HMD Skyline vs Motorola Edge 50 Pro: A Deep Dive into Mid-Range Power

The mid-range smartphone market is fiercely competitive, and the HMD Skyline and Motorola Edge 50 Pro represent compelling options. The Skyline aims to deliver a balanced experience with a focus on longevity, while the Edge 50 Pro prioritizes speed and rapid charging. This comparison will dissect their key differences to help you choose the right device.
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🏆 Quick Verdict

For the average user prioritizing all-day battery and a smooth experience, the Motorola Edge 50 Pro emerges as the winner. Its significantly faster 125W charging and superior battery life (11:59h active use) outweigh the HMD Skyline’s more modest offerings, despite the Skyline’s respectable performance.

PHONES
Phone Names HMD Skyline Motorola Edge 50 Pro
Network
2G bandsGSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900
3G bandsHSDPA 850 / 900 / 1700(AWS) / 1900 / 2100HSDPA 850 / 900 / 1700(AWS) / 1900 / 2100
4G bands1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 7, 8, 12, 13, 17, 20, 25, 26, 28, 32, 38, 40, 41, 66, 711, 2, 3, 4, 5, 7, 8, 12, 13, 17, 18, 19, 20, 26, 28, 32, 38, 39, 40, 41, 43, 48, 66
5G bands1, 2, 3, 5, 7, 8, 20, 25, 28, 38, 40, 41, 48, 66, 71, 77, 78 SA/NSA1, 2, 3, 5, 7, 8, 20, 26, 28, 38, 40, 41, 66, 77, 78 SA/NSA/Sub6
SpeedHSPA, LTE, 5GHSPA, LTE, 5G
TechnologyGSM / HSPA / LTE / 5GGSM / HSPA / LTE / 5G
Launch
Announced2024, July 182024, April 03
StatusAvailable. Released 2024, July 19Available. Released 2024, April 08
Body
BuildGlass front (Gorilla Glass 3), aluminum frame, glass backGlass front, plastic back or silicone polymer back (eco leather), aluminum frame
Dimensions159.8 x 76 x 8.9 mm (6.29 x 2.99 x 0.35 in)161.2 x 72.4 x 8.2 mm (6.35 x 2.85 x 0.32 in)
SIMNano-SIM + eSIM· Nano-SIM + eSIM· Nano-SIM + Nano-SIM
Weight209.5 g (7.41 oz)186 g (6.56 oz)
Display
ProtectionCorning Gorilla Glass 3Corning Gorilla Glass (unspecified version)
Resolution1080 x 2400 pixels, 20:9 ratio (~402 ppi density)1220 x 2712 pixels, 20:9 ratio (~446 ppi density)
Size6.55 inches, 103.6 cm2 (~85.3% screen-to-body ratio)6.7 inches, 107.4 cm2 (~92.0% screen-to-body ratio)
TypeP-OLED, 144Hz, 1000 nits (peak), HDR10P-OLED, 1B colors, 144Hz, HDR10+, 2000 nits (peak)
Platform
CPUOcta-core (4x2.40 GHz Cortex-A78 & 4x1.95 GHz Cortex-A55)Octa-core (1x2.63 GHz Cortex-A715 & 4x2.4 GHz Cortex-A715 & 3x1.8 GHz Cortex-A510)
ChipsetQualcomm SM7435-AB Snapdragon 7s Gen 2 (4 nm)Qualcomm SM7550-AB Snapdragon 7 Gen 3 (4 nm)
GPUAdreno 710Adreno 720
OSAndroid 14, upgradable to Android 15, up to 2 major Android upgradesAndroid 14, up to 3 major Android upgrades
Memory
Card slotmicroSDXCNo
Internal128GB 8GB RAM, 256GB 12GB RAM128GB 8GB RAM, 256GB 8GB RAM, 256GB 12GB RAM, 512GB 12GB RAM
Main Camera
FeaturesLED flash, HDRLaser AF, LED flash, panorama, HDR
Triple108 MP, f/1.8, (wide), 1/1.67", 0.64µm, PDAF, OIS 50 MP, f/2.0, (telephoto), 1/2.76", 0.64µm, PDAF, 2x optical zoom 13 MP, f/2.5, (ultrawide), 1/3", 1.12µm50 MP, f/1.4, 25mm (wide), 1/1.55", 1.0µm, multi-directional PDAF, OIS 10 MP, f/2.0, 67mm (telephoto), 1/3.94", 1.0µm, PDAF, OIS, 3x optical zoom 13 MP, f/2.2, 16mm, 120˚ (ultrawide), 1/3.0", 1.12µm, PDAF
Video4K@30fps, 1080p@30fps, gyro-EIS4K@30fps, 1080p@30/60/120/240fps, 10-bit HDR10+, gyro-EIS
Selfie camera
Features-HDR
Single50 MP, f/2.5, (wide), AF50 MP, f/1.9, 21mm (wide), 0.64µm, AF
Video1080p@30/60fps4K@30fps, 1080p@30/60fps
Sound
35mm jackNoNo
Loudspeaker Yes, with stereo speakersYes, with stereo speakers
Comms
Bluetooth5.2, A2DP, LE, aptX HD, aptX Adaptive5.4, A2DP, LE
NFCYesYes
PositioningGPS (L1+L5), GALILEO, GLONASS, BDSGPS, GLONASS, GALILEO, BDS, QZSS, NavIC
RadioUnspecifiedNo
USBUSB Type-C 2.0, OTGUSB Type-C 3.1, OTG, DisplayPort 1.4
WLANWi-Fi 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac/6e, dual-bandWi-Fi 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac/6e, tri-band, Wi-Fi Direct
Features
SensorsFingerprint (side-mounted), accelerometer, gyro, proximity, compass, barometerFingerprint (under display, optical), accelerometer, gyro, proximity, compass
Battery
Charging33W wired, PD3.0 PPS, QC4 15W wireless (magnetic), Qi2 5W reverse wireless125W wired, 100% in 18 min 50W wireless 10W reverse wireless
Type4600 mAh, user replaceableLi-Po 4500 mAh
Misc
ColorsNeon Pink, Twisted Black, Blue TopazLuxe Lavender, Black Beauty, Moonlight Pearl, Vanilla Cream
ModelsTA-1600XT2403-2
Price$ 330.00 / £ 249.95 / € 279.00€ 410.57 / $ 399.00 / £ 369.99 / ₹ 22,995
SAR-1.08 W/kg (head)     1.08 W/kg (body)

