Alright, let's dive into a detailed comparison of the Motorola Edge 20 Pro and the Samsung Galaxy S22 5G. I'll break down the specs, offer key insights, and help you decide which phone is right for you.
1. Specifications Breakdown
Here's a detailed comparison table covering the key specifications of both phones:
Feature | Motorola Edge 20 Pro | Samsung Galaxy S22 5G | Real-World Implications |
---|---|---|---|
Design | |||
Dimensions | 163 × 76 × 8 mm | 146 × 70.6 × 7.6 mm | The S22 is more compact, easier to handle with one hand, and more pocket-friendly, while the Edge 20 Pro is larger and bulkier. |
Weight | 190g | 167g | The S22 is noticeably lighter, improving comfort during extended use. |
Build Quality (Screen) | Corning Gorilla Glass 5 | Corning Gorilla Glass Victus+ | The S22 offers superior scratch and shatter resistance, providing better long-term durability. |
Display | |||
Size | 6.7" | 6.1" | The Edge 20 Pro offers a larger screen for immersive media consumption and multitasking. The S22 provides sharper visuals in a smaller package. |
Resolution | 1080x2400 | 1080x2340 | Both deliver sharp images, but the S22 has slightly higher pixel density for finer detail. |
Pixel Density (PPI) | 385 | 425 | The S22 displays slightly crisper text and images due to higher pixel density. |
Technology | OLED | AMOLED | Both provide vibrant colors and deep blacks; the difference is minimal. |
Refresh Rate | 144Hz | 120Hz | The Edge 20 Pro has a marginally smoother scrolling and gaming experience, although the difference may not be perceptible to all users. |
Brightness | 0 nits | 1300 nits | The S22 is significantly brighter, offering excellent outdoor visibility even in direct sunlight. |
Performance | |||
Chipset | Qualcomm Snapdragon 870 | Exynos 2200 (Europe) | The S22 provides a noticeable performance boost in demanding tasks and gaming. |
AnTuTu Score | 813,800 | 1,022,200 | The S22 offers faster app loading and smoother operation. |
GPU | Adreno 650 | Xclipse 920 (Europe) | The S22’s GPU offers superior graphics rendering, enhancing gaming and GPU-intensive applications. |
RAM | 12 GB | 8 GB | The Edge 20 Pro handles multitasking and running multiple apps better. |
Camera | |||
Main Camera | 108MP (f/1.9) | 50MP (f/1.8) | The Edge 20 Pro captures more detailed shots in good lighting, while the S22 performs better in low light thanks to its wider aperture and larger pixel size. |
Selfie Camera | 32MP (f/2.3) | 10MP (f/2.2) | The Edge 20 Pro takes higher-resolution selfies, while the S22 captures better low-light selfies. |
Telephoto Lens | 8MP (f/3.4) | 12MP (f/2.4) | The S22 offers better zoomed-in shots with more detail and better low-light performance. |
Wide Angle Lens | Wide Angle + Macro: 16MP (f/2.2) | Wide Angle: 12MP (f/2.2) | The S22 has a dedicated wide-angle lens, and Edge 20 Pro's wide angle lens is combined with Macro. |
Video Recording | Up to 8K@60fps | Up to 8K@60fps | Both phones capture high-resolution video, but the S22 offers better stabilization and features like HDR and stereo sound. |
DXOMark (Mobile) | Not Tested | 120 | The S22 provides superior overall camera performance, particularly in video recording. |
Battery Life | |||
Capacity | 4500mAh | 3700mAh | The Edge 20 Pro is likely to last longer on a single charge, particularly with less intensive use. |
Charging | 30W Fast Charging | 25W Fast Charging | The Edge 20 Pro charges slightly faster. |
Wireless Charging | No | 15W | The S22 offers the convenience of wireless charging, which the Edge 20 Pro lacks. |
Reverse Wireless Charging | No | 4.5W | The S22 can wirelessly charge other devices. |
Software | |||
OS | Android 11 | Android 12, upgradable to 16 | The S22 offers a more up-to-date Android experience with longer-term software support. |
Connectivity | |||
Bluetooth | 5.1 | 5.2 | The S22 has a more advanced Bluetooth version for improved efficiency and connectivity. |
SIM | Dual Nano SIM | Dual Nano SIM + eSIM | The S22 offers the flexibility of using an eSIM. |
Other | |||
Audio | Basic Audio Features | Stereo Speakers, Dolby Digital Plus | The S22 offers better audio quality with stereo speakers and enhanced surround sound. |
Security | Side-Mounted Fingerprint Sensor | Basic Fingerprint Sensor | The side-mounted fingerprint sensor on the Edge 20 Pro is fast and reliable. |
Sensors | Accelerometer, Compass, Gyroscope | Accelerometer, Compass, Gyroscope, Barometer | The S22 includes a barometer, enhancing its capabilities for weather tracking and altitude measurement. |
2. Key Insights
- Motorola Edge 20 Pro:
- Strengths:
- Larger display (great for media consumption).
