Galaxy S23+ vs Motorola Edge 30 Fusion

Galaxy S23+
Galaxy S23+
Starting at

Refurbished price:A$539.00

Versus A$1,953.00 new

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Motorola Edge 30 Fusion
Motorola Edge 30 Fusion
Starting at

Refurbished price:A$257.46

Versus A$1,352.00 new

See options

The Samsung Galaxy S23 Plus, released in 2023, and the Motorola Edge 30 Fusion, launched in 2022, are both Android smartphones designed to offer a capable mobile experience. While the Galaxy S23 Plus arrived as a more recent flagship offering, the Edge 30 Fusion positioned itself with a focus on a high refresh rate display and a distinct design. Both devices run on the Android operating system, providing access to a wide ecosystem of applications and services.

Scores

Durability

When considering the long-term usability of these devices, several factors contribute to their expected lifespan, including software support and physical resilience.

  • Release Timeline: The Samsung Galaxy S23 Plus was released in 2023, making it a year newer than the Motorola Edge 30 Fusion, which launched in 2022. This difference in release year impacts the duration of future software support.
  • Software Longevity: Samsung has committed to providing four years of major Android operating system upgrades and five years of security updates for the Galaxy S23 series, extending its support until at least 2028. The Motorola Edge 30 Fusion, on the other hand, typically receives two major OS updates and three years of security patches. This means the Galaxy S23 Plus is expected to receive software updates for a longer period, potentially offering a more extended secure and feature-rich experience.
  • Physical Durability: The Galaxy S23 Plus features Gorilla Glass Victus 2 on both the front and back, along with an Armor Aluminum frame, contributing to its robust build and IP68 rating for dust and water resistance. The Motorola Edge 30 Fusion uses Gorilla Glass 5 for its display and back, with an aluminum frame, and carries an IP52 rating, indicating splash resistance. User experiences suggest that while both phones are well-built, the Galaxy S23 Plus's materials offer enhanced protection against drops and water ingress.

Release year

2023

2022

Compatible with latest Update

Yes

Yes

Operating system

Android

Android

Foldable

No

No

Performance

Both smartphones deliver strong performance for daily tasks, but their underlying hardware offers different capabilities for demanding applications and multitasking.

  • Processing Power: The Samsung Galaxy S23 Plus is equipped with a newer generation processor, which provides efficient handling of demanding applications and smooth multitasking. This allows for responsive navigation and efficient execution of complex tasks. The Motorola Edge 30 Fusion utilizes a previous generation flagship processor, which still offers capable performance for everyday use and many graphically intensive applications.
  • Multitasking and Storage: Both devices offer ample RAM, ensuring smooth transitions between applications and efficient background process management. The Galaxy S23 Plus is available with 256GB or 512GB of internal storage, with the larger capacities utilizing a faster storage format. The Edge 30 Fusion offers storage options including 128GB, 256GB, and 512GB.
  • Battery Behavior: The Galaxy S23 Plus houses a 4700 mAh battery, which, combined with its efficient processor, generally provides a full day of use for many users. The Motorola Edge 30 Fusion has a 4400 mAh battery. User reports indicate that the Edge 30 Fusion's battery life is generally sufficient for a full day of moderate use, though heavy usage might require more frequent charging.

Memory (GB)

8 GB

8 GB

Screen quality

The visual experience on both devices is characterized by vibrant displays, though they differ in technology and refresh rate capabilities.

  • Display Technology and Clarity: The Samsung Galaxy S23 Plus features a 6.6-inch Dynamic AMOLED 2X display, offering deep blacks, high contrast, and vibrant colors with a Full HD+ resolution (2340 x 1080 pixels). The Motorola Edge 30 Fusion comes with a 6.55-inch pOLED display, also providing rich colors and excellent contrast at a Full HD+ resolution (2400 x 1080 pixels).
  • Brightness and Outdoor Visibility: Both phones offer high peak brightness levels, which contribute to good visibility even in bright outdoor conditions. Users generally find both screens to be bright and clear for various viewing environments.
  • Refresh Rate and Smoothness: The Galaxy S23 Plus features an adaptive refresh rate that can go up to 120Hz, providing smooth scrolling and responsive interactions while conserving battery life. The Edge 30 Fusion offers an even higher 144Hz refresh rate, which can result in a perceptibly smoother visual experience, particularly in fast-paced content or scrolling.

