Motorola Edge vs Edge Plus: Comparing Specs and Performance

John Hawley

Motorola Edge

Choosing between Motorola Edge and Edge Plus can be a significant decision for anyone in the market for a new smartphone. Both smartphones come from the same family but offer distinct features, designs, and specs that cater to different user requirements and budgets. The Edge model is a baseline for those who seek quality and affordability, while the Edge Plus is an upscale version with enhanced features.

The Edge Plus generally offers more advanced specifications, such as increased battery life, better camera capabilities, and more powerful processing speeds. This makes it suitable for buyers who prioritize top-tier smartphone performance and are willing to invest in a premium device. On the other hand, the Motorola Edge presents a balanced blend of performance and value, making it a solid choice for consumers who want a feature-rich phone without the premium price tag.

Motorola Edge vs Edge Plus: Comparing Specs and Performance

Amazon.com: Motorola Edge+ | 2023 | Unlocked | Made for US 8/512 | 50  MPCamera | Intersteller Black : Cell Phones & Accessories

Motorola’s Edge series offers high-end smartphones with flagship features. The Motorola Edge and Motorola Edge Plus are two key models in this lineup, targeting users who want premium designs and powerful performance. While they share many similarities, there are important differences in specs and capabilities that can influence your choice.


Overview

FeatureMotorola EdgeMotorola Edge Plus
Release DateApril 2020April 2020
Display6.7″ OLED, 2340 x 1080, 90Hz6.7″ OLED, 2340 x 1080, 90Hz
Processor (SoC)Qualcomm Snapdragon 765GQualcomm Snapdragon 865
RAM6GB / 8GB12GB
Storage128GB UFS 2.1256GB UFS 3.0
Rear CamerasTriple: 64MP (wide) + 16MP (ultrawide) + 8MP (telephoto)Triple: 108MP (wide) + 16MP (ultrawide) + 8MP (telephoto)
Front Camera25MP25MP
Battery4500mAh, 18W charging5000mAh, 18W charging
Operating SystemAndroid 10 (upgradeable)Android 10 (upgradeable)
5G SupportYes (Sub-6 GHz)Yes (Sub-6 GHz and mmWave)
Fingerprint SensorUnder-display opticalUnder-display optical
AudioStereo speakersStereo speakers
Price at LaunchAround $700Around $1000

Detailed Comparison

1. Display

Both phones have a 6.7-inch OLED display with a 90Hz refresh rate and curved edges, offering vibrant colors and smooth scrolling. The resolution is Full HD+ (2340 x 1080) on both models, providing sharp visuals.

2. Performance

  • Motorola Edge uses the Snapdragon 765G chipset, which is a mid-to-high-end processor with integrated 5G. It handles everyday tasks and moderate gaming well but is not a flagship-grade chip.
  • Motorola Edge Plus is powered by the Snapdragon 865, a flagship processor from 2020, offering significantly better CPU and GPU performance, faster app loading, and better future-proofing.

3. Memory and Storage

  • The Edge Plus doubles RAM to 12GB and offers faster UFS 3.0 storage, compared to 6GB or 8GB RAM and UFS 2.1 storage on the Edge.
  • This means better multitasking and quicker data transfer speeds on the Edge Plus.

4. Camera

  • The Edge Plus sports a 108MP main sensor, delivering higher resolution photos with more detail, especially in good lighting.
  • The Edge has a 64MP main camera, which is still very capable but less detailed.
  • Both phones have the same ultrawide (16MP) and telephoto (8MP) sensors.
  • Front cameras are identical at 25MP.

5. Battery and Charging

  • Edge Plus features a larger 5000mAh battery versus 4500mAh on the Edge.
  • Both support 18W wired charging, but neither supports fast wireless charging.
  • Battery life on Edge Plus is generally better due to the larger capacity and more efficient chipset.

6. Connectivity

  • Both phones support 5G but the Edge Plus supports both Sub-6 GHz and mmWave 5G bands, offering faster 5G speeds where mmWave is available.
  • Edge supports only Sub-6 GHz 5G.

7. Software

Both launched with Android 10 and Motorola’s near-stock Android experience, with promises of timely updates.


Which One Should You Choose?

Use CaseRecommended Model
Budget-conscious buyersMotorola Edge
Flagship performance & future-proofingMotorola Edge Plus
Photography enthusiastsMotorola Edge Plus
Longer battery lifeMotorola Edge Plus
5G mmWave support neededMotorola Edge Plus

Summary

FeatureMotorola EdgeMotorola Edge Plus
ProcessorSnapdragon 765GSnapdragon 865
RAM6GB/8GB12GB
Storage128GB UFS 2.1256GB UFS 3.0
Main Camera64MP108MP
Battery4500mAh5000mAh
5G BandsSub-6 GHz onlySub-6 GHz + mmWave
Price at Launch~$700~$1000

If you want a phone with flagship-level performance and better cameras, the Motorola Edge Plus is the better choice. If you want a solid phone with good performance at a lower price, the Motorola Edge is still a great option.

Key Takeaways

  • The Motorola Edge and Edge Plus cater to different consumer needs and budgets.
  • Edge Plus provides advanced features and high performance for premium device seekers.
  • Motorola Edge offers a balance of functionality and affordability for value-conscious users.

Comparison of Motorola Edge and Edge Plus

The Motorola Edge and Edge Plus are two phones that showcase differences in performance, display, camera quality, and other features. These variations will help users decide which device suits their needs.

Performance

The Motorola Edge Plus typically has more powerful specs than the Motorola Edge. It features a Snapdragon 8 Gen 1 processor which provides faster performance compared to the Snapdragon 765 in the standard Edge. The Edge Plus also comes with more RAM, often making it speedier in multitasking.

Display and Design

Both phones offer OLED screens that deliver vibrant colors and deep blacks. However, the Edge Plus often sports a higher refresh rate enhancing the smoothness of scrolling and animation. Both use Gorilla Glass for screen protection but may vary in specifics like Gorilla Glass version and HDR10 support, affecting durability and visual experience.

Camera System

The camera systems on these devices usually consist of multiple sensors, with the Edge Plus offering higher megapixels for its main camera. This results in sharper images with more detail. Both may support features like optical image stabilization (OIS) and various aperture settings to improve photo quality in different lighting conditions.

Battery and Charging

Motorola Edge models come with batteries geared for all-day use. The Edge Plus often provides quicker charging capabilities and might support wireless charging, which the Edge may lack. Fast charging options help reduce the time needed to power up the phone.

Connectivity and Extras

Users will find that both the Motorola Edge and Edge Plus support 5G networks for faster data speeds. They may also offer Wi-Fi 6, Bluetooth, NFC, and options for dual SIM usage. The specifics like Wi-Fi 6E support and USB features can differ, giving an edge to one over the other.

Pricing and Availability

Availability and price points for the Motorola Edge and Edge Plus can differ widely. The Edge Plus is the more expensive option but also offers enhanced features. Consumers looking for a balance between cost and capability will weigh these factors carefully when choosing between the two models.