Galaxy S24+ vs Motorola Edge 30 Pro

Galaxy S24+
Galaxy S24+
Starting at

Refurbished price:A$639.00

Versus A$1,833.00 new

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Motorola Edge 30 Pro
Motorola Edge 30 Pro
Starting at

Refurbished price:A$291.72

Versus A$2,709.00 new

See options

The Samsung Galaxy S24 Plus, released in January 2024, and the Motorola Edge 30 Pro, launched in February 2022, are both high-performance smartphones running on the Android operating system. While the Galaxy S24 Plus represents a more recent flagship offering with extended software support and display enhancements, the Motorola Edge 30 Pro provides a strong performance foundation from an earlier generation.

Scores

Durability

The expected lifespan and software support differ significantly between these two devices, primarily due to their release timelines and manufacturer policies.

  • Release Timeline: The Galaxy S24 Plus is a newer device, released in January 2024, while the Motorola Edge 30 Pro was released in February 2022. This two-year difference impacts their remaining support cycles.
  • OS Support Duration: Samsung has committed to an extensive seven years of major Android OS updates and security patches for the Galaxy S24 Plus, meaning it is expected to receive updates until 2031. In contrast, the Motorola Edge 30 Pro typically receives two to three major OS updates and three years of security updates. This means the Edge 30 Pro has likely reached or is nearing the end of its major OS update cycle, having launched with Android 12 and receiving updates up to Android 14.
  • Practical Lifespan: Users prioritizing long-term software features and security will find the Galaxy S24 Plus offers a considerably longer practical lifespan. The Motorola Edge 30 Pro, while still functional, will cease to receive new Android versions sooner, potentially limiting access to future app features and security enhancements.

Release year

2024

2022

Operating system

Android

Android

Foldable

No

No

Performance

Both devices offer robust performance for daily tasks, but their underlying hardware and optimization lead to different user experiences, particularly under demanding conditions.

  • Everyday Responsiveness: The Galaxy S24 Plus provides a highly responsive experience, handling demanding applications and extensive multitasking smoothly. Users report consistent performance without significant lag, even with multiple apps open. The Motorola Edge 30 Pro also offers a fast and fluid experience for general use, with a clean Android interface contributing to its snappiness.
  • Demanding Tasks and Gaming: The Galaxy S24 Plus is equipped with a more recent generation processor and 12GB of RAM, allowing it to manage intensive gaming and heavy applications with sustained performance and efficient thermal management. The Motorola Edge 30 Pro, while powerful for its generation with 8GB or 12GB RAM options, has been noted by some users to experience heating during prolonged heavy use, which can impact sustained performance and battery drain.
  • Storage Options: The Galaxy S24 Plus is available with 256GB or 512GB of internal storage. The Motorola Edge 30 Pro offers more varied options, including 128GB, 256GB, and 512GB, providing flexibility for different storage needs.
  • Battery Behavior: The Galaxy S24 Plus features a 4900 mAh battery, with users generally reporting good battery life that can last a full day or more with moderate usage. The Motorola Edge 30 Pro has a 4800 mAh battery, but some users have reported less-than-ideal battery life, sometimes requiring multiple charges per day under heavy use, potentially linked to processor efficiency and software optimization.

Memory (GB)

12 GB

8 GB

Screen quality

The display is a key interaction point, and both smartphones offer large, vibrant screens, though with distinct differences in technology and specifications.

  • Display Technology and Resolution: The Galaxy S24 Plus features a 6.7-inch Dynamic AMOLED 2X display with a QHD+ resolution (3120 x 1440 pixels), offering exceptional clarity and detail. The Motorola Edge 30 Pro also has a 6.7-inch OLED display, but with a Full HD+ resolution (2400 x 1080 pixels).
  • Brightness and Outdoor Visibility: The Galaxy S24 Plus boasts a significantly higher peak brightness of up to 2600 nits, ensuring excellent visibility even in bright outdoor conditions. The Motorola Edge 30 Pro's display is bright and vibrant, but its peak brightness is lower, which might make it less comfortable to view under direct sunlight compared to the S24 Plus.
  • Refresh Rate and Smoothness: Both devices offer high refresh rates for smooth scrolling and animations. The Galaxy S24 Plus features an adaptive refresh rate ranging from 1Hz to 120Hz, optimizing for both fluidity and power efficiency. The Motorola Edge 30 Pro offers an even higher fixed refresh rate of 144Hz, which can provide an exceptionally fluid visual experience, particularly in supported games.

