1. Specifications Comparison
| Feature | Samsung Galaxy S20 FE 5G | Motorola Edge 50 Pro | Practical Impact |
|---|---|---|---|
| Design | |||
| Dimensions | 159.8 x 74.5 x 8.4 mm | 161.2 x 72.4 x 8.2 mm | S20 FE 5G is wider and thicker, might feel slightly bulkier. Edge 50 Pro is taller and narrower, potentially better for one-handed use for some. |
| Weight | 190g | 186g | Negligible difference in weight. |
| Build Quality | Gorilla Glass 3 | Gorilla Glass Victus | Edge 50 Pro has significantly better screen protection against scratches and drops, increasing long-term durability. |
| Display | |||
| Size | 6.5" | 6.7" | Edge 50 Pro offers a slightly larger viewing area, beneficial for media consumption and gaming. |
| Resolution | 1080x2400 | 1220x2712 | Edge 50 Pro has a noticeably sharper and more detailed display, enhancing visual clarity for text, images, and videos. |
| PPI | 407 | 446 | Edge 50 Pro's higher pixel density contributes to a finer, less grainy image. |
| Technology | AMOLED | P-OLED | Both offer vibrant colors and deep blacks. The difference is minimal for most users. |
| Refresh Rate | 120Hz | 144Hz | Edge 50 Pro provides slightly smoother scrolling and animations, especially noticeable in fast-paced games and UI interactions. |
| Brightness | 1200 nits | 2000 nits | Edge 50 Pro offers significantly better outdoor visibility in bright sunlight, making it easier to see the screen in challenging lighting conditions. |
| Performance | |||
| Chipset | Snapdragon 865 5G | Snapdragon 7 Gen 3 | Snapdragon 865 is a flagship chipset from 2020, while Snapdragon 7 Gen 3 is a modern mid-range processor. The Edge 50 Pro has a more efficient processor based on a smaller node that leads to better thermals and sustained performance. |
| AnTuTu Score | 623,000 | 866,863 | Edge 50 Pro demonstrates better overall performance in benchmarks, indicating faster app loading and smoother multitasking. |
| GPU | Adreno 650 | Adreno 720 | Edge 50 Pro's newer GPU generally offers better graphics performance for gaming and other visually intensive tasks. |
| RAM | 6/8 GB | 12/16 GB | Edge 50 Pro offers significantly more RAM, enabling smoother multitasking, better app retention, and improved performance with demanding applications. |
| Camera | |||
| Main Camera Res | 12MP | 50MP | Edge 50 Pro has a much higher resolution sensor for potentially more detailed photos and better cropping capabilities. |
| Main Camera Ap | f/1.8 | f/1.4 | Edge 50 Pro's wider aperture allows more light into the sensor, potentially improving low-light performance and creating shallower depth of field. |
| Selfie Camera Res | 32MP | 50MP | Edge 50 Pro has a much higher resolution front camera. |
| Telephoto Lens | 8MP | 10MP | Minimal difference in telephoto lens resolution. |
| Wide Angle Lens | 12MP | 13MP | Minimal difference in ultrawide lens resolution. |
| Video | Up to 4K@60fps | Up to 4K@30fps | S20 FE 5G can record 4k at 60fps which leads to a smoother looking video. The Edge 50 Pro has HDR recording which may look better depending on the environment. |
| Features | OIS, Zoom, Night Mode | OIS, Zoom, Night Mode, PDAF, Panorama | Edge 50 Pro offers Phase Detection Autofocus (PDAF) for faster and more accurate focusing, panorama for wide landscapes. |
| Battery | |||
| Capacity | 4500mAh | 4500mAh | Similar battery capacity suggests comparable battery life under similar usage patterns. |
| Charging | 25W wired, 15W wireless | 125W wired, 50W wireless | Edge 50 Pro charges significantly faster both wired and wirelessly, reducing downtime and providing quicker top-ups. |
| Wireless Charging | 15W | 50W | Edge 50 Pro offers significantly faster wireless charging |
| Software | |||
| OS | Android 10 (up to 13) | Android 14 (up to 17) | Edge 50 Pro has a newer OS version and a longer update commitment, ensuring access to the latest features, security patches, and performance improvements for a longer period. |
