Apple iPhone 12 Pro vs Motorola Edge (2022) - Detailed Phone Comparison

Detailed Comparison

Specification

General

Launch Date October 23, 2020 September 22, 2022
Release Year 2020 2022

Physical

Volume 77.62 cm³ 95.51 cm³
Screen Size to Weight Ratio 3.23 "/g 3.88 "/g
Weight 189 g 170 g
Height 146.7 mm 160.9 mm
Width 71.5 mm 74.2 mm
Thickness 7.4 mm 8 mm
Foldable Design No No
Available Colors
  • Silver
  • Gold
  • Graphite
  • Pacific Blue
  • Grey

Display

Screen Size 6.1 " 6.6 "
Resolution 1170 x 2532 1080 x 2400
Aspect Ratio 19.5:9 20:9
Screen-to-Body Ratio 87.1 % 88.1 %
Pixel Density 460 PPI 399 PPI
Refresh Rate N/A 144 Hz
Typical Brightness N/A N/A
HBM Brightness 800 nits N/A
Peak Brightness 1200 nits N/A

Hardware

Battery Capacity per Screen Area 75.65 mAh/in² 114.78 mAh/in²
Battery Density 36.27 mAh/cm³ 52.35 mAh/cm³
Battery Capacity 2815 mAh 5000 mAh
NFC Support Yes Yes
Chipset Apple A14 Bionic (5 nm) MediaTek Dimensity 1050 (6 nm)
CPU Hexa-core (2x3.1 GHz Firestorm + 4x1.8 GHz Icestorm) Octa-core (2x2.5 GHz Cortex-A78 & 6x2.0 GHz Cortex-A55)
GPU Apple GPU (4-core graphics) Arm Mali-G610 MC3

Connectivity

USB Version 2.0 2.0
OTG Support 1
DisplayPort
DisplayPort Version N/A N/A
USB Features Lightning 2.0 USB Type-C 2.0, OTG

Software

Operating System iOS Android
Initial OS Version 14.1 12
Maximum OS Version 18 13

Comparison Summary

1. Specifications Comparison

Design

FeatureApple iPhone 12 ProMotorola Edge (2022)Practical Impact
Dimensions146.7 × 71.5 × 7.4 mm160.9 × 74.2 × 8 mmMotorola Edge (2022) is larger and might be less comfortable for one-handed use.
Weight189g170gMotorola Edge (2022) is lighter, potentially more comfortable for extended use.
BuildUnknown Screen ProtectionCorning Gorilla Glass 3Motorola Edge (2022) has a more durable screen against scratches and minor impacts.

Display

FeatureApple iPhone 12 ProMotorola Edge (2022)Practical Impact
Size6.1"6.6"Motorola Edge (2022) offers a larger viewing area for media consumption and gaming.
Resolution1170x25321080x2400iPhone 12 Pro has sharper images and text.
PPI460399iPhone 12 Pro has noticeably sharper display.
TechnologyOLEDOLEDBoth offer vibrant colors and deep blacks.
Refresh Rate60Hz144HzMotorola Edge (2022) provides smoother scrolling and animations, enhancing the gaming and general UI experience.
Brightness1200 nits0 nitsiPhone 12 Pro is easier to view outdoors in bright sunlight. Motorola Edge (2022) brightness spec is missing, making outdoor use comparison impossible.

Performance

FeatureApple iPhone 12 ProMotorola Edge (2022)Practical Impact
ChipsetApple A14 Bionic (5 nm)MediaTek Dimensity 1050 (6 nm)Apple A14 Bionic offers significantly better performance for demanding tasks, including gaming and video editing.
AnTuTu Score1,082,644522,375iPhone 12 Pro is much faster in benchmarks.
GPUApple GPU (4-core graphics)Arm Mali-G610 MC3Apple GPU provides better graphics performance for gaming and graphically intensive apps.
RAM6 GB6 GB or 8 GBThe 8 GB RAM option on the Motorola Edge (2022) may offer slightly better multitasking capabilities.

Camera

FeatureApple iPhone 12 ProMotorola Edge (2022)Practical Impact
Main Camera12MP, f/1.6, 1/2.55"50MP, f/1.8, 1/1.55"Motorola Edge (2022) captures more detailed images in good lighting. The iPhone 12 Pro's wider aperture allows more light in, potentially improving low-light performance. Motorola Edge (2022) has a much larger sensor size.
Ultrawide12MP, f/2.413MP, f/1.5Motorola Edge (2022) has a wider aperture providing better low light photos.
Telephoto12MP, f/2.0N/AiPhone 12 Pro allows for optical zoom, resulting in better quality zoomed-in photos.
Macro LensN/A20MP, f/2.4Motorola Edge (2022) can take dedicated macro shots.
Selfie Camera12MP, f/2.232MP, f/2.45Motorola Edge (2022) captures more detailed selfies.
VideoUp to 4K@60fps with HDRUp to 4K@30fpsiPhone 12 Pro offers higher frame rate 4K recording with HDR, resulting in smoother and more vibrant videos.
DXOMarkMobile: 127, Selfie: 132N/AiPhone 12 Pro has a rated camera performance.

