Alright, let's dive into a detailed comparison between the Motorola Moto G31 and the Motorola Edge 50 Pro. We'll break down the specs, explore the real-world implications, and help you decide which phone might be the right fit for you.
1. Specifications Breakdown
| Feature | Motorola Moto G31 | Motorola Edge 50 Pro | Real-World Implications |
|---|---|---|---|
| Design | |||
| Dimensions | 161.9 x 73.9 x 8.6 mm | 161.2 x 72.4 x 8.2 mm | The Edge 50 Pro is slightly slimmer and narrower, making it feel a bit more compact in hand. |
| Weight | 181g | 186g | The G31 is a touch lighter, but the difference is minimal – both feel reasonably hefty. |
| Build | Plastic frame, Plastic back | Aluminum frame, curved glass back | Edge 50 Pro feels more premium due to materials, while G31 might be more rugged. |
| Display | |||
| Size | 6.4" | 6.7" | Edge 50 Pro's larger screen provides a more immersive viewing experience. |
| Resolution | 1080x2400 | 1220x2712 | Edge 50 Pro offers noticeably sharper visuals and finer details due to higher pixel density. |
| Pixel Density (PPI) | 411 | 446 | Edge 50 Pro has a slightly crisper display due to higher PPI |
| Technology | AMOLED | P-OLED | Both offer vibrant colors and deep blacks, with the P-OLED on the Edge 50 Pro being slightly more advanced in some areas, including flexibility. |
| Refresh Rate | 60Hz | 144Hz | The Edge 50 Pro has significantly smoother scrolling and animations. |
| Brightness | 0 nits | 2000 nits | The Edge 50 Pro's vastly superior brightness makes it much more usable in bright sunlight. |
| Performance | |||
| Chipset | Mediatek Helio G85 (12nm) | Snapdragon 7 Gen 3 (4nm) | The Edge 50 Pro offers vastly faster app loading, smoother multitasking, and better gaming performance. |
| AnTuTu Score | 225,154 | 866,863 | The Edge 50 Pro is significantly more powerful, making it future-proof for demanding apps and games |
| GPU | Mali-G52 MC2 | Adreno 720 | The Edge 50 Pro has a much more capable GPU, ensuring smoother gaming and better graphics. |
| Camera | |||
| Main Camera | 50MP f/1.8 | 50MP f/1.4 | The Edge 50 Pro has a wider aperture, allowing for better low-light performance and background blur. |
| Selfie Camera | 13MP f/2.2 | 50MP f/1.9 | The Edge 50 Pro takes much higher-resolution selfies and has a slightly wider aperture for better low light. |
| Telephoto Lens | None | 10MP f/2.0 | The Edge 50 Pro has a dedicated telephoto lens for optical zoom capabilities. |
| Wide-Angle Lens | 8MP f/2.0 | 13MP f/2.2 | The Edge 50 Pro has slightly higher resolution, while the G31 has a wider aperture. |
| Macro Lens | 2MP f/2.4 | None | The G31 has a dedicated macro lens for close-up photography. |
| Video Recording | 1080p@30fps | Up to 4K@30fps, multiple HDR options | The Edge 50 Pro provides much higher video recording quality and stabilization capabilities. |
| Battery Life | |||
| Capacity | 5000mAh | 4500mAh | The G31 has a slightly larger battery, which may offer longer usage time. |
| Charging | 10W | 125W | The Edge 50 Pro can charge from 0% to full in a fraction of the time compared to the G31. |
| Wireless Charging | None | 50W | The Edge 50 Pro offers convenient wireless charging options. |
| Reverse Charging | None | Yes, 10W | The Edge 50 Pro can charge other devices wirelessly or via cable in a pinch. |
| Software | |||
| OS | Android 11 | Android 14 | The Edge 50 Pro has a much newer OS with improved features and security. |
| Max Version | 17 | Edge 50 Pro will get future software updates | |
| Connectivity | |||
| Wi-Fi | 802.11ac | 802.11be (WiFi 7) | Edge 50 Pro will have faster WiFi speeds with more modern standards |
| Bluetooth | 5.0 | 5.4 | Edge 50 Pro will have better Bluetooth performance and codecs |
| GPS | Standard | L1+L5 | Edge 50 Pro offers improved GPS performance |
| SIM | Dual SIM | Dual SIM + eSIM | Edge 50 Pro offers more options with a virtual SIM |
| Storage | |||
| Internal Storage | 64GB or 128GB | 256GB, 512GB, or 1024 GB | Edge 50 Pro offers significantly more storage |
| RAM | 4GB | 12GB or 16GB | Edge 50 Pro offers much more RAM, for better multitasking |
| Expandable | No | No | Neither device supports expandable storage |
| Audio | |||
| Quality | Dolby Atmos, 2 Microphones | Dolby Atmos, Stereo Speakers, 3 Microphones | Edge 50 Pro will have a more immersive sound with better sound capture |
| Security | |||
| Features | Side-mounted fingerprint | Basic fingerprint | Edge 50 Pro fingerprint tech is more basic |
| Build Quality | |||
| Screen Protection | Unknown | Corning Gorilla Glass Victus | Edge 50 Pro screen is much more robust |
| Sensors | |||
| Sensors | Standard Sensors + Hall | Standard Sensors | G31 has a slight sensor advantage |
2. Key Insights
Motorola Moto G31 Strengths
- Affordable: The G31 is a budget-friendly option, making it accessible to a wider range of users.
