Alright, let's dive into a detailed comparison of the Motorola Edge (2022) and the Apple iPhone 16 Plus. I'm going to break down the specs, translate them into real-world implications, and help you figure out which phone might be the better fit for you.
1. Specifications Breakdown
First, let's get down to brass tacks. Here's a detailed comparison table covering the key specifications, along with a practical look at how these specs impact your daily use:
| Feature | Motorola Edge (2022) | Apple iPhone 16 Plus | Real-World Implications |
|---|---|---|---|
| Design | |||
| Dimensions | 160.9 × 74.2 × 8 mm | 160.9 × 77.8 × 7.8 mm | Similar height, iPhone 16 Plus is wider, Motorola slightly thicker; impacting in-hand feel |
| Weight | 170g | 199g | Motorola is noticeably lighter, making it more comfortable for extended use |
| Build | Corning Gorilla Glass 3 | Unknown | Motorola uses Gorilla Glass 3. The durability of the iPhone 16 Plus is unknown. |
| Display | |||
| Size | 6.6" | 6.7" | iPhone 16 Plus offers slightly more screen real estate |
| Resolution | 1080x2400 | 1290x2796 | iPhone 16 Plus display is significantly sharper and more detailed, enhancing clarity |
| Pixel Density (PPI) | 399 | 460 | iPhone 16 Plus provides a crisper, more vibrant image due to higher pixel density |
| Technology | OLED | OLED | Both offer excellent contrast and deep blacks, great for media consumption |
| Refresh Rate | 144Hz | 60Hz | Motorola provides a significantly smoother experience, noticeable in scrolling and gaming |
| Brightness | 0 nits | 2000 nits | iPhone 16 Plus is far superior in outdoor visibility, making it easily usable in bright conditions |
| Performance | |||
| Chipset | MediaTek Dimensity 1050 (6 nm) | Apple A18 (3 nm) | Apple chip is significantly more powerful, resulting in faster speeds and performance. |
| AnTuTu Score | 522,375 | 1,753,018 | iPhone 16 Plus offers vastly superior performance in apps, gaming, and multitasking |
| GPU | Arm Mali-G610 MC3 | Apple GPU (5-core graphics) | iPhone 16 Plus GPU is more powerful for graphically demanding tasks |
| Battery | |||
| Capacity | 5000mAh | 4674mAh | Motorola has a slightly larger capacity; however, real battery life is also dependent on the OS |
| Charging | 30W fast charging | 25W fast charging | Motorola charges slightly faster. |
| Wireless Charging | 15W | 25W | iPhone has faster wireless charging |
| Battery Features | Reverse charging, 5W Reverse, Non-removable | Non-removable | Motorola can act as a power bank; iPhone has non-removable battery |
| Camera | |||
| Main Camera Resolution | 50MP | 48MP | Motorola has slightly higher megapixel count, but quality is not solely based on megapixels. |
| Main Camera Aperture | f/1.8 | f/1.6 | iPhone with slightly wider aperture, meaning better low-light performance |
| Main Sensor Size | 1/1.55" | 1/1.3" | iPhone with larger sensor for better light gathering |
| Selfie Camera Resolution | 32MP | 12MP | Motorola has significantly higher MP for selfie, but also not only consideration |
| Selfie Camera Aperture | f/2.45 | f/1.9 | iPhone with wider aperture for better low-light selfie |
| Wide Angle Lens | 13MP | None | Motorola includes a dedicated wide-angle camera for versatile shots |
| Macro Lens | 20MP | None | Motorola includes a dedicated macro lens for close up shots |
| Wide Angle + Macro Lens | None | 12MP | iPhone includes a combined wide-angle + macro camera |
| Video Recording | Up to 4K@30fps with EIS | Up to 4K@60fps with HDR | Both provide excellent video recording capabilities |
| Slow-motion | 120fps | 240fps | iPhone supports higher fps, more slow-motion |
| Software | |||
| OS | Android 12 (upgradeable to 13) | iOS 18 | Different ecosystem, with their own strengths and weaknesses |
| Connectivity | |||
| Wi-Fi | Wi-Fi 6 | Wi-Fi 6E | iPhone supports newer Wi-Fi standard, offering faster speeds and less interference |
| Bluetooth | 5.2 | 5.3 | iPhone has the latest Bluetooth |
| GPS | GPS, A-GPS, GLONASS, Beidou, SUPL, Galileo | GPS, A-GPS, GLONASS, Beidou, QZSS, Galileo, BeiDou (B1), NavIC System | iPhone has more comprehensive satellite support for better navigation |
| SIM | Dual SIM (Nano + eSIM) | Dual SIM (Nano + eSIM) | Both support dual SIM and eSIM technology for added flexibility |
| Storage | |||
| Internal Storage | 128/256GB | 128/256/512GB | iPhone offers a larger storage option for users with extensive media libraries |
| RAM | 6/8GB | 8GB | Both provides good performance for multitasking |
| Expandable Storage | No | No | Neither phone offers expandable storage |
| Audio | |||
| Audio Quality | Dolby Atmos, Stereo Speakers, 3 Mics | Dolby Atmos, Stereo Speakers, 3 Mics | Both offer identical audio features |
| Security | |||
| Security Features | Fingerprint Scanner | Basic Security features | Motorola includes fingerprint scanner. |
| Sensors | Biometric: Fingerprint; Proximity: Proximity; Motion: Accelerometer, Compass, Gyroscope, Magnetometer; Environmental: Barometer | Proximity: Proximity; Motion: Accelerometer, Compass, Gyroscope; Environmental: Barometer | Motorola includes additional biometric sensors for enhanced security; Motorola includes Magnetometer |
2. Key Insights
Motorola Edge (2022): Strengths
- Smoother Display: The 144Hz refresh rate makes the Motorola Edge (2022) noticeably smoother for scrolling, animations, and gaming.
