Alright, let's dive into a head-to-head comparison of the Motorola Moto G31 and the Motorola Edge 30 Pro. We've got a classic matchup here: a solid mid-ranger versus a true flagship contender. I'm going to break this down for you in a way that cuts through the jargon, making it easy to see what really matters when it comes to choosing a new phone.
1. Specifications Breakdown
Here's a detailed breakdown of the key specs, with a focus on what they actually mean for you:
| Feature | Motorola Moto G31 | Motorola Edge 30 Pro | Real-World Implications |
|---|---|---|---|
| Design | |||
| Dimensions | 161.9 x 73.9 x 8.6 mm | 163.1 x 76 x 8.8 mm | Edge 30 Pro is slightly taller, wider, and thicker; noticeable in hand, especially if you prefer compact phones. |
| Weight | 181g | 196g | G31 feels lighter; better for long periods of use without fatigue. Edge 30 Pro feels more substantial, maybe more premium. |
| Display | |||
| Size | 6.4" | 6.7" | Edge 30 Pro offers slightly more screen real estate; immersive experience. |
| Resolution | 1080x2400 | 1080x2400 | Both offer a sharp and crisp viewing experience. |
| PPI | 411 | 393 | Similar sharpness; difference is negligible in daily use. |
| Technology | AMOLED | OLED | Both use high-quality panels; vibrant colors and deep blacks, difference is not major. |
| Refresh Rate | 60Hz | 144Hz | Edge 30 Pro has a super smooth screen, ideal for gaming and scrolling, compared to the 60Hz display, which is not as smooth. |
| Brightness | 0 nits | 0 nits | Peak brightness information is unavailable; important for outdoor visibility. We'll have to assume similar performance in this regard. |
| Performance | |||
| Chipset | Mediatek Helio G85 | Snapdragon 8 Gen 1 | Edge 30 Pro is vastly faster; better app loading, multitasking, and high-end gaming. G31 is fine for everyday tasks. |
| AnTuTu Score | 225,154 | 1,061,400 | Edge 30 Pro’s performance is in another league; significantly faster and more future proof. |
| GPU | Mali-G52 MC2 | Adreno 730 | Edge 30 Pro has much more capable graphics; better for graphically intense tasks and games. |
| Battery | |||
| Capacity | 5000mAh | 4800mAh | G31 has slightly larger battery; expect similar battery life due to the more powerful processor on the Edge 30 Pro. |
| Charging | 10W Fast Charging | 68W Fast Charging | Edge 30 Pro charges much faster; a quick top-up makes a big difference. G31 uses a dated and quite slow charging technology. |
| Features | Non-removable | Wireless, Reverse charging | Edge 30 Pro offers convenient wireless charging and can act as a power bank for other devices, G31 does not. |
| Camera | |||
| Main Camera | 50MP, f/1.8, 1/2.76" sensor | 50MP, f/1.8, 1/1.55" sensor | Edge 30 Pro’s larger sensor captures more light and detail, better images in low light. |
| Selfie Camera | 13MP, f/2.2, 1.12µm | 60MP, f/2.2, 0.61µm, 1/2.8" sensor | Edge 30 Pro selfie cam has higher resolution; should deliver sharper, more detailed self-portraits. |
| Wide Angle lens | 8MP, f/2.0 | No | G31 has a dedicated wide-angle camera; a very welcome addition for versatile shooting. |
| Depth/Portrait | No | 2MP, f/2.4 | Edge 30 Pro has a dedicated depth sensor for portrait mode; creates a more natural bokeh effect. |
| Macro lens | 2MP, f/2.4 | No | G31 has a dedicated macro camera; useful for extreme close-up shots. |
| Wide Angle + Macro | No | 50MP, f/2.2, 1/2.76" sensor | Edge 30 Pro has one of the most capable wide angle lens. |
| Video | 1080p@30fps | 8K@24/30fps, 4K@30/60fps, 1080p@up to 960fps | Edge 30 Pro can shoot professional level 8K videos; much better stabilization, including HDR, slow motion and higher resolutions. |
| DxOMark Score | N/A | 101 (Mobile) | Edge 30 Pro has a respectable camera score; G31 has no comparable info. |
| Features | Optical Zoom, RAW | OIS, Night Mode | Edge 30 Pro has advanced stabilization and low-light capabilities; G31 has RAW photo format support. |
| Software | |||
| OS | Android 11 | Android 12 (upgradable to 13) | Edge 30 Pro has a newer version of Android; it receives a very important OS update, which means extended support. |
| Connectivity | |||
| WiFi | 802.11ac | WiFi 6 (802.11ax) | Edge 30 Pro supports faster, more stable Wi-Fi; better for gaming and large file transfers. |
| Bluetooth | 5.0 | 5.2, aptX, LDAC, etc | Edge 30 Pro offers higher quality audio codecs and a better range than the G31. |
| GPS | GPS, A-GPS, GLONASS, Beidou, SUPL, Galileo | GPS, A-GPS, GLONASS, SUPL, GPS (L1+L5), Galileo (E1+E5a) | Edge 30 Pro has more precise GPS capabilities; faster location lock-on. |
| Storage | |||
| Internal | 64/128 GB | 128/256/512 GB | Edge 30 Pro offers substantially more storage options; enough space for large amounts of photos, videos, and games. |
