Smartphone Comparison: Motorola Moto G30 vs. Motorola Edge (2022)
1. Specifications Comparison
Design
| Feature | Motorola Moto G30 | Motorola Edge (2022) | Practical Impact |
|---|
| Dimensions | 165.2 × 75.7 × 9.1 mm | 160.9 × 74.2 × 8 mm | Edge (2022) is more compact and potentially easier to handle, particularly for one-handed use. |
| Weight | 200g | 170g | Edge (2022) is noticeably lighter, making it more comfortable for extended use and portability. |
| Build | Unknown | Corning Gorilla Glass 3 | Edge (2022) offers better protection against scratches and minor impacts on the display. |
Display
| Feature | Motorola Moto G30 | Motorola Edge (2022) | Practical Impact |
|---|
| Size | 6.5" | 6.6" | Very similar screen sizes, with minimal difference in the viewing area. |
| Resolution | 720x1600 | 1080x2400 | Edge (2022) has a significantly sharper display, with crisper text and images for a much better viewing experience when browsing, watching videos, and gaming. |
| Pixel Density | 269 PPI | 399 PPI | Edge (2022) provides clearer details and smoother visuals due to its higher pixel density, resulting in a noticeable improvement in the viewing experience. |
| Technology | IPS LCD | OLED | Edge (2022) offers superior image quality, with deeper blacks, higher contrast, and more vibrant colors, which is especially beneficial for media consumption. |
| Refresh Rate | 90Hz | 144Hz | Edge (2022) provides a much smoother scrolling experience and more fluid animations, beneficial for gaming and daily use. |
| Brightness | 0 nits | 0 nits | Both have identical peak brightness, however, the subjective experience would be different due to the display technology. Further data is required for a fair comparison. |
Performance
| Feature | Motorola Moto G30 | Motorola Edge (2022) | Practical Impact |
|---|
| Chipset | Qualcomm SM6115 Snapdragon 662 (11 nm) | MediaTek Dimensity 1050 (6 nm) | Edge (2022) has a more powerful and efficient chipset resulting in better overall performance, faster app loading and smoother multitasking. |
| AnTuTu Score | 170,968 | 522,375 | Edge (2022) provides a substantially faster experience with more responsive performance across all tasks, especially in demanding applications and games. |
| GPU | Adreno 610 (Qualcomm Adreno 610) | Arm Mali-G610 MC3 (ARM Mali-G610 MC3) | Edge (2022) is expected to deliver much better graphics performance, making it more suitable for gaming. |
Camera
| Feature | Motorola Moto G30 | Motorola Edge (2022) | Practical Impact |
|---|
| Standard Camera | 64.4MP, f/1.7, 0.70 µm pixel size | 50MP, f/1.8, 1/1.55" sensor, 1.00 µm pixel size, Omnivision OV50A | G30 has higher resolution, but Edge (2022) has a larger sensor with larger pixels, capturing more light resulting in better low-light photos and dynamic range. |
| Selfie Camera | 13MP, f/2.2, 1.12 µm pixel size | 32MP, f/2.45, 0.70 µm pixel size | Edge (2022) offers higher resolution for better selfie detail. While the pixel size is smaller, the better resolution should lead to higher quality selfies. |
| Wide-Angle Camera | 8MP, f/2.2, 1.12 µm pixel size | 13MP, f/1.5, 1.12 µm pixel size | Edge (2022) has a higher resolution and wider aperture, resulting in wider and brighter landscape photos. |
| Portrait Camera | 2MP, f/2.4, 1.75 µm pixel size | N/A | G30 has a dedicated depth sensor, although a dedicated sensor doesn't always guarantee better results than software implementation, as is the case with Edge (2022). |
| Macro Camera | 2MP, f/2.4, 1.75 µm pixel size | 20MP, f/2.4, 1/2.83" sensor, 0.90 µm pixel size, Omnivision OV24B1Q | Edge (2022) has significantly higher resolution macro lens providing superior close-up photography. |
| Video | 1080p@30/60fps No EIS; Slow-motion: Yes, 60 fps | 4K@30fps with EIS, 1080p@30/60/120fps with EIS; Slow-motion: Yes, 120 fps | Edge (2022) provides a better video recording experience with higher 4K resolution, electronic image stabilization (EIS) and a 120fps slow-motion option. |
