Smartphone Comparison: Motorola One 5G Ace vs. Motorola Edge 20 Pro
1. Specifications Comparison
| Feature | Motorola One 5G Ace | Motorola Edge 20 Pro | Practical Impact |
|---|---|---|---|
| Design | |||
| Launch Date | 2021-01-14 | 2021-08-16 | The Edge 20 Pro is a newer model with potentially more up-to-date features and software. |
| Dimensions | 166.1 × 76.1 × 9.9 mm | 163 × 76 × 8 mm | The Edge 20 Pro is thinner and slightly shorter, feeling more compact. The One 5G Ace is bulkier. |
| Weight | 212g | 190g | Edge 20 Pro is noticeably lighter making it more comfortable for extended use. |
| Display | |||
| Size | 6.7" | 6.7" | Both have the same screen real estate. |
| Resolution | 1080x2400 | 1080x2400 | Both provide a similar level of detail and clarity. |
| PPI | 393 | 385 | Very similar sharpness, difficult to notice any difference to the naked eye. |
| Technology | IPS LCD | OLED | Edge 20 Pro's OLED screen will have better contrast, deeper blacks, and more vibrant colors. |
| Refresh Rate | 60Hz | 144Hz | Edge 20 Pro's display will feel much smoother, especially during gaming and scrolling. |
| Brightness | 0 nits | 0 nits | Peak brightness is identical, but this spec is missing. Difficult to compare outdoor performance. |
| Performance | |||
| Chipset | Snapdragon 750G (8 nm) | Snapdragon 870 (7 nm) | Edge 20 Pro has a significantly more powerful chip, leading to faster app loading and overall performance. |
| AnTuTu Score | 330,000 | 813,800 | Edge 20 Pro offers over double the performance, better suited to demanding tasks and games. |
| GPU | Adreno 619 | Adreno 650 | Edge 20 Pro's GPU offers superior graphics processing, leading to better gaming performance. |
| Camera | |||
| Main Camera | 48MP, f/1.7, 0.80µm pixel size | 108MP, f/1.9, 1/1.52", 0.70µm pixel size | Edge 20 Pro's main camera has higher resolution and larger sensor, potentially capturing more detail. |
| Selfie Camera | 16MP, f/2.2, 1.12µm pixel size | 32MP, f/2.3, 0.70µm pixel size | Edge 20 Pro has higher resolution, potentially capturing more detailed selfies. |
| Telephoto Lens | Not Available | 8MP, f/3.4 | Edge 20 Pro has optical zoom capabilities for better long-distance shots. |
| Wide Angle Lens | 8MP, f/2.2, 1.12µm pixel size | Not available | One 5G Ace can take wider shots, suitable for group photos and landscapes. |
| Macro Lens | 2MP, f/2.4, 1.75µm pixel size | Not Available | One 5G Ace has a dedicated macro lens for close-up shots. |
| Wide Angle + Macro | Not Available | 16MP, f/2.2 | Edge 20 Pro combines both functions into a single lens, may be more versatile than separate lenses. |
| Video | Up to 4K@30fps w/EIS, 1080p@60fps w/EIS | Up to 8K@24fps w/EIS, 4K@60fps w/EIS, 1080p@960fps w/EIS | Edge 20 Pro offers significantly higher video quality and slow-motion capabilities. |
| Battery | |||
| Capacity | 5000mAh | 4500mAh | One 5G Ace has a slightly larger battery, likely resulting in longer battery life for basic tasks. |
| Charging | 15W fast charging | 30W fast charging | Edge 20 Pro charges faster, allowing for quick top-ups. |
| Features | 10W rapid charger in-box | Reverse charging | Edge 20 Pro can act as a power bank for other devices. |
| Software | |||
| OS | Android 10 | Android 11 | Edge 20 Pro runs a newer version of Android. |
| Connectivity | |||
| Wi-Fi | Wi-Fi 5 (802.11ac) | Wi-Fi 6 (802.11ax) | Edge 20 Pro offers faster speeds and better performance in crowded networks with Wi-Fi 6. |
| Bluetooth | 5.1 LE | 5.1 LE, APT-x, LDAC, SBC, AAC | Edge 20 Pro supports higher quality audio codecs for better audio quality with supported devices. |
| GPS | GPS, A-GPS, GLONASS, SUPL, Galileo | GPS, A-GPS, GLONASS, Beidou, Galileo, GPS (L1+L5), GLONASS (L1), BeiDou (B1), Galileo (E1+E5a), BeiDou (B2) | Edge 20 Pro has access to more satellite systems for better location accuracy. |
| SIM | Single SIM | Dual SIM Dual Standby | Edge 20 Pro can use two SIM cards simultaneously, good for travel or separate work and personal lines. |
| Storage | |||
| Internal Storage | 64 GB or 128 GB | 128 GB or 256 GB | Edge 20 Pro has more storage options, allowing for more apps, photos, and videos. |
| RAM | 4GB or 6GB | 12GB | Edge 20 Pro has significantly more RAM leading to better multitasking. |
| Expandable Storage | Not expandable | Not expandable | Both do not offer SD card slots. |
| Audio | |||
| Quality | 2 microphones | Basic | One 5G Ace has slightly improved audio recording. |
| Security | |||
| Fingerprint sensor | Rear-mounted | Side-mounted | Side-mounted fingerprint sensor generally considered faster and more convenient |
| Build Quality | |||
| Screen Protection | Unknown | Corning Gorilla Glass 5 | Edge 20 Pro is more resistant to scratches. |
2. Key Differences Analysis
Motorola One 5G Ace Advantages:
- Larger Battery: The 5000mAh battery may offer longer battery life for basic daily usage.
