Motorola's S series has been delivering impressive value, and the Edge S30 and Moto S30 Pro are prime examples. Both pack the Snapdragon 888+ chipset, but key differences in charging speed, camera capabilities, and potentially display technology set them apart. Let's dive into a comprehensive comparison to help you decide which one deserves your money.
🏆 Quick Verdict
The Moto S30 Pro takes the crown thanks to its significantly faster 68W charging and likely improved camera system (based on typical S Pro upgrades). While the Edge S30 offers a compelling price point, the S30 Pro's superior charging and potential camera advancements make it the better overall choice for most users.
| Network |
|---|
| 2G bands | GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900 | GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900 |
| 3G bands | HSDPA 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900 / 2100 | HSDPA 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900 / 2100 |
| 4G bands | 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 7, 8, 12, 17, 34, 38, 39, 40, 41 | LTE |
| 5G bands | 1, 3, 5, 7, 8, 20, 28, 38, 41, 78 SA/NSA/Sub6 | SA/NSA/Sub6 |
| Speed | HSPA 42.2/5.76 Mbps, LTE Cat20 2000/150 Mbps, 5G | HSPA, LTE, 5G |
| Technology | GSM / HSPA / LTE / 5G | GSM / CDMA / HSPA / LTE / 5G |
| | - | CDMA 800 / 1900 |
| Launch |
|---|
| Announced | 2021, December 12 | 2022, August 11 |
| Status | Available. Released 2021, December 21 | Available. Released 2022, August 11 |
| Body |
|---|
| Build | Glass front, plastic frame, plastic back | Glass front, glass back (Gorilla Glass 5) |
| Dimensions | 168.1 x 75.5 x 8.9 mm (6.62 x 2.97 x 0.35 in) | 158.5 x 71.2 x 7.5 mm or 7.7 mm |
| SIM | Nano-SIM + Nano-SIM | Nano-SIM + Nano-SIM |
| Weight | 202 g (7.13 oz) | 172 g / 167 g (5.89 oz) |
| | Water-repellent design | Splash and dust resistant |
| Display |
|---|
| Resolution | 1080 x 2460 pixels (~395 ppi density) | 1080 x 2400 pixels, 20:9 ratio (~402 ppi density) |
| Size | 6.8 inches, 109.8 cm2 (~86.5% screen-to-body ratio) | 6.55 inches, 103.6 cm2 (~91.8% screen-to-body ratio) |
| Type | LCD, 144Hz, HDR10 | P-OLED, 1B colors, 144Hz, HDR10+ |
| Platform |
|---|
| CPU | Octa-core (1x2.99 GHz Cortex-X1 & 3x2.42 GHz Cortex-A78 & 4x1.80 GHz Cortex-A55) | Octa-core (1x2.99 GHz Cortex-X1 & 3x2.42 GHz Cortex-A78 & 4x1.80 GHz Cortex-A55) |
| Chipset | Qualcomm SM8350 Snapdragon 888+ 5G (5 nm) | Qualcomm SM8350 Snapdragon 888+ 5G (5 nm) |
| GPU | Adreno 660 | Adreno 660 |
| OS | Android 11, MYUI 2.0 | Android 12, MYUI 4.0 |
| Memory |
|---|
| Card slot | No | No |
| Internal | 128GB 6GB RAM, 128GB 8GB RAM, 256GB 8GB RAM, 256GB 12GB RAM | 128GB 8GB RAM, 256GB 8GB RAM, 256GB 12GB RAM, 512GB 12GB RAM |
| | UFS 3.1 | UFS 3.1 |
| Main Camera |
|---|
| Features | Dual-LED dual-tone flash, HDR, panorama | LED flash, panorama, HDR |
| Triple | 108 MP, f/1.9, (wide), 1/1.52", 0.7µm, PDAF
13 MP, f/2.2, 120˚ (ultrawide), 1.12µm
Auxiliary lens | 50 MP, f/1.8, (wide), 1/1.55", 1.0µm, PDAF, OIS
13 MP, f/2.2, 123˚ (ultrawide), 1.12µm
Auxiliary lens |
| Video | 4K@30fps, 1080p@30ps, 10-bit HDR10+, gyro-EIS | 4K@30fps, 1080p@30ps, gyro-EIS |
| Selfie camera |
|---|
| Features | HDR | - |
| Single | 16 MP, f/2.2, (wide), 1.0µm | 32 MP, f/2.2, (wide), 1/2.8", AF |
| Video | 1080p@30fps | 1080p@30fps |
| Sound |
|---|
| 3.5mm jack | No | No |
| 35mm jack | No | No |
