Okay, let's dive into a detailed comparison between the Motorola Edge 30 and the Samsung Galaxy Z Fold4. These two devices sit at very different ends of the smartphone spectrum, and choosing between them comes down to understanding your priorities.
1. Specifications Breakdown
Here's a detailed look at the specs, along with real-world implications:
| Feature | Motorola Edge 30 | Samsung Galaxy Z Fold4 | Real-World Implications |
|---|---|---|---|
| DESIGN | |||
| Form Factor | Standard | Foldable | Fold4 offers a large screen that folds for portability, Edge 30 is a typical slim phone. |
| Dimensions | 159.4 × 74.2 × 6.8 mm | 155.1 × 130.1 × 6.3 mm (unfolded) | Edge 30 is taller, Fold4 is wider when unfolded. Fold4 has a larger overall volume. Fold4 is thicker when folded. |
| Weight | 155g | 263g | Edge 30 is significantly lighter, making it more comfortable for long periods. Fold4 is heavier due to its folding design and components. |
| DISPLAY | |||
| Size | 6.5" | 7.6" (main) | Fold4 has a much larger display, great for multitasking and media consumption. |
| Resolution | 1080x2400 | 1812x2176 | Fold4 has a higher pixel count, resulting in sharper visuals. |
| PPI | 405 | 373 | Edge 30 has a slightly higher pixel density, potentially offering a slightly sharper display at a smaller size. |
| Technology | AMOLED | N/A | Edge 30 uses AMOLED for better contrast and blacks; Fold4 is unknown, most likely OLED given the nature of flexible screens |
| Refresh Rate | 144Hz | 120Hz | Edge 30 has a slightly smoother refresh rate for scrolling and gaming. |
| Brightness | 0 nits | 0 nits | Both phones do not have brightness information. |
| PERFORMANCE | |||
| Chipset | Snapdragon 778G+ | Snapdragon 8+ Gen 1 | Fold4's chipset is significantly more powerful, offering better performance in demanding apps and games. |
| AnTuTu Score | 609,900 | 1,232,800 | Fold4's score is double that of the Edge 30, highlighting its performance superiority. |
| GPU | Adreno 642L | Adreno 730 | Fold4 has a more powerful GPU, leading to better graphics in games. |
| CAMERA | |||
| Main Camera | 50MP (f/1.8) 1/1.55" | 50MP (f/1.8) 1/1.57" | Both have similar main sensors. Edge 30 is slightly larger. |
| Selfie Camera | 32MP (f/2.25) 1/3.14" | 10MP (f/2.2) 1/3.2" | Edge 30 has a higher resolution selfie camera with a slightly larger sensor. Fold4 has a wider aperture. |
| Telephoto Lens | No | 10MP (f/2.4) | Fold4 has a dedicated telephoto lens for optical zoom, which the Edge 30 lacks. |
| Wide Angle Lens | No | 13MP (f/2.2) | Fold4 has a dedicated wide angle lens for a broader field of view which Edge 30 lacks. |
| Portrait (Depth) | 2MP(f/2.4) | No | Edge 30 has a dedicated depth sensor for portrait shots, which the Fold4 lacks. |
| Wide Angle + Macro | 50MP (f/2.2) | No | Edge 30 has a dedicated wide angle + macro lens, which the Fold4 lacks. |
| Video | 4K@30fps HDR | 8K@24fps HDR | Fold4 can capture higher-resolution videos. Both have video stabilization. Fold4 has slow-motion at 240fps, while the Edge 30 has 960fps (lower resolution). |
| DxOMark Score | N/A | Overall 124, Photo 131, Video 122 | Fold4's camera is independently tested with scores that offer insights into performance. |
| BATTERY LIFE | |||
| Capacity | 4020mAh | 4400mAh | Fold4 has a slightly larger battery, potentially offering a bit longer battery life. |
| Charging | 33W fast charging | 25W fast charging | Edge 30 charges faster. |
| Features | Non-removable | Wireless 15W, Reverse 9W, Non-removable | Fold4 has wireless charging and reverse wireless charging capabilities. |
| SOFTWARE | |||
| OS | Android 12 | Android 12 | Both devices have Android 12 out of the box. |
| Max Version | 13 | 16 | Samsung Galaxy Z Fold4 offers 3 additional updates for its OS (Android 16) while Motorola Edge 30 gets only 1 (Android 13). |
| CONNECTIVITY | |||
| Wi-Fi | Wi-Fi 6 | Wi-Fi 6 | Both have the latest Wi-Fi standards |
| Bluetooth | 5.2 | 5.2 | Both have the latest Bluetooth standards. |
| GPS | Dual Band | Dual Band | Fold 4 has more satellite support for better accuracy. |
| SIM | Dual SIM (Nano) | Dual SIM (Nano + eSIM) | Fold 4 has the added flexibility of an eSIM. |
| STORAGE | |||
| Internal | 128GB/256GB | 256GB/512GB/1024GB | Fold4 offers larger storage options. |
| RAM | 6GB/8GB | 12GB | Fold4 has more RAM, beneficial for heavy multitasking. |
| Expandable | No | No | Neither phone offers expandable storage, so pick the right size. |
| AUDIO | |||
| Quality | Dolby Atmos, Stereo Speakers, 2 microphones | Dolby Atmos, Stereo Speakers | Edge 30 has additional microphones for better audio capture. |
| SECURITY | |||
| Features | Basic fingerprint sensor | Side-mounted fingerprint sensor | Fold 4 has a side mounted sensor which can be faster than a basic one. |
| BUILD QUALITY | |||
| Screen Protection | Gorilla Glass 3 | Gorilla Glass Victus+ | Fold 4 has superior screen protection. |
| SENSORS | |||
| Sensors | Fingerprint, Proximity, Accelerometer, Compass, Gyroscope | Fingerprint, Proximity, Accelerometer, Compass, Gyroscope, Barometer | Fold 4 has an additional sensor (barometer). |
| ## 2. Key Insights |
Motorola Edge 30 Strengths:
- Lightweight and Slim Design: Its sleek form factor makes it comfortable to hold and pocket, perfect for everyday use.