- Larger battery capacity (potentially longer battery life).
- Higher RAM (better multitasking).
- Higher resolution main and selfie camera.
- Trade-offs:
- Larger and heavier design.
- Older chipset (less processing power).
- No wireless charging.
- Older Android version (less software support).
- No IP rating for water/dust resistance.
- Strengths:
- Samsung Galaxy S22 5G:
- Strengths:
- More compact and lighter design (easier to handle).
- More powerful chipset (better performance).
- Brighter display (better visibility outdoors).
- Wireless charging and reverse wireless charging.
- Stereo speakers with Dolby Digital Plus.
- Better screen protection (Gorilla Glass Victus+).
- More up-to-date Android version (longer software support).
- Better camera performance (particularly in low light).
- Water and dust resistance (IP68 rating).
- Trade-offs:
- Smaller display.
- Smaller battery capacity.
- Less RAM.
- Strengths:
3. User Profiles and Recommendations
Motorola Edge 20 Pro: Ideal for users who prioritize a large display, need ample RAM for multitasking, and are okay with a slightly older chipset. Great for media consumption, moderate gaming, and users who prefer a longer battery life.
Samsung Galaxy S22 5G: Best suited for users who value a compact design, top-tier performance, a vibrant display, and a high-quality camera system. It's perfect for everyday use, photography enthusiasts, and users who want a premium experience with the latest software and features.
4. Buying Decision Framework
Here are three questions to help you decide:
- How important is size and weight?
- If you prefer a smaller, lighter phone that's easy to handle, the S22 is the clear choice. If you want a large display and don't mind the added bulk, the Edge 20 Pro is an option.
- What's your primary use case?
- If you need maximum performance for demanding games and apps, the S22 is the better option. If you mostly browse, stream videos, and use social media, the Edge 20 Pro will suffice.
- Do you value the latest features and software support?
- If you want the latest Android version, wireless charging, and a more advanced camera system, the S22 is the way to go. If you are okay with an older software and lack of wireless charging for a bigger screen, the Edge 20 Pro is the better option.
Scenario-Based Recommendations:
- Budget-Conscious User: If price is a major concern and a large screen is desired, the Motorola Edge 20 Pro may offer better value.
- Photography Enthusiast: The Samsung Galaxy S22 5G, with its superior camera performance, is the obvious choice.
- Everyday User: The Samsung Galaxy S22 5G strikes a better balance between performance, size, and features, making it an excellent all-around choice.
My Choice
If I were choosing between these two phones, I would pick the Samsung Galaxy S22 5G. While the Motorola Edge 20 Pro has a larger display and battery, the S22 offers a more refined and premium experience. The superior performance, better camera system, brighter display, wireless charging, and more compact design of the S22 make it a more compelling choice for my needs. Additionally, the S22's longer-term software support ensures that it will remain up-to-date and secure for years to come. The overall package of the S22 is simply more appealing.