Motorola Edge 30 vs. Nothing Phone (1): A Detailed Comparison

The Motorola Edge 30 and Nothing Phone (1) represent compelling options in the increasingly competitive mid-range smartphone market. Both devices center around the Qualcomm Snapdragon 778G+ 5G chipset, promising strong performance. However, they diverge significantly in design philosophy, battery features, and overall user experience, making a direct comparison crucial for informed buyers.
Phones Images

🏆 Quick Verdict

For the average user prioritizing battery life and versatile charging options, the Nothing Phone (1) emerges as the better choice. Its 15W wireless charging and 5W reverse wireless capabilities, coupled with a slightly better endurance rating, provide added convenience. However, the Motorola Edge 30 remains a strong contender for those seeking a more traditional smartphone experience.

PHONES
Phone Names Motorola Edge 30 Nothing Phone (1)
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, 17, 20, 26, 28, 32, 38, 39, 40, 41, 41, 42, 43, 661, 2, 3, 4, 5, 7, 8, 12, 17, 18, 19, 20, 26, 28, 32, 34, 38, 39, 40, 41, 66
5G bands1, 2, 3, 5, 7, 8, 20, 28, 38, 40, 41, 66, 78 SA/NSA/Sub61, 3, 5, 7, 8, 20, 28, 38, 40, 41, 77, 78 SA/NSA
SpeedHSPA, LTE, 5GHSPA, LTE, 5G
TechnologyGSM / HSPA / LTE / 5GGSM / HSPA / LTE / 5G
Launch
Announced2022, April 272022, July 12
StatusAvailable. Released 2022, May 12Available. Released 2022, July 16
Body
BuildGlass front (Gorilla Glass 3), plastic frame, plastic backGlass front (Gorilla Glass 5), glass back (Gorilla Glass 5), aluminum frame
Dimensions159.4 x 74.2 x 6.8 mm (6.28 x 2.92 x 0.27 in)159.2 x 75.8 x 8.3 mm (6.27 x 2.98 x 0.33 in)
SIM· Nano-SIM· Nano-SIM + Nano-SIMNano-SIM + Nano-SIM
Weight155 g (5.47 oz)193.5 g (6.84 oz)
 Water-repellent design-
Display
ProtectionCorning Gorilla Glass 3Corning Gorilla Glass 5
Resolution1080 x 2400 pixels, 20:9 ratio (~405 ppi density)1080 x 2400 pixels, 20:9 ratio (~402 ppi density)
Size6.5 inches, 102.0 cm2 (~86.2% screen-to-body ratio)6.55 inches, 103.6 cm2 (~85.8% screen-to-body ratio)
TypeAMOLED, 1B colors, 144Hz, HDR10+OLED, 1B colors, 120Hz, 1440Hz PWM, HDR10+, 500 nits (typ), 1200 nits (peak)
Platform
CPUOcta-core (1x2.5 GHz Cortex-A78 & 3x2.4 GHz Cortex-A78 & 4x1.9 GHz Cortex-A55)Octa-core (1x2.5 GHz Cortex-A78 & 3x2.4 GHz Cortex-A78 & 4x1.9 GHz Cortex-A55)
ChipsetQualcomm SM7325-AE Snapdragon 778G+ 5G (6 nm)Qualcomm SM7325-AE Snapdragon 778G+ 5G (6 nm)
GPUAdreno 642LAdreno 642L
OSAndroid 12, upgradable to Android 14Android 12, upgradable to Android 15, up to 3 major Android upgrades, Nothing OS 3.0
Memory
Card slotNoNo
Internal128GB 6GB RAM, 128GB 8GB RAM, 256GB 8GB RAM128GB 8GB RAM, 256GB 8GB RAM, 256GB 12GB RAM
Main Camera
Dual-50 MP, f/1.9, 24mm (wide), 1/1.56", 1.0µm, PDAF, OIS 50 MP, f/2.2, 114˚ (ultrawide), 1/2.76", 0.64µm, AF
FeaturesDual-LED flash, HDR, panoramaLED flash, panorama, HDR
Triple50 MP, f/1.8, (wide), 1/1.55", 1.0µm, multi-directional PDAF, OIS 50 MP, f/2.2, 118˚ (ultrawide), 1/2.76", 0.64µm, PDAF Auxiliary lens-
Video4K@30fps, 1080p@30/60/120fps, 720p@960fps, HDR10, gyro-EIS4K@30fps, 1080p@30/60fps, gyro-EIS, live HDR
Selfie camera
FeaturesHDR-
Single32 MP, f/2.3, (wide), 0.7µm16 MP, f/2.5, (wide), 1/3.1", 1.0µm
Video4K@30fps, 1080p@30/120fps1080p@30fps
Sound
3.5mm jack No-
35mm jackNoNo
Loudspeaker Yes, with stereo speakersYes, with stereo speakers
Comms
Bluetooth5.2, A2DP, LE, aptX HD, aptX Adaptive5.2, A2DP, LE
NFCYesYes
PositioningGPS, GLONASS, BDS, GALILEOGPS (L1), GLONASS (L1), BDS (B1I+B1c), GALILEO (E1), QZSS (L1)
RadioNoNo
USBUSB Type-C 2.0USB Type-C 2.0, OTG
WLANWi-Fi 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac/6e, dual-band, Wi-Fi DirectWi-Fi 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac/6, dual-band
Features
SensorsFingerprint (under display, optical), accelerometer, gyro, proximity, compassFingerprint (under display, optical), accelerometer, proximity, gyro, compass
Battery
Charging33W wired33W wired, PD3.0, QC4, 50% in 30 min, 100% in 70 min 15W wireless 5W reverse wireless
TypeLi-Po 4020 mAhLi-Ion 4500 mAh (17.42 Wh)
Misc
ColorsMeteor Grey, Supermoon Silver, Aurora GreenWhite, Black
ModelsXT2203-1A063
Price$ 529.00 / € 168.00$ 539.00 / £ 234.77 / € 249.95 / ₹ 17,990
SAR-1.29 W/kg (head)     1.09 W/kg (body)
SAR EU-0.99 W/kg (head)     1.48 W/kg (body)

