The Edge 20 is not stingy with sensors and recovers a large part of the configuration of its big brother, the Edge 20 Pro. We thus find a triple photo module composed of a main sensor of 108 Mpx whose lens opens at f / 1.9, an ultra-wide angle of 16 Mpx (f / 2.2) and a telephoto lens of 8 Mpx ( f / 2.4).
At the same price, it faces the dreaded Google Pixel 4a 5G. He may well be much more efficient than him, the latter remains a yardstick in photography. Nevertheless, the Edge 20 displays a certain versatility which allows it to obtain the fourth star in the photo on the wire.
Module principal : 108 Mpx, f/1,9, éq. 26 mm
The 108 Mpx module takes advantage of the pixel-binning, which makes it possible to merge the pixels (here, by nine) in order to capture more light when it runs out. The phone therefore delivers pictures in 12 megapixels by default.
By day, the result is clear and retains a good number of details. But the Edge 20 has a tendency to overexpose the scene, which dulls the vividness of the colors. We can see it in particular on the sights at the bottom left of our stage. They are well defined, but look a bit washed out. The digital smoothing is felt in front of a Pixel which excels in the exercise. The cover of the book benefits from a more natural rendering on the Google smartphone.
At night, the situation is quite similar. The image of the Edge 20 is of course usable, but displays a bit too pale colorimetry. The Pixel 4a 5G shines on this subject, but digital noise is emerging. It certainly takes half a second to capture the shot, but the result is final.
Mode 108 Mpx
It is however possible to take advantage of the full definition via the settings. So let’s start by comparing the 12 Mpx shots with those in 108 Mpx. To do this, we isolated an area of identical size (0.90 Mpx) on each of the images.
This enormous definition makes it possible to zoom strongly in the image, but at the same size, it does not bring major changes to the level of detail or colorimetry. This mode will therefore make it possible to crop an image more easily. This may have an interest on fairly loaded shots, but we could expect better. However, this is often the case with this type of mode.
As you might expect, nighttime conditions are no game-changer. The scene is fairly exposed, but the digital smoothing remains supported. The 108 Mpx mode is therefore not of great interest.
Module ultra grand-angle : 16 Mpx, f/2,2, éq. 13 mm
Ultra-wide-angle modules are multiplying, but few smartphones have mastered them, even at the high end. The Edge 20 does have it, but does it manage to deliver a decent result?
In bright conditions, the overall rendering retains a good level of detail, but suffers from the same flaw as the main sensor. We can clearly distinguish the sights from each other, but the color is a bit dull. The Pixel 4a 5G is one of the few to shine on this subject in this price range, and it shows once again. Despite a too cold general shade, the intensity of the colors and the less pronounced smoothing give more relief to the shot on the Google smartphone. The Edge 20, on the other hand, exposes the photo more quickly (1/100 s against 1/30 s).
At night, a hazy veil falls on the photo. No matter how hard the algorithm struggles, most of the details disappear. Paradoxically, the colors are slightly brighter. No miracle against its competitor. It will be very difficult to shoot something correct when the light is lacking.
Optical telephoto module: X3, f / 2.4, eq. 79 mm
Telephoto modules are becoming more popular on premium smartphones, but Motorola has still decided to install one on its Edge 20 to meet all uses. A laudable intention, but what is this 3x optical zoom worth?
Without reaching the level of a Galaxy S21 Ultra – which costs more than double – the rendering during the day is quite interesting. There is certainly the presence of a lot of digital noise and a tint that draws towards the blue, but the entire scene remains readable. We even have the impression that the digital smoothing is a little less marked. For a module mainly absent from direct competition, we can therefore salute the effort of Motorola. Difficult to hold the same speech in night conditions, because the scene, difficult to exploit, mixes smoothing and digital noise.
Front and video module
The Motorola Edge 20 has a 32-megapixel front sensor supported by a lens opening at f / 2.3. By default, the module uses the pixel-binning to capture 8 MP snapshots. The colorimetry is very good, but the photos lack a bit of sharpness. We therefore advise you to use the full definition mode, even if the files inevitably weigh more. The portrait mode does its job well, but the bokeh can be challenged by some flyaways.
The Edge 20 can shoot up to 4K at 30 fps, Full HD up to 240 fps, and even 720p at 960 fps. The rendering is precise and faithful. Stabilization is effective and the temperature is contained. It is therefore a very pleasant smartphone to use on this point.
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