Motorola Smart Connect vs Microsoft Phone Link: Compared on Non-Moto Phones
You can now use the Motorola Smart Connect app on any Android phone. I got excited as I am not a great fan of Microsoft’sPhone Link app. It is a great software for connecting Android phones with Windows PC, but something is missing. So I tried both apps and here are the differences between the two.
Table of Contents
Comparison Table: Motorola Smart Connect vs Microsoft Phone Link
Disclaimer: This comparison is based on non-Motorola phones i.e., Android phones except Motorola and Lenovo phones. I have used Samsung Galaxy Fold 4 and Pixel 6a for this comparison.
Compatible Devices
The Motorola Smart Connect app earlier known as Ready for app works primarily only on Motorola and Lenovo smartphones. However, it can also besideloaded on other Android phonesas well where you will find fewer features.On the contrary, thePhone Link app(earlier called Your Phone) runs on all Android phones and even iPhones. To clear the confusion,the mobile experience of the Phone Link is known as Link to Windows whereas the PC app is called Phone Link.
User Interface
TheSmart Connect app has the same interfacefor PC and its mobile app, making the experience consistent across devices. On the other hand, the PC app of Phone Link has a completely different interface as compared to the mobile app. I personally like the interface of the Smart Connect app, especially on mobile as it shows everything on the home screen whereas the Phone Link app on mobile just shows a settings page. Boring.
Mobile Interface
PC Interface of Phone Link App
PC Interface of Motorola Smart Connect App
Get Phone Notifications on PC
Both apps support showing phone notifications on a computer in real time. However, unfortunately,notifications didn’t sync for me using the Motorola Smart Connect appon my Samsung Fold.
On the contrary, theywork like a charm on the Phone Link app. You can even reply to notifications, clear, pin, or mark them unread right from my laptop. You can even turn off notifications from some apps. For example, I’ve disabled WhatsApp notifications due to the constant influx of message notifications.
Screen Mirroring (aka Control Phone from PC)
While both apps support the feature, each has its limitations. For starters, the Screen Mirroring feature (known as Phone on PC) didn’t work on my Samsung or Pixel phone using the Smart Connect app. I think it’s exclusive to Motorola phones. Similarly, theScreen Mirroring featureis available only for Samsung, OnePlus, Oppo, and Asus phones in the Phone Link app. Other phones including my Google Pixel do not support the feature.
In the following screenshot, I’m mirroring my Fold 4 to my PC.
Use as Storage Device
The thing that I extremely like about the Smart Connect app is itsability to access the internal storageof my Android phone from PC and that too wirelessly. Not only that, I can evenaccess my PC’s folder on my Android phone. What’s more interesting is that I can select the PC folders that should show on my Android phone.
And the best part, these filesshow up in the regular file manager interfacejust like it’s another drive on your device. For instance, the Android files show in the Windows File Manager, and similarly, PC files will show in the phone’s File app. And to access this feature, all you need to do is click the Files button in that app.
PC files on my Android phone
Android files from PC:
Wait there’s more…. you may even copy, paste, move, or manage files on the other device. It seems so easy here but what’s sad is that this entire feature had been somewhat missing in the Phone Link app. I wouldn’t say entirely because you can check phone files from Samsung, Honor, Oppo, and Asus phones using the screen mirroring feature. However, thankfully, soon thePhone Link app will also support this feature.It’s already live for Windows Insider users and will show up for all anytime soon.
File Transfer
When it comes to transferring files between PC and mobile, both support the feature but in different ways.
File Sharing Via Microsoft Phone Link:
Send file from phone to PC
View 2000 photos on PC
File Sharing Via Smart Connect
On the other hand, the Smart Connect app offerstwo waysto transfer files (actually three if you include the Files app as well).
File transfer speeds:
Here are the transfer speeds that I experienced while using these two apps
Text Messages and Call Support
One of the useful features that is missing in the Smart Connect app (even for Moto and Lenovo users) is the ability to message and call people. This feature has been part of the Phone Link app on PC for a long time now. So you can basically call, view call history, and send or receive phone messages from your Windows PC without even touching the phone.
Android Apps on PC
The Phone Link app allows Samsung users exclusively to use their mobile apps on PC. You can even pin apps to the Windows taskbar for faster access. However, this feature has a serious drawback that you need to unlock the phone every time you want to access an app remotely. I understand the privacy concern but what’s the use if I have to touch my phone? I would rather do something on my phone itself than on the PC. In my opinion, I should be able to access apps without unlocking my phone.
While this feature is available for Moto phones on Smart Connect, it’s not available on other Android phones.
Ease of Use
I feel the Smart Connect app is easy to use and set up mainly because of its interface. All the features are available on the home screen and they are clearly defined. On the contrary, you need to dig deeper to discover thehidden featuresof the Phone Link app.
Clipboard Sync
The Phone Link app offers the clipboard sync feature but it’slimited to Samsung Galaxy phonesonly. On the other hand, the clipboard sync feature shows for all Android phones in the Smart Connect app but in my testing, it didn’t work for me on any phone. It would have been great if it worked as the Smart Connect app shows a Clipboard as well.
Additional Features
Before you go, read thecomparison between Phone Link and Intel Unison.
Mehvish Mushtaqis a tech lover from Kashmir. With a degree in computer engineering, she’s always been happy to help anyone who finds technology challenging. She’s been writing about technology for over six years, and her favorite topics include how-to guides, explainers, tips and tricks for Android, iOS/iPadOS, Windows, social media, and web apps. You can also find her work onMake Tech Easier,Guiding Tech, andNerds Chalk
