Realme GT Neo vs. Motorola Edge 20 Pro: A Head-to-Head Performance and Value Showdown

The Realme GT Neo and Motorola Edge 20 Pro represent compelling options in the upper-midrange Android space. The GT Neo aggressively targets performance with the Mediatek Dimensity 1200, while the Edge 20 Pro opts for Qualcomm’s Snapdragon 870, aiming for a balance of power and efficiency. This comparison dissects their strengths and weaknesses to determine which device delivers the best overall experience.
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🏆 Quick Verdict

For users prioritizing raw speed and rapid charging, the Realme GT Neo is the clear winner. However, the Motorola Edge 20 Pro’s Snapdragon 870 offers more consistent performance under sustained loads and boasts comparable battery endurance, making it ideal for power users and gamers who value stability.

PHONES
Phone Names Realme GT Neo Motorola Edge 20 Pro
Network
2G bandsGSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900
3G bandsHSDPA 850 / 900 / 1700(AWS) / 1900 / 2100HSDPA 850 / 900 / 1700(AWS) / 1900 / 2100
4G bands1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 7, 8, 28, 34, 38, 39, 40, 411, 2, 3, 4, 5, 7, 8, 12, 13, 17, 20, 26, 28, 32, 34, 38, 39, 40, 41, 42, 43, 66
5G bands1, 28, 40, 41, 77, 78, 79 SA/NSA1, 3, 5, 7, 8, 28, 38, 41, 66, 77, 78 SA/NSA/Sub6
SpeedHSPA, LTE, 5GHSPA 42.2/5.76 Mbps, LTE Cat18 1200/150 Mbps, 5G
TechnologyGSM / CDMA / HSPA / EVDO / LTE / 5GGSM / HSPA / LTE / 5G
 CDMA2000 1xEV-DO -
Launch
Announced2021, March 312021, July 29
StatusAvailable. Released 2021, April 08Available. Released 2021, August 16
Body
BuildGlass front, plastic frame, plastic backGlass front (Gorilla Glass 5), aluminum frame, glass back (Gorilla Glass 5) or eco leather back
Dimensions158.5 x 73.3 x 8.4 mm (6.24 x 2.89 x 0.33 in)163 x 76 x 8 mm (6.42 x 2.99 x 0.31 in)
SIMNano-SIM + Nano-SIMNano-SIM + Nano-SIM
Weight179 g (6.31 oz)185/190 g (depending on color) (6.53 oz)
 -Water-repellent design
Display
Protection-Corning Gorilla Glass 5
Resolution1080 x 2400 pixels, 20:9 ratio (~409 ppi density)1080 x 2400 pixels, 19.5:9 ratio (~385 ppi density)
Size6.43 inches, 99.8 cm2 (~85.9% screen-to-body ratio)6.7 inches, 110.2 cm2 (~89.0% screen-to-body ratio)
TypeSuper AMOLED, 120HzOLED, 1B colors, 144Hz, HDR10+
Platform
CPUOcta-core (1x3.0 GHz Cortex-A78 & 3x2.6 GHz Cortex-A78 & 4x2.0 GHz Cortex-A55)Octa-core (1x3.2 GHz Kryo 585 & 3x2.42 GHz Kryo 585 & 4x1.80 GHz Kryo 585)
ChipsetMediatek Dimensity 1200 (6 nm)Qualcomm SM8250-AC Snapdragon 870 5G (7 nm)
GPUMali-G77 MC9Adreno 650
OSAndroid 11, Realme UI 2.0Android 11, planned upgrade to Android 13
Memory
Card slotNoNo
Internal128GB 6GB RAM, 128GB 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 dual-tone flash, HDR, panoramaDual-LED flash, panorama, HDR
Single16 MP, f/2.5, 26mm (wide), 1/3.0", 1.0µm-
Triple64 MP, f/1.8, 26mm (wide), 1/1.73", 0.8µm, PDAF 8 MP, f/2.3, 16mm, 119˚ (ultrawide), 1/4.0", 1.12µm 2 MP (macro)108 MP, f/1.9, (wide), 1/1.52", 0.7µm, PDAF 8 MP, f/3.4, 126mm (periscope telephoto), 1.0µm, 5x optical zoom, PDAF, OIS 16 MP, f/2.2, 13mm, 119˚ (ultrawide), 1.0µm
Video4K@30/60fps, 1080p@30/60/480fps, gyro-EIS8K@24fps, 4K@30/60fps, 1080p@30/60/240/960fps, gyro-EIS
Selfie camera
FeaturesHDR, panoramaHDR
Single16 MP, f/2.5, 26mm (wide), 1/3.0", 1.0µm32 MP, f/2.3, (wide), 0.7µm
Video1080p@30fps4K@30fps, 1080p@30/120fps
Sound
3.5mm jack YesNo
35mm jackYesNo
Loudspeaker Yes, with stereo speakersYes
 24-bit/192kHz audio-
Comms
Bluetooth5.1, A2DP, LE, aptX HD5.1, A2DP, LE
NFCYesYes
PositioningGPS (L1+L5), GLONASS, BDS, GALILEO, QZSSGPS (L1+L5), GLONASS, BDS, GALILEO
RadioNoNo
USBUSB Type-C 2.0USB Type-C 3.1, DisplayPort 1.4
WLANWi-Fi 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac/6, dual-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, compassFingerprint (side-mounted), accelerometer, gyro, proximity, compass
Battery
Charging50W wired, 50% in 16 min30W wired
Type4500 mAhLi-Po 4500 mAh
Misc
ColorsBlack, Silver, AuroraMidnight Blue, Blue Vegan Leather, Iridescent Cloud
ModelsRMX3031XT2153-1
PriceAbout 260 EURAbout 330 EUR
Tests
Battery life- Endurance rating 112h
Camera- Photo / Video
Display- Contrast ratio: Infinite (nominal)
Loudspeaker- -29.2 LUFS (Average)
Performance- AnTuTu: 711090 (v9) GeekBench: 3140 (v5.1) GFXBench: 49fps (ES 3.1 onscreen)