- Smooth Display: The 144Hz AMOLED display offers fluid animations and vibrant colors.
- Faster Charging: 33W fast charging gets you back up and running quickly.
- More Microphones: The Edge 30 has 2 microphones which might be better for audio capture
- Great Value: The Edge 30 provides a solid experience at a more budget-friendly price point.
Samsung Galaxy Z Fold4 Strengths:
- Large Foldable Screen: The expansive display is ideal for multitasking, media consumption, and mobile productivity.
- High Performance: The Snapdragon 8+ Gen 1 provides top-tier speed and responsiveness.
- Versatile Camera System: The inclusion of telephoto and wide-angle lenses makes it highly flexible.
- More RAM: With 12GB RAM, the phone provides a lag free experience when multitasking and playing demanding games.
- More Storage: Fold 4 offers more internal storage options, especially if you opt for the 1TB version
- Wireless Charging: Offers both standard and reverse wireless charging.
- Software updates: 3 years more OS updates than the Edge 30
- eSIM Support: The ability to switch carriers digitally is very useful when traveling.
- Superior Build Quality: Gorilla Glass Victus+ offers higher screen protection.
Trade-offs:
- Edge 30: Lacks the performance and advanced features of the Fold4.
- Edge 30: No optical zoom
- Edge 30: No wide angle lens
- Edge 30: Less software support.
- Fold4: Is much heavier, bulkier, and significantly more expensive.
- Fold4: Significantly more expensive.
- Fold4: Slower charging speed.
3. User Profiles and Recommendations
Motorola Edge 30 is best for:
- Budget-conscious users: People who want a good quality phone without breaking the bank.
- Casual users: Those who mainly use their phone for social media, browsing, and communication.
- Users wanting a light and slim device: Great for users who prefer a standard form factor.
- Users who want a good refresh rate: The 144Hz refresh rate is a big plus for those who like a smooth display.
Samsung Galaxy Z Fold4 is best for:
- Power users: People who need top-tier performance for gaming and productivity tasks.
- Mobile professionals: Users who need a large screen for multitasking and mobile work.
- Tech enthusiasts: People who appreciate the innovative foldable design and cutting-edge features.
- Users who want the latest and greatest: Those who prefer the best of what Android devices can offer.
- Users who want maximum storage: The Fold 4 offers up to 1TB of storage.
- Users who travel: The eSIM and multi-band GPS can be very useful for travel.
- Users who value future updates: The Fold 4 is supported by three extra OS updates.
- Users who want best possible protection: Gorilla Glass Victus+ offers better screen protection.
4. Buying Decision Framework
Here are three questions to help you decide:
- What is your budget? If money is a concern, the Edge 30 is the better option.
- What is your primary use case? If you prioritize a large screen, performance, and unique features, the Fold4 is worth the investment. If you prefer a light phone for basic usage, the Edge 30 will serve you well.
- Do you value portability or screen size more? If portability is your goal, the Edge 30 is the better option. If you want a large screen and are ok with the extra weight and bulk, the Fold4 is for you.
Scenario-Based Recommendations:
- Scenario 1: Student on a Budget. The Motorola Edge 30 offers great value for its price.
- Scenario 2: Business Professional. The Samsung Galaxy Z Fold4, while expensive, offers a significant boost in productivity and is beneficial if you require multi-tasking.
- Scenario 3: Gamer. The Samsung Galaxy Z Fold4, with its top-tier processor and GPU, is great for gaming, but the Edge 30 may also be suitable, particularly if the budget is a concern.
- Scenario 4: Content Creator. The Samsung Galaxy Z Fold4 will help with photo and video needs with the included optical zoom and wider video options.
Which Phone Would I Choose?
If I were making the choice, I would choose the Samsung Galaxy Z Fold4. While it is significantly more expensive, the sheer flexibility, performance, and features it provides are unmatched. As a tech journalist and someone who uses their phone for everything from writing articles to testing the latest games, I greatly value the expanded screen for multitasking, the robust camera setup, and the top-of-the-line processor. The Fold4 also has better security, faster multi-band GPS, and a superior screen protection. The extra software updates ensure my phone will remain capable for many years. The trade-off in weight and cost is worth it for the overall experience and productivity boost it provides.
However, I also acknowledge that not everyone needs or can justify the Fold4's price. The Motorola Edge 30 is an excellent choice for anyone looking for a very capable phone at a mid-range price. If my needs were different, or if cost were a primary concern, the Edge 30 would easily make my list of the best in the price class.