Resolution

1080 x 2340

1080 x 2400

Screen type

Dynamic AMOLED 2X

P-OLED

Audiovisual

Both smartphones offer capable camera systems, but they cater to slightly different photographic priorities and capabilities.

  • Rear Camera System: The Samsung Galaxy S23 Plus is equipped with a versatile triple-camera setup, including a 50MP main sensor, a 12MP ultrawide lens, and a 10MP telephoto lens with 3x optical zoom. This configuration allows for a wide range of photographic styles, from expansive landscapes to detailed zoomed-in shots. The Motorola Edge 30 Fusion features a dual-camera system on the rear, comprising a 50MP main sensor with optical image stabilization (OIS) and a 13MP ultrawide lens that also functions for macro photography.
  • Photography Performance: The Galaxy S23 Plus is noted for its strong all-around camera performance, particularly in low-light conditions and its ability to capture distant subjects with its telephoto lens. The Edge 30 Fusion delivers good results in well-lit conditions, with its OIS aiding in sharper images, though its low-light performance is generally considered good rather than exceptional.
  • Video Recording and Front Camera: The Galaxy S23 Plus supports video recording up to 8K resolution. Its front-facing camera is 12MP. The Motorola Edge 30 Fusion can record videos up to 4K resolution. It features a higher resolution 32MP front camera, which can be beneficial for detailed selfies and video calls.

Main camera

50 megapixels

50 megapixels

Front camera

12 megapixels

32 megapixels

Miscellaneous

Beyond core features, several practical elements differentiate the user experience and daily interaction with these devices.

  • Connectivity and Ports: Both devices support 5G connectivity, Wi-Fi 6E, and Bluetooth for wireless communication. The Galaxy S23 Plus features Bluetooth 5.3, while the Edge 30 Fusion uses Bluetooth 5.2. Both phones utilize a USB-C port for charging and data transfer. Neither device includes a traditional 3.5mm headphone jack.
  • Biometrics and Security: For secure unlocking, both smartphones incorporate in-display fingerprint sensors and support face recognition. These methods offer convenient and reliable access to the devices.
  • Design and Handling: The Galaxy S23 Plus measures 157.8 x 76.2 x 7.6 mm and weighs 196g. It features a flat display and an Armor Aluminum frame. The Motorola Edge 30 Fusion is slightly more compact and lighter at 158.48 x 71.99 x 7.45 mm and 175g, with some variants being even lighter. Its design includes a curved display and an aluminum frame, contributing to a comfortable in-hand feel.

Weight

196 oz

168 oz

Screen size (in)

6.6

6,55

Network

5G

5G

SIM card

Physical SIM + eSIM

Dual Physical SIM

Carrier compatibility

Unlocked

Unlocked

User feedback for the Samsung Galaxy S23 Plus frequently highlights its robust performance, excellent camera capabilities, and long-lasting software support as key strengths. Some users appreciate its bright display and overall smooth operation. Criticisms are less common but sometimes point to its incremental upgrades over previous models or the camera not always matching the absolute top-tier performance of some competitors in specific scenarios.

The Motorola Edge 30 Fusion is often praised for its sleek design, high refresh rate display, and solid performance for everyday tasks. Users also appreciate its clean Android experience. Common concerns revolve around its shorter software update commitment compared to some rivals and its camera performance, while good, not always reaching the consistency of more premium devices, particularly in challenging lighting.

Users prioritizing extended software longevity, a highly versatile camera system with optical zoom, and robust physical durability will find the Samsung Galaxy S23 Plus well-suited to their needs. Conversely, individuals who value a very high refresh rate display, a distinctive and lightweight design, and a clean Android interface for solid daily performance may lean towards the Motorola Edge 30 Fusion. Both devices offer compelling features, and choosing between them often comes down to these specific user priorities. For those seeking an eco-friendly alternative, quality-assured refurbished options for both models are available, providing a sustainable choice.

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