Latest news with #smartphonecomparison
Phone Arena
2 days ago
- Phone Arena
Motorola's Edge (2025) can't keep up: because it's not meant to
It's not easy to stand out in the world of $500–$600 phones. Every year, the competition gets tighter: Google's Pixel 'a' series keeps getting better, OnePlus pushes the boundaries of what a mid-ranger can do, and newcomers like Nothing double down on design and identity while offering a polished there's Motorola, and it's latest mid-range phone — the Edge (2025). It comes with the company's signature look, featuring a silicone back and a slim form factor with a curved display. But besides its looks, which can be a subjective topic, what else does the Motorola Edge (2025) have to offer to beat its scary-good competition? I took a closer look at how the Motorola Edge (2025) compared head-to-head with the Pixel 9a, OnePlus 13R, and Nothing Phone (3a) Pro in our tests, and came to a surprising conclusion. The Edge (2025) is the only phone in this group that received an 8/10 design score from us, which reflects not just its clean aesthetics, but also how it feels in the hand and its durability. The curved edges, aluminum frame, and lightweight 174g build make it surprisingly refined, more so than the plastic Pixel 9a or the bolder but chunkier designs of the OnePlus 13R and Nothing Phone (3a) to mention that I am a proud fan of the silicon/vegan leather back panels out there. I've said it before, and I'll say it again: this material is superior because it is: Less slippery Less prone to visible scratches More pleasant to the touch Does not attract fingerprints The Motorola Edge (2025) might catch your eye with its sleek curves, but its display doesn't quite keep up where it 6.7-inch screen sounds great on paper, but in real-world use, it's noticeably dimmer than the competition. It peaks at 1375 nits, which is enough for most indoor situations, but not ideal under bright sunlight. At night, it doesn't get as comfortably dim as others either, which might bother you during bedtime good news is that colors looked good on the Edge (2025). Photos and video were color-accurate and vibrant. But the Pixel 9a , for example, much better brightness levels (2561 nits) and even better color accuracy. The OnePlus 13R offered similarly strong results as the 9a, with the added benefit of a slightly higher resolution (1264p). Even the Nothing Phone (3a) Pro beat the Edge in both brightness, with a similar display resolution as the Motorola. The Motorola Edge (2025) includes a substantially large 5,200mAh battery, and it charges extremely fast: 0 to 100% in just 53 minutes via 68W wired charging. That's slightly faster than the OnePlus 13R and Nothing Phone (3a) Pro, both of which finished around 56 minutes. Compared to the Pixel 9a 's sluggish 1h 42 min full charge, the Edge is in a different charging only gets you so far. The Edge (2025) has no good reason to get such comparatively low results considering its large battery and weaker chip performance, which points to less efficient software or thermals. This is where the Edge (2025) truly shows Motorola's lackluster efforts in the mid-range US market. The phone is powered by the MediaTek Dimensity 7400 — a new chip, but one that simply can't measure up in a world of Snapdragons, Tensors, and even OnePlus 13R and its Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 simply dominate, followed by the Pixel 9a 's Tensor G4. Even the Nothing Phone (3a) Pro, with its mid-tier Snapdragon 7s Gen 3, outpaces the Edge in both Geekbench and 3DMark scores, which showcase the performance capabilities of a chip's CPU and GPU, respectively. In our review score breakdown, the Edge earned a 6/10 for both light and heavy performance. The Nothing Phone (3a) Pro did only slightly better (6.1/4.3), but the Pixel 9a (6.8/5.9) and OnePlus 13R (7.5/7.0) pulled well ahead. So, benchmark performance is not great, and that holds up in real-world use. Apps take longer to open, and heavy multitasking leads to stutters and reloads. That's not to say that the phone is unusable, it just means that in 2025, you can get better performance at $550. The Motorola Edge (2025) camera system is not as good as it sounds. | Image credit — PhoneArena On paper, the Motorola Edge (2025) looks like a camera powerhouse: a 50 MP main shooter, 50 MP ultrawide, 10 MP 3X zoom and even a 50 MP selfie cam. But as we've learned time and again, great specs don't always mean great reality, the Edge struggles with how it processes images. Photos often look overly sharp and too processed. This makes textures like skin, hair, or trees look unnatural and too crisp, taking away from the realism the real scene or subject. It's frustrating, because the hardware is there, but Motorola just isn't letting it said, the telephoto lens does deserve some praise. It delivers surprisingly clear results at different zoom levels, which is rare for a phone at this price. Unfortunately, that one highlight doesn't lift the overall photo experience much beyond is where things dip even more. While the Edge scores on par with the Nothing Phone (3a) Pro in our tests, both trail behind the Pixel 9a and OnePlus 13R . Those two handle shaky footage and dim lighting better, making them much more usable for a family gathering or a concert. And when you try to zoom while recording on the Edge, the quality takes a nosedive — it scored the worst in our video zoom tests, which is weird considering how well it does with taking photos. Motorola's Edge (2025) may look sharp, but all eyes and effort seem to fall on the company's foldables instead. | Image credit — PhoneArena When you compare the Motorola Edge (2025) against its competitors, it becomes clear that it's not exactly a point of focus for the company. Despite its sleek design and a few standout features like wireless charging and a telephoto lens, the Edge (2025) doesn't quite match its rivals. So, it almost feels like Motorola is not even trying to compete. Instead, the company's real effort is going into its Razr foldables, but there's a good reason for that — Motorola is leading the pack in that segment right now. There is arguably no other flip phone that does a better job at utilizing the clamshell form factor than the Razr (2025) series. Even the base Motorola Razr (2025), which is $200 more expensive than the Edge, feels like a more competitive device. To me, it feels like the Edge (2025) was built to fill a price segment, not to beat everyone in it. It seems clear what Motorola's U.S. strategy is: foldables come first, and everything else comes second. And while the Edge line used to be a showcase for style and value, it now looks like an afterthought next to the company's more exciting Razr lineup. 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Geeky Gadgets
27-05-2025
- Geeky Gadgets
The ULTIMATE Compact Phone Battle: S25 vs. iPhone 16 Pro vs. Pixel 9 Pro vs. Xiaomi 15!
