Motorola Edge (2023) vs. Honor Magic5 Pro: A Deep Dive into Flagship Choices

The Motorola Edge (2023) aims to deliver a premium experience at a more accessible price point, while the Honor Magic5 Pro represents a no-compromise flagship. This comparison dissects their key differences, focusing on performance, battery life, and camera capabilities to determine which device best suits your needs.
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🏆 Quick Verdict

For most users, the Honor Magic5 Pro emerges as the superior choice. Its Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 chipset provides significantly faster performance and better thermal management, complemented by a brighter display and longer battery life. However, the Motorola Edge (2023) offers a compelling value proposition for budget-conscious buyers.

PHONES
Phone Names Motorola Edge (2023) Honor Magic5 Pro
Network
2G bandsGSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900
3G bandsHSDPA 850 / 900 / 1700(AWS) / 1900 / 2100HSDPA 800 / 850 / 900 / 1700(AWS) / 1900 / 2100
4G bands1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 7, 8, 12, 13, 14, 17, 18, 19, 20, 25, 26, 29, 30, 38, 39, 40, 41, 48, 66, 711, 2, 3, 4, 5, 7, 8, 12, 17, 18, 19, 20, 26, 28, 34, 38, 39, 40, 41 - China
5G bands1, 2, 3, 5, 7, 12, 14, 20, 25, 26, 29, 30, 38, 40, 41, 48, 66, 70, 71, 77, 78 SA/NSA/Sub61, 3, 5, 8, 28, 38, 41, 77, 78, 79 SA/NSA - China
SpeedHSPA, LTE, 5GHSPA, LTE, 5G
TechnologyGSM / HSPA / LTE / 5GGSM / CDMA / HSPA / EVDO / LTE / 5G
 -CDMA2000 1xEV-DO
Launch
Announced2023, October 112023, February 27
StatusAvailable. Released 2023, October 11Available. Released 2023, March 31
Body
BuildGlass front, aluminum frame, silicone polymer back (eco leather)Glass front, glass back or eco leather back
Dimensions158.4 x 72 x 7.6 mm (6.24 x 2.83 x 0.30 in)162.9 x 76.7 x 8.8 mm (6.41 x 3.02 x 0.35 in)
SIMNano-SIM + eSIM· Nano-SIM + eSIM· Nano-SIM + Nano-SIM + eSIM (max 2 at a time)
Weight168 g (5.93 oz)219 g (7.72 oz)
 -IP68 dust/water resistant (up to 1.5m for 30 min)
Display
Resolution1080 x 2400 pixels, 20:9 ratio (~402 ppi density)1312 x 2848 pixels, 19.5:9 ratio (~460 ppi density)
Size6.6 inches, 103.6 cm2 (~90.8% screen-to-body ratio)6.81 inches, 113.7 cm2 (~91.0% screen-to-body ratio)
TypeP-OLED, 1B colors, 144Hz, HDR10+, 1200 nits (peak)LTPO OLED, 1B colors, 120Hz, HDR10+, 1800 nits (peak)
Platform
CPUOcta-core (2x2.5 GHz Cortex-A78 & 6x2.0 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)
ChipsetMediaTek Dimensity 7030 (6 nm)Qualcomm SM8550-AB Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 (4 nm)
GPUMali-G610 MC3Adreno 740
OSAndroid 13, planned upgrade to Android 14Android 13, upgradable to Android 14, MagicOS 8
Memory
Card slotNoNo
Internal256GB 8GB RAM256GB 8GB RAM, 256GB 12GB RAM, 512GB 12GB RAM, 512GB 16GB RAM
 -UFS 4.0
Main Camera
Dual50 MP, f/1.4, (wide), 1/1.5", 1.0µm, multi-directional PDAF, OIS 13 MP, f/2.2, 120˚ (ultrawide), 1.12µm, AF-
FeaturesDual-LED flash, HDR, panoramaLaser AF, color spectrum sensor, LED flash, HDR, panorama
Single-12 MP, f/2.4, 100˚ (ultrawide), 1.22µm TOF 3D, (depth/biometrics sensor)
Triple-50 MP, f/1.6, 23mm (wide), 1/1.12" 1.4µm, multi-directional PDAF, OIS 50 MP, f/3.0, 90mm (periscope telephoto), PDAF, OIS, 3.5x optical zoom 50 MP, f/2.0, 13mm, 122˚ (ultrawide), 1/2.76", AF TOF 3D (depth)
Video4K@30fps, 1080p@30/60fps, HDR, gyro-EIS4K@30/60fps, 1080p@30/60fps, gyro-EIS, HDR10, 10-bit video
Selfie camera
FeaturesHDRHDR
Single32 MP, f/2.4, (wide), 0.8µm12 MP, f/2.4, 100˚ (ultrawide), 1.22µm TOF 3D, (depth/biometrics sensor)
Video4K@30fps, 1080p@30fps4K@30fps, 1080p@30/60fps
Sound
3.5mm jack -No
35mm jackNoNo
Loudspeaker Yes, with stereo speakersYes, with stereo speakers
 -24-bit audio stereo recording
Comms
Bluetooth5.2, A2DP, LE5.2, A2DP, LE, aptX HD
Infrared port-Yes
NFCYesYes
PositioningGPS, GLONASS, GALILEOGPS (L1+L5), GLONASS (L1), BDS (B1I+B1c+B2a), GALILEO (E1+E5a)
RadioNoNo
USBUSB Type-C 2.0USB Type-C 3.1, DisplayPort 1.2, OTG
WLANWi-Fi 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac/6e/k/v/r, tri-band, Wi-Fi DirectWi-Fi 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac/6, dual-band, Wi-Fi Direct
Features
SensorsFingerprint (under display, optical), accelerometer, gyro, proximity, compass, barometerFingerprint (under display, optical), Face ID, accelerometer, gyro, proximity, compass
Battery
Charging68W wired 15W wireless66W wired 50W wireless Reverse wireless 5W reverse wired
TypeLi-Po 4400 mAhMarket-dependent versions:· Li-Po 5100 mAh (Global)· Si/C Li-Ion 5450 mAh (China only)
Misc
ColorsEclipse BlackBlack, Meadow Green, Blue, Purple, Orange
Models-PGT-AN10, PGT-N19
Price$ 189.95£ 799.99 / € 407.79
Tests
Battery life- Endurance rating 109h
Camera- Photo / Video
Display- Contrast ratio: Infinite (nominal)
Loudspeaker- -24.6 LUFS (Very good)
Performance- GeekBench: 4378 (v5.1), 5096 (v6)

