The year of significant advancements for Motorola and OnePlus has been 2020. Both businesses unveiled a pair of smartphones that uphold their respective brand identities and include specifications that can hold their own against Apple and Samsung. With the Motorola Edge and OnePlus 8, the two also solidified their positions as front-runners for the best inexpensive flagship.
- Design, display, and durability specifications
- the speed, duration of the battery, and charging
- Software and upgrades for cameras
Both devices cost $700 and have similar specifications, including many cameras and enormous batteries. Which should you purchase, then? Techpotamus analyzes every characteristic of the ideal smartphone and offers our recommendations for the newest model that offers the best value for your money.
Motorola Edge vs OnePlus 8: Specs
| Motorola Edge | Motorola Edge | OnePlus 8 |
| Size | 161.6 x 71.1 x 9.3mm (6.36 x 2.80 x 0.37 inches) | 160.2 x 72.9 x 8mm (6.31 x 2.87 x 0.31 inches) |
| Weight | 188 grams (6.63 ounces) | 180 grams (6.35 ounces) |
| Screen size | 6.7-inch OLED (90Hz) | 6.55-inch AMOLED (90Hz) |
| Screen resolution | 2,340 x 1,080 pixels (385 pixels per inch) | 2,400 x 1,080 pixels (402 pixels per inch) |
| Operating system | Android 10 (under Motorola My UX) | Android 10 (under OxygenOS) |
| Storage | 128GB | 128GB, 256GB |
| MicroSD card slot | Yes | No |
| Tap-to-pay services | Google Pay | Google Pay |
| Processor | Qualcomm Snapdragon 765 | Qualcomm Snapdragon 865 |
| RAM | 6GB | 8GB, 12GB |
| Camera | 64-megapixel wide-angle, 16MP ultra-wide, 8MP telephoto rear, and time-of-flight depth, 25MP front | 48-megapixel wide-angle, 12MP ultra-wide, 2MP macro rear, 16MP front |
| Video | Up to 4K at 30 fps, 1080p up to 60 fps | Up to 4K at 60 fps, 1080p at 340 fps |
| Bluetooth version | 5.1 | 5.1 |
| Ports | USB-C | USB-C |
| Fingerprint sensor | Yes (under display) | Yes (under display) |
| Water resistance | No | No (IP68 on T-Mobile and Verizon models) |
| Battery | 4,500mAhFast charging (18W) | 4,300mAhWarp Charge fast-charging (30W) |
| App marketplace | Google Play Store | Google Play Store |
| Network support | Verizon support coming soon | Verizon, T-Mobile |
| Colors | Solar Black, Midnight Magenta | Onyx Black, Glacial Green, Interstellar Glow, Polar Silver |
| Prices | $700+ | $700+ |
| Buy from | Motorola | OnePlus |
Motorola Edge vs OnePlus 8: Design, display, and durability
Holding these high-end pieces of hardware will make the difference more obvious. Despite being substantially taller and having a larger screen (6.7 inches), the Motorola Edge’s 19.5:9 aspect ratio isn’t hard to carry. As you move your finger over the waterfall edges, it appears as though the content on your phone is spilling off. The drawbacks include frequent unintentional palm contacts and glare that reflects off both sides in brighter conditions. The Motorola Edge’s back is made of plastic, however it is reflective and stylish like glass. If you wish to maintain this state, we advise putting on a case.
The back cover of the OnePlus 8 takes a different approach, opting for a matte-glass texture instead of the glossy finish that is typical of OnePlus smartphones. Compared to the Motorola Edge, it feels slicker but is less prone to scuffs and fingerprints. Additionally, the 6.55-inch display is flatter, and the device’s corners are more rounded so that it fits comfortably in your hand.
If there’s any reason to seek elsewhere, it’s because neither handset has an IP certification (unless you get the OnePlus 8 through Verizon or -Mobile), which means they won’t survive a dive in the bathtub but will withstand rainfall and splashes. Although both devices offer practical designs that any consumer will appreciate owning, durability seems to be a constant that OEMs ignore because it costs more to invest in. In this contest, OnePlus defeats Motorola.
OnePlus 8 has won.
Motorola Edge vs OnePlus 8: Performance, battery life, and charging
Only a Snapdragon 765G-powered 6GB RAM edition of the Motorola Edge is offered. It’s sufficient to get you through a Twitter feed and some emailing on the side, but you may experience some lag when using more graphically demanding applications. In contrast, the OnePlus 8 comes standard with 8GB of RAM and offers 12GB for an additional $100. With the Fnatic-sponsored gaming mode activated, the Snapdragon 865 chipset’s power makes lag and slowdowns less frequent. For both devices, the starting storage is 128GB. The Motorola Edge can use a microSD card to expand up to 1TB, while the OnePlus 8 can be upgraded to 256GB.
