iPhone SE (2020) vs Motorola Edge 30 Neo

iPhone SE (2020)
iPhone SE (2020)
Starting at

Refurbished price:A$108.00

Versus A$529.00 new

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Motorola Edge 30 Neo
Motorola Edge 30 Neo
Starting at

Refurbished price:A$306.00

Versus A$414.00 new

See options

Ratings

The iPhone SE 2020 and the Motorola Edge 30 Neo are two distinct smartphones, each offering a different approach to the user experience. Released in April 2020, the iPhone SE 2020 represents Apple's compact and powerful offering, integrating a high-performance processor within a classic design. The Motorola Edge 30 Neo, launched in September 2022, provides a more contemporary design with a focus on display technology and fast charging capabilities. Both devices operate on different ecosystems, with the iPhone SE running iOS and the Edge 30 Neo running Android, influencing their software experience and feature sets.

Scores

Durability

When considering the long-term usability of these devices, their release timelines and software support are key factors. The iPhone SE 2020, released in April 2020, benefits from Apple's extended software update policy, typically receiving iOS updates for approximately 5-6 years from its launch. This suggests continued security and feature updates for a considerable period. The Motorola Edge 30 Neo, launched in September 2022, typically receives fewer major OS updates compared to Apple devices, with Motorola generally promising two major OS updates and three years of security patches.

  • Software Longevity: The iPhone SE 2020 is expected to receive software updates for a longer duration due to Apple's consistent support for older models, extending its functional lifespan. The Motorola Edge 30 Neo, while newer, will likely see fewer major Android version upgrades.
  • Repairability: The iPhone SE 2020 has a repairability score of 6 out of 10 from iFixit, indicating that common components like the display and battery are relatively straightforward to replace. Information regarding the repairability score for the Motorola Edge 30 Neo is not as readily available, but its construction with plastic materials suggests a potentially different repair experience.
  • Physical Durability: The iPhone SE 2020 features an IP67 rating for dust and water resistance, offering protection against immersion in water up to 1 meter for 30 minutes. The Motorola Edge 30 Neo has an IP52 rating, providing resistance against dust and water splashes.

Release year

2020

2022

Compatible with latest Update

Yes

Yes

Operating system

iOS

Android

Foldable

No

No

Performance

The performance of a smartphone is crucial for daily tasks, from app usage to multitasking and gaming. Both devices offer capable performance for their respective generations, though they approach it with different hardware philosophies.

  • Processing Power: The iPhone SE 2020 is equipped with a powerful processor that enables smooth handling of demanding applications and efficient multitasking. This allows for a responsive user experience across various tasks. The Motorola Edge 30 Neo features a mid-range processor that provides sufficient power for everyday use, web browsing, and undemanding games, with apps opening quickly and UI navigation feeling fluid.
  • Multitasking and Responsiveness: Users of the iPhone SE 2020 generally experience consistent responsiveness, even with multiple applications running simultaneously, due to its optimized software and hardware integration. The Motorola Edge 30 Neo, with its capable processor and typically 8GB of RAM, handles multitasking effectively, though it may require a reduction in graphics quality for more intensive games.
  • Storage Options: The iPhone SE 2020 was available with storage options including 64GB, 128GB, and 256GB. The Motorola Edge 30 Neo offers configurations with 128GB or 256GB of storage, and some variants may include 512GB.
  • Battery Behavior: The iPhone SE 2020's battery life is generally considered to be about a day for light to moderate use, but heavy usage often requires more frequent charging. The Motorola Edge 30 Neo, with a larger battery capacity, typically offers good battery life, often lasting a full day with moderate use and supporting fast charging to quickly replenish power.

Memory (GB)

3 GB

8 GB

Screen quality

The display is a primary interface for smartphone interaction, and both devices offer different visual experiences tailored to their design and target audience.

  • Display Technology and Clarity: The iPhone SE 2020 features a 4.7-inch Retina HD IPS LCD display with a resolution of 750 x 1334 pixels. This provides clear visuals and accurate color reproduction. The Motorola Edge 30 Neo boasts a 6.28-inch pOLED display with a resolution of 2400 x 1080 pixels, offering vibrant colors, deep blacks, and sharp details.
  • Brightness and Outdoor Visibility: The iPhone SE 2020's display offers a typical maximum brightness of 625 nits, providing decent visibility in various lighting conditions. The Motorola Edge 30 Neo's pOLED panel also delivers good brightness, contributing to comfortable viewing outdoors.
  • Refresh Rate and Smoothness: The iPhone SE 2020 has a standard 60Hz refresh rate, which is typical for its release period. The Motorola Edge 30 Neo features a higher 120Hz refresh rate, resulting in smoother scrolling and a more fluid visual experience, particularly noticeable during gaming or fast-paced content.
  • Screen Size and Viewing Experience: The iPhone SE 2020's compact 4.7-inch screen is ideal for one-handed use and users who prefer a smaller device. The Motorola Edge 30 Neo's larger 6.28-inch display offers a more expansive viewing area, enhancing multimedia consumption and browsing.

