Galaxy S24 vs Motorola Edge 50

Galaxy S24
Galaxy S24
Starting at

Refurbished price:A$699.00

Versus A$1,399.00 new

See options
Motorola Edge 50
Motorola Edge 50
See options

The Samsung Galaxy S24, released in early 2024, and the Motorola Edge 50, launched in mid-2024, are contemporary Android smartphones designed to cater to different user priorities. While both devices operate on the Android 14 platform, they diverge in their approach to performance, camera capabilities, and software support. The Galaxy S24 emphasizes a premium experience with advanced processing and extended software longevity, whereas the Motorola Edge 50 focuses on a balanced feature set with a distinct design and a near-stock Android interface.

Scores

Durability

The longevity of a smartphone is influenced by its release timeline, software support, and physical durability. These two devices offer differing commitments to long-term usability.

  • Software Support: The Samsung Galaxy S24 stands out with a commitment to seven years of operating system and security updates, ensuring extended software relevance and security through 2031. The Motorola Edge 50, on the other hand, is expected to receive five years of OS updates, providing a solid, though shorter, period of software support.
  • Physical Durability: Both devices feature robust construction. The Galaxy S24 incorporates Corning Gorilla Glass Victus 2 for display protection and an IP68 rating for dust and water resistance. The Motorola Edge 50 also boasts an IP68 rating for dust and water resistance and uses Gorilla Glass 5 for its display, alongside military-grade resistance to extreme temperatures.
  • Practical Lifespan: Users prioritizing the longest possible software support and cutting-edge features will find the Galaxy S24's update policy more appealing for a device intended for extended use. The Motorola Edge 50 offers a respectable lifespan, particularly for users who value its specific design and software experience.

Release year

2024

2024

Operating system

Android

Android

Foldable

No

No

Performance

Performance in daily use is shaped by the internal components and how efficiently the software utilizes them. Both the Galaxy S24 and Motorola Edge 50 deliver capable experiences, though with different levels of power.

  • Processing Power: The Samsung Galaxy S24 is equipped with a current-generation processor, either the Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 or Exynos 2400 depending on the region, which allows it to handle demanding applications, intensive multitasking, and graphic-heavy games with smooth responsiveness. The Motorola Edge 50 features a Qualcomm Snapdragon 7 Gen 1 Accelerated Edition processor, providing a generally smooth user experience for everyday tasks and adequate performance for most games.
  • Multitasking and Storage: The Galaxy S24 typically comes with 8GB of RAM, with storage options ranging from 128GB (UFS 3.1) to 512GB (UFS 4.0), offering fast data access for quick app loading. The Motorola Edge 50 offers 8GB or 12GB of RAM and 256GB or 512GB of storage, utilizing UFS 2.2 technology, which supports efficient multitasking and storage for a wide range of applications.
  • Battery Behavior: The Galaxy S24 has a 4000 mAh battery, supporting fast wired and wireless charging. The Motorola Edge 50 includes a larger 5000 mAh battery, also supporting fast wired charging at 68W and wireless charging, which can contribute to longer usage times for many users.

Memory (GB)

12 GB

12 GB

Screen quality

The display is a primary interface for smartphone interaction, and both devices offer vibrant viewing experiences with distinct characteristics.

  • Display Technology and Clarity: The Samsung Galaxy S24 features a 6.2-inch Dynamic AMOLED 2X display with a 2340 x 1080 pixel (FHD+) resolution, providing sharp images and deep blacks. The Motorola Edge 50 sports a larger 6.7-inch pOLED display with a 1220 x 2712 pixel (Super HD) resolution, offering a detailed and immersive viewing area.
  • Brightness and Refresh Rate: The Galaxy S24's display can reach a peak brightness of 2600 nits, ensuring excellent visibility even in bright outdoor conditions, and features an adaptive refresh rate from 1Hz to 120Hz for smooth scrolling and power efficiency. The Motorola Edge 50 offers a 144Hz refresh rate for fluid visuals and a peak brightness of 1600 nits, which is suitable for outdoor use.
  • Viewing Experience: The Galaxy S24 provides a compact yet vibrant display, well-suited for one-handed use and media consumption. The Motorola Edge 50's larger, curved display offers an expansive canvas, enhancing the immersive feel for videos and gaming.