| Camera Features | Quadruple camera, Laser autofocus (LAF), RAW | Triple camera, Digital Image Stabilization (OIS) | G30 has laser autofocus and raw photo capabilities, while the Edge (2022) features OIS and more advanced processing for better picture clarity. |
Battery
| Feature | Motorola Moto G30 | Motorola Edge (2022) | Practical Impact |
|---|
| Capacity | 5000mAh | 5000mAh | Both have the same battery capacity, which should provide a similar battery life with moderate usage. |
| Charging | 15W fast charging | 30W fast charging | Edge (2022) charges the battery much faster, reducing the waiting time, thus more convenient for daily use. |
| Features | Non-removable | Reverse charging, Non-removable, 15W wireless charging, 5W reverse charging | Edge (2022) offers additional versatility with wireless charging and reverse charging functionality. |
Software & Connectivity
| Feature | Motorola Moto G30 | Motorola Edge (2022) | Practical Impact |
|---|
| OS | Android 11, max 12 | Android 12, max 13 | Edge (2022) comes with a newer operating system version, offering the latest features, security updates and future upgrades. |
| WiFi | 802.11ac | 802.11ax (WiFi 6) | Edge (2022) has newer Wifi standards with improved speed and efficiency. |
| Bluetooth | 5.0 LE | 5.2 LE | Edge (2022) has a newer Bluetooth version offering faster and more stable connections. |
| GPS | GPS, A-GPS, GLONASS, SUPL, Galileo | GPS, A-GPS, GLONASS, Beidou, SUPL, Galileo | Edge (2022) provides a more accurate and reliable GPS, especially in urban environments. |
| SIM | Dual SIM (Nano SIM + Nano SIM) | Dual SIM (Nano SIM + eSIM) | Edge (2022) offers the flexibility of an eSIM in addition to dual Nano-SIM, enhancing connectivity options, while G30 supports 2 nano SIMs simultaneously. |
Storage and Audio
| Feature | Motorola Moto G30 | Motorola Edge (2022) | Practical Impact |
|---|
| Internal Storage | 128GB or 64 GB | 128GB or 256GB | Edge (2022) offers more storage capacity. |
| RAM | 4GB or 6GB | 6GB or 8GB | Edge (2022) has more RAM, which allows for better multitasking and smoother application performance. |
| Expandable Storage | No | No | Neither supports expandable storage, which is a drawback for those who need to store a lot of data. |
| Audio Quality | Basic audio features | Dolby Atmos, Noise cancellation microphone, Stereo Speakers, 3 microphones | Edge (2022) offers an enhanced audio experience with better clarity, immersion and voice capture in calls. |
Security and Sensors
| Feature | Motorola Moto G30 | Motorola Edge (2022) | Practical Impact |
|---|
| Fingerprint Sensor | Rear-mounted fingerprint sensor | Basic fingerprint sensor | Both offer basic biometric security for quick unlocking. No clear difference in speed. |
| Sensors | Biometric: Fingerprint; Proximity: Proximity; Motion: Accelerometer, Gyroscope | Biometric: Fingerprint; Proximity: Proximity; Motion: Accelerometer, Compass, Gyroscope, Magnetometer; Environmental: Barometer | Edge (2022) provides a more advanced suite of sensors. Compass, Barometer, Magnetometer will provide richer data for some advanced apps and use cases. |
2. Key Differences Analysis
Motorola Moto G30 Advantages:
- Dedicated Depth Sensor: Offers a dedicated portrait mode sensor, although this doesn't guarantee better results compared to software.
- Laser Autofocus (LAF): Offers fast focusing capability via laser autofocus.
- RAW Photo Capability: Option to capture photos in raw format, giving more flexibility when post-processing.
Motorola Edge (2022) Advantages:
- Superior Display: OLED technology with higher resolution and refresh rate provides a vastly improved viewing experience.
- Much Higher Performance: The MediaTek Dimensity 1050 chipset offers significantly faster processing and gaming capabilities.
- Better Camera System: Improved main sensor with larger pixels, and a much higher resolution macro lens offer better photography in various conditions.