Resolution

750 x 1334

1080 x 2400

Screen type

Retina IPS LCD

P-OLED

Audiovisual

Camera capabilities are a significant consideration for many users, and both smartphones offer distinct photographic and videographic experiences.

  • Rear Camera System: The iPhone SE 2020 features a single 12MP wide-angle rear camera with an f/1.8 aperture and optical image stabilization (OIS). It leverages its powerful processor for computational photography, including Portrait mode. The Motorola Edge 30 Neo comes with a dual-camera setup, including a 64MP main lens with OIS and pixel binning technology, and a 13MP ultrawide lens that also handles macro shots.
  • Photography Performance: In good lighting, the iPhone SE 2020 captures impressive photos with good detail and color accuracy. However, it lacks a dedicated Night Mode, which can impact low-light performance. The Motorola Edge 30 Neo's main camera also performs well in decent lighting, producing images with good color and detail. Its low-light performance is generally considered adequate but not exceptional.
  • Video Recording: The iPhone SE 2020 is capable of recording 4K video at up to 60 frames per second (fps) with its rear camera, and 1080p video with its front camera. The Motorola Edge 30 Neo can record videos in 1080p resolution at 30 or 60 fps with its main and front cameras, and 1080p at 30 fps with its ultrawide camera.
  • Front Camera: The iPhone SE 2020 has a 7MP front-facing camera that supports Portrait mode. The Motorola Edge 30 Neo features a higher resolution 32MP selfie camera, which also uses pixel binning to produce 8MP images.
  • Audio Experience: The Motorola Edge 30 Neo includes stereo speakers enhanced by Dolby Atmos, providing a rich audio experience for media consumption. Information on the iPhone SE 2020's speaker output is less detailed in the provided snippets, but iPhones generally offer competent audio.

Main camera

12 megapixels

64 megapixels

Front camera

7 megapixels

32 megapixels

Miscellaneous

Beyond core performance and camera, several other features contribute to the overall user experience and practical utility of a smartphone.

  • Connectivity: The iPhone SE 2020 supports 4G LTE cellular connectivity and Wi-Fi 5. The Motorola Edge 30 Neo supports 5G connectivity (sub-6 GHz), Wi-Fi 5 (dual-band 2.4 GHz and 5 GHz), and Bluetooth v5.1.
  • Ports and Biometrics: The iPhone SE 2020 features a Lightning port for charging and data transfer, and includes Touch ID for secure fingerprint recognition integrated into the home button. It lacks a traditional headphone jack. The Motorola Edge 30 Neo uses a USB-C port, and offers both an under-display fingerprint sensor and face unlock for security. It also lacks a headphone jack.
  • Design and Build Materials: The iPhone SE 2020 utilizes a classic design with an aluminum frame and glass front and back. Its dimensions are 138.4 x 67.3 x 7.3 mm and it weighs 148g, making it a compact and lightweight device. The Motorola Edge 30 Neo features a plastic construction for a lightweight feel, with dimensions of 152.9 x 71.2 x 7.75 mm and a weight of 155g, offering a slightly larger yet still relatively compact form factor.
  • Additional Features: The iPhone SE 2020 supports wireless charging. The Motorola Edge 30 Neo also supports wireless charging (up to 5W) and includes a 68W fast charger in the box.

Weight

148 oz

155 oz

Screen size (in)

4.7

6.28

Network

4G

5G

SIM card

Physical SIM + eSIM

Dual Physical SIM

Carrier compatibility

Unlocked

Unlocked

User feedback for the iPhone SE 2020 often praises its powerful processor and the reliability of the iOS ecosystem, making it a strong performer for its size. Common criticisms frequently point to its battery life, which some users find to be a significant drawback, especially with heavy use. Its dated design with larger bezels and an LCD display are also noted as areas where it shows its age compared to more modern devices.

The Motorola Edge 30 Neo is frequently lauded for its vibrant pOLED display with a high refresh rate and its fast charging capabilities. Users appreciate its compact and lightweight design, along with its clean Android experience. However, some criticisms include its mid-range performance, which might not satisfy users with very demanding tasks or games, and its camera performance in low-light conditions.

Users prioritizing a compact device with long-term software support and a powerful processor for general use will find the iPhone SE 2020 well-suited to their needs. Those who value a modern, high-refresh-rate display, faster charging, and a more contemporary design with a clean Android interface may lean toward the Motorola Edge 30 Neo. Both devices offer distinct advantages, catering to different user preferences. For those considering either model, exploring quality-assured refurbished options can provide an eco-friendly alternative to extend the life cycle of these devices.

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