Alright, let's dive deep into a head-to-head comparison of the Motorola Edge 30 and the Samsung Galaxy S24. Buckle up, because we’re not just looking at numbers; we're exploring how these specs translate to your daily grind.
1. Specifications Breakdown
| Feature | Motorola Edge 30 | Samsung Galaxy S24 | Real-World Implications |
|---|---|---|---|
| Design | |||
| Dimensions | 159.4 x 74.2 x 6.8 mm, 155g | 147 x 70.6 x 7.6 mm, 167g | Edge 30 is taller, wider, thinner, and lighter. S24 is smaller, thicker, and slightly heavier. Edge 30 feels larger in hand. |
| Build | Standard | Standard | Both are standard phones. |
| Display | |||
| Size | 6.5" | 6.2" | Edge 30 has a slightly larger viewing area, making it more immersive for media. |
| Resolution | 1080x2400 | 1080x2340 | Both are very sharp, with negligible difference in clarity. |
| Pixel Density | 405 PPI | 416 PPI | Essentially identical sharpness – no noticeable difference to the naked eye. |
| Technology | AMOLED | Unknown | AMOLED on the Edge 30 offers superior contrast, deeper blacks, and better power efficiency for dark themes. |
| Refresh Rate | 144Hz | 120Hz | Edge 30’s 144Hz provides slightly smoother scrolling and animations. |
| Brightness | 0 nits | 2600 nits | S24 is much better for outdoor use in bright sunlight with its significantly higher brightness. |
| Performance | |||
| Chipset | Snapdragon 778G+ (6nm) | Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 (4nm) | S24’s chipset is vastly more powerful, handling demanding apps and games with ease. |
| AnTuTu Score | 609,900 | 1,639,695 | The S24 scores over 160% higher, demonstrating a huge leap in overall performance. |
| GPU | Adreno 642L | Adreno 750 (1 GHz) | S24’s GPU is far superior, delivering a much better gaming experience. |
| Camera | |||
| Main Camera | 50MP, f/1.8, 1/1.55", OV50A, 1.0µm | 50MP, f/1.8, 1/1.57", GN3, 1.0µm | Edge 30 has a slightly larger sensor, potentially better in low light. Similar pixel size and resolution on both. |
| Selfie Camera | 32MP, f/2.25, 1/3.14", JD1, 0.7µm | 12MP, f/2.2, S5K3LU, Unknown | Edge 30 has more megapixels, S24 slightly wider aperture, S24 sensor is unknown. |
| Telephoto Lens | None | 10MP, f/2.4, 1/3.9", S5K3K1, 1.0µm | S24 offers a dedicated telephoto lens for zoom. Edge 30 has no optical zoom. |
| Wide Angle Lens | None | 12.2MP, f/2.2, 1/2.55", IMX564, 1.4µm | S24 has a dedicated ultrawide lens for wider shots. |
| Portrait Lens | 2MP, f/2.4, Unknown, 1.75µm | None | Edge 30 has a dedicated depth sensor, but the S24 does not. |
| Wide Angle+Macro | 50MP, f/2.2, 1/2.76", S5KJN1, 0.64µm | None | Edge 30 uses ultrawide for macro shots. |
| Video | 4K@30fps | 8K@30fps | S24 supports higher resolution video. Both offer HDR and EIS. |
| Camera Features | Manual focus, Night mode | Night Mode 2.0, Optical zoom | S24 has advanced Night Mode and optical zoom, while Edge 30 offers manual focus. |
| Battery Life | |||
| Capacity | 4020mAh | 4000mAh | Very similar capacities, likely resulting in similar battery life. |
| Charging | 33W Fast Charging | 25W Fast Charging | Edge 30 offers slightly faster charging speeds. |
| Features | Non-removable | Bypass Charging, Reverse Charging | S24 allows charging while avoiding full battery cycle, and can also charge other devices. |
| Software | |||
| OS | Android 12 (up to 13) | Android 14 (up to 21) | S24 has a much newer operating system with more guaranteed updates. |
| Connectivity | |||
| Wi-Fi | Wi-Fi 6 | Wi-Fi 6E | S24 uses newer WiFi standard, leading to higher speeds, lower latency and better performance in crowded networks |
| Bluetooth | 5.2 | 5.3 | S24 has newer Bluetooth, offering slightly better power efficiency and connection stability. |
| GPS | Standard | L1+L5 Dual-Band | S24 has dual-band GPS with L1 and L5 bands for improved accuracy. |
| SIM | Dual Nano-SIM | Dual SIM/eSIM | S24 adds eSIM support, offering more flexibility with carrier selection. |
| Storage | |||
| Internal | 128/256 GB | 128/256/512 GB | S24 offers more storage options, including 512GB. |
| RAM | 6/8 GB | 8/12 GB | S24 has more RAM, ideal for better multitasking. |
| Expandable | No | No | Neither phone supports expandable storage. |
| Audio | |||
| Quality | Dolby Atmos, 2 mics | Noise Cancellation mic, Stereo | Edge 30 has more advanced audio, Dolby Atmos and an additional microphone, while the S24 features noise cancellation. |
| Security | |||
| Features | Basic fingerprint sensor | Basic fingerprint sensor | Both feature standard fingerprint sensor for unlocking. |
| Build Quality | |||
| Protection | Corning Gorilla Glass 3 | Corning Gorilla Glass Victus 2 | S24 features significantly improved screen protection. |
| Sensors | |||
| Sensors | Fingerprint, Proximity, Motion | Proximity, Motion, Environmental | S24 has Barometer, Hall, Geomagnetic sensors. Edge 30 includes the fingerprint sensor. |
2. Key Insights
Motorola Edge 30 Strengths:
- Display: Boasts a 144Hz AMOLED display for fluid visuals and rich colors.