- Battery Life: It has a slightly larger battery, which might translate to better endurance for general use.
- Macro lens: For users who like to get very close up to their subjects.
- Side-mounted fingerprint sensor: May be more ergonomic.
- Hall Sensor: Adding to motion detection.
Motorola Edge 50 Pro Strengths
- Display Superiority: The larger, higher-resolution, and higher refresh rate display offer a much better viewing experience, especially in bright conditions.
- Performance Powerhouse: The Snapdragon 7 Gen 3 chipset provides a massive performance leap over the G31, making it far superior for gaming and demanding apps.
- Camera Versatility: Offers a higher-resolution selfie camera, telephoto lens, wider main camera aperture, and superior video quality, allowing for much more creativity and performance.
- Fast Charging: With 125W fast charging, you'll spend much less time plugged in.
- Premium Build and Features: Higher-quality materials, wireless charging, and a more premium look and feel.
- Future-Proofed: Newer Bluetooth and Wi-Fi standards, as well as a more up to date OS.
Trade-offs and Limitations
- G31 Limitations: Weaker processor for demanding tasks, slower charging, lower resolution and brightness, limited camera performance.
- Edge 50 Pro Trade-offs: Higher price, slightly smaller battery capacity compared to G31, basic fingerprint sensor and no macro camera.
3. User Profiles and Recommendations
Motorola Moto G31
- Budget-Conscious Users: Ideal for users primarily interested in basic smartphone functionality at an affordable price.
- Casual Users: Best for those who mainly use their phones for browsing, social media, and light apps.
- Users wanting a macro lens for unique close up shots.
Motorola Edge 50 Pro
- Power Users and Gamers: Perfect for those who need a phone capable of handling demanding tasks, gaming, and multitasking.
- Photography and Videography Enthusiasts: Best for users who value versatile camera capabilities, and professional-looking video.
- Multimedia Consumption: Ideal for users who prioritize a high-quality viewing experience for videos, movies, and games.
- Tech Enthusiasts: The latest tech specs makes this device more cutting edge.
4. Buying Decision Framework
Here are three questions to help you decide:
What is your budget? If you are very price-sensitive, the G31 is the more affordable option. However, if you can afford the Edge 50 Pro you will get vastly more tech for the price.
How important is performance? If you're a power user or gamer, the Edge 50 Pro's Snapdragon chipset is a must. If you just need basic smartphone functionality the G31 will be fine.
What type of camera user are you? If you want a versatile and capable camera system with more advanced video the Edge 50 Pro is the clear winner. However, if macro is important to you then the G31 may be better.
Scenario-Based Recommendations
- Scenario 1: Student on a budget – Recommendation: Motorola Moto G31. The device offers decent basic performance, it is reliable for school tasks, browsing the internet and a solid battery to last the day.
- Scenario 2: Professional who needs a powerful phone for on-the-go tasks and photography – Recommendation: Motorola Edge 50 Pro. The phone provides a higher performance, better display and great camera functionality. The rapid charging ensures it will stay with you throughout your busy day.
- Scenario 3: Casual User – Recommendation: Motorola Moto G31. The G31 is the more economic choice and it performs day to day tasks adequately.
- Scenario 4: Power User – Recommendation: Motorola Edge 50 Pro. The Edge 50 Pro offers a complete set of top level tech specifications that make it the perfect phone for multitasking, gaming and photography.
My Choice and Why:
If I were making the choice, I would absolutely go for the Motorola Edge 50 Pro. While I appreciate the G31’s budget-friendly approach and larger battery, the Edge 50 Pro offers a far more compelling package. The dramatically better display with its 144Hz refresh rate and 2000 nits brightness alone is a game-changer.
From a performance perspective, the Snapdragon 7 Gen 3 chipset is in a different league, offering a smoother, more responsive user experience that’s noticeable in everyday tasks and demanding applications. As an enthusiast, I prefer having the headroom for future applications. The camera on the Edge 50 Pro is also significantly more versatile. Finally the 125W charging and build quality is a must have for daily usage.
Sure, I'd have to pay a bit more, and the battery is slightly smaller, but those trade-offs are well worth it for the overall improvement in performance, display, and camera capabilities. I'm someone who values a premium experience, and the Edge 50 Pro delivers that in spades.
