1. Specifications Comparison
| Feature | Motorola Moto G30 | Motorola Edge 30 Pro | Practical Impact |
|---|---|---|---|
| Design | |||
| Dimensions | 165.2 × 75.7 × 9.1 mm | 163.1 × 76 × 8.8 mm | Moto G30 is slightly taller and thicker, while Edge 30 Pro is marginally wider. The difference is subtle and likely not noticeable in hand. |
| Weight | 200g | 196g | Negligible weight difference; both feel similarly weighted. |
| Display | |||
| Size | 6.5" | 6.7" | Edge 30 Pro's larger display provides more screen real estate for content consumption, gaming, and multitasking. |
| Resolution | 720x1600 | 1080x2400 | Edge 30 Pro's higher resolution means sharper text and images, especially noticeable when viewing fine details. |
| Pixel Density (PPI) | 269 | 393 | The higher PPI on the Edge 30 Pro results in a much clearer and more detailed display. Images and text appear less pixelated, improving overall visual clarity. |
| Technology | IPS LCD | OLED | OLED on the Edge 30 Pro offers superior contrast, deeper blacks, and more vibrant colors compared to the IPS LCD of the G30. |
| Refresh Rate | 90Hz | 144Hz | Edge 30 Pro’s higher refresh rate results in smoother scrolling and animations, improving the overall responsiveness and fluidity of the user experience. |
| Brightness | 0 nits | 0 nits | Brightness is unknown so cannot be compared. |
| Performance | |||
| Chipset | Qualcomm Snapdragon 662 (11 nm) | Qualcomm Snapdragon 8 Gen 1 (4 nm) | Edge 30 Pro’s significantly more powerful chipset translates to much faster app loading, smoother multitasking, superior gaming performance, and greater overall responsiveness. |
| AnTuTu Score | 170,968 | 1,061,400 | The Edge 30 Pro boasts over 5 times the performance of the G30, a huge difference which will be noticeable in every day tasks. |
| GPU | Adreno 610 | Adreno 730 | Edge 30 Pro's more powerful GPU handles demanding graphics much better, enabling higher quality gaming experiences. |
| Camera | |||
| Main Camera | 64.4MP, f/1.7, 0.7µm pixel size | 50MP, f/1.8, 1/1.55" sensor, 1.0µm pixel size | G30 has a higher megapixel count, but Edge 30 Pro's larger sensor and larger pixels may capture more light and detail, especially in low-light situations. |
| Selfie Camera | 13MP, f/2.2, 1.12µm pixel size | 60MP, f/2.2, 1/2.8" sensor, 0.61µm pixel size | Edge 30 Pro has much higher resolution for detailed selfies. |
| Wide Angle Lens | 8MP, f/2.2, 1.12µm pixel size | None | Moto G30 has a dedicated wide angle lens, offering a wider field of view. The Edge 30 Pro includes a wide angle lens with its macro lens |
| Macro Lens | 2MP, f/2.4, 1.75µm pixel size | None | G30 has a dedicated macro lens for close-up shots, while the Edge 30 Pro uses its wide-angle lens. |
| Depth Sensor | 2MP, f/2.4, 1.75µm pixel size | 2MP, f/2.4, unknown pixel size | Both phones have comparable depth sensors |
| Wide Angle + Macro | None | 50MP, f/2.2, 1/2.76" sensor, 0.64µm pixel size | Edge 30 Pro has a dedicated wide angle + macro lens, offering greater flexibility in shooting. |
| Video | 1080p@30/60fps, no stabilization, 60fps slow-motion | Up to 8K@24/30fps, EIS, slow-motion up to 960fps | Edge 30 Pro supports much higher resolution video recording with stabilization, resulting in superior quality and smoother footage. |
| DxOMark | Not Tested | Mobile: 101, Photo: 107, Video: 102 | Motorola Edge 30 Pro has been benchmarked as having a decent mobile camera for pictures and videos. |
| Battery | |||
| Capacity | 5000mAh | 4800mAh | G30 has a slightly larger battery, but the difference is not significant. Real-world battery life will depend on usage. |
| Charging | 15W Fast Charging, Li-Ion | 68W Fast Charging, Li-Polymer | Edge 30 Pro charges much faster, reducing downtime. |
| Features | Non-removable | Wireless Charging 15W, Reverse Charging 5W, Non-removable | Edge 30 Pro offers added charging convenience features, including wireless and reverse wireless charging. |
| Software | |||
| OS | Android 11, max version 12 | Android 12, max version 13 | Edge 30 Pro comes with a more recent OS and will receive at least one more Android update, compared to Moto G30. |
| Connectivity | |||
| Wi-Fi | 802.11a/b/g/n/ac | 802.11a/b/g/n/ac/ax (Wi-Fi 6) | Edge 30 Pro supports Wi-Fi 6, offering faster speeds and better network performance, especially in congested areas. |
| Bluetooth | 5.0 LE, A2DP | 5.2 LE, A2DP, aptX, LDAC, SBC, AAC | Edge 30 Pro offers a more modern Bluetooth version with advanced audio codecs, providing better audio quality and more stable connections with compatible devices. |
| GPS | GPS, A-GPS, GLONASS, SUPL, Galileo | GPS (L1+L5), A-GPS, GLONASS, SUPL, Galileo (E1+E5a) | Edge 30 Pro supports dual-band GPS for improved location accuracy, especially in challenging environments. |
| SIM | Dual SIM Dual Standby (Nano SIM + Nano SIM) | Dual SIM Dual Standby (Nano SIM + Nano SIM) | Both devices support dual SIM capabilities, allowing you to use two phone numbers on one device. |
| Storage | |||
| Internal | 64GB/128GB | 128GB/256GB/512GB | Edge 30 Pro offers significantly more storage options, useful for users who need lots of space for photos, videos, and apps. |
| RAM | 4GB/6GB | 8GB/12GB | Edge 30 Pro has a more generous amount of RAM, which improves multitasking capabilities. |
| Expandable | No | No | Neither phone supports expandable storage. |
| Audio | |||
| Quality | Basic audio features | Dolby Atmos, Stereo Speakers, 3 microphones | Edge 30 Pro offers better audio quality with stereo speakers, Dolby Atmos support and three microphones for improved sound recording. |
| Security | |||
| Features | Rear-mounted fingerprint sensor | Side-mounted fingerprint sensor | Both phones offer fingerprint recognition as a security method, with a different placement. |
| Build Quality | |||
| Screen Protection | Unknown | Corning Gorilla Glass 3 | Edge 30 Pro has screen protection from scratches and minor bumps. |
| Sensors | |||
| Sensors | Fingerprint, Proximity, Accelerometer, Gyroscope | Fingerprint, Proximity, Accelerometer, Compass, Gyroscope | Edge 30 Pro has an additional compass, which can be useful for mapping, navigation and orientation. |
2. Key Differences Analysis
Motorola Moto G30 Advantages:
- Slightly larger battery: 5000mAh vs 4800mAh. Practical Impact: Potentially marginally longer battery life, but real-world use may vary.
