1. Specifications Comparison
| Feature | Motorola Moto G 5G | Motorola Edge 30 Pro | Practical Impact |
|---|---|---|---|
| Design | |||
| Launch Date | 2020-12-07 | 2022-03-04 | Edge 30 Pro is significantly newer, likely with updated features and software support. |
| Dimensions | 166.1 × 76.1 × 9.9 mm | 163.1 × 76 × 8.8 mm | Moto G 5G is slightly larger and thicker, while the Edge 30 Pro is more compact and slimmer, making it easier to handle. |
| Weight | 212g | 196g | Edge 30 Pro is lighter, offering more comfortable extended use. |
| Display | |||
| Size | 6.7" | 6.7" | Both have the same screen size for similar viewing experiences. |
| Resolution | 1080x2400 | 1080x2400 | Both offer the same level of sharpness for images and text. |
| Pixel Density | 393 PPI | 393 PPI | Identical pixel density, resulting in similar visual clarity. |
| Technology | IPS LCD | OLED | Edge 30 Pro's OLED offers richer colors, deeper blacks, and better contrast than the Moto G 5G's LCD. |
| Refresh Rate | 60Hz | 144Hz | Edge 30 Pro provides much smoother scrolling, animations, and gameplay. |
| Brightness | 0 nits | 0 nits | Note: Brightness is missing from provided data |
| Performance | |||
| Chipset | Qualcomm SM7225 Snapdragon 750G 5G (8 nm) | Qualcomm SM8450 Snapdragon 8 Gen 1 (4 nm) | Edge 30 Pro has a significantly more powerful processor, providing faster app loading, smoother multitasking, and better gaming performance. |
| AnTuTu Score | 390,000 | 1,061,400 | Edge 30 Pro demonstrates vastly superior performance in benchmarks, indicating a substantial real-world speed advantage. |
| GPU | Adreno 619 | Adreno 730 | Edge 30 Pro's GPU is far more powerful, resulting in improved graphics processing for gaming and other graphically intensive tasks. |
| Battery | |||
| Capacity | 5000mAh | 4800mAh | Moto G 5G has slightly higher capacity, potentially offering slightly longer battery life. |
| Charging | 20W fast charging, Li-Ion | 68W fast charging, Li-Polymer | Edge 30 Pro charges much faster, getting you back to full power quicker. |
| Features | Non-removable | Reverse charging, Non-removable, Wireless charging 15W, Reverse charging 5W | Edge 30 Pro offers more charging flexibility with wireless and reverse charging. |
| Camera | |||
| Rear Standard | 48MP, f/1.7, 0.8µm | 50MP, f/1.8, 1.0µm, 1/1.55" sensor | Edge 30 Pro has slightly higher resolution and a larger sensor, resulting in better low-light performance. Moto G 5G has a slightly wider aperture, potentially offering better performance in specific conditions. |
| Front Selfie | 16MP, f/2.2, 1.0µm | 60MP, f/2.2, 0.61µm, 1/2.8" sensor | Edge 30 Pro has significantly higher resolution, potentially allowing for more detailed selfies. |
| Wide Angle Lens | 8MP, f/2.2, 1.12µm | Not Available | Moto G 5G has a dedicated wide-angle lens, offering more flexibility in photography. |
| Portrait Mode | Not Available | 2MP, f/2.4 | Edge 30 Pro has a dedicated depth sensor for better portrait mode shots. |
| Macro Lens | 2MP, f/2.4, 1.75µm | Not Available | Moto G 5G has a dedicated macro lens for closeup photography. |
| Wide Angle + Macro Lens | Not Available | 50MP, f/2.2, 1/2.76" sensor | Edge 30 Pro has a high-resolution wide-angle and macro combination lens, potentially providing higher quality in those modes. |
| Video | 4K@30fps EIS, 1080p@30/60fps EIS; Slow-motion: 60fps | 8K@24/30fps HDR EIS, 4K@30/60fps HDR EIS, 1080p@30/60/120/240/960fps HDR EIS; Slow-motion: 960fps | Edge 30 Pro supports higher resolutions, better stabilization and higher slow-motion frame rates for professional-grade videos and creative content. |
| DxOMark | Not Available | Main: 101, Photo: 107, Video: 102 | Edge 30 Pro has a scored camera with positive results. |