- Design: Thinner and lighter, which might be appealing to those who prioritize pocketability.
- Charging Speed: Faster 33W charging.
- Audio : Dolby Atmos and two microphones for better sound.
- Price: Typically more budget-friendly, offering great value for the features provided.
Samsung Galaxy S24 Strengths:
- Performance: The Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 is a powerhouse, delivering unparalleled speed and gaming capabilities.
- Display: Dramatically brighter display, which is essential for outdoor visibility.
- Camera System: Features a versatile triple-camera setup with telephoto and ultrawide lens, 8k video and optical zoom.
- Software: Runs on Android 14 with several major updates guaranteed.
- Connectivity: Supports Wi-Fi 6E and dual-band GPS for cutting-edge wireless and location capabilities.
- Build Quality: Comes with superior Corning Gorilla Glass Victus 2.
- Features: Bypass charging, and reverse charging.
Trade-offs:
- Motorola Edge 30: Falls behind in performance, camera versatility, software updates, outdoor brightness and build quality.
- Samsung Galaxy S24: Comes at a higher price point, and its screen isn't quite as smooth as the Edge 30’s display (120Hz vs 144Hz).
3. User Profiles and Recommendations
Motorola Edge 30 is perfect for:
- Users who prioritize a fluid, vibrant display experience for media consumption.
- Budget-conscious buyers who want a stylish and reliable phone without the top-tier price.
- Users who need fast charging and don't push their phones to the limit.
Samsung Galaxy S24 is best for:
- Power users who need top-tier performance for demanding apps and gaming.
- Photography enthusiasts who value versatility and quality in mobile photography.
- Users who want the latest software features and long-term update support.
- Users who want a phone with better protection.
4. Buying Decision Framework
Here are three practical questions to help you decide:
- "How important is raw performance?" If you're a hardcore gamer or a power user who demands the snappiest performance, the S24 is the clear winner. If you're just browsing, streaming, and doing basic tasks, the Edge 30 is more than adequate.
- "What are my camera priorities?" If you need the flexibility of a telephoto and ultrawide lens, and the ability to shoot in 8k with better night capabilities, the S24 is the best choice. If you’re just looking for a decent shooter, the Edge 30 is fine.
- "How important is price versus value?" The Edge 30 is excellent value for money. If cost is a huge factor, Edge 30 will do the job. The S24 is the more premium phone and is a lot more expensive, and comes with all the premium features.
Scenario-Based Recommendations:
- The Mobile Gamer: S24 is the top choice for its superior chipset and GPU.
- The Budget-Conscious User: Edge 30 provides solid performance and a great display at a lower cost.
- The Photographer: The S24’s versatile triple-camera system and advanced features make it the better option.
- The Outdoor Adventurer: S24’s high screen brightness and better protection makes it more suitable.
- The Everyday User: If you prioritize ease of use, battery life, and a beautiful display, the Edge 30 is a great choice.
What I would Choose and Why As someone who appreciates the cutting edge in smartphone technology, I would pick the Samsung Galaxy S24. The generational leap in processing power with the Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 is hard to ignore, especially when it's paired with such a capable camera setup. While the Motorola Edge 30 provides a smoother display experience with its 144Hz refresh rate and sleek design, the overall package of the S24 is far more compelling. I prioritize a phone that performs at its best even under heavy use.
The S24's brighter screen and versatile camera system are also incredibly attractive. I often find myself in situations where I need a phone that can capture great photos and videos with flexibility and speed. The additional benefits of extended software support, along with the dual-band GPS and superior WiFi, solidify my decision. While it is more expensive than the Edge 30, for my use case, the advanced features and performance make the S24 a much more future-proof device.
