The Moto Edge 20 Lite has a triple rear photo sensor consisting of a 108 megapixel wide-angle lens, whose lens opens at f / 1.9, an 8 Mpx ultra wide-angle (f / 2.2), as well as a macro module (f / 2.4). The main module may offer a great definition, it is not always correlated with better quality. We are going to compare the terminal to the recent Xiaomi Mi 11 Lite 5G NE, which did well in the exercise.
Main module: 108 MP, f/1.9, eq. 26mm
The 108 Mpx module takes advantage of the technology of the pixel binning which makes it possible to merge the pixels (here, 9) in order to capture more light when it runs out. The phone therefore delivers snapshots in 12 Mpx by default. The same process applied to the wide-angle of the Xiaomi (by merging 4 px and not 9) delivers images in 16 Mpx.
In bright conditions, Xiaomi’s smartphone takes the lead. It offers more detail and sharpness than the Edge 20 Lite, as can easily be seen on portraits or tarot cards. Neither displays a really fair colorimetry. The Xiaomi shot is red, while the Motorola one seems a little too yellow. The colors delivered by the latter seem washed out. It remains quite usable despite everything, but a notch below its competitor.
At night, the situation is quite similar. The Xiaomi offers a more detailed and colorful rendering (see the patterns at the bottom left). However, the digital processing and the more accentuated contrast of the Motorola make it easier to distinguish certain elements such as faces. The match is therefore less tight. Without shining, the Edge 20 Lite achieves an honorable rendering.
108 MP mode
It is always possible to choose the full definition via the settings. We isolated an area of identical size (0.90 Mpx) on each of the shots in order to compare the two definitions.
Day or night, switching to full definition does not provide a significant gain compared to the default shots. Software processing does not provide a more detailed picture. Smoothing is still quite present, especially in low light.
Ultra wide-angle module: 8 Mpx, f/2.2, 118°
In bright conditions, the 11 Lite 5G NE renders more pleasing to the eye, although lacking in sharpness. Motorola’s terminal tries to compensate for the loss of detail, which results in strong digital smoothing with contrast. However, the result is mediocre.
At night, the Moto Edge 20 Lite does better and several elements of the scene remain (almost) readable despite a very present digital noise. He does not concede the vague veil which makes the image of the Xiaomi difficult to exploit.
Front and video module
The Motorola Edge 20 sports a 32 Mpx front sensor supported by a lens opening at f / 2.3. By default, the module uses the pixel binning to capture 8MP snapshots. The rendering is quite balanced and precise, even if you don’t have to move too much during capture. The sharpness is good, but the colors lack a bit of liveliness.
The Edge 20 Lite can shoot up to 4K at 30 fps, and in Full HD up to 120 fps. The image is quite decent, even if the sensor has trouble managing strong dynamics. Stabilization does its job well. The smartphone is not intended for videographers, but will do for extra use.