- Dedicated Wide Angle & Macro lenses: Offers more versatility in shooting than the Edge 30 Pro's single solution. Practical Impact: Can be convenient for certain users who enjoy wide or macro photography
Motorola Edge 30 Pro Advantages:
- Superior Performance: Snapdragon 8 Gen 1 chipset, much higher AnTuTu scores. Practical Impact: Significantly faster performance for all tasks, including gaming, multitasking, and app loading.
- Higher Quality Display: OLED panel, higher resolution, higher PPI, 144Hz refresh rate. Practical Impact: Significantly clearer, more vibrant, and smoother visual experience for all use cases.
- Better Camera System: Larger sensor, better video capabilities (8K recording), optical image stabilization, and more advanced features. Practical Impact: Higher quality photos and videos, especially in low-light conditions.
- Faster Charging: 68W fast charging. Practical Impact: Reduces downtime significantly, useful for people with busy schedules.
- Additional Features: Wireless charging, reverse charging, WiFi 6, more advanced Bluetooth, dual-band GPS, higher RAM and storage options, Dolby Atmos sound. Practical Impact: Provides a more premium and feature-rich experience.
Trade-offs:
- The Moto G30 trades raw power and display quality for a slightly lower price and potentially longer battery life (though this may not be much), while still offering a wide-angle and macro lens. The Edge 30 Pro goes all out in performance and cutting-edge features.
3. User Profiles & Recommendations
Motorola Moto G30 Ideal Users:
- Budget-conscious buyers: Users who want an affordable phone with a decent screen, camera and battery.
- Casual users: Individuals who primarily use their phone for basic tasks like browsing, social media, and calls.
- Users who prefer a wide and macro lenses: Those who find dedicated wide and macro cameras useful.
Use Cases for Moto G30:
- Everyday use and communication
- Basic mobile photography
Motorola Edge 30 Pro Ideal Users:
- Performance Enthusiasts: Gamers and power users who need the fastest possible performance.
- Multimedia Consumers: Individuals who watch a lot of videos, enjoy gaming, and want a high-quality display.
- Mobile Photographers & Videographers: Users who prioritize advanced camera features and want great photo and video capabilities.
- Users who require a future-proof device: Those who need a phone that will remain fast for several years.
Use Cases for Edge 30 Pro:
- Mobile Gaming
- High resolution video recording and photography
- Power user tasks such as video editing
Price-to-Value Ratio:
- The Moto G30 offers good value for the budget-conscious, providing essential features at an affordable price.
- The Edge 30 Pro is a premium device with a premium price, but it offers much more significant value for users who value high-end performance and features.
4. Decision Framework
Key Questions for Buyers:
- What is your budget? Are you looking for the most affordable device, or do you have more flexibility?
- What are your primary use cases? Do you mostly browse the web and social media or are you a gamer/multimedia lover?
- How important is camera quality? Do you need high-end video capabilities and high-quality photos?
Scenario-Based Recommendations:
- Scenario 1: Tight budget, basic needs: Choose the Moto G30. It provides essential smartphone functions without breaking the bank.
- Scenario 2: Multimedia Lover: If you watch a lot of videos, play games, and want a smooth and responsive experience, the Edge 30 Pro is a worthwhile investment.
- Scenario 3: Mobile photographer: If camera features and photo/video quality are essential, the Edge 30 Pro offers significant advantages.
My Choice
I would choose the Motorola Edge 30 Pro. While both devices are capable smartphones, the Edge 30 Pro offers a vastly superior user experience in almost every way. The significant performance difference is noticeable in every day tasks. For me the biggest difference is the display; moving from the Motorola Moto G30's low resolution, IPS LCD screen to the Edge 30 Pro's high resolution, 144hz OLED panel is a very noticeable upgrade. The Edge 30 Pro's superior camera system with better low-light performance, 8k video recording, and OIS is another significant advantage over the G30. Finally, the faster charging and more premium audio features of the Edge 30 Pro make it the obvious choice for me.
While the Moto G30 serves well as a budget device, the Edge 30 Pro provides better value due to its superior performance, cutting-edge features, better camera, and faster charging which provide a much more premium and satisfying experience, therefore justifying the higher price.
