Motorola Edge+ (2023) vs. ZTE Axon 20 5G Extreme: A Generational Leap in Performance?

The Motorola Edge+ (2023) represents a significant jump in processing power compared to the ZTE Axon 20 5G Extreme, released in 2020. This comparison isn't about direct contemporaries; it's about assessing whether the newer flagship's advancements justify its higher price point for users who may still find the older device readily available and affordable.
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🏆 Quick Verdict

For most users, the Motorola Edge+ (2023) is the clear winner. Its Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 chipset delivers substantially faster performance and improved efficiency, making it ideal for demanding tasks like gaming and video editing. However, the ZTE Axon 20 5G Extreme remains a viable option for budget-conscious users prioritizing basic smartphone functionality.

PHONES
Phone Names ZTE Axon 20 5G Extreme Motorola Edge+ (2023)
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, 3, 4, 5, 7, 8, 12, 17, 20, 34, 38, 39, 40, 411, 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, 3, 28, 41, 78, 79 SA/NSA1, 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 / CDMA / HSPA / LTE / 5GGSM / HSPA / LTE / 5G
 CDMA 800 -
Launch
Announced2020, December 03. Released 2020, December 222023, May 02
StatusDiscontinuedAvailable. Released 2023, May 19
Body
BuildGlass front, eco leather back, plastic frameGlass front (Gorilla Glass Victus), glass back (Gorilla Glass Victus), aluminum frame
Dimensions172.1 x 77.9 x 8 mm (6.78 x 3.07 x 0.31 in)161.2 x 74 x 8.6 mm (6.35 x 2.91 x 0.34 in)
SIMNano-SIM + Nano-SIMNano-SIM + eSIM
Weight198 g (6.98 oz)203 g (7.16 oz)
 -IP68 dust/water resistant (up to 1.5m for 30 min)
Display
Protection-Corning Gorilla Glass Victus
Resolution1080 x 2460 pixels (~388 ppi density)1080 x 2400 pixels, 20:9 ratio (~395 ppi density)
Size6.92 inches, 113.7 cm2 (~84.8% screen-to-body ratio)6.67 inches, 107.4 cm2 (~90.0% screen-to-body ratio)
TypeOLED, 1B colors, 90HzOLED, 1B colors, 165Hz, HDR10+, Dolby Vision, 1300 nits (peak)
 Always-on display-
Platform
CPUOcta-core (1x2.4 GHz Kryo 475 Prime & 1x2.2 GHz Kryo 475 Gold & 6x1.8 GHz Kryo 475 Silver)Octa-core (1x3.2 GHz Cortex-X3 & 2x2.8 GHz Cortex-A715 & 2x2.8 GHz Cortex-A710 & 3x2.0 GHz Cortex-A510)
ChipsetQualcomm SM7250 Snapdragon 765G 5G (7 nm)Qualcomm SM8550-AB Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 (4 nm)
GPUAdreno 620Adreno 740
OSAndroid 10, MiFavor 10.5Android 13, upgradable to Android 14
Memory
Card slotmicroSDXC (uses shared SIM slot)No
Internal256GB 12GB RAM512GB 8GB RAM
 -UFS 4.0
Main Camera
FeaturesDual-LED dual-tone flash, HDR, panoramaDual-LED flash, panorama, HDR
Quad64 MP, f/1.8, 25mm (wide), 1/1.72", 0.8µm, PDAF 8 MP, f/2.2, 120˚, 16mm (ultrawide) 2 MP (macro) Auxiliary lens-
Triple-50 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
Video4K@30/60fps, 1080p@30fps, gyro-EIS, HDR, 10‑bit video8K@30fps, 4K@30/60fps, 1080p@30/60/120/240/960fps, 10-bit HDR10+, gyro-EIS
Selfie camera
FeaturesHDRHDR
Single32 MP, f/2.0, (wide), under display60 MP, f/2.2, (wide), 1/2.8", 0.61µm
Video1080p@30fps4K@30/60fps, 1080p@30/60/120/240fps
Sound
3.5mm jack NoNo
35mm jackNoNo
Loudspeaker YesYes, with stereo speakers
 24-bit/192kHz audio-
Comms
Bluetooth5.1, A2DP, LE5.3, A2DP, LE, aptX HD, aptX Adaptive
NFCYesYes
PositioningGPS, GLONASS, GALILEO, BDSGPS, 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, dual-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, compassFingerprint (under display, optical), accelerometer, gyro, proximity, compass, barometer
 -Ready For 3.5 support
Battery
Charging30W wired, QC4, 60% in 30 min68W wired 15W wireless 5W reverse wired 5W reverse wireless
TypeLi-Ion 4220 mAhLi-Po 5100 mAh
Misc
ColorsSunrise YellowInterstellar Black
ModelsA2121-
PriceAbout 440 EUR$ 298.99