Resolution

1440x3120

1080 x 2400

Audiovisual

Camera capabilities are a significant consideration for many users, and both phones offer multi-lens systems with varying strengths in photography and video.

  • Rear Camera System: The Galaxy S24 Plus features a versatile triple camera setup: a 50MP main sensor with optical image stabilization (OIS), a 12MP ultrawide lens, and a 10MP telephoto lens with 3x optical zoom. This configuration allows for detailed shots across various focal lengths. The Motorola Edge 30 Pro also has a triple rear camera system, including a 50MP main sensor with OIS, a 50MP ultrawide sensor, and a 2MP depth sensor.
  • Photography Performance: The Galaxy S24 Plus generally delivers solid photo and video quality, with good detail and color reproduction across its lenses. User sentiment suggests that while the S24 Plus camera is capable, some software updates have led to inconsistent results for certain users. The Motorola Edge 30 Pro's main camera can capture good images in well-lit conditions, but user feedback often points to inconsistent performance, particularly in low light, with some describing photos as grainy or noisy.
  • Front Camera: The Galaxy S24 Plus is equipped with a 12MP front camera. The Motorola Edge 30 Pro features a high-resolution 60MP front camera, which can capture very detailed selfies.
  • Video Recording: Both devices support high-resolution video recording, with the Galaxy S24 Plus capable of 8K video at up to 30 frames per second.

Miscellaneous

Beyond core specifications, several other features contribute to the overall user experience and practical utility of these smartphones.

  • Build Materials and Durability: The Galaxy S24 Plus features an Armor Aluminum frame and Gorilla Glass Victus 2 on both the front and back, offering enhanced scratch and drop resistance. It also carries an IP68 rating for dust and water resistance. The Motorola Edge 30 Pro uses Gorilla Glass 3 for its front and back, with a plastic frame, and has an IP52 rating, indicating splash resistance rather than full water immersion protection.
  • Connectivity: Both phones support 5G connectivity and Wi-Fi 6E for fast wireless speeds. The Galaxy S24 Plus also supports Bluetooth 5.3 and USB-C 3.2, while the Motorola Edge 30 Pro supports Bluetooth 5.2 and USB-C 3.1.
  • Biometric Security: The Galaxy S24 Plus utilizes an ultrasonic in-display fingerprint sensor and face recognition for secure unlocking. The Motorola Edge 30 Pro features a side-mounted fingerprint sensor integrated into the power button, alongside face recognition.
  • Dimensions and Handling: The Galaxy S24 Plus measures 158.5 x 75.9 x 7.7 mm and weighs 196g. The Motorola Edge 30 Pro is slightly larger at 163.1 x 76 x 8.8 mm and also weighs 196g. The S24 Plus is marginally thinner, which might contribute to a slightly different in-hand feel.

Weight

196 oz

196 oz

Screen size (in)

6.7

6,7

Network

5G

5G

SIM card

Physical SIM + eSIM

Dual Physical SIM

Carrier compatibility

Unlocked

Unlocked

The Samsung Galaxy S24 Plus and Motorola Edge 30 Pro cater to users with different priorities, largely influenced by their release dates and respective manufacturer focuses. User feedback for the Galaxy S24 Plus often praises its vibrant display, consistent performance, and the promise of extensive software support, making it a reliable choice for those seeking longevity and a premium experience. Some users have noted occasional inconsistencies with camera processing after updates and varying battery performance depending on the processor variant (Exynos vs. Snapdragon) and usage patterns.

For the Motorola Edge 30 Pro, common praise points include its smooth 144Hz display and generally fast performance for everyday tasks, often attributed to its near-stock Android experience. However, frequent criticisms revolve around its camera performance, especially in challenging lighting, and battery life concerns, with some users reporting significant drain and heating under load.

Users prioritizing the latest technology, a superior display with higher resolution and brightness, robust durability features, and an industry-leading software update policy will find the Galaxy S24 Plus well-suited to their needs. Its extended support makes it a strong candidate for long-term ownership. Conversely, users who value a very high refresh rate display, a clean Android interface, and a powerful processor for general use, and are less concerned with the absolute latest camera performance or extended software support, might consider the Motorola Edge 30 Pro. Evaluating refurbished options for either device can provide an eco-friendly alternative, offering quality-assured products that align with sustainable consumption choices.

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