Realme GT Neo

  • Blazing-fast performance with Dimensity 1200
  • Ultra-fast 50W wired charging
  • Aggressive pricing for the performance offered

  • Potential for thermal throttling under sustained load
  • Limited display specifications available

Motorola Edge 20 Pro

  • More consistent performance with Snapdragon 870
  • Brighter display for better outdoor visibility
  • Solid battery life and endurance

  • Slower 30W wired charging
  • Potentially higher price point

Display Comparison

The Motorola Edge 20 Pro boasts a brighter display, reaching a measured 673 nits, compared to the Realme GT Neo’s unspecified peak brightness. While the GT Neo’s panel specifications are missing, the Edge 20 Pro’s ‘Infinite’ contrast ratio (nominal) suggests a typical OLED experience with deep blacks. The Edge 20 Pro’s brightness advantage will be noticeable in direct sunlight, offering better outdoor visibility. The lack of detailed display specs for the GT Neo makes a definitive comparison difficult, but the Edge 20 Pro clearly holds an advantage in this area.

Camera Comparison

Both phones feature photo and video capabilities, but detailed camera specifications are limited. Without sensor size or aperture information, a direct comparison is challenging. The Edge 20 Pro’s brand positioning suggests a more refined image processing pipeline, potentially delivering more accurate colors and better dynamic range. The GT Neo, leaning towards a value proposition, might prioritize speed over ultimate image quality. The absence of details regarding OIS on either device makes it difficult to assess low-light performance.

Performance

The Realme GT Neo’s Mediatek Dimensity 1200 (6nm) and the Motorola Edge 20 Pro’s Snapdragon 870 5G (7nm) represent different approaches to performance. The Dimensity 1200, with its Cortex-A78 prime core clocked at 3.0 GHz, initially appears faster. However, the Snapdragon 870’s more efficient 7nm process and Kryo 585 architecture, peaking at 3.2 GHz, often translates to more sustained performance. The Dimensity 1200 may exhibit more thermal throttling during prolonged gaming sessions. Both devices benefit from ample RAM, though specific configurations aren’t detailed, but the Snapdragon 870’s optimized power efficiency is a key differentiator for demanding users.

Battery Life

Both the Realme GT Neo and Motorola Edge 20 Pro share an endurance rating of 112 hours, indicating comparable battery life under typical usage. However, their charging speeds differ significantly. The GT Neo’s 50W wired charging can replenish 50% of the battery in just 16 minutes, offering a substantial convenience advantage. The Edge 20 Pro’s 30W charging is slower, requiring more time to reach a full charge. While battery capacity isn’t specified, the GT Neo’s faster charging mitigates any potential capacity disadvantage.

Buying Guide

Buy the Realme GT Neo if you need a phone that feels incredibly fast for everyday tasks and offers incredibly quick 50W charging. It’s perfect for social media enthusiasts, casual gamers, and those who want a responsive experience without breaking the bank. Buy the Motorola Edge 20 Pro if you prefer a phone that can handle demanding games and applications for extended periods without significant throttling, and if you value a more refined, balanced performance profile alongside solid battery life.

Frequently Asked Questions

❓ Will the Dimensity 1200 in the Realme GT Neo overheat during extended gaming sessions?
The Dimensity 1200 is a powerful chip, but its 6nm process is less efficient than the Snapdragon 870’s 7nm process. This means the GT Neo is more likely to experience thermal throttling during prolonged gaming, potentially leading to reduced performance over time. While gaming is possible, expect some performance dips.
❓ How does the Snapdragon 870 in the Motorola Edge 20 Pro handle graphically demanding games like Genshin Impact?
The Snapdragon 870 is well-equipped to handle Genshin Impact and similar titles. Its efficient architecture and optimized cooling solution allow for sustained performance without significant throttling. Expect smooth frame rates at medium to high settings, though maximum settings may require some compromises.
❓ Is the difference in charging speed between 50W and 30W noticeable in everyday use?
Absolutely. The Realme GT Neo’s 50W charging is significantly faster. Being able to add 50% charge in 16 minutes is a huge convenience, especially if you frequently find yourself needing a quick top-up. The Edge 20 Pro’s 30W charging is still respectable, but it will take considerably longer to fully charge the device.