Okay, let's dive deep into a head-to-head comparison of the Motorola Edge 30 and the Samsung Galaxy S23+. I'll break down the specs, highlight what they mean for real-world use, and give you my thoughts on which phone might be the best fit for you.
1. Specifications Breakdown
Here's a detailed look at how these phones stack up, focusing on practical implications:
| Feature | Motorola Edge 30 | Samsung Galaxy S23+ | Real-World Implications |
|---|---|---|---|
| Design | |||
| Dimensions | 159.4 x 74.2 x 6.8 mm | 157.8 x 76.2 x 7.6 mm | Edge 30 is taller but thinner; S23+ slightly wider and thicker, more volume. |
| Weight | 155g | 196g | Edge 30 is significantly lighter, better for long-term use, less fatigue on the hand. |
| Display | |||
| Size | 6.5" | 6.6" | Both very similar, S23+ has negligibly larger screen. |
| Resolution | 1080x2400 | 1080x2340 | Very similar, both offer sharp visuals. |
| Pixel Density | 405 PPI | 393 PPI | Both have sharp displays; almost indistinguishable in real-world use. |
| Technology | AMOLED | AMOLED | Identical display tech; vibrant colors, deep blacks. |
| Refresh Rate | 144Hz | 120Hz | Edge 30 offers slightly smoother scrolling and animations, but both will feel great. |
| Brightness | 0 nits | 1750 nits | S23+ dramatically better outdoor visibility, great for sunny days. Edge 30 might struggle in bright light. |
| Performance | |||
| Chipset | Snapdragon 778G+ (6 nm) | Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 (4 nm) | S23+ offers significantly faster performance, ideal for demanding tasks and games. |
| AnTuTu Score | 609,900 | 1,508,732 | S23+ is over twice as powerful; noticeably smoother, faster app loading, better multitasking, excellent gaming. |
| GPU | Adreno 642L | Adreno 740 | S23+ has much more powerful graphics, better gaming and graphics-intensive apps. |
| Battery Life | |||
| Capacity | 4020 mAh | 4700 mAh | S23+ has larger battery, expect better battery endurance. |
| Charging | 33W Fast Charging | 45W Fast Charging | S23+ charges slightly faster; both offer fast-charging capabilities. |
| Features | Non-removable | Bypass Charging, Reverse Charging, Wireless Charging | S23+ offers more convenient charging features like wireless, reverse, and bypass charging. |
| Camera | |||
| Main Camera | 50MP, f/1.8, 1/1.55" | 50MP, f/1.8, 1/1.57" | Very similar main camera specs; edge 30's is slightly larger sensor. |
| Selfie Camera | 32MP, f/2.25, 1/3.14" | 12MP, f/2.2 | Edge 30 has higher resolution, but S23+ has a wider aperture for better low-light. |
| Telephoto Lens | Not Included | 10MP, f/2.4 | S23+ has dedicated zoom lens for better long-range shots, while the Edge 30 lacks this capability. |
| Wide Angle Lens | 50MP f/2.2 Macro | 12.2MP f/2.2 | S23+ has a dedicated ultrawide lens, the Edge 30 combines wide and macro functions in one lens. |
| Portrait Mode (depth) | 2MP, f/2.4 | Not Included | Motorola Edge 30 offers a dedicated depth camera |
| Video | 4K@30fps, 1080p up to 120fps | 8K@30fps, 4K@60fps, 1080p up to 240fps | S23+ can capture high quality 8K video, edge 30 max at 4K. |
| Features | OIS, EIS, Night Mode, RAW | OIS, EIS, 8K, Optical Zoom, Continuous Auto Focus, Night Mode, RAW | S23+ offers superior video features and additional modes. |
| Software | |||
| OS | Android 12 (upgradable to 13) | Android 13 (upgradable to 17) | S23+ starts with a newer OS and is expected to get more upgrades. |
| Connectivity | |||
| WiFi | WiFi 6 | WiFi 6 | Both support latest Wi-Fi standards. |
| Bluetooth | 5.2 | 5.3 | S23+ has slightly better power efficiency and range with Bluetooth 5.3. |
| GPS | GPS, GLONASS, Beidou, Galileo | GPS, GLONASS, Beidou, QZSS, Galileo | S23+ has a more extensive GPS system for better accuracy in challenging environments. |
| SIM | Dual Nano SIM | Dual Nano SIM + eSIM | S23+ supports eSIM for digital carrier switching; edge 30 supports using two SIMs simultaneously. |
| Storage | |||
| Internal | 128/256 GB | 256/512 GB | S23+ has higher storage options; Edge 30 only offers 128GB and 256GB options |
| RAM | 6/8 GB | 8 GB | Both sufficient RAM for multitasking; S23+ exclusively has 8GB option |
| Expandable | No | No | Both do not offer expandable storage options. |
| Audio | |||
| Quality | Stereo Speakers, Dolby Atmos, 2 microphones | Stereo Speakers, Dolby Atmos, Hi-Res Audio | S23+ has slightly better audio capabilities with Hi-Res support |
| Security | |||
| Features | Fingerprint Sensor | Fingerprint Sensor | Both offer standard fingerprint sensor security. |
| Build Quality | |||
| Screen Protection | Gorilla Glass 3 | Gorilla Glass Victus 2 | S23+ offers superior screen protection, more durable. |
| Sensors | Biometric, Proximity, Motion | Biometric, Proximity, Motion, Environmental | S23+ includes additional sensors for more features and apps. |
2. Key Insights
Motorola Edge 30 Strengths:
- Lightweight and Thin: The Edge 30 is noticeably lighter and thinner, making it comfortable to hold for long periods.