- Dedicated Macro Lens: Offers dedicated close-up photography.
- Wider Aperture on Standard Camera: Potentially better low-light performance for the main camera.
- Wider Angle Camera Lens: Capable of taking wider shots.
Motorola Edge 20 Pro Advantages:
- Superior Display: OLED screen with 144Hz refresh rate offers significantly better visual experience.
- Much Higher Performance: Snapdragon 870 chipset delivers significantly faster performance.
- Better Camera System: Higher resolution main and selfie cameras, plus a telephoto lens for optical zoom, and higher video resolution and slow-motion capabilities.
- Faster Charging: 30W fast charging allows quick battery top-ups.
- More RAM: 12GB RAM ensures smoother multitasking.
- Wi-Fi 6: Provides faster wireless internet speeds.
- More Storage Options: Offers up to 256GB of internal storage.
- Dual SIM Support: More convenient for travel or separate work/personal usage.
- Side-Mounted Fingerprint Sensor: Generally more convenient and faster to use.
- Reverse Charging: Can charge other devices wirelessly.
- Better Bluetooth codecs: Improved audio quality.
- More GPS Satellites: Improved location accuracy
- Better Screen Protection: Corning Gorilla Glass 5.
- Wide Angle + Macro Lens: More versatile than separate lenses.
Significant Trade-offs:
- The One 5G Ace sacrifices performance, display quality, and camera versatility for a slightly larger battery and dedicated macro and wide angle lenses. The Edge 20 Pro prioritizes performance and display, while also having a superior camera system and battery features.
3. User Profiles & Recommendations
Motorola One 5G Ace Ideal User:
- Budget-conscious users: Seeking a phone with 5G connectivity without breaking the bank.
- Users primarily focused on battery life: Prioritizing longer usage between charges.
- Occasional photographers: Who value having separate macro and wide angle lenses for some additional versatility.
- Users who don't require heavy gaming or intensive tasks.
Motorola Edge 20 Pro Ideal User:
- Performance enthusiasts: Who require a fast and responsive phone for gaming and intensive tasks.
- Users who value display quality: Who prioritize a smooth, vibrant, and high-refresh-rate screen.
- Photography enthusiasts: Who want a versatile camera system with optical zoom and high-resolution capabilities.
- Users who want the latest features: Including faster charging, Wi-Fi 6, and dual SIM.
Specific Use Cases:
- Motorola One 5G Ace: Excellent for daily browsing, social media, basic photography, and long commutes where battery life is crucial.
- Motorola Edge 20 Pro: Ideal for mobile gamers, content creators, users who frequently take photos and videos, and professionals who need a powerful and reliable device.
Price-to-Value Ratio:
- The One 5G Ace is generally more affordable, offering good value for basic functionality.
- The Edge 20 Pro, while more expensive, justifies its price with significantly improved performance, display, camera, and features.
4. Decision Framework
Key Questions for Buyers:
- What is your primary use case? (e.g., gaming, social media, photography)
- How important is display quality to you? (e.g., smoother screen, vivid colors)
- What is your budget? (How much are you willing to spend for the best possible experience.)
Scenario-Based Recommendations:
- If you are on a tight budget and prioritize battery life for basic tasks: Choose the Motorola One 5G Ace.
- If you want a smooth display, powerful performance, a versatile camera system, and are willing to pay more: The Motorola Edge 20 Pro is the better option.
- If you are a gamer or content creator: The Motorola Edge 20 Pro offers superior performance, display and camera capabilities.
- If you only take occasional photos and prefer a wider angle or macro camera, and battery life is a must: The Motorola One 5G Ace has a better setup for that.
My Choice
If I were choosing between these two phones, I would pick the Motorola Edge 20 Pro. While the Motorola One 5G Ace has a slightly larger battery, the Edge 20 Pro is superior in virtually every other aspect that matters to me. The significantly better OLED display with a 144Hz refresh rate, the much faster Snapdragon 870 processor, the enhanced camera system with its telephoto lens and higher video resolution, and additional features like faster charging, better wifi, more ram, and dual SIM support make it a more versatile and future-proof device. I value a phone that can handle demanding tasks smoothly, has a great screen for media consumption, and takes high-quality photos and videos. While I appreciate the slightly larger battery of the One 5G Ace and its dedicated lenses, the performance jump and the superior display offered by the Edge 20 Pro outweigh those benefits for my usage. The better audio codecs and GPS are also welcome additions. The Edge 20 Pro offers a much more complete and enjoyable experience that would fit my needs best.
