1. Specifications Comparison
| Feature | Motorola One 5G Ace | Motorola Edge 40 Pro | Practical Impact |
|---|---|---|---|
| Design | |||
| Dimensions | 166.1 × 76.1 × 9.9 mm, 212g | 161.2 × 74 × 8.6 mm, 199g | Edge 40 Pro is more compact and lighter, making it easier to handle and pocket. The One 5G Ace is bulkier and heavier. |
| Display | |||
| Size | 6.7" | 6.67" | Negligible difference in screen real estate; both provide a large viewing experience. |
| Resolution | 1080x2400 | 1080x2400 | Identical sharpness, both offer a crisp visual experience for their respective sizes. |
| Technology | IPS LCD | OLED | Edge 40 Pro has superior contrast, deeper blacks, and more vibrant colors compared to the One 5G Ace. Better viewing experience, especially for media. |
| Refresh Rate | 60Hz | 165Hz | Edge 40 Pro provides a much smoother visual experience (scrolling, gaming) due to the higher refresh rate. |
| Brightness | 0 nits | 1100 nits | Edge 40 Pro is significantly better for outdoor visibility, offering a much brighter screen under sunlight. One 5G Ace lacks specified brightness. |
| Performance | |||
| Chipset | Snapdragon 750G 5G (8 nm) | Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 (4 nm) | Edge 40 Pro offers significantly faster performance for demanding apps, gaming, and multitasking due to its flagship chipset. |
| AnTuTu Score | 330,000 | 1,532,500 | Edge 40 Pro performs dramatically better, indicating substantial improvements in overall speed and responsiveness. |
| GPU | Adreno 619 | Adreno 740 | Edge 40 Pro delivers much more powerful graphics, leading to smoother gaming experiences and faster graphics processing. |
| Battery | |||
| Capacity | 5000mAh | 4600mAh | One 5G Ace has slightly larger battery; could offer slightly longer battery life in moderate use. |
| Charging | 15W fast charging | 125W fast charging | Edge 40 Pro charges significantly faster, minimizing downtime. One 5G Ace charging would be significantly slower. |
| Battery Features | 10W charger in-box | 125W charger in-box, 15W wireless, reverse charging, reverse wired charging | Edge 40 Pro has versatile charging options (faster wired, wireless, reverse charging); One 5G Ace comes with slower charger in-box |
| Camera | |||
| Main Camera | 48MP, f/1.7, 0.8µm pixel size | 50MP, f/1.8, 1/1.55", 1.0µm pixel size | Edge 40 Pro has slightly better sensor size and pixel size (for better light capture), potentially better image quality. |
| Selfie Camera | 16MP, f/2.2, 1.12µm pixel size | 60MP, f/2.2, 1/2.8", 0.61µm pixel size | Edge 40 Pro has higher resolution for more detailed selfies, but smaller pixels could impact low-light performance. |
| Telephoto Lens | None | 12MP, f/1.6, 1/2.93", 1.22µm pixel size | Edge 40 Pro provides optical zoom capabilities; One 5G Ace has no telephoto lens. |
| Wide Angle Lens | 8MP, f/2.2, 1.12µm pixel size | 50MP, f/2.2, 1/2.76", 0.64µm pixel size | Edge 40 Pro has a much higher resolution, resulting in more detailed wide-angle photos. |
| Macro Lens | 2MP, f/2.4, 1.75µm pixel size | None | One 5G Ace has a dedicated macro lens, useful for extreme close-ups; Edge 40 Pro does not. |
| Video | Up to 4K@30fps | Up to 8K@30fps | Edge 40 Pro can record higher resolution video, leading to more detailed footage and offers HDR recording. Offers more framerates. |
| DXOMark Score | N/A | 130 (Mobile) | Edge 40 Pro has a rated camera performance score, indicating its camera is capable. The One 5G Ace doesn't have a DXOMark score. |
| Software | |||
| OS | Android 10 | Android 13 | Edge 40 Pro offers a newer OS, with more features, security updates, and longer support cycle. |
| Max OS Version | Not Specified | Android 16 | Edge 40 Pro offers significantly longer software support |
| Connectivity | |||
| WiFi | Wi-Fi 5 | Wi-Fi 7 | Edge 40 Pro offers much faster Wi-Fi speeds, better network performance, and less latency. |
| Bluetooth | 5.1 LE | 5.3 LE | Edge 40 Pro has a newer version of Bluetooth with improved audio codecs and energy efficiency. |
| GPS | Standard GPS | Advanced GPS | Edge 40 Pro offers better accuracy with more satellite systems. |
| SIM | Single SIM | Dual SIM (Nano SIM + eSIM) | Edge 40 Pro allows using two SIMs simultaneously with ability to digitally switch carriers. One 5G Ace only supports one physical SIM. |
| Storage | |||
| Internal | 64GB or 128 GB | 256GB or 512 GB | Edge 40 Pro provides significantly more storage, suitable for larger media libraries and apps. |
| RAM | 4GB or 6GB | 12GB | Edge 40 Pro has significantly more RAM for smoother multitasking and demanding tasks. |
| Expandable | No | No | Neither phone supports microSD cards for storage expansion. |
| Audio | |||
| Audio Quality | 2 Microphones | Dolby Atmos, Stereo Speakers, 4 Microphones | Edge 40 Pro offers superior audio experience with spatial audio and better voice capture with stereo speakers. |
| Security | |||
| Fingerprint Sensor | Rear-mounted | Basic | Both have similar fingerprint sensor; provides biometric security |
| Build Quality | |||
| Screen Protection | Unknown | Corning Gorilla Glass Victus | Edge 40 Pro offers superior screen protection, reducing risk of damage. |
| Sensors | |||
| Sensors | Fingerprint, Proximity, Accelerometer, Compass, Gyroscope | Fingerprint, Proximity, Accelerometer, Compass, Gyroscope | Both have the standard sensors that enable regular phone functions |
2. Key Differences Analysis
Motorola One 5G Ace Advantages:
- Slightly larger battery: 5000 mAh vs 4600 mAh. Practical Impact: Potentially slightly longer battery life, especially for basic usage.
