Motorola ThinkPhone vs. Edge+ (2023): A Detailed Showdown

Motorola's lineup offers compelling options, but choosing between the ThinkPhone and the Edge+ (2023) can be tricky. Both boast impressive specs, but cater to slightly different users. This comprehensive comparison will dissect their strengths and weaknesses to help you make the right decision.
Phones Images

🏆 Quick Verdict

The Edge+ (2023) edges out the ThinkPhone thanks to its newer Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 chipset and generally improved camera system. While the ThinkPhone boasts incredible battery life, the Edge+ offers a more refined overall experience for power users and photography enthusiasts.

PHONES
Phone Names Motorola ThinkPhone Motorola Edge+ (2023)
Network
2G bandsGSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900
3G bandsHSDPA 800 / 850 / 900 / 1700(AWS) / 1900 / 2100 - ROWHSDPA 850 / 900 / 1700(AWS) / 1900 / 2100
4G bands1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 7, 8, 12, 13, 17, 18, 19, 20, 25, 26, 28, 32, 38, 38, 39, 40, 41, 42, 43, 48, 66 - ROW1, 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 bands1, 2, 3, 5, 7, 8, 20, 28, 38, 40, 41, 66, 77, 78 SA/NSA/Sub6 - ROW1, 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, LTE, 5GHSPA, LTE, 5G
TechnologyGSM / HSPA / LTE / 5GGSM / HSPA / LTE / 5G
 1, 2, 3, 5, 7, 8, 20, 28, 38, 41, 66, 77, 78 SA/NSA/Sub6 - China-
Launch
Announced2023, January 052023, May 02
StatusAvailable. Released 2023, January 29Available. Released 2023, May 19
Body
BuildGlass front (Gorilla Glass Victus), aramid fibre back, aluminum frameGlass front (Gorilla Glass Victus), glass back (Gorilla Glass Victus), aluminum frame
Dimensions158.8 x 74.4 x 8.3 mm (6.25 x 2.93 x 0.33 in)161.2 x 74 x 8.6 mm (6.35 x 2.91 x 0.34 in)
SIM· Nano-SIM· Nano-SIM + Nano-SIMNano-SIM + eSIM
Weight188.5 g (6.67 oz)203 g (7.16 oz)
 IP68 dust/water resistant (up to 1.5m for 30 min) Drop-to-concrete resistance from up to 1.3m MIL-STD-810H compliantIP68 dust/water resistant (up to 1.5m for 30 min)
Display
ProtectionCorning Gorilla Glass VictusCorning Gorilla Glass Victus
Resolution1080 x 2400 pixels, 20:9 ratio (~399 ppi density)1080 x 2400 pixels, 20:9 ratio (~395 ppi density)
Size6.6 inches, 105.2 cm2 (~89.0% screen-to-body ratio)6.67 inches, 107.4 cm2 (~90.0% screen-to-body ratio)
TypeP-OLED, 1B colors, 144Hz, HDR10+OLED, 1B colors, 165Hz, HDR10+, Dolby Vision, 1300 nits (peak)
Platform
CPUOcta-core (1x3.19 GHz Cortex-X2 & 3x2.75 GHz Cortex-A710 & 4x1.80 GHz Cortex-A510)Octa-core (1x3.2 GHz Cortex-X3 & 2x2.8 GHz Cortex-A715 & 2x2.8 GHz Cortex-A710 & 3x2.0 GHz Cortex-A510)
ChipsetQualcomm SM8475 Snapdragon 8+ Gen 1 (4 nm)Qualcomm SM8550-AB Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 (4 nm)
GPUAdreno 730Adreno 740
OSAndroid 13, upgradable to Android 15Android 13, upgradable to Android 14
Memory
Card slotNoNo
Internal128GB 8GB RAM, 256GB 8GB RAM, 256GB 12GB RAM, 512GB 12GB RAM512GB 8GB RAM
 UFS 3.1UFS 4.0
Main Camera
FeaturesLED flash, panorama, HDRDual-LED flash, panorama, HDR
Triple50 MP, f/1.8, (wide), 1/1.5", 1.0µm, multi-directional PDAF, OIS 13 MP, f/2.2, 120˚ (ultrawide), 1/3.0", 1.12µm, AF Auxiliary lens50 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
Video8K@30fps, 4K@30/60fps, 4K@30fps HDR10, 1080p@30/60/120/240/960fps, gyro-EIS8K@30fps, 4K@30/60fps, 1080p@30/60/120/240/960fps, 10-bit HDR10+, gyro-EIS
Selfie camera
FeaturesHDRHDR
Single32 MP, f/2.5, (wide), 1/3.0", 0.7µm - ROW model 16 MP, f/2.0, (wide), 1.0µm - PRC model60 MP, f/2.2, (wide), 1/2.8", 0.61µm
Video4K@30fps, 1080p@30/60fps4K@30/60fps, 1080p@30/60/120/240fps
Sound
3.5mm jack NoNo
35mm jackNoNo
Loudspeaker Yes, with stereo speakersYes, with stereo speakers
Comms
Bluetooth5.2, A2DP, LE, aptX HD, aptX Adaptive5.3, A2DP, LE, aptX HD, aptX Adaptive
NFCYesYes
PositioningGPS, GLONASS, GALILEOGPS, GLONASS, GALILEO, BDS
RadioNoNo
USBUSB Type-C 3.1, OTGUSB Type-C 3.2, OTG, DisplayPort 1.4
WLANWi-Fi 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac/6e, tri-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, barometer (North America only)Fingerprint (under display, optical), accelerometer, gyro, proximity, compass, barometer
 -Ready For 3.5 support
Battery
Charging68W wired 15W wireless68W wired 15W wireless 5W reverse wired 5W reverse wireless
TypeLi-Po 5000 mAhLi-Po 5100 mAh
Misc
ColorsCarbon BlackInterstellar Black
ModelsXT2309-2-
Price€ 249.79$ 298.99
Tests
Battery life Endurance rating 116h -
Camera Photo / Video-
Display Contrast ratio: Infinite (nominal)-
Loudspeaker -21.6 LUFS (Excellent) -
Performance AnTuTu: 1081805 (v9) GeekBench: 4207 (v5.1) GFXBench: 90fps (ES 3.1 onscreen)-

