Alright, let's dive deep into the Motorola Edge (2022) and the Apple iPhone 15 Plus. This is a classic matchup: Android versus iOS, and a battle of very different philosophies when it comes to smartphone design and user experience. Let's break down what each phone brings to the table, and figure out which one might be the better fit for you.
1. Specifications Breakdown
Here's a detailed look at the specs, along with what they mean for you in the real world:
| Feature | Motorola Edge (2022) | Apple iPhone 15 Plus | Real-World Implications |
|---|---|---|---|
| Design | |||
| Dimensions | 160.9 × 74.2 × 8 mm | 160.9 × 77.8 × 7.8 mm | Motorola is a touch narrower and thicker, iPhone a bit wider, very similar in the hand. |
| Weight | 170g | 201g | Motorola feels lighter, more comfortable for extended use. |
| Display | |||
| Size | 6.6" | 6.7" | Very similar size, both excellent for media consumption and productivity. |
| Resolution | 1080x2400 | 1290x2796 | iPhone has a noticeably sharper display, text and images will appear more crisp. |
| PPI | 399 | 460 | iPhone has a higher pixel density, leading to finer details and clearer visuals. |
| Technology | OLED | OLED | Both offer vibrant colors, deep blacks, and excellent contrast. |
| Refresh Rate | 144Hz | 60Hz | Motorola has dramatically smoother scrolling and animations making it better for gaming. |
| Brightness | 0 nits (spec error) | 2000 nits | iPhone is drastically brighter, far more readable outdoors in bright sunlight. |
| Performance | |||
| Chipset | MediaTek Dimensity 1050 (6nm) | Apple A16 Bionic (4nm) | iPhone has superior processing power, faster app loading and smoother overall experience. |
| AnTuTu Score | 522,375 | 1,470,000 | iPhone is significantly faster and more capable for demanding tasks and gaming. |
| GPU | Arm Mali-G610 MC3 | Apple GPU (5-core) | iPhone GPU offers better graphics performance, a significant win for mobile gaming. |
| Battery | |||
| Capacity | 5000mAh | 4383mAh | Motorola has a larger battery, potentially offering longer battery life. |
| Charging | 30W Fast Charging | 20W Fast Charging | Motorola charges slightly faster. |
| Features | 15W Wireless, 5W Reverse | 15W MagSafe, 7.5W Qi | Both offer wireless charging, Motorola additionally offers reverse wireless charging for accessories. |
| Camera | |||
| Main Camera | 50MP (f/1.8, 1/1.55") | 48MP (f/1.6, 1/1.5") | iPhone has better light gathering and larger sensor. |
| Selfie Camera | 32MP (f/2.45) | 12MP (f/1.9) | iPhone's selfie camera captures more light. |
| Wide Angle Lens | 13MP (f/1.5) | 12MP (f/2.4) (Wide Angle + Macro) | Motorola has a dedicated wide-angle, iPhone has a wide + Macro lens. |
| Macro Lens | 20MP (f/2.4) | - | Motorola has a dedicated macro lens for close-up shots. iPhone has a wide + Macro lens. |
| Video | 4K@30fps, 1080p@120fps | 4K@60fps, 1080p@240fps | iPhone has more versatile video modes and higher quality. |
| DxoMark | - | 145 (Mobile Score) | iPhone has excellent tested camera performance. |
| Camera Features | OIS, PDAF, etc | OIS, PDAF, Cinematic, Night, etc | iPhone offers additional features like cinematic video, and night mode. |
| Software | |||
| OS | Android 12 (Up to 13) | iOS 17 (Up to 18) | Android offers more customization, iOS has tighter integration and consistency. |
| Connectivity | |||
| WiFi | Wi-Fi 6 | Wi-Fi 6 | Both support modern Wi-Fi standards. |
| Bluetooth | 5.2 LE | 5.3 LE | iPhone has slightly newer Bluetooth for enhanced power efficiency. |
| GPS | GPS, A-GPS, GLONASS, Beidou, SUPL, Galileo | GPS, A-GPS, GLONASS, QZSS, Galileo | iPhone has more satellite support for better location accuracy. |
| SIM | Dual SIM (Nano + eSIM) | Dual SIM (Nano + eSIM) | Both support dual SIM configurations. |
| Storage | |||
| Internal | 128/256GB | 128/256/512GB | iPhone has more storage options. |
| RAM | 6/8GB | 6GB | Motorola has potentially more RAM (in the 8GB config), but it's not as relevant given different software |
| Expandable | No | No | Neither phone offers expandable storage. |
| Audio | |||
| Quality | Dolby Atmos, Stereo Speakers | Stereo Speakers | Motorola has better audio with Dolby Atmos and spatial audio, Apple has standard stereo speakers. |
| Security | |||
| Features | Fingerprint Sensor | Basic Security Features | Motorola offers physical fingerprint authentication. |
| Build Quality | |||
| Screen Protection | Corning Gorilla Glass 3 | Unknown | Motorola provides good screen protection with Gorilla Glass. |
| Sensors | Fingerprint, Accelerometer, Compass, Gyroscope, Magnetometer, Barometer | Proximity, Accelerometer, Compass, Gyroscope, Barometer | Motorola includes additional sensor for advanced features. |
2. Key Insights
Motorola Edge (2022) Strengths:
- Lightweight and Comfortable: The Motorola is significantly lighter than the iPhone, making it comfortable for prolonged use.
