Alright, let's dive into a detailed comparison of the Motorola Moto G71 5G and the Motorola Edge 40 Pro. It’s like comparing a dependable, everyday car to a high-performance sports car—both get you where you need to go, but one does it with a lot more flair and speed. I'll break down the specs and then we’ll see which one might be the right fit for you.
1. Specifications Breakdown
Here’s a table comparing the key specifications of each phone, with a real-world implications column to help make sense of the technical jargon.
| Feature | Motorola Moto G71 5G | Motorola Edge 40 Pro | Real-World Implications |
|---|---|---|---|
| Design | |||
| Physical Size | 161.2 × 73.9 × 8.5 mm | 161.2 × 74 × 8.6 mm | Very similar size, almost identical hand feel. |
| Weight | 179g | 199g | G71 5G is lighter, better for extended use. Edge 40 Pro is slightly heavier, indicating more robust components. |
| Display | |||
| Size | 6.4" | 6.67" | Edge 40 Pro provides a slightly more immersive viewing experience thanks to its larger display. |
| Resolution | 1080x2400 | 1080x2400 | Both offer the same sharpness in terms of resolution, making text and images equally clear. |
| PPI | 411 | 394 | Both offer excellent pixel density, with slightly sharper visuals on the G71 5G due to a smaller screen size. |
| Technology | AMOLED | OLED | Both offer vibrant colors and deep blacks; differences are largely nuanced with similar technologies. |
| Refresh Rate | 60Hz | 165Hz | Edge 40 Pro delivers much smoother animations and scrolling, making it a better pick for gaming and fast-paced content. |
| Brightness | 0 nits | 1100 nits | Edge 40 Pro has significantly better visibility outdoors, especially in bright sunlight. |
| Performance | |||
| Chipset | Snapdragon 695 5G (6 nm) | Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 (4 nm) | Edge 40 Pro is significantly faster for all tasks, from everyday use to heavy gaming and multitasking; the G71 5G is a more budget friendly option and can still perform most day to day tasks well. |
| AnTuTu Score | 396,564 | 1,532,500 | Edge 40 Pro has dramatically higher performance, which translates to snappier app loading, smoother multitasking, and superior gaming. |
| GPU | Adreno 619 | Adreno 740 | Edge 40 Pro offers much better graphics performance for demanding games and graphics-intensive tasks. |
| Battery Life | |||
| Capacity | 5000mAh | 4600mAh | G71 5G may offer slightly better battery life in theory, but this will depend on optimization from each device, and could be neglible. |
| Charging | 33W fast charging | 125W fast charging | Edge 40 Pro charges dramatically faster, reducing time spent tethered to a power outlet. |
| Features | Non-removable | Reverse charging, 15W wireless, 5W reverse wired, non-removable | Edge 40 Pro provides versatile charging options, including the ability to charge other devices wirelessly. |
| Camera | |||
| Main Camera | 50MP (f/1.8, 1/2.76") | 50MP (f/1.8, 1/1.55") | Edge 40 Pro has a larger sensor, resulting in better low-light performance and overall image quality. |
| Selfie Camera | 16MP (f/2.2, 1.00 µm) | 60MP (f/2.2, 1/2.8") | Edge 40 Pro offers significantly more detail in selfies, offering better quality, and flexibility |
| Telephoto Lens | None | 12MP (f/1.6, 1/2.93") | Edge 40 Pro offers optical zoom capabilities that the G71 5G lacks. |
| Wide Angle Lens | 8MP (f/2.2, 1.12 µm) | 50MP (f/2.2, 1/2.76") | Edge 40 Pro has a much higher resolution wide-angle lens offering superior image quality. |
| Macro Lens | 2MP (f/2.4) | None | G71 5G has a dedicated macro lens, which might be useful for some users. |
| Video | 1080p @ 30/60fps | 8K @ 30fps, 4K @ 30/60fps, 1080p @ up to 960fps | Edge 40 Pro offers much higher video resolution and more versatility, with various frame rates and advanced features. |
| DXOMark Score | N/A | 130 (Mobile) | Edge 40 Pro has been tested for mobile camera performance, giving you a concrete idea of it's camera performance, versus the G71 5G which has no rating. |
| Features | Digital/Optical zoom, Digital Stabilization, PDAF, LAF | Time-Lapse, 4K/8K Video, Digital/Optical zoom, OIS, Continuous AF, Manual focus, Dual capture | Edge 40 Pro offers advanced video recording modes, optical image stabilization, and greater control over camera settings. |
| Software | |||
| OS | Android 11 (upgradeable to 12) | Android 13 (upgradeable to 16) | The Edge 40 Pro offers more security updates and access to new features. |
| Connectivity | |||
| WiFi | 802.11a/b/g/n/ac | 802.11a/b/g/n/ac/ax/be | The Edge 40 Pro provides access to the newest wifi standard for faster transfer speeds. |
| Bluetooth | 5.0 LE | 5.3 LE | The Edge 40 Pro offers a more versatile Bluetooth connection. |
| GPS | GPS, A-GPS, GLONASS, Beidou, SUPL, Galileo | GPS, A-GPS, GLONASS, SUPL, Galileo, GPS (L1+L5), Galileo (E1+E5a) | The Edge 40 Pro has access to more satellite bands, for more precise and reliable location tracking. |
| SIM | Dual SIM Dual Standby | Dual SIM Dual Standby, eSIM | The Edge 40 Pro has an eSIM option for greater versatility in carriers. |
| Storage | |||
| Internal | 128 GB | 256/512 GB | The Edge 40 Pro has higher storage variants, and more storage as a standard offering, which is useful for users who store a lot of media. |
| RAM | 6 GB or 8 GB | 12 GB | The Edge 40 Pro will handle much more heavy multitasking. |
| Expandable | No | No | Neither phone has expandable storage which may be an issue for some people who like to store a large media library, or lots of games. |
| Audio | |||
| Quality | Dolby Atmos, 2 microphones | Dolby Atmos, Stereo Speakers, 4 microphones | The Edge 40 Pro will offer an immersive experience from the sound, and capture audio much more clearly. |
| Security | |||
| Features | Rear-mounted fingerprint sensor | Basic fingerprint sensor | Both phones offer biometric security. |
| Build Quality | |||
| Protection | Unknown | Corning Gorilla Glass Victus | The Edge 40 Pro has a much higher protection rating for the screen. |
| Sensors | |||
| Sensors | Fingerprint, Proximity, Accelerometer, Gyroscope | Fingerprint, Proximity, Accelerometer, Compass, Gyroscope | The Edge 40 Pro provides additional orientation information with the compass sensor. |
2. Key Insights
Motorola Moto G71 5G Strengths:
- Lightweight and Comfortable: It’s noticeably lighter, making it comfortable for extended use.