Resolution

1080x2340

1220x2712

Audiovisual

Camera systems are a key differentiator for modern smartphones, and both the Galaxy S24 and Motorola Edge 50 offer versatile setups for capturing photos and videos.

  • Rear Camera Capabilities: The Samsung Galaxy S24 features a triple rear camera system, including a 50MP wide sensor with optical image stabilization (OIS), a 10MP telephoto lens with 3x optical zoom and OIS, and a 12MP ultrawide lens. The Motorola Edge 50 also has a triple rear camera setup, comprising a 50MP main sensor with OIS, a 10MP telephoto lens with 3x optical zoom, and a 13MP ultrawide lens that also functions for macro shots.
  • Front Camera and Video Recording: For selfies, the Galaxy S24 is equipped with a 12MP front camera. The Motorola Edge 50 offers a higher resolution 32MP front camera with autofocus. Both devices are capable of recording video at 4K resolution at 30 frames per second, with the Galaxy S24 also supporting 8K video recording at 30fps.
  • Audio and Media Consumption: Both phones feature stereo speakers, with the Motorola Edge 50 specifically highlighting Dolby Atmos support for an immersive audio experience.

Miscellaneous

Beyond core specifications, several practical elements contribute to the overall user experience, from connectivity to physical design.

  • Connectivity and Ports: Both the Galaxy S24 and Motorola Edge 50 support 5G connectivity and Wi-Fi 6E for fast wireless internet. They both utilize a USB Type-C port for charging and data transfer, and neither includes a traditional 3.5mm headphone jack.
  • Biometrics and Sensors: The Galaxy S24 features an ultrasonic in-screen fingerprint sensor for secure unlocking. The Motorola Edge 50 uses an optical in-screen fingerprint reader, which is noted for being quick and responsive. Both devices include standard sensors like accelerometers, gyroscopes, and compasses.
  • Design and Handling: The Galaxy S24 has dimensions of 147 x 70.6 x 7.6 mm and weighs 168g, offering a compact and manageable form factor. The Motorola Edge 50 is slightly larger and heavier at 160.8 x 72.4 x 7.8 mm and 180g, but is still considered thin and lightweight, with a curved design that enhances handling. The Edge 50 also offers unique build materials like vegan leather finishes.

Weight

168 oz

180 oz

Screen size (in)

6.2

6.7

Network

5G

5G

SIM card

Physical SIM + eSIM

Physical SIM

Carrier compatibility

Unlocked

Unlocked

User feedback for the Samsung Galaxy S24 often praises its powerful performance, vibrant display, and the significant commitment to software updates, making it a strong contender for long-term use. Some users appreciate the integration of AI features, which enhance various aspects of the phone's functionality. Criticisms are less common for the base model but can sometimes revolve around the regional processor variations. For the Motorola Edge 50, users frequently commend its distinctive design, near-stock Android experience, and the quality of its display. Common points of discussion include its processor performance, which some users find adequate but not class-leading, and battery life, which some report as good for normal usage but not exceptional for heavy use.

Users prioritizing a compact device with industry-leading software support and top-tier processing power for demanding tasks may find the Samsung Galaxy S24 well-suited to their needs. Conversely, individuals who value a larger, curved display, a clean Android interface, and a distinctive design, along with a capable camera system, might lean towards the Motorola Edge 50. Both devices offer compelling features, and for those considering a more sustainable choice, exploring quality-assured refurbished options for either model can provide an eco-friendly alternative.

See all articles

Our recent comparisons