- Macro Lens: Dedicated 2MP macro lens. Practical Impact: Allows for close-up macro photography that Edge 40 Pro lacks.
- Wider Aperture on Main Lens: f/1.7 compared to f/1.8 on the Edge 40 Pro. Practical Impact: Slightly better light capture, though the practical difference will likely be minor
Motorola Edge 40 Pro Advantages:
- Superior Display: OLED panel with 165Hz refresh rate and 1100 nits brightness. Practical Impact: Significantly better visual experience with vibrant colors, smooth scrolling, and excellent outdoor visibility.
- Flagship Performance: Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 chipset. Practical Impact: Much faster performance for all tasks, especially gaming and demanding applications.
- Significantly Better Camera: Higher resolution sensors, optical zoom capabilities, and vastly superior video capabilities. Practical Impact: Better image quality, more versatile shooting options, and higher quality video for content creation.
- Faster Charging: 125W fast charging with additional wireless and reverse charging options. Practical Impact: Minimal charging time, and can be used to charge other devices.
- Newer OS: Android 13 with more software updates promised. Practical Impact: Access to the latest features, better security, and longer support lifespan.
- Significantly more RAM and Storage: 12 GB of RAM and 256/512 GB internal storage options. Practical Impact: Better multitasking and more space for apps and media
- Improved Connectivity: Wi-Fi 7 and Bluetooth 5.3. Practical Impact: Faster network speeds, reduced latency, and better audio quality.
- Better Audio: Dolby Atmos, Stereo Speakers, and 4 microphones. Practical Impact: Enhanced immersive audio experience and better voice capture.
- Superior Screen Protection: Corning Gorilla Glass Victus. Practical Impact: More durable screen and better protection against scratches and drops.
Trade-offs:
- The Edge 40 Pro trades slightly smaller battery capacity for significantly faster charging and overall better performance, and lacks a macro lens.
- The One 5G Ace is a more budget-friendly option, however, it is significantly inferior in almost all other aspects.
3. User Profiles & Recommendations
Motorola One 5G Ace:
- Ideal User: Budget-conscious users who prioritize battery life and are looking for a large screen for basic tasks such as browsing, streaming and social media.
- Use Cases:
- Everyday tasks and browsing.
- Casual social media.
- Streaming videos on a large screen.
- Users who do not have demanding needs.
- Price-to-Value: Offers reasonable value at a lower price point, but the performance of the device is not great.
Motorola Edge 40 Pro:
- Ideal User: Tech enthusiasts, gamers, content creators, and users who demand top-tier performance and a premium experience.
- Use Cases:
- High-end gaming.
- Professional content creation (photos and videos).
- Heavy multitasking and demanding apps.
- Users who prioritize screen quality and speed.
- Users who value fast charging and the latest software updates.
- Price-to-Value: Justifies its higher price with a premium display, flagship performance, excellent camera, and fast charging, making it a great high-end phone.
4. Decision Framework
Key Questions for Buyers:
- Budget: How much are you willing to spend on a new smartphone?
- Primary Use: What will be your primary use case? (e.g., gaming, photography, basic tasks)
- Features Prioritization: Which features do you value most? (e.g., screen quality, performance, battery life)
Scenario-Based Recommendations:
- Scenario 1: Budget-Conscious User
- If budget is the primary concern, and you need a basic phone for everyday use, the Motorola One 5G Ace might suffice, however, be aware that it is significantly inferior to the Edge 40 Pro
- Scenario 2: Performance and Experience
- If you prioritize performance, screen quality, camera capabilities, and fast charging, the Motorola Edge 40 Pro is the clear winner.
- Scenario 3: Content Creator
- The Motorola Edge 40 Pro is recommended for content creators due to its superior camera and video recording capabilities, along with its great screen and processing power
- Scenario 4: Gaming
- The Motorola Edge 40 Pro is also the clear winner for gaming given its flagship chip set, 165Hz display, and significantly more RAM and storage compared to the Motorola One 5G Ace.
My Choice
I would choose the Motorola Edge 40 Pro.
Reasoning:
The Motorola Edge 40 Pro provides a superior experience in almost every aspect that matters to me. The display is substantially better, with OLED technology, a higher refresh rate for smoother scrolling, and superior brightness for outdoor use. The performance difference is also critical; with the Snapdragon 8 Gen 2, I would expect a consistently snappy performance with any task. The camera system of the Edge 40 Pro offers significantly more versatility with its telephoto and wide angle lens, combined with its far superior video recording capabilities. Lastly the addition of fast charging and the promise of longer software support also make it a more attractive package.
While the One 5G Ace has a slightly larger battery and a macro lens, these are overshadowed by the Edge 40 Pro's substantial advantages in almost all other categories. The price difference is justified by the vastly superior performance, display quality, and camera system offered by the Edge 40 Pro, making it the more logical choice for anyone who wants a premium smartphone experience.