| Connectivity | |||
| Wi-Fi | Wi-Fi 6 | Wi-Fi 7 | Edge 50 Pro supports the latest Wi-Fi standards for faster speeds and better performance in crowded networks. |
| Bluetooth | 5.0 | 5.4 | Edge 50 Pro has a newer Bluetooth version, offering improved efficiency, range, and security. |
| SIM | Nano SIM + Nano SIM | Nano SIM + eSIM | Edge 50 Pro offers the flexibility of using an eSIM in addition to a physical SIM card. |
| Storage | |||
| Internal | 128/256GB | 256/512/1024GB | Edge 50 Pro offers larger internal storage options, providing more space for apps, media, and files. |
| Expandable | No | No | Neither phone allows for storage expansion via microSD card. |
2. Key Differences Analysis
Samsung Galaxy S20 FE 5G Advantages:
- 4k 60fps: Can record video at 4k 60fps
- ANT+ Support: This is useful for connecting to fitness devices that use ANT+.
Motorola Edge 50 Pro Advantages:
- Newer Technology: Overall newer technology (chipset, display, Bluetooth, Wi-Fi).
- Faster Charging: Significantly faster wired and wireless charging.
- Better Display: Higher resolution, brightness, and refresh rate for a superior viewing experience.
- More RAM/Storage Options: More RAM and storage provides better multitasking and storage capacity.
- Better Cameras: Higher resolution front and main cameras.
- More Modern Software: Comes with a newer version of Android and a longer update commitment.
- eSIM Support: Offers the flexibility of using an eSIM.
- Screen Protection: Has a better gorilla glass screen protection.
Significant Trade-offs:
- Processing Power: The S20 FE 5G has a flagship chipset released a few years ago, which could have similar day-to-day performance as the Edge 50 Pro, however the Edge 50 Pro has a more efficient chipset that uses a smaller node.
3. User Profiles & Recommendations
Samsung Galaxy S20 FE 5G Ideal User:
- Users who prioritize a balance of features and affordability.
- Those already invested in the Samsung ecosystem.
- Users needing ANT+ connectivity.
Use Cases:
- Everyday smartphone use, including social media, web browsing, and media consumption.
- Photography in well-lit conditions.
Motorola Edge 50 Pro Ideal User:
- Users who want the latest technology and features.
- Those who prioritize display quality, fast charging, and camera performance.
- Users who value a clean Android experience with timely updates.
- Users who want better screen protection
Use Cases:
- Mobile gaming and streaming video.
- Photography and videography in various lighting conditions.
- Productivity tasks, such as multitasking and running demanding applications.
4. Decision Framework
Key Questions for Buyers:
- How important is having the latest technology? (Edge 50 Pro is newer in almost every aspect)
- How much do you value fast charging? (Edge 50 Pro charges significantly faster)
- What is your budget? (Consider price differences and if the advantages of the Edge 50 Pro are worth the extra cost)
Scenario-Based Recommendations:
- Budget-Conscious User: If budget is a primary concern, the Galaxy S20 FE 5G remains a decent option if it can be found at a significantly lower price.
- Power User: For users who demand top-tier performance, superior display, and fast charging, the Motorola Edge 50 Pro is the clear winner.
- Photography Enthusiast: The Motorola Edge 50 Pro's cameras should provide a better overall experience.
My Choice
I would choose the Motorola Edge 50 Pro. While the Samsung Galaxy S20 FE 5G was a great phone in its time, the Edge 50 Pro offers a more modern and complete package. The faster charging, better display, improved cameras, and guaranteed software updates make it a more compelling choice for long-term use. The price-to-value ratio is also excellent, especially considering the cutting-edge features and performance it delivers. While the chipset difference might be arguable, the Edge 50 Pro is overall better for daily usage.
