Alright, let's dive into a head-to-head comparison of the Motorola Edge 20 Pro and the Apple iPhone SE (2022). These two phones are aimed at very different users, so understanding their strengths and weaknesses is key to making the right choice.
1. Specifications Breakdown
Here's a detailed breakdown of the key specs, with an emphasis on what they mean for real-world use:
| Feature | Motorola Edge 20 Pro | Apple iPhone SE (2022) | Real-World Implications |
|---|---|---|---|
| Design | |||
| Dimensions | 163 × 76 × 8 mm | 138.4 × 67.3 × 7.3 mm | Edge 20 Pro is much larger and bulkier; SE is compact and pocketable. |
| Weight | 190g | 144g | SE is significantly lighter, more comfortable for prolonged use. |
| Build | Gorilla Glass 5 front | Unknown front protection | Edge 20 Pro offers superior screen protection from scratches. |
| Display | |||
| Size | 6.7" | 4.7" | Edge 20 Pro offers a much more immersive experience for media consumption and gaming. |
| Resolution | 1080 x 2400 | 750 x 1334 | Edge 20 Pro display is significantly sharper and clearer. |
| Pixel Density (PPI) | 385 | 326 | Edge 20 Pro has noticeably sharper text and images. |
| Technology | OLED | IPS LCD | Edge 20 Pro boasts richer colors, deeper blacks, and better contrast. |
| Refresh Rate | 144Hz | 60Hz | Edge 20 Pro offers far smoother animations, great for gaming and scrolling. |
| Brightness | 0 nits | 0 nits | Both offer similar max brightness, but OLED on the Edge 20 Pro has better contrast in general. |
| Performance | |||
| Chipset | Qualcomm Snapdragon 870 5G (7 nm) | Apple A15 Bionic (5 nm) | A15 Bionic is faster and more power-efficient, but Snapdragon 870 is still very capable. |
| AnTuTu Score | 813,800 | 1,225,939 | iPhone SE has significantly higher benchmark scores, meaning snappier performance overall. |
| GPU | Adreno 650 | Apple GPU (4-core) | Both are capable GPUs, but the Apple GPU is typically more optimized for iOS games and apps. |
| RAM | 12 GB | 4 GB | Edge 20 Pro allows for more apps to run in the background without slowing down. |
| Camera | |||
| Main Camera | 108MP (f/1.9) | 12.2MP (f/1.8) | Edge 20 Pro offers higher resolution but might not outperform in all scenarios. |
| Selfie Camera | 32MP (f/2.3) | 7MP (f/2.2) | Edge 20 Pro selfie camera has more resolution. |
| Telephoto Lens | 8MP (f/3.4) | N/A | Edge 20 Pro has dedicated optical zoom capability. |
| Wide Angle + Macro | 16MP (f/2.2) | N/A | Edge 20 Pro has a versatile wide-angle and macro lens. |
| Video | Up to 8K, EIS | Up to 4K, OIS, HDR, Stereo Sound | Edge 20 Pro records higher resolution videos, but SE excels in video quality and stabilization. |
| DxOMark | Not Tested | 100 (Main), 126 (Photo), 106 (Video) | iPhone SE scores well in real-world camera testing, especially for photos and videos. |
| Battery Life | |||
| Capacity | 4500mAh | 2018mAh | Edge 20 Pro battery should last significantly longer; SE may need to be charged more often. |
| Charging | 30W Fast Charging | 18W Fast Charging | Edge 20 Pro charges faster. |
| Software | |||
| OS | Android 11 | iOS 15.4 (upgradeable to 18) | Android offers greater customization; iOS is praised for its ecosystem and ease of use. |
| Connectivity | |||
| Wi-Fi | Wi-Fi 6 (802.11ax), Direct, Display | Wi-Fi 6 (802.11ax) | Both support the latest standard, but the Motorola Edge 20 Pro has advanced features |
| Bluetooth | 5.1 (LE, aptX, LDAC, SBC, AAC) | 5.0 (LE) | Motorola Edge 20 Pro has newer version and better codecs for audio quality |
| GPS | GPS, A-GPS, GLONASS, Beidou, Galileo, GPS (L1+L5), GLONASS (L1), BeiDou (B1), Galileo (E1+E5a), BeiDou (B2) | GPS, A-GPS, GLONASS, Wi-Fi, Cell ID | Motorola Edge 20 Pro supports more satellite systems for better location accuracy. |
2. Key Insights
Motorola Edge 20 Pro Strengths:
- Immersive Display: The large 6.7" OLED screen with a 144Hz refresh rate is fantastic for media consumption, gaming, and general use.