- Good Battery Capacity: The larger battery may offer slightly longer usage times.
- Solid Display: Offers the same resolution and similar display quality as the Edge 40 Pro for a slightly lower price point.
- Budget Friendly Option: This phone is more of a budget friendly option, and excels in that regard.
Motorola Edge 40 Pro Strengths:
- Superior Performance: The Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 chipset provides vastly superior speed and responsiveness.
- Exceptional Display: The 165Hz refresh rate and much brighter screen enhance the visual experience, especially for gaming.
- Advanced Camera System: The larger main sensor, dedicated telephoto lens, and higher resolution selfie camera deliver superior photos and videos.
- Faster Charging: The 125W fast charging is a huge time saver.
- Wireless Charging: The addition of wireless and reverse wireless charging provides much more versatility with charging.
- Premium Audio: The enhanced audio setup greatly benefits content consumption such as watching videos or listening to music.
Trade-offs:
- Weight: The Edge 40 Pro is heavier, which may be less comfortable for some.
- Battery: While the battery capacity is lower, the optimizations made on the device will probably make this negligible, and fast charging will make up for the small difference in capacity.
3. User Profiles and Recommendations
Motorola Moto G71 5G:
- Best for: Budget-conscious users who need a reliable daily driver for browsing, social media, and casual photography.
- Use Cases: Students, casual users, and anyone needing a dependable smartphone that won't break the bank.
Motorola Edge 40 Pro:
- Best for: Power users, gamers, and photography enthusiasts seeking top-tier performance and features.
- Use Cases: Heavy multitasking, gaming, high-quality photo and video capture, professional content creators.
4. Buying Decision Framework
Here are three questions to help guide your decision:
- What is your budget? If you're on a tight budget, the Moto G71 5G is a much cheaper option with a good amount of features. If budget is not a major concern, then the Edge 40 Pro offers a much better performance package.
- How important is performance? If you need a phone that can handle intensive tasks, heavy multitasking, or demanding games, the Edge 40 Pro is your best bet. For general use, the G71 5G will still do fine.
- What is your priority with camera and video? If you need professional grade camera and video quality, and features, then the Edge 40 Pro is superior.
Scenario-Based Recommendations:
Scenario 1: Everyday User
- Recommendation: Motorola Moto G71 5G. It covers the basics very well, offering a good balance of performance and features without breaking the bank.
Scenario 2: Gaming Enthusiast
- Recommendation: Motorola Edge 40 Pro. The higher refresh rate display, superior GPU, and faster RAM make it an ideal choice for smooth gaming.
Scenario 3: Photography Buff
- Recommendation: Motorola Edge 40 Pro. The advanced camera system, optical zoom, and video recording capabilities are designed for superior image quality and versatility.
Which one would I Choose?
If I were choosing between the two, I would go for the Motorola Edge 40 Pro, without question.
Here's why:
While the Moto G71 5G is a solid phone, the Edge 40 Pro offers a significant leap in performance that’s hard to ignore. As a tech journalist, I often use my phone for multitasking, content creation, and testing the limits of the latest games. The Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 chipset ensures that everything runs smoothly and efficiently, and the enhanced display and camera system make every interaction a premium experience.
Additionally, the significantly faster charging time, enhanced camera system, and features like wireless charging and reverse charging provide a higher degree of convenience and versatility. The faster Wifi also means faster data transfer, which is great for my line of work. While it is heavier than the G71 5G, the benefits of the upgraded components and features outweigh this minor drawback. The Edge 40 Pro isn’t just a phone, it’s an entire mobile powerhouse, and given its specs, you're getting exactly that.
Ultimately, the choice depends on your specific needs and budget, but for those who need peak performance, the Edge 40 Pro is the clear winner.