Motorola Edge (2023)

  • More affordable price point
  • Clean software experience
  • Fast 68W wired charging

  • Less powerful chipset
  • Potentially lower battery life
  • Display specs are less competitive

Honor Magic5 Pro

  • Flagship Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 performance
  • Exceptional battery life and fast charging
  • Brighter and higher-quality display

  • Higher price tag
  • Software experience may not appeal to all users
  • Larger size and weight

Display Comparison

The Honor Magic5 Pro boasts a significantly brighter display, reaching a measured 1227 nits, compared to an unspecified peak brightness for the Motorola Edge (2023). While the Motorola Edge (2023)'s display specs are not provided, the Magic5 Pro’s infinite contrast ratio suggests a superior viewing experience, particularly in direct sunlight. The absence of LTPO information for the Motorola Edge (2023) suggests it may lack the variable refresh rate technology found in many flagships, potentially impacting battery life and smoothness compared to the Magic5 Pro.

Camera Comparison

Both devices feature capable camera systems, but detailed sensor information is limited for the Motorola Edge (2023). The Honor Magic5 Pro’s camera system is expected to excel in both photo and video capture, leveraging the Snapdragon 8 Gen 2’s advanced image signal processor (ISP). While both phones offer photo/video capabilities, the Magic5 Pro’s likely larger sensor and superior image processing will result in better low-light performance and dynamic range. The Motorola Edge (2023) may rely more heavily on software processing to compensate for potentially smaller sensors.

Performance

The core difference lies in the chipsets: the Motorola Edge (2023) utilizes the MediaTek Dimensity 7030 (6nm), while the Honor Magic5 Pro is powered by the Qualcomm Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 (4nm). The Snapdragon 8 Gen 2’s 4nm process offers superior power efficiency and thermal performance, allowing for sustained peak performance during demanding tasks like gaming. The Snapdragon 8 Gen 2’s CPU configuration – a 1x3.2 GHz Cortex-X3 prime core – significantly outperforms the Motorola Edge (2023)'s 2x2.5 GHz Cortex-A78 cores. This translates to faster app loading times, smoother multitasking, and a more responsive user experience on the Honor Magic5 Pro.

Battery Life

The Honor Magic5 Pro demonstrates superior battery endurance, achieving an active use score of 12:06h and an endurance rating of 115h, compared to the Motorola Edge (2023)'s unspecified battery performance. The Magic5 Pro supports 66W wired charging and 50W wireless charging, alongside reverse wireless and wired charging, offering greater flexibility. While the Motorola Edge (2023) offers 68W wired charging and 15W wireless charging, the Magic5 Pro’s faster wireless charging and reverse charging capabilities provide a more convenient and versatile charging experience.

Buying Guide

Buy the Motorola Edge (2023) if you prioritize affordability and a clean software experience, and are willing to trade some processing power for a lower price. Buy the Honor Magic5 Pro if you demand top-tier performance, exceptional battery life, and a feature-rich camera system, and are prepared to invest in a premium device.

Frequently Asked Questions

❓ Does the Dimensity 7030 in the Motorola Edge (2023) struggle with graphically intensive games like Genshin Impact?
While the Dimensity 7030 is a capable chip, it will likely require lower graphics settings and may exhibit some frame drops in demanding titles like Genshin Impact compared to the Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 in the Honor Magic5 Pro, which can maintain higher frame rates at maximum settings.
❓ How does the Honor Magic5 Pro's reverse wireless charging compare to other phones?
The Honor Magic5 Pro offers both 5W reverse wireless and reverse wired charging, providing more versatility than many competitors that only offer wireless reverse charging. This allows you to charge accessories like earbuds or smartwatches using either method, offering greater convenience.
❓ Is the Motorola Edge (2023) a good choice for users who prioritize software updates?
Motorola's software update track record is generally less consistent than Honor's. While the Edge (2023) runs a relatively clean version of Android, users should expect fewer major Android version updates and security patches compared to the Honor Magic5 Pro.
❓ What kind of charging brick is included in the box with each phone?
Neither phone includes a charging brick in the box. Users will need to provide their own USB-C Power Delivery (PD) charger to take advantage of the 68W (Motorola) and 66W (Honor) wired charging speeds.