The Motorola Edge will easily last a day and a half with a larger 4,500mAh battery. Comparatively, the 4,300mAh battery in the OnePlus 8 should deliver comparable outcomes. It makes up for its smaller battery size with quicker charging. With Warp Charge 30T, the OnePlus 8’s battery can be charged to 50% in just over 20 minutes and to 100% in just over an hour. Wireless charging is not available on either device, though.
The OnePlus 8 takes first place in this category due to its more future-proof internals and industry-leading wired charging.
OnePlus 8 has won.
Motorola Edge vs OnePlus 8: Cameras
Let’s dissect them since comparing stills from various smartphones might be somewhat subjective. A 48-megapixel wide-angle main lens, a 16-megapixel ultra-wide lens, and a 2-megapixel macro lens are all included in the OnePlus 8. Although the triple-camera arrangement is comparable to that of flagship smartphones costing $1,000, the results will serve as a reminder of why it isn’t as expensive. Quick point-and-shoot cameras won’t produce Instagram-worthy pictures, and low-light shooting is at best mediocre. What the OnePlus excels at is software tuning, which calls for some patience and a steady touch. You can shoot in up to 4K at 60 fps and 1080p at 240 fps with video recording.
Similar triple-camera technology may be found in the Motorola Edge, which has a 64-megapixel primary lens, a 16-megapixel ultrawide, and an 8-megapixel telephoto. In order to achieve the bokeh effect in portrait pictures, a time-of-flight sensor is used. The Edge’s interchangeable camera lens, like the OnePlus 8, cannot make up for the image’s uneven exposure and colour. Yes, you can edit the photos afterward, but not everyone has the time. Only 4K at 30 frames per second is available for video recording, but performance is excellent. All three cameras include electronic picture stabilization, and overall, colours appear natural.
While the OnePlus 8 and Motorola Edge lack fancy camera features like 8K recording or variable aperture, they both function well enough for regular photos and movies.
Win: a tie
Motorola Edge vs OnePlus 8: Software and updates
Based on Android 10, OxygenOS 10.5 powers the OnePlus 8 smartphone. It’s a fan favourite because it strikes the right balance between a pure Android look and sufficient customisation features to still make it unique. My UX, Motorola’s version of Android, has a comparable strategy. Although it is simple, it includes enough functionality, such as Edge Touch, to fully utilise the device’s hardware.
As their top flagship for 2020, Motorola will undoubtedly want to support the Edge series for as long as possible. OnePlus has a good track record when it comes to software updates. Both manufacturers should provide updates for at least two years. It is tied.
Win: a tie
Motorola Edge vs OnePlus 8: Special features
The extras, benchwarmers, and unique features that keep these gadgets afloat in a sea of $700 smartphones are now the topic of discussion. The Motorola Edge still supports the company’s venerable Moto Actions, which are motion-based functionality. You may flick your wrist to quickly launch the camera, make a chopping gesture to turn on and off the flashlight or reach for your phone to see your alerts. A 3.5mm headphone jack is also present on The Edge, which is unusual for 2020.
The OnePlus 8 has Zen Mode even if it doesn’t have as many eye-catching features. Zen Mode serves as a reminder that you don’t require your smartphone to stay focused and productive as we become more dependent on them to manage daily duties. A timer, like Do Not Disturb on most phones, places your device in a deep freeze after it is set.
When 5G launches in your area, you’ll be able to benefit from the faster connection speeds because both devices are 5G-ready.
Motorola Edge won.
Motorola Edge vs OnePlus 8: Price and availability
The 128GB model of the OnePlus 8 with 8GB of RAM costs $700. One is currently available via OnePlus or your neighborhood Verizon and T-Mobile store. For 549 British pounds (about $700), you can purchase the Motorola Edge with its 128GB storage and 6GB RAM configuration. While it is presently available in the UK, there have been rumors of a release in the US. It will likely be a Verizon exclusive, much like the Motorola Edge Plus.
Conclusion
The OnePlus 8 is the victor of this comparison because it offers greater overall performance for the same price. The device’s design is outstanding and there isn’t anything to quibble about. It is exquisitely constructed, has enough of RAM, and has a 90Hz display that is compatible with Oxygen OS. The United States nationwide availability is the icing on the cake for OnePlus.