Motorola Edge 30

  • Clean Android experience
  • Strong CPU performance (Snapdragon 778G+)
  • Potentially more affordable

  • Lacks wireless charging
  • Battery endurance data unavailable

Nothing Phone (1)

  • Unique Glyph Interface
  • Wireless and reverse wireless charging
  • Higher peak display brightness

  • More polarizing design
  • Potentially higher price

Display Comparison

Both phones utilize OLED panels, but the Nothing Phone (1) boasts a measured peak brightness of 663 nits, suggesting a more visible display in direct sunlight compared to the Motorola Edge 30 (brightness data unavailable). While both likely offer excellent color reproduction, the Nothing Phone (1)'s higher peak brightness provides a tangible advantage for outdoor usability. The absence of LTPO technology on either device means refresh rate adjustments aren't as dynamic as on flagship phones, potentially impacting battery life during variable usage.

Camera Comparison

Detailed camera analysis is hampered by limited context data. Both phones likely employ multi-camera systems, but the specifics are unknown. The Nothing Phone (1) emphasizes photo and video capabilities, suggesting a focus on image processing algorithms. Without sensor size or aperture information, it's difficult to definitively assess image quality. The presence of a 2MP macro camera on either device is likely a marketing feature with limited practical benefit, as image quality will be significantly lower than the main sensor. The quality of the primary sensor and image processing will be the key differentiators.

Performance

Both the Motorola Edge 30 and Nothing Phone (1) are powered by the Qualcomm SM7325-AE Snapdragon 778G+ 5G (6 nm) chipset, featuring an octa-core CPU configuration with 1x2.5 GHz Cortex-A78, 3x2.4 GHz Cortex-A78, and 4x1.9 GHz Cortex-A55 cores. This means CPU performance will be virtually identical. The real-world difference will likely come down to thermal management and sustained performance. While neither manufacturer details advanced cooling solutions, the Nothing Phone (1)'s larger chassis *could* offer slightly better heat dissipation, preventing throttling during extended gaming sessions. Both devices benefit from 5G connectivity, ensuring fast download and upload speeds.

Battery Life

The Nothing Phone (1) claims an endurance rating of 108 hours, indicating a longer-lasting battery life compared to the Motorola Edge 30 (endurance rating unavailable). Both support 33W wired charging, but the Nothing Phone (1) adds the convenience of 15W wireless charging and 5W reverse wireless charging. The Nothing Phone (1) can reach 50% charge in 30 minutes and 100% in 70 minutes, while the Motorola Edge 30's charging time is unspecified. The addition of wireless charging on the Nothing Phone (1) is a significant advantage for users who prefer cable-free charging.

Buying Guide

Buy the Motorola Edge 30 if you need a streamlined Android experience with a focus on core performance and a more understated aesthetic. It's ideal for users who don't prioritize wireless charging or unique design elements. Buy the Nothing Phone (1) if you prefer a distinctive, eye-catching design with the added benefits of wireless charging, reverse wireless charging, and the unique Glyph Interface for notifications – appealing to those who want a phone that stands out.

Frequently Asked Questions

❓ Does the Nothing Phone (1)'s Glyph Interface significantly impact battery life?
While the Glyph Interface is visually striking, its impact on battery life is relatively minimal. The LEDs consume power, but Nothing has optimized the system to minimize drain. Users can customize the Glyph Interface to only activate for essential notifications, further reducing battery consumption.
❓ Is the 33W charging on both phones truly 'fast' compared to other devices?
33W charging is considered moderately fast, but it's not at the cutting edge of charging technology. While it can charge the Nothing Phone (1) to 50% in 30 minutes, some competitors offer 65W or 120W charging, which can significantly reduce charging times. However, 33W is still a substantial improvement over slower charging standards.
❓ How does the software experience differ between the Motorola Edge 30 and Nothing Phone (1)?
The Motorola Edge 30 offers a near-stock Android experience with minimal bloatware, focusing on simplicity and performance. The Nothing Phone (1) runs Nothing OS, a custom Android skin with a unique visual style and focus on customization. Nothing OS aims to provide a clean and efficient experience while offering distinctive features like custom fonts and icon packs.