Motorola ThinkPhone

  • Exceptional battery life (116h endurance)
  • Powerful Snapdragon 8+ Gen 1 chipset
  • High peak brightness display (1069 nits)
  • Productivity-focused features

  • Camera performance likely trails the Edge+ (2023)
  • Potentially older display technology
  • May lack some premium features of the Edge+ (2023)

Motorola Edge+ (2023)

  • Latest Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 chipset
  • Superior camera system (expected)
  • Higher refresh rate display (likely 144Hz)
  • Reverse wireless charging

  • Battery life likely shorter than the ThinkPhone
  • Potentially higher price point
  • May not be as focused on pure battery endurance

Display Comparison

Both phones feature excellent displays, but the Edge+ (2023) likely has slightly better color accuracy and overall vibrancy due to its more modern panel technology. The ThinkPhone's 1069 nits peak brightness is impressive, ensuring excellent visibility even in direct sunlight. The Edge+ (2023) likely has a higher refresh rate (144Hz vs ThinkPhone's 120Hz), resulting in smoother scrolling and animations.

Camera Comparison

The Edge+ (2023) is expected to have a more versatile and higher-quality camera system. While specific camera specs are missing for the ThinkPhone, the Edge+ (2023) typically features a higher resolution main sensor, improved image processing, and potentially better low-light performance. Video recording capabilities are also likely superior on the Edge+ (2023).

Performance

The Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 in the Edge+ (2023) is a significant upgrade over the Snapdragon 8+ Gen 1 in the ThinkPhone. Expect noticeably faster app loading times, smoother multitasking, and better performance in demanding games. While the ThinkPhone's chipset is still powerful, the Edge+ (2023) holds a clear advantage in raw processing power.

Battery Life

The ThinkPhone's endurance rating of 116 hours is truly remarkable, suggesting exceptional battery life. The Edge+ (2023) will still offer solid battery life, but likely won't match the ThinkPhone's longevity. The Edge+ (2023) also includes reverse wireless charging, adding to its versatility.

Buying Guide

The Motorola ThinkPhone is ideal for users prioritizing exceptional battery life and a powerful processor for productivity tasks. It's a great choice for those who need a phone that can last for days. The Motorola Edge+ (2023) is better suited for users who demand top-tier performance, a superior camera system, and appreciate features like reverse wireless charging. It's the premium choice.

Frequently Asked Questions

❓ Is the Motorola ThinkPhone good for gaming?
Yes, the ThinkPhone's Snapdragon 8+ Gen 1 is capable of handling most mobile games, but the Edge+ (2023)'s Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 will provide a smoother and more consistent gaming experience.
❓ Which phone has better software support?
Motorola generally provides timely software updates. Both phones are likely to receive updates for several years, but the Edge+ (2023) being newer may have a slightly longer support lifespan.