP Wide Angle, 2MP Macro | M35 packs a wider variety of lenses for more versatile shooting. Edge 30 has a depth sensor to enhance portrait modes. |
| Video | 4K@30fps, 1080p@30/60/120fps | 4K@30fps, 1080p@30/60fps | Both offer solid video recording, Edge 30 has better slow-motion at 720p@960fps. |
| Battery Life | |||
| Capacity | 4020 mAh | 6000 mAh | The M35 has a much larger battery, suggesting significantly longer battery life. |
| Charging | 33W fast charging | 25W fast charging | The Edge 30 charges faster, but might need to charge more often given the smaller battery capacity. |
| Software | |||
| OS | Android 12, upgradable to 13 | Android 14 | The M35 comes with the latest Android out of the box, which means a newer user experience and security. |
| Connectivity | |||
| Wi-Fi | Wi-Fi 6 | Wi-Fi 6 | Both support Wi-Fi 6, meaning fast and stable connections. |
| Bluetooth | 5.2 | 5.3 | The M35 has a newer Bluetooth version. |
| Storage & RAM | |||
| RAM | 6GB / 8GB | 6GB / 8GB | Both offer adequate RAM for smooth multitasking. |
| Internal Storage | 128GB / 256GB | 128GB / 256GB | Both have similar storage options. |
| Expandable Storage | No | No | Neither phone supports expandable storage. |
| Audio | |||
| Audio Features | Dolby Atmos, Stereo Speakers, 2 microphones | Dolby Atmos, Hi-Res Audio, Stereo Speakers | Both have stereo speakers and Dolby Atmos. M35 has Hi-Res Audio. |
2. Key Insights
Motorola Edge 30 Strengths:
- Sleek Design: The Edge 30 is incredibly thin and light, making it a joy to handle.
- Smoother Display: The 144Hz refresh rate offers a more fluid experience compared to the M35's 120Hz.
- Faster Charging: 33W charging means you'll spend less time plugged into the wall.
- Strong Main Camera: Larger sensor size for better low-light photos.
- Performance: Slightly higher benchmark scores thanks to the Snapdragon chipset.
- Software: Runs a close-to-stock Android experience.
Samsung Galaxy M35 Strengths:
- Battery Life: The 6000 mAh battery is a significant advantage, promising longer usage on a single charge.
- Newer Android Version: Comes with Android 14 out of the box.
- Wide Angle Camera The inclusion of a separate wide angle lens improves the versatility of the camera.
- Side Mounted Fingerprint Sensor The side-mounted fingerprint sensor is more convenient than a standard fingerprint sensor.
- Better Screen Protection: The Victus glass on the M35 offers better protection.
Trade-offs:
- Motorola Edge 30: Smaller battery, might need frequent charging. Older Android version.
- Samsung Galaxy M35: Heavier and bulkier, may not be as comfortable to hold. Slower charging. Lower main camera sensor size.
3. User Profiles and Recommendations
- Motorola Edge 30: Best for users who prioritize a lightweight, sleek design, a smoother display, and faster charging. Great for those who prefer close to stock Android experience, moderate to heavy users who want a quick phone that can handle most tasks, and photographers who will utilize its better low light camera.
- Samsung Galaxy M35: Best for users who value long battery life above all else. Suited for those who prioritize the latest Android version, and those who want a more versatile camera with its dedicated wide angle lens.
4. Buying Decision Framework
Here are three key questions to ask yourself when choosing between these two phones:
- How important is battery life to you? If you need a phone that can comfortably last a full day or more with heavy use, the M35 is the clear winner. If you're okay with charging more frequently, the Edge 30's smaller battery may not be a deal-breaker.
- Do you value a sleek, light design, or are you okay with a bulkier build? The Edge 30 excels in design and comfort, while the M35 is noticeably heavier and larger.
- Which do you value more: a higher refresh rate or a larger, dedicated wide angle camera? If smoother display is what you value the most, go for the Edge 30. If a versatile camera is what you need, get the M35.
Scenario-based recommendations:
- The Traveler: If you're often on the go and need a phone that lasts all day without needing a recharge, the M35 is your better choice.
- The Media Enthusiast: If you watch lots of videos and prefer the smoothest visual experience possible, the Edge 30 with its 144Hz display is the way to go.
- The Casual User: Both phones are suitable for daily use. If you value a slim and fast experience, get the Edge 30. If you want more battery life, get the M35.
My Choice
If I had to choose, I would go for the Motorola Edge 30. While the Galaxy M35 has a significantly larger battery, I value the Edge 30's lighter form factor, smoother 144Hz display, and faster charging more. I'm often switching between devices and the Edge 30's ease of use, coupled with good performance and camera, is more aligned with my needs. The slightly better main camera and close to stock Android is also a plus. I'm okay with charging it more frequently, given that it does it quite quickly with 33W charging.
