Alright, let's dive into a head-to-head comparison of the Motorola Edge (2022) and the Blackview A96. Both phones offer a compelling mix of features, but as we peel back the layers, some clear differences emerge that will sway your decision depending on your needs.
1. Specifications Breakdown
Here's a detailed look at the specs, presented with a focus on real-world implications:
| Feature | Motorola Edge (2022) | Blackview A96 | Real-World Implications |
|---|---|---|---|
| Design | |||
| Dimensions | 160.9 × 74.2 × 8 mm | 161.8 × 74.2 × 8.6 mm | Slightly thinner and more compact. Blackview A96 is negligibly taller. |
| Weight | 170g | 193.9g | Motorola Edge is noticeably lighter, more comfortable for extended use. |
| Display | |||
| Size | 6.6" | 6.5" | Marginally larger screen on the Motorola, a difference you may not notice day-to-day. |
| Resolution | 1080x2400 | 1080x2400 | Both offer crisp, detailed visuals at Full HD+; no practical difference. |
| PPI | 399 | 405 | Essentially identical sharpness; both look very clear. |
| Technology | OLED | IPS LCD | OLED on the Motorola means deeper blacks, richer colors, and better contrast – a visually superior experience. |
| Refresh Rate | 144Hz | 120Hz | Smoother animations and scrolling on the Motorola, which is great for gaming and general snappiness. |
| Brightness | 0 nits | 0 nits | Both appear to have similar peak brightness based on the spec (although this data seems incorrect and is likely missing). |
| Performance | |||
| Chipset | MediaTek Dimensity 1050 (6 nm) | Mediatek Helio G99 (6 nm) | Dimensity 1050 is a stronger performer, translates to faster app loading and smoother operation. |
| AnTuTu Score | 522,375 | 423,393 | Motorola offers noticeably better performance, about 23% higher in benchmark tests. |
| GPU | Arm Mali-G610 MC3 | Mali-G57 MC2 | Motorola has a more powerful GPU, better for gaming and graphics-intensive tasks. |
| Camera | |||
| Main Camera | 50MP, f/1.8, 1/1.55" sensor | 48MP, f/1.6, 1/2" sensor | Motorola Edge has a larger sensor which will lead to better light gathering and image quality, and slightly higher resolution. Blackview has a slightly wider aperture which might be marginally better in low light, but it's unlikely to offset the larger sensor. |
| Selfie Camera | 32MP, f/2.45 | 16MP, 1/3" sensor | Motorola's higher-resolution selfie camera takes more detailed pictures. |
| Wide Angle | 13MP, f/1.5 | 8MP, f/2.4 | Significantly better wide angle camera on the Motorola, capturing more details and with a wider aperture for better low light performance. |
| Macro | 20MP, f/2.4 | 2MP, f/2.4 | Massively higher resolution macro lens on the Motorola allowing for more detail in close up photography. |
| Video | Up to 4K@30fps with EIS | Up to 1440p@30fps | Motorola offers sharper video, more fps options, and image stabilization. |
| Features | OIS, EIS | Front Flash | Motorola Edge has better image stabilization while Blackview has a front flash for better lit selfies in low light situations. |
| Battery | |||
| Capacity | 5000mAh | 4380mAh | Motorola Edge offers better endurance due to the larger battery. |
| Charging | 30W fast charging | 18W fast charging | Faster charging with the Motorola Edge, so you spend less time plugged in. |
| Features | Wireless, reverse charging | None | Motorola Edge offers additional charging conveniences. |
| Software & Connectivity | |||
| OS | Android 12 (upgradable to 13) | Android 13 | Blackview is running the latest version of Android out of the box, whilst Motorola could receive updates quicker. |
| Wi-Fi | Wi-Fi 6 | Wi-Fi 5 | Faster and more efficient Wi-Fi on the Motorola. |
| Bluetooth | 5.2 LE | 5.0 | More energy-efficient Bluetooth on Motorola, potentially longer battery life for connected devices. |
| GPS | GPS, A-GPS, GLONASS, Beidou, SUPL, Galileo | GPS, A-GPS, GLONASS, Beidou | Motorola offers more accurate positioning thanks to additional satellite systems. |
| SIM | Nano SIM + eSIM | Nano SIM + Nano SIM | Flexibility with eSIM for the Motorola, or dual physical SIM slots on the Blackview. |
| Storage | |||
| Internal | 128/256GB | 256 GB | Blackview only comes in a 256GB variant, Motorola comes in 128/256GB variants. |
| RAM | 6/8GB | 8/12GB | More RAM available on the Blackview which will lead to better multitasking and gaming. |