- Smooth Display: 144Hz refresh rate provides very smooth scrolling and animations, superior to most competitors in its price range.
- Decent Performance: Snapdragon 778G+ is good for daily tasks and some gaming, providing smooth performance most of the time.
- Affordable: The Edge 30 usually has a lower price point making it a good pick for a budget-conscious user.
Motorola Edge 30 Weaknesses:
- Camera System: lacks Telephoto and wide angle lens compared to Galaxy S23+
- Display Brightness: Can struggle in bright conditions, not as visible as other premium smartphones.
- Processing Power: significantly less powerful, and could struggle with demanding tasks, which makes it less future proof.
- Battery & Charging: lower capacity battery, slower charging and lacks useful features such as wireless charging.
- Build Quality: uses older glass technology (Corning Gorilla Glass 3) making it less scratch resistant compared to Samsung Galaxy S23+
Samsung Galaxy S23+ Strengths:
- Top-Tier Performance: Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 is a powerhouse, making this phone excel in demanding tasks like gaming and video editing.
- Brilliant Display: High brightness makes it incredibly visible outdoors, and it has one of the best smartphone displays on the market.
- Versatile Camera System: Offers a telephoto lens, wide angle lens and great video capabilities, making it suitable for photography enthusiasts.
- Battery and Charging: Larger battery with faster charging, along with wireless and reverse wireless charging capabilities.
- Premium Build: Constructed with Gorilla Glass Victus 2, for excellent screen protection, better scratch resistant.
- Software Support: Starts with newer OS and will get several Android OS updates.
- eSIM: offers eSIM for users that travels frequently and may need multiple carriers.
Samsung Galaxy S23+ Weaknesses:
- Price: Usually significantly more expensive than the Edge 30.
- Heavier: Not as light as the Edge 30, which can be tiring for extended use.
3. User Profiles and Recommendations
Motorola Edge 30 is ideal for:
- Budget-conscious users: Those looking for good value without breaking the bank.
- Casual users: Those who primarily use their phone for social media, browsing, and basic apps.
- Users who prioritize a lightweight phone: Comfort is key.
- Users who don't need top-tier performance: Good for those who aren't serious gamers or power users.
- Users looking for a phone with great design: One of the thinnest phones on the market.
Samsung Galaxy S23+ is ideal for:
- Power users: Those who need a phone that can handle demanding apps, games, and multitasking.
- Photography enthusiasts: Those who value versatility and high-quality image/video capture.
- Users who need the best display: Top-notch visibility in all conditions.
- Users who prefer premium build quality and features: Enhanced durability and wireless charging.
- Users who need best software support: Will receive more Android OS upgrades.
4. Buying Decision Framework
Here are three key questions to help you decide:
- How important is performance to you?
- If you're a light user or casual gamer, the Edge 30 will likely be enough.
- If you're a serious gamer, heavy multitasker, or video editor, the S23+ is the clear choice.
- What is your budget?
- If budget is a primary concern, the Edge 30 offers great value for the price.
- If you are willing to invest more for a premium experience, the S23+ is the better option.
- How important are camera versatility and advanced display features?
- If you don't need a telephoto and wide angle lenses, the Edge 30 is fine.
- If you prioritize a top-tier display and camera versatility, the S23+ will be much better.
Scenario-Based Recommendations
- Scenario 1: The Budget-Conscious Casual User If you mostly browse social media, check emails, and use basic apps, the Motorola Edge 30 offers great value for the price, but may need to be upgraded sooner.
- Scenario 2: The Gaming and Power User If you play graphically intensive games or use demanding apps, the Samsung Galaxy S23+ will provide smoother performance and a more enjoyable experience.
- Scenario 3: The Photography Enthusiast If you want a versatile camera with zoom capabilities and great video features, the Samsung Galaxy S23+ is the more capable option.
- Scenario 4: The Outdoor User: If you spend a lot of time outdoors, the S23+ is a much better choice thanks to the ultra-bright screen.
My Choice
If I had to choose between these two phones, I would pick the Samsung Galaxy S23+. Here's why:
While the Motorola Edge 30 has a very compelling price point and a great design, the S23+ provides a much more premium experience overall. As a tech journalist and someone who uses my smartphone for all tasks in my day to day, I need a powerful device that can handle anything I throw at it. The S23+'s blazing-fast performance, brighter display, incredible camera system with telephoto lens, and premium build quality make it the clear winner for me.
The vastly superior performance of the Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 processor makes it future-proof and ensures I can enjoy smooth and lag-free performance for years to come. The ability to capture high-quality 8K videos, the excellent battery life, and advanced charging capabilities (including wireless and reverse wireless) make it the better all-around device for my needs.
While the price is significantly higher, the investment in the S23+ is well worth it for the features and performance it offers. The Motorola Edge 30 remains a great budget option for those who don't need the extra power and features, but for me, the S23+ is the superior device.