| Camera Features | Digital zoom, Triple camera, Digital image stabilization, Autofocus, Touch focus, Phase detection autofocus (PDAF), Laser autofocus (LAF), Continuous shooting, Geotagging, Panorama, HDR, Face detection, White balance settings, ISO settings, Exposure compensation, Scene mode, Self-timer, RAW, Night Mode | 4K Video, 8K Video, Digital zoom, Triple camera, Digital image stabilization, Optical Stabilization (OIS), Ultra stable video, Autofocus, Touch focus, Continuous autofocus, Manual focus, Phase detection autofocus (PDAF), Laser autofocus (LAF), Dual PDAF, Continuous shooting, Geotagging, Panorama, HDR, Face detection, White balance settings, ISO settings, Exposure compensation, Scene mode, Self-timer, Night Mode | Edge 30 Pro offers more advanced video recording capabilities, along with OIS for sharper photos, while the Moto G 5G features RAW image capture. |
| Software | |||
| OS | Android 10 | Android 12 (upgradable to 13) | Edge 30 Pro has a newer OS version with more features and better security. |
| Connectivity | |||
| WiFi | 802.11a/b/g/n/ac | 802.11a/b/g/n/ac/ax (WiFi 6) | Edge 30 Pro supports WiFi 6 for faster and more efficient wireless connections. |
| Bluetooth | 5.1 LE, A2DP, EDR, LE | 5.2 LE, A2DP, LE, APT-x, LDAC, SBC, AAC | Edge 30 Pro has a newer Bluetooth version for potentially better audio quality and connection stability. |
| GPS | GPS, A-GPS, GLONASS, SUPL, Galileo | GPS, A-GPS, GLONASS, SUPL, GPS (L1+L5), Galileo (E1+E5a) | Edge 30 Pro offers more accurate location services via dual-band GPS support. |
| SIM | Dual SIM Dual Standby (Nano SIM + Nano SIM) | Dual SIM Dual Standby (Nano SIM + Nano SIM) | Both offer dual SIM functionality for using two numbers on one device. |
| Storage | |||
| Internal | 64GB or 128GB | 128GB, 256GB, or 512GB | Edge 30 Pro offers significantly more internal storage for media, apps and files. |
| RAM | 4GB or 6GB | 8GB or 12GB | Edge 30 Pro offers more RAM, enabling more efficient multitasking and smoother operation for demanding apps. |
| Expandable Storage | Not Available | Not Available | Neither phone supports storage expansion. |
| Audio | |||
| Quality | 2 microphones | Dolby Atmos, Stereo Speakers, 3 microphones | Edge 30 Pro has a superior audio system for enhanced multimedia experiences and better voice capture. |
| Security | |||
| Features | rear-mounted fingerprint sensor | side-mounted fingerprint sensor | Edge 30 Pro has a more convenient and faster side-mounted fingerprint sensor. |
| Build Quality | |||
| Screen Protection | Unknown | Corning Gorilla Glass 3 | Edge 30 Pro has better screen protection against scratches and minor damage. |
| Sensors | |||
| Sensors | Fingerprint, Proximity, Accelerometer, Compass, Gyroscope | Fingerprint, Proximity, Accelerometer, Compass, Gyroscope | Both phones have similar sensor suites for advanced functionality. |
2. Key Differences Analysis
Motorola Moto G 5G Advantages:
- Potentially better battery life: Slightly larger battery capacity might lead to a longer run time.
- Wide-angle and Macro lenses: Offers dedicated lenses for more photographic versatility.
- Lower initial cost: Typically, older models are more affordable.
Practical Implications: The Moto G 5G is suited for users focused on essential features with good battery life and photographic flexibility on a budget.
Motorola Edge 30 Pro Advantages:
- Superior Performance: The Snapdragon 8 Gen 1 offers much faster processing for gaming, multitasking, and heavy applications.
- Better Display: OLED panel with a 144Hz refresh rate provides a much more immersive and fluid visual experience.
- Advanced Camera System: Higher resolution sensors, OIS, and comprehensive video recording options offer more flexibility and better quality.
- Faster Charging and Wireless Capabilities: 68W charging refills the battery very quickly, while wireless charging adds to convenience.
- More Storage and RAM: Offers more options for storing files and better multi-tasking, making it more future-proof.
- More Advanced Features: Newer Bluetooth, WiFi, GPS and operating system result in better connectivity and software experience.
