Motorola Edge X30 vs Edge S30: The Ultimate Showdown

Motorola's Edge series consistently delivers impressive value. But with two compelling options – the Edge X30 and the Edge S30 – choosing the right one can be tricky. This comprehensive comparison breaks down the key differences to help you make an informed decision.
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🏆 Quick Verdict

The Motorola Edge X30 takes the crown with its significantly faster Snapdragon 8 Gen 1 chipset and blazing-fast 68W charging. However, the Edge S30 remains a strong contender, offering a more accessible price point and a still-powerful Snapdragon 888+ experience.

PHONES
Phone Names Motorola Edge X30 Motorola Edge S30
Network
2G bandsGSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900
3G bandsHSDPA 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900 / 2100HSDPA 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900 / 2100
4G bands1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 7, 8, 12, 17, 34, 38, 39, 40, 411, 2, 3, 4, 5, 7, 8, 12, 17, 34, 38, 39, 40, 41
5G bands1, 3, 5, 7, 8, 20, 28, 38, 41, 78 SA/NSA/Sub61, 3, 5, 7, 8, 20, 28, 38, 41, 78 SA/NSA/Sub6
SpeedHSPA, LTE, 5GHSPA 42.2/5.76 Mbps, LTE Cat20 2000/150 Mbps, 5G
TechnologyGSM / HSPA / LTE / 5GGSM / HSPA / LTE / 5G
Launch
Announced2021, December 092021, December 12
StatusAvailable. Released 2021, December 15Available. Released 2021, December 21
Body
BuildGlass front, glass back (Gorilla Glass 5)Glass front, plastic frame, plastic back
Dimensions163.6 x 75.6 x 8.5 mm (6.44 x 2.98 x 0.33 in)168.1 x 75.5 x 8.9 mm (6.62 x 2.97 x 0.35 in)
SIMNano-SIM + Nano-SIMNano-SIM + Nano-SIM
Weight194 g (6.84 oz)202 g (7.13 oz)
 Water-repellent designWater-repellent design
Display
Resolution1080 x 2400 pixels, 20:9 ratio (~393 ppi density)1080 x 2460 pixels (~395 ppi density)
Size6.7 inches, 108.4 cm2 (~87.6% screen-to-body ratio)6.8 inches, 109.8 cm2 (~86.5% screen-to-body ratio)
TypeOLED, 1B colors, 144Hz, HDR10+, 500 nits (typ), 700 nits (HBM)LCD, 144Hz, HDR10
Platform
CPUOcta-core (1x3.00 GHz Cortex-X2 & 3x2.50 GHz Cortex-A710 & 4x1.80 GHz Cortex-A510)Octa-core (1x2.99 GHz Cortex-X1 & 3x2.42 GHz Cortex-A78 & 4x1.80 GHz Cortex-A55)
ChipsetQualcomm SM8450 Snapdragon 8 Gen 1 (4 nm)Qualcomm SM8350 Snapdragon 888+ 5G (5 nm)
GPUAdreno 730Adreno 660
OSAndroid 12, MYUI 3.0Android 11, MYUI 2.0
Memory
Card slotNoNo
Internal128GB 8GB RAM, 256GB 8GB RAM, 256GB 12GB RAM128GB 6GB RAM, 128GB 8GB RAM, 256GB 8GB RAM, 256GB 12GB RAM
 UFS 3.1UFS 3.1
Main Camera
FeaturesDual-LED flash, panorama, HDRDual-LED dual-tone flash, HDR, panorama
Triple50 MP, f/1.9, (wide), 1/1.55", 1.0µm, dual pixel PDAF, OIS 50 MP, f/2.2, 114˚ (ultrawide), 1/2.76", 0.64µm Auxiliary lens108 MP, f/1.9, (wide), 1/1.52", 0.7µm, PDAF 13 MP, f/2.2, 120˚ (ultrawide), 1.12µm Auxiliary lens
Video4K@30fps, 1080p@30/60/120/240fps, 720p@960fps, 10-bit HDR10+, gyro-EIS4K@30fps, 1080p@30ps, 10-bit HDR10+, gyro-EIS
Selfie camera
FeaturesHDRHDR
Single60 MP, f/2.2, (wide), 1/2.8", 0.61µm or 60 MP, f/2.2, (wide), 1/2.8", 0.61µm, under display16 MP, f/2.2, (wide), 1.0µm
Video4K@30fps, 1080p@30/120fps1080p@30fps
Sound
3.5mm jack NoNo
35mm jackNoNo
Loudspeaker Yes, with stereo speakersYes
Comms
Bluetooth5.2, A2DP, LE, aptX HD, aptX Adaptive5.2, A2DP, LE, aptX HD, aptX Adaptive
NFCYesNo
PositioningGPS (L1+L5), GLONASS, BDS, GALILEOGPS, GLONASS, GALILEO, BDS
RadioNoNo
USBUSB Type-CUSB Type-C 3.1
WLANWi-Fi 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac/6e, dual-band, Wi-Fi DirectWi-Fi 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac/6e, dual-band, Wi-Fi Direct
Features
SensorsFingerprint (side-mounted), accelerometer, gyro, proximity, compassFingerprint (side-mounted), accelerometer, gyro, proximity, compass
 Ready For supportReady For support
Battery
Charging68W wired, 100% in 35 min33W wired
TypeMarket-dependent versions:· Li-Po 5000 mAh (regular version)· Li-Po 4800 mAh (under screen camera version)Li-Po 5000 mAh
Misc
ColorsWhite, BlackGlacier Blue, Phantom Black
ModelsXT2201-2, XT2201-6XT2175-2
PriceAbout 420 EURAbout 280 EUR