- Lighter Design: At 170g, it’s significantly lighter and easier to handle for extended periods.
- Versatile Camera System: Offers dedicated wide-angle and macro lenses for creative photography.
- Slightly Larger Battery: The 5000mAh battery may offer a bit more battery life (real-world use may vary) than the iPhone.
- Fingerprint Scanner: Adds an additional method of security.
- Reverse Charging: Can act as a power bank to charge other devices.
Motorola Edge (2022): Trade-offs
- Lower Performance: The MediaTek Dimensity 1050 is nowhere near as powerful as the Apple A18, leading to slower app loading and gaming.
- Lower Brightness Display: Significantly lower brightness makes it difficult to see the screen in direct sunlight.
- Less Advanced Camera: While versatile, the camera system isn't as advanced, particularly in low light, as the iPhone 16 Plus.
- No Optical Zoom: lacks an optical zoom for better long range shots.
- Older OS: ships with Android 12 which is upgradeable to 13, compared to iOS 18.
Apple iPhone 16 Plus: Strengths
- Superior Performance: The A18 chip offers exceptional speed and responsiveness, outperforming the Motorola in every aspect.
- Brighter Display: The 2000 nits display provides unmatched visibility in bright conditions, making it great for outdoor use.
- Advanced Camera: Larger sensor, wider aperture, and computational photography capabilities result in superior image quality, especially in low light.
- Newer OS: Ships with iOS 18, providing access to latest apple ecosystem
- Better Video: Has a higher framerate slow motion, and HDR.
- More Storage Options: Offers a 512GB storage option for users with extensive media needs.
Apple iPhone 16 Plus: Trade-offs
- Heavier Design: Weighing 199g, it's noticeably heavier than the Motorola.
- Lower Refresh Rate: The 60Hz refresh rate is noticeably less smooth than the Motorola's 144Hz.
- Less Camera Versatility: Lacks dedicated wide-angle and macro lenses (though does have a combined wide-angle/macro) compared to the Motorola.
- Smaller Battery: The battery is slightly smaller than the Motorola.
3. User Profiles and Recommendations
Motorola Edge (2022) is ideal for:
- Budget-Conscious Users: Those looking for a good smartphone at a lower price point.
- Casual Gamers: While not a powerhouse, its high refresh rate makes gameplay smoother and more enjoyable.
- Media Consumers: The OLED display with 144hz refresh rate is fantastic for content consumption.
- Users who prioritize design and weight: the lighter weight is ideal for those who use their phones a lot
- Photography hobbyists: the multiple cameras allow for more creative photos.
Apple iPhone 16 Plus is ideal for:
- Performance Enthusiasts: Users who need the fastest speeds for gaming, multitasking, and demanding apps.
- Photography and Videography Professionals: Those who prioritize camera quality, low-light performance, and video recording capabilities.
- Outdoor Users: The super-bright display makes it perfect for outdoor activities and bright environments.
- Apple Ecosystem Users: Those who are invested in the Apple ecosystem.
- Users with large media libraries: the option for 512GB of storage helps with storing lots of photos, music, and videos.
4. Buying Decision Framework
To help you decide between these two phones, ask yourself the following questions:
What is my budget? The Motorola Edge (2022) is likely to be more affordable than the iPhone 16 Plus.
How much do I value performance vs. display smoothness? The iPhone 16 Plus offers significantly better performance, while the Motorola shines with its 144Hz refresh rate.
What is my primary use case for the phone? The iPhone is great for performance and cameras, while the Motorola is more versatile in terms of photography lenses and design.
Scenario-Based Recommendations:
- Scenario 1: Gaming and Heavy App Use: Choose the iPhone 16 Plus for its superior processing power and smooth, lag-free experience.
- Scenario 2: Photography and Videography: Choose the iPhone 16 Plus for better image quality, low-light performance, and better video recording.
- Scenario 3: Budget-Conscious Media Consumption: Choose the Motorola Edge (2022) for its higher refresh rate and smoother experience.
- Scenario 4: Everyday Use with a Focus on Portability: Choose the Motorola Edge (2022) for its lighter weight and comfortable design.
What I Would Choose
If I were choosing between these two, I would pick the Apple iPhone 16 Plus. While I appreciate the Motorola's high refresh rate and lighter design, the iPhone 16 Plus offers a more well-rounded, future-proof experience. The significantly better performance, higher-quality display, and superior camera system make it a worthwhile investment for me. I value the speed and reliability for my daily tech work and I appreciate the better low light camera performance.