- Superior build quality: The screen is protected by Gorilla Glass 3.
- Superior sound system: Dolby Atmos, Stereo Speakers and 3 microphones provide a much better audio experience
Practical Implications: The Edge 30 Pro caters to users who value high performance, top-tier camera quality, and advanced features.
Significant Trade-offs:
- Motorola Moto G 5G: Loses out on performance, display quality, advanced camera features, faster charging, wireless charging, and newer software.
- Motorola Edge 30 Pro: Slightly reduced battery capacity compared to the Moto G 5G, along with the omission of dedicated wide-angle and macro lenses.
3. User Profiles & Recommendations
Motorola Moto G 5G Ideal Users:
- Budget-conscious users: Seeking a reliable phone with 5G connectivity at a lower price point.
- Casual photographers: Who value the flexibility of wide-angle and macro lenses for everyday shots.
- Users prioritizing battery life: While not a massive difference, the larger battery provides a slight advantage.
- Users who need the RAW image format.
Use Cases:
- Daily use, browsing, social media, casual gaming
- Capturing a variety of photos and videos in good lighting conditions
- Users who don't require very fast performance and don't mind a standard LCD display.
Motorola Edge 30 Pro Ideal Users:
- Power Users: Gamers, content creators, and users who require the best possible performance.
- Photography and videography enthusiasts: Looking for top-quality imaging and video recording capabilities.
- Users valuing premium display quality: Wanting an OLED panel with a high refresh rate.
- Users wanting the latest features and convenience: Faster charging, wireless charging, and the latest software.
- Users who value good audio and sound quality.
Use Cases:
- Demanding mobile gaming and intensive app use
- High-quality photography and videography
- Immersive multimedia consumption and entertainment
- Professionals needing excellent camera and performance.
Price-to-Value Ratio:
- Moto G 5G: Offers good value for its price, providing essential features for budget-conscious users.
- Edge 30 Pro: Justifies its higher price point with a significant upgrade in performance, display quality, and features for power users.
4. Decision Framework
Key Questions to Consider:
- Budget: How much are you willing to spend?
- Performance Needs: What are your primary use cases (e.g., gaming, photography, basic tasks)?
- Display Preferences: Do you value an OLED display with high refresh rates, or is a standard LCD acceptable?
Scenario-Based Recommendations:
- Scenario 1: Basic Use & Budget Focus: If your primary use is basic browsing, calls, and social media, and your budget is tight, the Moto G 5G is a reasonable choice.
- Scenario 2: Gaming & High Performance: If you are a mobile gamer or need high performance for demanding applications, the Edge 30 Pro is a superior option.
- Scenario 3: Content Creation & Photography: If you value a top-tier camera system and excellent video capabilities, the Edge 30 Pro is the clear winner.
- Scenario 4: General Usage with Display Preference: If you want a smooth and immersive visual experience for general usage, the OLED screen and 144Hz refresh rate of the Edge 30 Pro is far more appealing.
My Choice and Why
Given the specifications and my preferences, I would choose the Motorola Edge 30 Pro.
Here's why:
- Performance is King: The Snapdragon 8 Gen 1 offers a substantial performance leap over the Moto G 5G's Snapdragon 750G, and is crucial for smooth operation, especially with resource-intensive tasks and future proofing. I value the speed for multitasking and responsiveness for gaming and applications.
- Superior Display: I value a high-quality display, and the OLED panel with a 144Hz refresh rate on the Edge 30 Pro provides a much better experience for everyday use, content consumption, and gaming, offering better color accuracy, contrast, and smooth animations.
- Better Camera System: The Edge 30 Pro's camera is far more advanced, offering better image quality, higher-resolution video, and OIS for better stabilization. I take a lot of photos and videos, and the camera performance makes a big difference in my day-to-day experience.
- Fast Charging and Convenience: The 68W fast charging and wireless charging are features I would use regularly for daily convenience.
- More Storage and RAM: The higher RAM options allow for more efficient multitasking and are a necessity for power users and future proofing. The storage options, while not expandable, offer significantly more space.
- The build quality and audio quality is far superior.
While the Moto G 5G has the advantage of potentially longer battery life, it is a small benefit and the other advantages of the Edge 30 Pro more than justify the difference. My use case requires a powerful device with a top-tier display and camera, and the Edge 30 Pro fulfils all of those requirements.