- Versatile Camera System: The triple-lens setup, featuring a 108MP main sensor, telephoto, and wide-angle, offers a lot of flexibility.
- Large Battery & Fast Charging: The 4500mAh battery, paired with 30W fast charging, is designed for heavy users who need their phone to last all day.
- Ample RAM: 12GB of RAM ensures smooth multitasking and performance in demanding applications.
- More Satellite Systems: Has more accurate location tracking with more satellite systems.
Apple iPhone SE (2022) Strengths:
- Compact and Lightweight: The small size and weight makes it very pocketable and easy to handle with one hand.
- Performance Beast: The A15 Bionic chip delivers top-tier performance that rivals even the most expensive Android phones.
- Excellent Camera Quality: While only a single-lens setup, it takes great photos and videos thanks to its powerful processing.
- Mature iOS Ecosystem: The iOS ecosystem is praised for its smoothness, security, and app ecosystem.
- Superior Video Recording: The SE excels in video capture with OIS, HDR, and stereo sound recording.
Trade-offs:
- Motorola Edge 20 Pro: The bigger size is not for everyone and the performance is not as good as the Apple A15 chip.
- Apple iPhone SE (2022): The small screen, basic display tech, and shorter battery life will be a problem for some users.
3. User Profiles and Recommendations
Motorola Edge 20 Pro is Ideal For:
- Media Enthusiasts: People who watch a lot of videos, play games, and want a big, beautiful display.
- Photography Fans: Those who value camera versatility with different lenses.
- Power Users: Individuals who need good battery life and robust performance for demanding apps and multitasking.
Apple iPhone SE (2022) is Ideal For:
- Users Who Value Portability: People who want a compact phone that is easy to use with one hand.
- iOS Fans: Those who prefer the simplicity and consistency of the iOS ecosystem.
- Performance Seekers: Users who want a phone that can run any app smoothly without breaking the bank.
- Users focused on photo and video quality
4. Buying Decision Framework
Here are three practical questions to help you decide:
- How important is screen size and quality to you? If you prioritize a big, vibrant display, the Motorola Edge 20 Pro is the clear winner.
- Do you value a compact, portable phone or a large immersive one? If you need portability and one-handed use, the iPhone SE (2022) is the better choice.
- How important is top-tier performance versus versatility and battery life? If the raw power is what you are after then the iPhone SE (2022) is a better option, if you need a versatile all-rounder the Motorola is the one.
Scenario-Based Recommendations:
- Scenario 1: Casual User (Web Browsing, Social Media): Both are great, but the iPhone SE (2022) could be a better, simpler choice, however the display will not be as good.
- Scenario 2: Gamer/Media Consumer: The Motorola Edge 20 Pro offers a more enjoyable experience due to the larger screen and faster refresh rate.
- Scenario 3: Photography Enthusiast: While the Edge 20 Pro offers more camera versatility, the iPhone SE has better all-around camera quality.
- Scenario 4: Power User: Both are powerful phones, but the Motorola has the battery, screen size, and RAM advantage. The iPhone excels in raw performance.
My Choice:
If I were to choose between these two, I would personally pick the Motorola Edge 20 Pro. While I admire the raw performance of the iPhone SE (2022) and its incredibly convenient size, my priorities lean towards a larger, more immersive display for media consumption and a longer battery life for daily usage. As a tech journalist, I often juggle between different apps, capture photos, and watch videos, the Edge 20 Pro's versatile camera system, smooth 144hz refresh rate, and ample RAM will significantly improve my workflow and experience.
That said, if you value pocketability and you enjoy the iOS ecosystem then the SE is a good option.