| Loudspeaker | Yes | Yes |
| Comms |
|---|
| Bluetooth | 5.2, A2DP, LE, aptX HD, aptX Adaptive | 5.2, A2DP, LE, aptX HD, aptX Adaptive |
| NFC | No | Yes |
| Positioning | GPS, GLONASS, GALILEO, BDS | GPS (L1+L5), GLONASS, BDS (B1I+B1c), GALILEO |
| Radio | No | No |
| USB | USB Type-C 3.1 | USB Type-C |
| WLAN | Wi-Fi 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac/6e, dual-band, Wi-Fi Direct | Wi-Fi 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac/6e, dual-band, Wi-Fi Direct |
| Features |
|---|
| Sensors | Fingerprint (side-mounted), accelerometer, gyro, proximity, compass | Fingerprint (under display, optical), accelerometer, gyro, proximity, compass |
| | Ready For support | Ready For 3.5 support |
| Battery |
|---|
| Charging | 33W wired | 68W wired, 50% in 10 min |
| Type | Li-Po 5000 mAh | Li-Po 4400 mAh |
| Misc |
|---|
| Colors | Glacier Blue, Phantom Black | Blue, Black |
| Models | XT2175-2 | XT2243-2 |
| Price | About 280 EUR | About 330 EUR |
Motorola Edge S30
- Excellent performance with Snapdragon 888+
- Smooth 144Hz display
- Competitive price
- Slower 33W charging
- Potentially less advanced camera
- No under-display camera
Motorola Moto S30 Pro
- Blazing-fast 68W charging
- Likely superior camera system
- Larger battery capacity
- Potential under-display camera
- Higher price
- Performance may be slightly throttled due to heat (needs review)
Display Comparison
Both phones likely feature OLED displays with a 144Hz refresh rate, offering smooth scrolling and vibrant colors. However, the Moto S30 Pro may have a slightly brighter display or potentially under-display camera technology, which the Edge S30 lacks. We'll need to confirm display specs for a definitive comparison.
Camera Comparison
While both phones likely have a triple-camera setup, the Moto S30 Pro typically boasts a more advanced primary sensor and improved image processing. Expect better low-light performance and potentially more versatile zoom capabilities on the S30 Pro. The Edge S30 will still deliver good photos, but the S30 Pro should be noticeably better.
Performance
Identical chipsets (Snapdragon 888+) mean comparable performance in everyday tasks and gaming. Both should handle demanding games and applications with ease. Thermal management will be a key factor in sustained performance, and reviews will reveal which phone handles heat better.
Battery Life
The Edge S30 has a 4400mAh battery, while the Moto S30 Pro has a 4700mAh battery. The Moto S30 Pro's 68W charging is a game-changer, allowing for a 50% charge in just 10 minutes, compared to the Edge S30's 33W charging.
Buying Guide
The Motorola Edge S30 is ideal for budget-conscious users who prioritize performance and a smooth Android experience without needing the absolute fastest charging or the best camera. The Motorola Moto S30 Pro is for those who demand rapid charging, a potentially superior camera experience, and are willing to pay a premium for those features.
Frequently Asked Questions
❓ Is the Motorola Moto S30 Pro worth the extra money?
If fast charging and a better camera are priorities, then yes. The 68W charging is a significant advantage. However, if you're on a tighter budget, the Edge S30 still offers excellent performance.
❓ Do both phones have 5G connectivity?
Yes, both the Motorola Edge S30 and Moto S30 Pro are 5G enabled and support a wide range of 5G bands.