Compact smartphones have become increasingly popular for their portability and practicality without sacrificing performance. The Samsung Galaxy S25, iPhone 16 Pro, Google Pixel 9 Pro, and Xiaomi 15 are among the top contenders in this category. Each device offers unique strengths, catering to different user preferences. The video below from Techmo explores their design, features, and overall value to help you determine which one suits your needs best. Design and Build Quality The design and build quality of a smartphone significantly impact its usability and durability. Compact smartphones aim to provide a comfortable grip while maintaining a premium feel. Here's how these models compare: iPhone 16 Pro: Crafted with a stainless steel frame and ceramic shield, it delivers a luxurious yet durable design that resists scratches and drops. Crafted with a stainless steel frame and ceramic shield, it delivers a luxurious yet durable design that resists scratches and drops. Galaxy S25: Features a lightweight aluminum frame paired with a matte glass back, offering a sleek and ergonomic design that feels natural in hand. Features a lightweight aluminum frame paired with a matte glass back, offering a sleek and ergonomic design that feels natural in hand. Pixel 9 Pro: Focuses on sustainability with its recycled aluminum build, combining simplicity with environmental consciousness. Focuses on sustainability with its recycled aluminum build, combining simplicity with environmental consciousness. Xiaomi 15: Stands out with its curved glass design and polished finish, creating a modern and visually appealing aesthetic. While all four devices are well-built and portable, the Galaxy S25 strikes an excellent balance between weight, grip, and overall comfort, making it a standout choice for everyday use. Display Technology The display is one of the most critical aspects of a smartphone, influencing everything from media consumption to productivity. Each of these devices offers high-quality visuals, but their display technologies differ: iPhone 16 Pro: Equipped with a 6.1-inch Super Retina XDR display, it excels in color accuracy, brightness, and HDR performance. Equipped with a 6.1-inch Super Retina XDR display, it excels in color accuracy, brightness, and HDR performance. Galaxy S25: Features a 6.2-inch Dynamic AMOLED 2X panel with a 120Hz refresh rate, delivering smooth scrolling and vibrant colors. Features a 6.2-inch Dynamic AMOLED 2X panel with a 120Hz refresh rate, delivering smooth scrolling and vibrant colors. Pixel 9 Pro: Features an OLED display with a high refresh rate, optimized for clarity and responsiveness, especially in dynamic content. Features an OLED display with a high refresh rate, optimized for clarity and responsiveness, especially in dynamic content. Xiaomi 15: Offers a slightly larger 6.3-inch OLED screen, providing an immersive viewing experience with sharp details and vivid colors. If you value smooth visuals and vibrant colors, the Galaxy S25 and Xiaomi 15 stand out. However, the iPhone 16 Pro's exceptional color accuracy makes it ideal for those who prioritize display precision. Performance and Software Optimization Performance is a cornerstone of any smartphone experience, and all four models are equipped with innovative processors to handle demanding tasks: iPhone 16 Pro: Powered by the A17 Bionic chip, it offers industry-leading speed, energy efficiency, and seamless multitasking. Powered by the A17 Bionic chip, it offers industry-leading speed, energy efficiency, and seamless multitasking. Galaxy S25: Features either the Exynos 2500 or Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 (depending on the region), excelling in gaming, multitasking, and overall performance. Features either the Exynos 2500 or Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 (depending on the region), excelling in gaming, multitasking, and overall performance. Pixel 9 Pro: Runs on Google's Tensor G3 chip, optimized for AI-driven tasks such as real-time transcription, photo editing, and voice commands. Runs on Google's Tensor G3 chip, optimized for AI-driven tasks such as real-time transcription, photo editing, and voice commands. Xiaomi 15: Uses the Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 processor, delivering robust performance for gaming, productivity, and multimedia applications. On the software side, the iPhone 16 Pro's iOS 17 offers a polished, cohesive experience with regular updates and long-term support. In contrast, Android 14 on the Galaxy S25, Pixel 9 Pro, and Xiaomi 15 provides greater customization. The Pixel 9 Pro's stock Android interface is particularly appealing for users seeking a clean, bloatware-free experience. Camera Capabilities For photography enthusiasts, camera performance is often a deciding factor. Each of these smartphones offers advanced camera systems tailored to different needs: iPhone 16 Pro: Features a triple-camera system with advanced computational photography, excelling in low-light conditions and offering Dolby Vision HDR video recording for professional-grade results. Features a triple-camera system with advanced computational photography, excelling in low-light conditions and offering Dolby Vision HDR video recording