- Silky Smooth Display: The 144Hz refresh rate is a game-changer for a fluid visual experience, perfect for gaming and content consumption.
- Versatile Cameras: The inclusion of dedicated wide-angle and macro lenses opens up creative photography opportunities.
- Larger Battery and Faster Charging: The 5000mAh battery and 30W fast charging will keep you going for longer.
- Dolby Atmos Audio: Enhanced audio experience with Dolby Atmos support.
- Fingerprint Scanner: Offers an additional convenient authentication method.
Apple iPhone 15 Plus Strengths:
- Blazing Performance: The A16 Bionic chip offers a huge performance advantage, ensuring smooth multitasking and top-tier gaming experiences.
- Superior Display: The higher resolution and brightness make for an exceptional viewing experience, particularly in outdoor conditions.
- Excellent Camera Quality: Despite having only 48MP main camera vs 50MP, the images and videos from the iPhone are top-notch with better features.
- Advanced Video Capabilities: The iPhone offers many high quality video recording options including 4K@60fps and 1080p@240fps, and slow motion.
- Premium Build and Software: The iPhone has a polished design, tighter integration, and consistent software experience.
- Camera DxOMark: Confirmed excellent tested camera performance.
Trade-offs and Limitations:
- Motorola: The MediaTek chipset isn't as powerful as the A16 Bionic. The screen brightness is far inferior to the iPhone. Also it does not have an official dxoMark Camera rating, so it is difficult to gauge the real world photo quality of the device.
- iPhone: Significantly heavier, and has a lower 60Hz refresh rate screen. Also it has a less capable charging rate of 20W.
3. User Profiles and Recommendations
Motorola Edge (2022) is best for:
- Budget-Conscious Users: Those looking for a great all-around smartphone without breaking the bank.
- Gamers and Media Enthusiasts: Users who prioritize a smooth display and immersive audio experience.
- Photography Enthusiasts: People who appreciate versatile camera options, including dedicated wide-angle and macro lenses.
- Heavy Users: People who prioritize long battery life and fast charging.
Apple iPhone 15 Plus is best for:
- Performance Junkies: Users who need the most powerful hardware for demanding tasks and games.
- Photography and Videography Enthusiasts: Users who want a top-tier, reliable camera system with versatile video features.
- iOS Ecosystem Users: Those already invested in the Apple ecosystem and want the most seamless experience.
- Outdoor Users: People who often use their phone in bright sunlight and need excellent outdoor visibility.
4. Buying Decision Framework
To help you decide, ask yourself these questions:
- Do I prioritize performance above all else, or am I comfortable with a more balanced device?
- Is screen smoothness (high refresh rate) more important to me than image quality and brightness?
- Am I deeply embedded in the Apple ecosystem, or am I open to Android?
Scenario-Based Recommendations:
- The Gamer: If you're primarily going to use your phone for gaming, the Motorola Edge (2022) offers a smoother experience with its 144Hz display, but the iPhone 15 Plus provides much better performance on high end titles with it's superior chip. So it depends on how serious you are about gaming and what your budget is.
- The Content Creator: The Apple iPhone 15 Plus shines with its camera quality, video capabilities, and a verified DxoMark Mobile score of 145.
- The Casual User: Both phones can handle everyday tasks well, but the Motorola Edge is lighter and cheaper.
- The Outdoor Enthusiast: The iPhone 15 Plus's brighter display and satellite GPS makes it ideal for bright outdoor conditions and navigating.
Final Thoughts
Choosing between the Motorola Edge (2022) and the Apple iPhone 15 Plus really comes down to your personal priorities and budget. The Motorola offers some excellent features at a very appealing price point, including an amazing display, battery life, and a versatile camera system, whereas the iPhone 15 Plus provides significantly superior performance, a superior display, and a more refined overall experience.
What I would choose and why?
Personally, I would lean towards the Apple iPhone 15 Plus. While I value the smoothness of the 144Hz refresh rate on the Motorola, the sheer power and polished experience of the iPhone are difficult to ignore. As a tech journalist, I often push my devices to their limits, and the A16 Bionic chip ensures that I have a smooth and responsive device no matter what I'm doing. Additionally the iPhone 15 Plus shines in camera and video performance, making it a far better device for high quality photography and video recording for all my content creation needs. The high quality screen and brighter display is also a major plus, making it more versatile in different environments. Even though it’s heavier, the benefits it offers in performance, display quality, and cameras makes it the best pick for me, though at a premium. If budget was a constraint, or if I valued a physical fingerprint scanner and silky smooth gaming over all, then I would be more inclined to pick up the Motorola, given its much lower price point.
