Alright, let's dive deep into the Motorola Edge (2022) and the Apple iPhone 15 Pro. These are two very different phones aimed at different users, and understanding those differences is crucial. Here’s a structured breakdown to help you figure out which one might be right for you.
1. Specifications Breakdown
| Feature | Motorola Edge (2022) | Apple iPhone 15 Pro | Real-World Implications |
|---|---|---|---|
| Design | |||
| Dimensions | 160.9 × 74.2 × 8 mm | 146.6 × 70.6 × 8.3 mm | Edge is larger and thinner, Pro is smaller and thicker; impacts pocketability and one-handed use |
| Weight | 170g | 187g | Edge is noticeably lighter, potentially more comfortable for extended use. |
| Display | |||
| Size | 6.6" | 6.1" | Edge has a larger screen for more immersive media consumption; Pro smaller for portability |
| Resolution | 1080x2400 | 1179x2556 | Pro offers a sharper, more detailed image due to its higher pixel count. |
| Pixel Density | 399 PPI | 461 PPI | Pro's higher pixel density means crisper text and images. |
| Technology | OLED | OLED | Both offer excellent color and contrast; similar visual quality in this aspect |
| Refresh Rate | 144Hz | 120Hz | Edge's 144Hz is marginally smoother for scrolling, gaming, and animations |
| Brightness | 0 nits | 2000 nits | Pro's extreme brightness makes it clearly superior for use in direct sunlight; Motorola's spec is incorrect |
| Performance | |||
| Chipset | MediaTek Dimensity 1050 (6nm) | Apple A17 Pro (3nm) | Pro’s 3nm chip is much more powerful and efficient, leading to faster apps and smoother multitasking; Motorola will have good performance, but the Pro will be substantially quicker. |
| AnTuTu Score | 522,375 | 1,641,883 | Pro demonstrates dramatically superior performance, it's a performance powerhouse. |
| GPU | Arm Mali-G610 MC3 | Apple GPU (6-core graphics) | Pro's custom GPU has much more graphical power for gaming and intense apps. |
| Camera | |||
| Rear Main | 50MP (f/1.8, 1/1.55”) | 48MP (f/1.78, 1/1.3”) | Pro has a larger sensor which should translate to better light gathering and improved detail in most situations. |
| Selfie | 32MP (f/2.45, 0.70µm) | 12MP (f/1.9, unknown µm) | Pro's aperture suggests superior low-light selfies; despite lower megapixel count. |
| Telephoto | N/A | 12MP (f/2.8, 1.00µm) | Pro features a dedicated telephoto for optical zoom capabilities; Motorola does not. |
| Wide Angle | 13MP (f/1.5, 1.12µm) | N/A | Edge offers a dedicated ultrawide lens. Pro uses the main lens for this function. |
| Macro | 20MP (f/2.4, 1/2.83”) | N/A | Edge offers a dedicated macro lens. Pro does not. |
| Wide Angle + Macro | N/A | 12MP (f/2.2, 1/2.55”, 1.4µm) | Pro has a secondary sensor to combine both, more flexible. Edge does not. |
| Video | 4K@30fps with EIS | 4K@60fps HDR, various modes | Pro offers wider range of video modes including higher frame rates and HDR recording, and greater video recording capabilities. |
| DXOMark | Not tested | Mobile: 154, Selfie: 149 | Pro has a well-regarded camera system. |
| Features | Standard Features | Enhanced Modes & Features | Pro offers more advanced features like Cinematic mode, ProRes, manual controls. |
| Battery Life | |||
| Capacity | 5000 mAh | 3650 mAh | Edge boasts a significantly larger battery, suggesting longer battery life, though actual life depends on usage. |
| Charging | 30W Fast Charging | 27W Fast Charging | Edge offers slightly faster charging. |
| Wireless Charging | 15W, 5W Reverse | 15W MagSafe, 7.5W Qi | Pro has MagSafe; Edge has reverse charging and standard wireless charging. |
| Software | |||
| OS | Android 12 (upgradeable to 13) | iOS 17 (upgradeable to 18) | Different ecosystems with different experiences; Android has more customisability, and iOS has more consistent, Apple ecosystem. |
| Connectivity | |||
| Wi-Fi | Wi-Fi 6, Direct, Display | Wi-Fi 6, MiMO | Both support similar standards; Edge has Wi-Fi Direct and Display; Pro has Wi-Fi MIMO. |
| Bluetooth | 5.2, LE | 5.3, LE, APT-x | Pro has newer version and supports APT-x for better audio quality. |
| GPS | Multiple Systems | GPS, L1+L5, QZSS | Pro has dual-frequency GPS for better location accuracy. |
| SIM | Dual SIM (Nano + eSIM) | Dual SIM (Nano + eSIM) | Both offer flexibility of two SIMs, one can be eSIM. |
| Storage | |||
| Internal | 128/256 GB | 128/256/512/1024 GB | Pro offers more storage options, crucial for media lovers. |
| RAM | 6/8 GB | 8 GB | Both are suitable for most usage, the RAM is similar for their respective operating systems. |
| Expandable | No | No | Neither phone allows you to add more storage. |
| Audio | |||
| Quality | Dolby Atmos, 3 Mics | Dolby Atmos, 3 Mics | Both are very similar in audio quality. |
| Security | |||
| Features | Fingerprint | Basic Security Features | Edge has a fingerprint sensor for fast unlock, while Pro has face unlock (not listed). |
| Build Quality | |||
| Protection | Gorilla Glass 3 | Unspecified | Edge has listed Gorilla Glass 3 protection which is good. Apple's screen protection is unknown. |
| Sensors | |||
| Sensors | Multiple Sensros | Multiple Sensors | Edge has an additional magnetometer and fingerprint sensor, but both phones have a very wide array of sensors. |
2. Key Insights
Motorola Edge (2022) Strengths:
- Larger Display: The 6.6" screen is great for media consumption and gaming.
