Motorola Edge vs OnePlus 8

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The Motorola Edge and OnePlus 8 sit just below the rank of true flagship phones, while undercutting top-of-the-line smartphones thanks to their more attractive prices.

However, at just under $600 each, neither of these phones are lacking in quality. They pack in some of the most sought-after components on the market, including the latest processors, screen technologies, and materials.

But which one is best? And which is right for you?

• Motorola Edge vs OnePlus 8 – Design
• Motorola Edge vs OnePlus 8 – Performance
• Motorola Edge vs OnePlus 8 – Cost

Motorola Edge vs OnePlus 8 – Design

Both these phones look fantastic, and feature some of the finest components on the market.

However, we feel that OnePlus‘ latest device might have the new Motorola licked when it comes to design.

Screen quality

The two phones are very closely matched in terms of screen quality.

The Motorola has a 6.7-inch screen, with a 19.5:9 aspect ratio. The OnePlus, on the other hand, has a slightly smaller 6.55-inch display, with a 20:9 aspect ratio. That means that the OnePlus is smaller and has a narrower form than the Motorola, given the extra height of its screen.

However, the OnePlus – at 1080×2400 pixels – has a slightly higher resolution than the Motorola at 1080×2340. This, combined with the smaller screen, will likely mean that the OnePlus looks a bit sharper than the Motorola, given the extra pixel density.

Both phones feature the 90Hz refresh rates, which is great, although not quite as nice as 120Hz. However, the OnePlus has full HDR10+ support, which should help make colors looks more vibrant.

All told, we think the OnePlus 8 just edges (sorry) the Motorola Edge here.

Materials

When it comes to build quality and materials, we think OnePlus has bested Motorola here.

The OnePlus 8 uses curved Gorilla Glass on the front and rear panels, while the Motorola has Gorilla Glass on the front, an aluminum frame, and then a plastic rear. That's not a good look for a phone released in 2020.

Looks

Speaking of looks, let's have a chat about which phone is more stylish.

Both phones have a small punch hole camera at the top left, and screens with curved edges.

We prefer the symmetry of the OnePlus' centrally mounted rear cameras, but don't like their large black surround. The Motorola Edge's rear cameras certainly look sleeker. We also don't like the large rear logo on the OnePlus phones. Motorola's classic batwing logo is much more discreet.

However, the OnePlus has a better range of colors, and the Glacial Green is certainly new and eye-catching. The Motorola's choice of magenta or black isn't quite as inspiring.

Needless to say, this is all subjective. For what it's worth, though, we think both phones have redeeming features — we're going to call it a tie.

Motorola Edge vs OnePlus 8 Performance

For many, the performance of the two phones will be the deciding factor when choosing between them. If it can't handle the most demanding apps and games, some simply won't bother.

At Tech.co, however, performance isn't just about raw speed. We're also going to look at the software and battery life.

Specs

There's not much of a contest, here. The OnePlus has an enviable set of specifications – in fact, it would leave many phones that cost twice as much feeling red-faced.

OnePlus 8

• Snapdragon 865
• 8GB or 12GB of RAM

Motorola Edge

• Snapdragon 765
• 4GB or 6GB of RAM

Both phones have 5G-ready processors. However, Motorola's is the slightly cheaper and slower Snapdragon 765, while the OnePlus gets the top-of-the-range 865.

Plus, the extra RAM available on the OnePlus should also help it manage more tasks at once.

What's more, the OnePlus has faster flash storage than the Motorola, which will help you load applications and files in less time.

Software

However, the Motorola can pull one back here.

While OnePlus' OxygenOS Android skin is fantastic, Motorola has been quietly creating the best alternative to Google's version of Android on the market.

There is no bloatware, and no unnecessary features or app duplication.

The Motorola Edge, and indeed the Edge Plus, will likely be the closest things to high performance Pixel phones on the market – and that is a very good thing.

Battery life

Motorola promises that the Edge will “go for two days” with its “class-leading battery.” OnePlus, on the other hand, claims that its new phone has all the power “for a full day's use.”

So, which phone will actually last for longer? We're thinking that the Motorola should be able to comfortably outlast the OnePlus.

The Motorola has a larger 4,500 mAh battery than the OnePlus' 4,300 mAh unit. What's more, the less powerful Snapdragon 765 processor and lower RAM figure will actually help it last longer.

That said, the OnePlus does have faster charging. The Motorola has to make do with an 18W charger, while the OnePlus gets 30W – and claims to give you 50% in 22 minutes.

Motorola Edge vs OnePlus 8 Cost

Let's cut to the chase – both of these phones are very good value for money.

Price

At $699, the OnePlus 8 undercuts a lot of similarly specced phones. We're expecting the Motorola Edge to cost slightly less in the US – around $670.

However, given the improved materials and extra power, we think the OnePlus is probably better value for money than the Motorola.

Still, you could do a lot worse than buying either of these phones.