- Advanced Video: Supports 4K video recording with EIS and a higher framerate for slow-motion.
- Faster Charging & Wireless Charging: 30W fast charging and 15W wireless charging for more convenience.
- Advanced Audio: Features Dolby Atmos, stereo speakers, noise cancellation microphones, and a 3-microphone setup for superior sound quality.
- More Advanced Sensors: Includes a compass, barometer and magnetometer, which opens the doors for more advanced functionalities.
- Newer Operating System: Comes with a newer version of Android offering future updates and better overall performance.
- eSIM Support: Provides the convenience of using a digital SIM.
Trade-offs:
- Moto G30: Sacrifices performance, display quality, and advanced features for a more budget-friendly price, while offering a better portrait lens and RAW photo capability.
- Motorola Edge (2022): Is more expensive but delivers a significantly better overall experience.
3. User Profiles & Recommendations
Motorola Moto G30 Ideal Users:
- Budget-conscious users: Prioritizing affordability over cutting-edge features.
- Users with basic needs: Those who use their phones for basic tasks, such as calling, texting, and browsing.
- Users who value a dedicated depth sensor: For those who prioritize good portrait shots.
- Users who want RAW photo capability: For those who want to edit their photos with greater flexibility.
Specific Use Cases:
- Daily social media use and basic web browsing.
- Casual photography with a focus on portrait shots.
- Simple gaming and everyday task management.
Motorola Edge (2022) Ideal Users:
- Performance-focused users: Those who want a smooth and responsive experience for multitasking and gaming.
- Multimedia enthusiasts: Users who frequently watch videos, listen to music, and play games.
- Users who prioritize camera quality: Those looking for versatile cameras with great low-light performance and advanced macro options.
- Users who appreciate convenience: Wanting features like fast and wireless charging.
- Users who need better audio experience: Those who need better audio experience with features such as Dolby Atmos.
- Users who need advanced sensors: Those who need more advanced sensors such as Compass, Barometer, Magnetometer
Specific Use Cases:
- Gaming and demanding app use.
- High-quality video consumption and content creation.
- Professional photography and videography.
- Longer days away from a charger.
4. Decision Framework
Key Questions to Consider:
- What is your budget? The Moto G30 is significantly cheaper, while the Edge (2022) is a premium option.
- What are your primary needs? Are you a casual user or a power user?
- What are your priorities? Do you prioritize performance, display quality, camera features, or battery convenience?
Scenario-Based Recommendations:
- Scenario 1: Budget-Conscious User: If your budget is tight and you need a basic smartphone for everyday use, the Motorola Moto G30 is a reasonable option, although there are better alternatives for value on the market.
- Scenario 2: Performance and Multimedia Enthusiast: If you value performance, a superior display, and advanced camera features, the Motorola Edge (2022) is a much better choice, if the price is not a barrier.
- Scenario 3: Photography Enthusiast: The Edge (2022) offers better image quality, especially in low light and for close-up shots with the better macro lens, as well as 4K videos.
My Choice and Why
If I had to choose between these two phones, I would pick the Motorola Edge (2022).
Here's why:
- The Display is Crucial: The OLED display with its higher resolution and refresh rate is a massive upgrade for daily use, media consumption, and gaming.
- Performance Matters: The significantly faster chipset and GPU ensure that the phone handles all tasks smoothly and future proofs the device for longer.
- Versatile Camera: While it doesn't have a dedicated portrait sensor, the better overall quality of the main sensor, the macro lens, and 4K video is more important to me.
- Faster Charging and Wireless Charging: The faster charging speed is a big convenience, and I appreciate the flexibility of wireless charging.
- Enhanced Audio: Stereo speakers and Dolby Atmos are a plus for my daily audio needs.
- Advanced Sensors: The inclusion of a Compass, Barometer and Magnetometer might not be essential for most users, but having them is a plus in my book.
While the Moto G30 might be sufficient for some users with very basic needs, the vast improvements in display, performance, camera, charging, and audio quality justify the higher cost of the Motorola Edge (2022) for me. It aligns better with my needs as someone who consumes a lot of content, occasionally plays games, and appreciates a good camera for capturing memories.