| RAM | 4 GB | 8/12 GB | Edge 30 Pro is better for multitasking; can handle heavy use without slowdowns. |
| Expandable | No | No | Neither phone offers expandable storage; need to choose storage capacity carefully. |
| Audio | |||
| Quality | Dolby Atmos, 2 mics | Dolby Atmos, Stereo Speakers, 3 mics | Edge 30 Pro has better audio quality and capture; stereo speakers for a more immersive experience. |
| Security | |||
| Features | Side-mounted fingerprint sensor | Side-mounted fingerprint sensor | Both offer convenient and reliable fingerprint unlocking. |
| Build Quality | |||
| Protection | Unknown | Gorilla Glass 3 | Edge 30 Pro has better screen protection; more resistant to scratches. |
| Sensors | Fingerprint, Proximity, Accelerometer, Compass, Gyroscope | Fingerprint, Proximity, Accelerometer, Compass, Gyroscope | Both phones have the same set of common sensors for mobile devices. |
2. Key Insights
Motorola Moto G31:
- Strengths: Lightweight design, very good battery life, wide-angle and macro cameras, and a very low cost.
- Competitive Advantage: Its price. It provides the most bang for your buck.
- Trade-offs: It has a slow processor, a 60Hz screen, and lacks high-end features like fast charging and advanced camera features. It does not have an upgradeable OS, so it might have security issues later.
Motorola Edge 30 Pro:
- Strengths: Flagship-level performance, a superb display with a 144Hz refresh rate, a very versatile camera system, fast charging, wireless charging, and a better OS.
- Competitive Advantage: It is a flagship phone with all the features you expect.
- Trade-offs: Heavier, pricier, and does not have the best battery in its range.
3. User Profiles and Recommendations
Motorola Moto G31 is best for:
- Budget-conscious buyers: Those who want a decent smartphone experience without breaking the bank.
- Everyday users: Individuals who primarily use their phones for calls, texts, browsing, and social media.
- Photography enthusiasts: People who need wide-angle and macro cameras for versatile shooting.
- Users who don't require top performance: Gamers and power users should look elsewhere.
Motorola Edge 30 Pro is best for:
- Power users: Those who demand the best performance for gaming, multitasking, and resource-intensive apps.
- Multimedia consumers: Individuals who want a top-notch display and audio for watching videos and listening to music.
- Mobile photographers and videographers: People who need advanced camera features and high-resolution video recording.
- Tech enthusiasts: Those who want all the latest features and top-tier performance, regardless of the cost.
4. Buying Decision Framework
Here are three questions to help you decide between the two:
- What is your budget? The G31 is a budget-friendly option, while the Edge 30 Pro is a much more expensive premium phone.
- How important is performance to you? If you need a super fast and powerful phone for gaming, then the Edge 30 Pro is the clear winner. If not, the G31 will be enough for your daily use.
- What features are most critical? Do you need the best display, camera, and battery, or are you more focused on a specific function like a wide-angle camera, or a lightweight design?
Scenario-based Recommendations:
- Scenario 1: The Budget User: If you are focused on saving money but need a reliable phone, the Moto G31 is a logical choice.
- Scenario 2: The Casual User: If you need something for social media, browsing, and some light photography, the Moto G31 may be enough, though the Edge 30 Pro provides more headroom in terms of performance.
- Scenario 3: The Power User: If performance and features are important, and you are willing to pay the premium, the Edge 30 Pro is definitely the way to go.
My Choice
If I were buying a phone today, I would choose the Motorola Edge 30 Pro.
While I appreciate the value proposition of the Moto G31, the Edge 30 Pro offers a vastly superior experience that aligns with what I seek from a smartphone in the current market.
Here's why:
- Future-Proofing: The Snapdragon 8 Gen 1 chipset is a massive leap in performance, ensuring the phone stays fast and smooth for years to come.
- Immersive Display: The 144Hz OLED screen is a joy to use, offering incredible smoothness and image quality, which is crucial for the amount of time I spend on my phone.
- Camera Capabilities: The flexibility and performance of the cameras, coupled with professional-grade video recording features, make it a tool that I can rely on, whether for personal or work use.
- Overall User Experience: The combination of fast charging, wireless charging, a newer version of Android, and a build that feels premium makes the Edge 30 Pro a device that can seamlessly integrate into my daily life, making it my preferred option for the foreseeable future.