| Expandable | No | No | Neither have expandable storage options. |
| Audio | |||
| Quality | Dolby Atmos, Noise cancellation, 3 mics | Stereo Speakers | Motorola has better sound quality with Dolby Atmos, clearer calls, and better recording capabilities. |
| Security | |||
| Features | Basic fingerprint sensor | Side-mounted fingerprint sensor | Side-mounted sensors are usually easier to use. |
| Build Quality | |||
| Screen protection | Corning Gorilla Glass 3 | Unknown | Better durability for the screen on the Motorola. |
| Sensors | |||
| Variety | Proximity, Accelerometer, Compass, Gyroscope, Magnetometer, Barometer | Proximity, Accelerometer, Compass, Gyroscope | More sensors on the Motorola offer more advanced features. |
2. Key Insights
Motorola Edge (2022) - Strengths: The Motorola Edge shines with a superior OLED display, faster performance thanks to its Dimensity 1050 chipset, a more versatile camera system with OIS, better battery life and faster charging, along with additional conveniences like wireless and reverse charging. The audio is also higher quality with Dolby Atmos and noise cancellation microphones.
Blackview A96 - Strengths: The Blackview offers a newer Android version out of the box, a side-mounted fingerprint sensor, 12GB of RAM, which is great for multitasking, and also comes with a front-facing flash. The build quality is generally acceptable but is unknown regarding the screen protection.
Trade-offs and Limitations: The Motorola Edge lacks the latest version of android and has a basic fingerprint sensor, and may require an upgrade after purchasing to the latest android version. It also lacks expandable storage. The Blackview, while having more RAM, falls behind in key areas such as display quality, camera, overall performance, and charging capabilities.
3. User Profiles and Recommendations
Motorola Edge (2022): Ideal for users who prioritize a high-quality display, smooth performance, good camera capabilities, and a well-rounded feature set. Best for media consumption, gaming, and users who want a reliable all-around phone.
Blackview A96: A better fit for users on a tighter budget or those who want the latest version of android out of the box. It's also suitable for those who need a large amount of RAM for multitasking or gaming, and the inclusion of a front flash may also sway users who take a lot of selfies.
4. Buying Decision Framework
Here are three questions to help guide your decision:
- How important is screen quality to you? If vibrant colors, deep blacks, and smooth visuals are key, the Motorola Edge with its OLED display is a clear winner.
- How much do you value peak performance and responsiveness? The Motorola's Dimensity 1050 chipset gives it an edge, leading to a noticeably smoother experience in daily usage.
- Do you prioritize having the latest Android version or prefer better overall hardware specs? The Blackview has the latest version of Android, while the Motorola excels in other key areas such as the display, camera, battery and charging, and overall performance.
Scenario-Based Recommendations:
- For the Mobile Gamer/Media Enthusiast: The Motorola Edge (2022) is the obvious choice with its high refresh rate display, powerful processor, and enhanced audio.
- For the Budget-Conscious User: The Blackview A96 can be a sensible choice, offering a larger amount of RAM and the latest version of android, however, it does make significant trade-offs in performance, display, and camera.
- For the Everyday Photographer: The Motorola Edge’s superior camera system, particularly the main and wide angle lenses, will deliver better photos.
Final Decision
Personally, I would choose the Motorola Edge (2022). While the Blackview A96 offers a newer version of Android and more RAM, the Motorola Edge (2022) provides a significantly better user experience in most areas that I personally prioritize, including a superior OLED display, a more powerful processor that delivers smoother performance, a more versatile and higher-quality camera setup, better battery life, faster charging, and enhanced audio quality with Dolby Atmos. Whilst I appreciate the 12GB of RAM on the Blackview A96, I prefer the overall quality of life experience with the Motorola. The combination of these factors makes it a more well-rounded phone that is much more suited for a wider range of use cases.