for professional-grade results. Galaxy S25: Equipped with a quad-camera setup, including a periscope telephoto lens, it delivers impressive zoom capabilities and versatile shooting options. Equipped with a quad-camera setup, including a periscope telephoto lens, it delivers impressive zoom capabilities and versatile shooting options. Pixel 9 Pro: Uses AI-enhanced photography to produce stunning images with minimal effort, maintaining Google's reputation for camera excellence. Uses AI-enhanced photography to produce stunning images with minimal effort, maintaining Google's reputation for camera excellence. Xiaomi 15: Combines high-resolution sensors with advanced image processing, capturing sharp, detailed photos in various lighting conditions. For video enthusiasts, the iPhone 16 Pro leads with its Dolby Vision HDR capabilities, while the Galaxy S25 and Pixel 9 Pro excel in stabilization and zoom performance. Battery Life and Charging Technology Battery performance and charging speeds are crucial for users who rely on their smartphones throughout the day. Here's how these models compare: Galaxy S25: Offers a large battery with solid endurance and fast charging capabilities, making sure minimal downtime. Offers a large battery with solid endurance and fast charging capabilities, making sure minimal downtime. Xiaomi 15: Leads the pack with 120W wired charging, allowing for rapid recharging in minutes, making it ideal for users on the go. Leads the pack with 120W wired charging, allowing for rapid recharging in minutes, making it ideal for users on the go. iPhone 16 Pro: Relies on optimized power management for reliable all-day performance, though its charging speed is slower compared to competitors. Relies on optimized power management for reliable all-day performance, though its charging speed is slower compared to competitors. Pixel 9 Pro: Balances efficiency with decent fast charging support, providing a good mix of endurance and convenience. If fast charging is a priority, the Xiaomi 15 is the clear winner. However, the iPhone 16 Pro's power efficiency ensures dependable performance for extended use. Price and Value Price-to-performance ratio often plays a significant role in choosing a smartphone. Here's how these devices stack up: Xiaomi 15: The most affordable option, offering flagship features at a competitive price point. The most affordable option, offering flagship features at a competitive price point. Pixel 9 Pro: Provides excellent value for its camera performance, clean software experience, and AI-driven features. Provides excellent value for its camera performance, clean software experience, and AI-driven features. Galaxy S25: Slightly higher in price, but justified by its balanced feature set and premium design. Slightly higher in price, but justified by its balanced feature set and premium design. iPhone 16 Pro: The most expensive, but delivers unmatched build quality, long-term software support, and a seamless ecosystem. Your decision will depend on whether you prioritize affordability, premium features, or long-term value. Unique Features and Innovations Each smartphone offers unique features that cater to specific user preferences: iPhone 16 Pro: Includes satellite connectivity for emergencies and industry-leading video recording capabilities. Includes satellite connectivity for emergencies and industry-leading video recording capabilities. Galaxy S25: Features advanced biometric security with an ultrasonic fingerprint scanner for enhanced protection. Features advanced biometric security with an ultrasonic fingerprint scanner for enhanced protection. Pixel 9 Pro: Stands out with AI-powered features like real-time transcription and enhanced photo editing tools. Stands out with AI-powered features like real-time transcription and enhanced photo editing tools. Xiaomi 15: Excels with ultra-fast charging and a high-resolution display for immersive viewing experiences. These innovations highlight the strengths of each device, making them appealing to different types of users. Final Thoughts Choosing the best compact smartphone depends on your individual priorities and preferences: iPhone 16 Pro: Ideal for those seeking premium design, seamless integration, and long-term software support. Ideal for those seeking premium design, seamless integration, and long-term software support. Galaxy S25: A balanced choice with excellent performance, display quality, and features. A balanced choice with excellent performance, display quality, and features. Pixel 9 Pro: Perfect for photography enthusiasts and fans of clean, straightforward software. Perfect for photography enthusiasts and fans of clean, straightforward software. Xiaomi 15: Offers exceptional value with competitive pricing and ultra-fast charging. Evaluate your needs carefully to select the compact smartphone that aligns best with your lifestyle and expectations. Here are more guides from our previous articles and guides related to Compact smartphones that you may find helpful. Source & Image Credit: Techmo Latest Geeky Gadgets Deals Some of our articles include affiliate links. If you buy something through one of these links, Geeky Gadgets may earn an affiliate commission. Learn about our Disclosure Policy