ZTE Axon 20 5G Extreme

  • More affordable price point (likely)
  • Functional 5G connectivity
  • Sufficient for basic smartphone tasks

  • Significantly slower performance
  • Outdated chipset and architecture
  • Slower charging speeds

Motorola Edge+ (2023)

  • Exceptional performance with Snapdragon 8 Gen 2
  • Fast 68W wired charging and wireless charging
  • Advanced camera capabilities

  • Higher price tag
  • May be overkill for basic users
  • Larger size and weight (potentially)

Display Comparison

While specific display specs for the Axon 20 5G Extreme are not provided, the Motorola Edge+ (2023) benefits from the advancements in panel technology available at its price point. The Snapdragon 8 Gen 2's ISP supports higher refresh rates and more efficient display drivers. The Edge+ likely features a higher peak brightness and potentially LTPO technology for adaptive refresh rates, leading to better battery life and smoother visuals. The Axon 20 5G Extreme, being an older model, likely has a standard 60Hz or 90Hz panel with lower peak brightness.

Camera Comparison

Without detailed camera specs for the Axon 20 5G Extreme, a direct comparison is limited. However, the Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 in the Motorola Edge+ (2023) includes a more advanced ISP (Image Signal Processor) capable of processing more data and applying more sophisticated algorithms. This results in better dynamic range, noise reduction, and overall image quality, particularly in low-light conditions. The Edge+ likely benefits from improved optical image stabilization (OIS) and faster autofocus. While the Axon 20 5G Extreme may have a respectable camera for its time, the Edge+ offers a demonstrably superior imaging experience.

Performance

The core difference lies in the chipsets. The Motorola Edge+ (2023)'s Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 (4nm) is a generational leap over the ZTE Axon 20 5G Extreme's Snapdragon 765G (7nm). The 8 Gen 2 utilizes a Cortex-X3 prime core clocked at 3.2GHz, alongside Cortex-A715 and A710 performance cores, offering significantly higher single-core and multi-core performance. The 4nm process node also provides superior power efficiency, reducing thermal throttling during sustained workloads. The Axon 20 5G Extreme's Kryo 475 cores, while capable, are simply outmatched in both raw power and efficiency. This translates to faster app loading times, smoother multitasking, and a more responsive overall experience on the Motorola.

Battery Life

The Motorola Edge+ (2023) boasts a significant advantage in charging speed with its 68W wired charging, capable of quickly replenishing the battery. The ZTE Axon 20 5G Extreme's 30W charging is considerably slower. While battery capacity isn't specified for either device, the Edge+ also includes 15W wireless and 5W reverse wireless charging, features absent on the Axon 20 5G Extreme. The Snapdragon 8 Gen 2's improved power efficiency also contributes to potentially longer battery life despite potentially similar battery capacities.

Buying Guide

Buy the ZTE Axon 20 5G Extreme if you need a functional 5G smartphone on a tight budget and don't require intensive processing power. It's suitable for everyday tasks like browsing, social media, and light media consumption. Buy the Motorola Edge+ (2023) if you prioritize performance, fast charging, and a smoother user experience, especially if you're a gamer or frequently use demanding applications.

Frequently Asked Questions

❓ Is the Snapdragon 765G in the ZTE Axon 20 5G Extreme still capable of playing modern mobile games?
While the Snapdragon 765G can run many modern mobile games, it will likely require lower graphics settings and may experience frame drops in demanding titles. The Motorola Edge+ (2023)'s Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 provides a much smoother and more consistent gaming experience at higher settings.
❓ How much faster is the charging on the Motorola Edge+ (2023) compared to the ZTE Axon 20 5G Extreme?
The Motorola Edge+ (2023)'s 68W charging is significantly faster. Expect a full charge in around 30-40 minutes, whereas the ZTE Axon 20 5G Extreme's 30W charging will take considerably longer, likely exceeding an hour.
❓ Will I notice a significant difference in app loading times between these two phones?
Yes, you will. The Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 in the Motorola Edge+ (2023) has a much faster CPU and GPU, resulting in noticeably quicker app launch times and smoother multitasking compared to the ZTE Axon 20 5G Extreme.
❓ Does the Motorola Edge+ (2023) get excessively hot during prolonged gaming sessions?
The Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 is known for its improved thermal efficiency compared to older chipsets. While some heat is inevitable during intense gaming, the Motorola Edge+ (2023) is designed to manage heat effectively and minimize throttling, providing a more sustained level of performance.