Battery

FeatureApple iPhone 12 ProMotorola Edge (2022)Practical Impact
Capacity2815mAh5000mAhMotorola Edge (2022) should offer significantly longer battery life.
Charging20W Fast Charging, 15W Wireless (MagSafe), 7.5W Wireless (Qi)30W Fast Charging, 15W Wireless Charging, 5W Reverse ChargingMotorola Edge (2022) charges faster and can be used to charge other devices.

2. Key Differences Analysis

Apple iPhone 12 Pro Advantages:

  • Superior Performance: A14 Bionic chipset provides significantly faster processing and graphics. Impacts: Faster app loading, smoother multitasking, better gaming experience.
  • Higher Display Sharpness: Higher pixel density (PPI) results in a sharper and clearer display. Impacts: Better reading experience, more detailed images and videos.
  • Telephoto Lens: Dedicated telephoto lens for optical zoom. Impacts: Higher quality zoomed photos compared to digital zoom.
  • Brighter Display: Higher maximum brightness for better outdoor visibility. Impacts: Easier to see the screen in direct sunlight.
  • Software ecosystem: Seamless integration with Apple ecosystem, longer software support.

Motorola Edge (2022) Advantages:

  • Larger Battery: Significantly larger battery capacity for extended usage. Impacts: Fewer charging cycles, longer usage between charges.
  • Higher Refresh Rate Display: 144Hz refresh rate provides smoother visuals. Impacts: More fluid scrolling, better gaming experience.
  • Macro Lens: Dedicated macro lens for close-up photography. Impacts: Capture detailed images of small objects.
  • Reverse Charging: Can charge other devices wirelessly. Impacts: Conveniently charge accessories or another phone.
  • Lighter Weight: More comfortable to hold for extended periods.
  • Newer Bluetooth Version: Bluetooth 5.2 offers slightly improved connectivity.
  • Wider Main and Ultrawide Appertures: Better low light photography

Trade-offs:

  • iPhone 12 Pro trades battery life and display smoothness for raw performance and display sharpness.
  • Motorola Edge (2022) trades processing power and camera versatility for longer battery life and smoother display.

3. User Profiles & Recommendations

Apple iPhone 12 Pro:

  • Ideal User: Users who prioritize performance, camera quality, and ecosystem integration.
  • Use Cases:
    • Demanding mobile gaming
    • Professional photography and videography
    • Users heavily invested in the Apple ecosystem

Motorola Edge (2022):

  • Ideal User: Users who prioritize battery life, smooth display, and value for money.
  • Use Cases:
    • Media consumption (watching videos, browsing)
    • Everyday use with long periods away from a charger
    • Users who appreciate a larger display and smoother scrolling

4. Decision Framework

Key Questions:

  1. How important is raw performance? (Gaming, video editing, demanding apps)
  2. How important is battery life? (All-day usage without charging)
  3. What is your budget?

Scenario-Based Recommendations:

  • Scenario 1: Need a powerful device for gaming and content creation, willing to sacrifice battery: iPhone 12 Pro
  • Scenario 2: Need a reliable phone for everyday use with exceptional battery life and a smooth display: Motorola Edge (2022)
  • Scenario 3: Want a balance of performance and battery life, prioritizing value: Need more information on pricing for each phone.

My Choice

If I had to choose between the two, I would lean towards the Motorola Edge (2022). While the iPhone 12 Pro undeniably has a performance advantage, the Motorola Edge (2022)'s larger battery, smoother 144Hz display, and lighter weight offer a more compelling daily user experience. Moreover, the inclusion of reverse wireless charging is a handy feature. As someone who values practicality and extended usage, the Motorola Edge (2022)'s strengths align more closely with my needs. Also, the Edge (2022) has significantly bigger camera sensors which will yield better photographs. Unless gaming performance is a critical factor, the Motorola Edge (2022) provides an excellent balance of features and value.

Emily Harper
Emily Harper

Technology Insights Specialist

Dedicated technology writer specializing in mobile device analysis and technology communication. Expert at translating complex smartphone features into clear, actionable insights for diverse audiences.

Key Strengths:

  • Mobile technology analysis
  • Digital media communication
  • Technical storytelling
  • User-centric technology insights

Bridging technical complexity with engaging, accessible narratives.