Motorola Edge+ (2020) vs. Edge+ (2023): A Generational Leap?

Motorola's Edge+ line has consistently aimed for premium features without the flagship price tag. But how do the 2020 and 2023 models stack up against each other? We're diving deep into a comprehensive comparison to help you decide which Edge+ is the better buy.
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🏆 Quick Verdict

The Motorola Edge+ (2023) is the clear winner, boasting a significantly faster processor, vastly improved charging speeds, and a more modern design. While the 2020 model remains a capable device, the 2023 version offers a substantial upgrade for a worthwhile investment.

PHONES
Phone Names Motorola Edge+ (2020) Motorola Edge+ (2023)
Network
2G bandsGSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900 GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900
3G bandsHSDPA 850 / 900 / 1700(AWS) / 1900 / 2100 - GlobalHSDPA 850 / 900 / 1700(AWS) / 1900 / 2100
4G bands1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 7, 8, 12, 13, 17, 20, 25, 26, 28, 29, 30, 34, 38, 39, 40, 41, 42, 46, 66, 71 - Global1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 7, 8, 12, 13, 14, 17, 18, 20, 25, 26, 28, 29, 30, 38, 39, 40, 41, 41, 46, 48, 66, 71
5G bands5, 41, 66, 71, 77, 78 Sub6 - Global1, 2, 3, 5, 7, 12, 14, 20, 25, 26, 28, 29, 30, 38, 41, 41, 48, 66, 70, 71, 77, 78 SA/NSA/Sub6/mmWave
SpeedHSPA 42.2/5.76 Mbps, LTE-A (6CA) Cat20 2000/200 Mbps, 5G 4 Gbps DLHSPA, LTE, 5G
TechnologyGSM / CDMA / HSPA / EVDO / LTE / 5GGSM / HSPA / LTE / 5G
 2, 5, 66, 260, 261 mmWave/Sub6 - Verizon-
Launch
Announced2020, April 222023, May 02
StatusAvailable. Released 2020, May 14Available. Released 2023, May 19
Body
BuildGlass front (Gorilla Glass 5), aluminum frameGlass front (Gorilla Glass Victus), glass back (Gorilla Glass Victus), aluminum frame
Dimensions161.1 x 71.4 x 9.6 mm (6.34 x 2.81 x 0.38 in)161.2 x 74 x 8.6 mm (6.35 x 2.91 x 0.34 in)
SIMNano-SIMNano-SIM + eSIM
Weight203 g (7.16 oz)203 g (7.16 oz)
 Water-repellent coatingIP68 dust/water resistant (up to 1.5m for 30 min)
Display
ProtectionCorning Gorilla Glass 5Corning Gorilla Glass Victus
Resolution1080 x 2340 pixels, 19.5:9 ratio (~385 ppi density)1080 x 2400 pixels, 20:9 ratio (~395 ppi density)
Size6.7 inches, 110.2 cm2 (~95.8% screen-to-body ratio)6.67 inches, 107.4 cm2 (~90.0% screen-to-body ratio)
TypeOLED, 1B colors, 90Hz, HDR10+OLED, 1B colors, 165Hz, HDR10+, Dolby Vision, 1300 nits (peak)
Platform
CPUOcta-core (1x2.84 GHz Cortex-A77 & 3x2.42 GHz Cortex-A77 & 4x1.80 GHz Cortex-A55)Octa-core (1x3.2 GHz Cortex-X3 & 2x2.8 GHz Cortex-A715 & 2x2.8 GHz Cortex-A710 & 3x2.0 GHz Cortex-A510)
ChipsetQualcomm SM8250 Snapdragon 865 5G (7 nm+)Qualcomm SM8550-AB Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 (4 nm)
GPUAdreno 650Adreno 740
OSAndroid 10Android 13, upgradable to Android 14
Memory
Card slotNoNo
Internal256GB 12GB RAM512GB 8GB RAM
 UFS 3.0UFS 4.0
Main Camera
FeaturesDual-LED dual-tone flash, panorama, HDRDual-LED flash, panorama, HDR
Triple108 MP, f/1.8, (wide), 1/1.33", 0.8µm, PDAF, OIS 8 MP, f/2.4, 81mm (telephoto), 3x optical zoom, PDAF, OIS 16 MP, f/2.2, 13mm (ultrawide), 1.0µm, AF TOF 3D, (depth)50 MP, f/1.8, (wide), 1/1.55", 1.0µm, multi-directional PDAF, OIS 12 MP, f/1.6, (telephoto), 1/2.93", 1.22µm, PDAF, 2x optical zoom 50 MP, f/2.2, 114˚ (ultrawide), 1/2.76", 0.64µm, AF
Video6K@30fps, 4K@30fps, 1080p@30/60/120fps, gyro-EIS8K@30fps, 4K@30/60fps, 1080p@30/60/120/240/960fps, 10-bit HDR10+, gyro-EIS
Selfie camera
FeaturesHDRHDR
Single25 MP, f/2.0, (wide), 0.9µm60 MP, f/2.2, (wide), 1/2.8", 0.61µm
Video1080p@30/120fps4K@30/60fps, 1080p@30/60/120/240fps
Sound
3.5mm jack YesNo
35mm jack-No
Loudspeaker Yes, with stereo speakersYes, with stereo speakers
Comms
Bluetooth5.1, A2DP, LE5.3, A2DP, LE, aptX HD, aptX Adaptive
NFCYesYes
PositioningGPS (L1+L5), GLONASS, BDS, GALILEOGPS, GLONASS, GALILEO, BDS
RadioNoNo
USBUSB Type-C 3.1USB Type-C 3.2, OTG, DisplayPort 1.4
WLANWi-Fi 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac/6, dual-band, Wi-Fi DirectWi-Fi 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac/6e/7, tri-band, Wi-Fi Direct
Features
SensorsFingerprint (under display, optical), accelerometer, gyro, proximity, compass, barometerFingerprint (under display, optical), accelerometer, gyro, proximity, compass, barometer
 -Ready For 3.5 support
Battery
Charging18W wired 15W wireless 5W reverse wireless68W wired 15W wireless 5W reverse wired 5W reverse wireless
TypeLi-Po 5000 mAh, non-removableLi-Po 5100 mAh
Misc
ColorsSmokey Sangria, Thunder Grey, Baltic GrayInterstellar Black
ModelsXT2061-3-
PriceAbout 670 EUR$ 298.99
Tests
Battery life Endurance rating 100h -
Camera Photo / Video-
Display Contrast ratio: Infinite (nominal)-
Loudspeaker -25.3 LUFS (Very good) -
Performance AnTuTu: 574155 (v8) GeekBench: 3295 (v5.1) GFXBench: 48fps (ES 3.1 onscreen)-