- Higher Refresh Rate: 144Hz offers smoother scrolling and animations.
- Bigger Battery: 5000 mAh is larger which may lead to better battery life.
- Reverse Wireless Charging: This is a useful feature for charging accessories.
- Fingerprint Sensor: It offers fast and reliable biometric authentication.
- Lower Price: This is a budget phone in comparison to the Pro, and its value proposition is excellent.
Apple iPhone 15 Pro Strengths:
- Superior Performance: The A17 Pro chip is dramatically faster for any task.
- Much Brighter Display: 2000 nits makes it excellent outdoors.
- Better Main Camera: Larger sensor, improved low-light performance.
- Dedicated Telephoto Camera: Enables optical zoom.
- Advanced Video Capabilities: HDR recording and more frame rate choices
- MagSafe Wireless Charging: More integrated ecosystem with MagSafe accessories.
- Extensive Storage Options: Up to 1TB of storage for more media lovers
- iOS Ecosystem: Great for users invested in Apple's software and services.
- Significantly Higher Benchmark Score: More future proof, and will handle more intense apps more efficiently.
- Much higher video quality - The camera setup, coupled with apple's software makes for a much higher quality camera.
Trade-offs:
- Motorola Edge (2022): Sacrifices performance and camera quality for a lower price, lower brightness, smaller sensor, and other quality of life differences. It has a larger screen and bigger battery, but will not feel as 'premium' as the iPhone.
- Apple iPhone 15 Pro: Comes with a higher price tag. Smaller screen which may be less ideal for some media consumption. Its battery is smaller on paper, but may still perform well with greater efficiency.
3. User Profiles and Recommendations
- Motorola Edge (2022) is ideal for:
- Budget-conscious users looking for a great value in a smartphone.
- Users who prioritize a larger screen and battery life.
- Those who prefer the Android OS and its customisability.
- Users who primarily consume media, browse the internet, and perform basic tasks.
- Users who prefer a fingerprint scanner over face unlock.
- Apple iPhone 15 Pro is ideal for:
- Users who demand the highest performance and top-tier camera quality.
- Those deeply invested in the Apple ecosystem.
- Users who need excellent brightness, especially for outdoor usage.
- Professionals and creatives who require advanced video and photo capabilities.
- Those who want a smaller, more pocketable and manageable phone.
4. Buying Decision Framework
Here are three key questions to guide your decision:
- What's your budget? If you are extremely budget conscious, the Motorola Edge will be a very capable device at a much lower price. If budget is less of a concern, then the Pro's quality will be more desirable.
- What do you prioritize: Performance or Battery/Screen Size? If you need raw power and advanced camera features, the iPhone is better. If screen size and longer battery life are higher priorities, consider the Motorola.
- Are you deeply involved in either the Android or Apple ecosystem? If you have other Apple products, the iPhone will feel more seamless. If you prefer Android's customizability and are already comfortable with Android devices, then the Motorola will likely fit better.
Scenario-Based Recommendations:
- The Gamer: The iPhone 15 Pro is the clear winner here with its superior performance and much more powerful graphics card.
- The Content Creator: The iPhone 15 Pro is a better choice, its camera system, higher quality video recording, and more powerful chip will all work together for a better user experience.
- The Daily Commuter: If you want something easier to handle and prefer a more compact phone, the iPhone 15 Pro is a great option, but for those who are wanting to binge watch on their commute, the larger screen on the Motorola may be more desirable.
- The Casual User: The Motorola Edge (2022) will handle all of your basic tasks very well and you will get great value for money.
- The Photographer: The iPhone will have superior low light performance and greater versatility with its additional cameras.
My Personal Choice
For me, I would choose the Apple iPhone 15 Pro. While the Motorola Edge (2022) offers a compelling package, the iPhone 15 Pro's raw power, superior camera system, and excellent outdoor brightness are far more attractive to me. As a tech journalist, I value performance for everyday use, and want to see the best tech, and the iPhone delivers on all of these fronts. The iPhone may have a smaller screen and lower battery on paper, but it has a much more powerful processor, and a better camera with its sensor, which is a big deal for me personally. Additionally, the video quality is far superior, and this device is generally better for content creators. The value proposition of the Motorola is certainly alluring, but I value the Apple ecosystem more.
I hope this analysis was helpful, and have fun with whatever you decide to buy!