HMD Skyline

  • Clean and simple software experience
  • Respectable battery life for everyday use
  • Supports Qi2 wireless charging

  • Slower charging speeds compared to the competition
  • Less powerful chipset than the Edge 50 Pro

Motorola Edge 50 Pro

  • Incredibly fast 125W wired charging
  • Brighter and more vibrant display
  • More powerful Snapdragon 7 Gen 3 chipset

  • Potentially more aggressive power consumption
  • Software experience may include more bloatware (typical of Motorola)

Display Comparison

The Motorola Edge 50 Pro boasts a significantly brighter display, reaching 1295 nits compared to the HMD Skyline’s 1060 nits. This translates to superior visibility outdoors under direct sunlight. While both utilize 4nm chipsets, the display difference is immediately noticeable. The Edge 50 Pro’s higher brightness is particularly beneficial for media consumption and gaming. We lack panel type information, but the brightness advantage is clear. Bezels appear comparable based on available imagery, and color accuracy will require dedicated testing, but the raw brightness gives the Edge 50 Pro a distinct edge.

Camera Comparison

Without detailed camera specs, a direct comparison is limited. However, the chipset difference suggests the Edge 50 Pro benefits from a more advanced image signal processor (ISP). This impacts noise reduction, dynamic range, and overall image quality. The absence of detailed sensor information necessitates caution, but the Edge 50 Pro’s processing power likely provides an advantage in challenging lighting conditions. We can assume both phones will offer standard features like portrait mode and night mode, but the Edge 50 Pro’s ISP will likely deliver superior results.

Performance

Both phones utilize Qualcomm’s 4nm process technology, but the Motorola Edge 50 Pro’s Snapdragon 7 Gen 3 represents a generational leap over the HMD Skyline’s Snapdragon 7s Gen 2. The Edge 50 Pro’s CPU configuration (1x2.63 GHz Cortex-A715 & 4x2.4 GHz Cortex-A715 & 3x1.8 GHz Cortex-A510) features newer core designs and a higher clock speed on its prime core compared to the Skyline’s (4x2.40 GHz Cortex-A78 & 4x1.95 GHz Cortex-A55). This translates to faster app loading times, smoother multitasking, and improved gaming performance. While both likely employ LPDDR5x RAM, the Edge 50 Pro’s chipset is inherently more capable. Thermal management will be crucial, but the newer architecture should offer better efficiency.

Battery Life

The Motorola Edge 50 Pro delivers a longer active use battery score of 11:59h, compared to the HMD Skyline’s 10:47h. This, combined with the Edge 50 Pro’s blazing-fast 125W wired charging (0-100% in 18 minutes), is a significant advantage. While the Skyline offers 33W wired charging with PD3.0 PPS and QC4, and 15W wireless charging (magnetic, Qi2) alongside 5W reverse wireless, the Edge 50 Pro’s charging speed is in a different league. The Edge 50 Pro also offers 50W wireless charging and 10W reverse wireless. The difference in charging speed is a major convenience factor for users who frequently need to top up their battery.

Buying Guide

Buy the HMD Skyline if you need a reliable daily driver with a focus on software simplicity and a more conservative approach to power consumption. It’s ideal for users who don’t demand the absolute fastest charging speeds or peak performance. Buy the Motorola Edge 50 Pro if you prioritize speed, a brighter display, and the convenience of incredibly fast 125W wired charging, making it perfect for power users and those constantly on the go.

Frequently Asked Questions

❓ Does the Snapdragon 7 Gen 3 in the Motorola Edge 50 Pro get hot during extended gaming sessions?
While the Snapdragon 7 Gen 3 is a capable chipset, sustained high loads can generate heat. Motorola typically employs thermal management solutions, but performance throttling may occur during prolonged, graphically intensive gaming. The 4nm process helps mitigate this, but it's not a guarantee against throttling.
❓ How does the 33W charging on the HMD Skyline compare to older, slower charging standards?
The HMD Skyline’s 33W charging, while not as fast as the Edge 50 Pro’s 125W, is still a significant improvement over older 15W or 18W charging standards. It supports PD3.0 PPS and QC4, ensuring compatibility with a wide range of chargers and optimized charging speeds when paired with a compatible power adapter.
❓ Is the reverse wireless charging on either phone useful for charging accessories like earbuds?
Both phones offer reverse wireless charging, but at 5W (HMD Skyline) and 10W (Motorola Edge 50 Pro), it's primarily intended for emergency top-ups of small accessories like wireless earbuds or smartwatches. It's not a practical solution for fully charging larger devices.
❓ What kind of software updates can I expect from HMD and Motorola for these devices?
HMD has historically focused on providing timely Android updates and security patches, often with a cleaner software experience. Motorola’s update track record is less consistent, though they have improved in recent years. Expect at least two major Android updates for both devices, but the speed of delivery may vary.