Motorola Edge+ (2020)

  • Excellent battery life
  • Competitive price (now)
  • Decent performance for everyday tasks
  • Good display quality

  • Slow charging speed
  • Outdated chipset
  • Camera performance lags behind newer phones
  • Design feels dated

Motorola Edge+ (2023)

  • Blazing-fast performance
  • Significantly faster charging
  • Improved camera system
  • Modern design
  • More efficient processor

  • Higher price point
  • Wireless charging speed remains the same
  • Potential software update support may be shorter than the 2020 model in the future

Display Comparison

The 2020 Edge+ featured a 6.7-inch OLED display with a 90Hz refresh rate. The 2023 model upgrades to a 6.67-inch OLED display, likely with a higher refresh rate (spec not explicitly listed, but generally assumed to be 144Hz) and improved color accuracy. Expect brighter visuals and smoother scrolling on the 2023 model.

Camera Comparison

Both phones have capable camera systems, but the 2023 model likely features improved image processing and sensor technology. While specific megapixel counts aren't provided, the 2023 model's newer chipset allows for advanced computational photography features and better low-light performance. Expect more detailed photos and videos from the 2023 Edge+.

Performance

The Snapdragon 865 in the 2020 Edge+ was a powerhouse in its time, but the Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 in the 2023 model is a generational leap. Expect significantly faster app loading, smoother multitasking, and better gaming performance on the 2023 device. The 2023's CPU architecture is also more efficient, potentially leading to better sustained performance.

Battery Life

The 2020 Edge+ boasted an impressive endurance rating of 100 hours. While the 2023 model's battery capacity is likely similar, the more efficient Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 and faster charging (68W vs 18W) will result in quicker top-ups and potentially comparable overall battery life despite the increased power draw.

Buying Guide

The Motorola Edge+ (2020) is a good option for budget-conscious users who prioritize battery life and don't need the absolute latest performance. The Motorola Edge+ (2023) is ideal for those seeking a premium Android experience with top-tier performance, fast charging, and a more refined camera system.

Frequently Asked Questions

❓ Is the Motorola Edge+ (2023) worth the upgrade from the 2020 model?
Absolutely, if you prioritize performance, charging speed, and camera improvements. The 2023 model offers a significant upgrade across the board.
❓ What is the battery life like on the Motorola Edge+ (2023)?
While the battery capacity is likely similar to the 2020 model, the more efficient processor and fast charging should provide comparable real-world battery life, with quicker top-ups.