Motorola Edge X30

  • Significantly faster performance (Snapdragon 8 Gen 1)
  • Blazing-fast 68W charging
  • Generally better camera quality
  • Sleek design

  • Higher price
  • Potential for thermal throttling under sustained load

Motorola Edge S30

  • More affordable
  • Still a powerful Snapdragon 888+ processor
  • Good display with 144Hz refresh rate
  • Stylish design

  • Slower charging (33W)
  • Less impressive camera
  • Performance lags behind the X30

Display Comparison

Both phones feature OLED displays with a 144Hz refresh rate, ensuring smooth scrolling and visuals. The X30 generally has slightly better color accuracy and brightness due to its more advanced panel, but the difference is subtle. Both offer excellent viewing experiences.

Camera Comparison

The X30 typically boasts a more versatile camera system, often including a higher resolution main sensor and improved image processing. While both phones capture decent photos, the X30 generally produces more detailed and vibrant images, especially in low light. The S30's camera is still capable, but not as impressive.

Performance

The Snapdragon 8 Gen 1 in the X30 is a clear winner here. It offers significantly improved CPU and GPU performance compared to the Snapdragon 888+ in the S30. Expect smoother multitasking, faster app loading times, and better gaming performance on the X30. The S30 still handles everyday tasks and most games well, but it will show its age more quickly.

Battery Life

The X30's 68W charging is a game-changer, allowing for incredibly fast top-ups. While the S30's 33W charging is still respectable, it takes considerably longer to fully charge. Battery capacity is similar between the two, so real-world battery life will be comparable, but the X30 offers much faster replenishment.

Buying Guide

The Motorola Edge X30 is ideal for power users, gamers, and anyone who demands top-tier performance and rapid charging. The Edge S30 is a great choice for budget-conscious buyers who still want a premium Motorola experience with a capable processor and a sleek design.

Frequently Asked Questions

❓ Is the Motorola Edge X30 worth the extra money?
If performance and fast charging are your priorities, then yes. The X30 offers a significant upgrade over the S30 in these areas. However, if you're on a tighter budget, the S30 remains a compelling option.
❓ Which phone has better gaming performance?
The Motorola Edge X30, thanks to its Snapdragon 8 Gen 1 chipset, delivers noticeably better gaming performance with higher frame rates and smoother gameplay.