Alright, let’s dive into a detailed comparison of the Motorola Edge (2022) and the Honor Magic V2. This is going to be interesting, as we’re looking at a fairly standard mid-ranger against a cutting-edge foldable flagship. Let's break down what each brings to the table, what it means for you, and ultimately, which one might suit your needs best.
1. Specifications Breakdown
Here’s a detailed comparison table that focuses on the technical specs and their real-world impact:
| Feature | Motorola Edge (2022) | Honor Magic V2 | Real-World Implications |
|---|---|---|---|
| Design | |||
| Form Factor | Standard | Foldable | Honor Magic V2 is a phone that can transform into a tablet. Motorola Edge is a traditional, candy-bar style phone. |
| Dimensions | 160.9 x 74.2 x 8 mm | 156.7 x 145.4 x 4.7 mm | Edge is taller, narrower, and thicker when closed. V2 is significantly wider, especially when opened up but very thin when opened. |
| Weight | 170g | 231g | Motorola Edge is noticeably lighter, better for long-term handling. Honor Magic V2 is heavier but also more advanced and offers a tablet-like experience. |
| Display | |||
| Size | 6.6" | 7.92" | Honor Magic V2 offers a significantly larger viewing area, particularly in tablet mode. |
| Resolution | 1080x2400 | 2156x2344 | Honor Magic V2’s screen is much sharper and more detailed. |
| PPI | 399 | 402 | Both offer similar pixel density, sharpness is similar for their size, but overall quality should be noticeably better in the V2 due to the much higher resolution. |
| Technology | OLED | Unknown | Edge’s OLED provides vibrant colors and excellent contrast. The Honor's display technology is not listed, but since it is a flagship device, it can be assumed it is an high-end OLED as well. |
| Refresh Rate | 144Hz | 120Hz | Motorola Edge provides slightly smoother scrolling and animations. Both are high refresh rate but the Motorola edge has an edge. |
| Brightness | 0 nits | 2500 nits | Honor Magic V2 is dramatically brighter, far better in bright sunlight. |
| Performance | |||
| Chipset | MediaTek Dimensity 1050 (6 nm) | Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 (4 nm) | Honor Magic V2 has a much more powerful chipset, leading to snappier performance. |
| AnTuTu Score | 522,375 | 1,361,789 | Honor Magic V2 is significantly faster, perfect for demanding apps and games. |
| GPU | Arm Mali-G610 MC3 | Adreno 740 | Adreno 740 in the Honor Magic V2 is far superior, giving much better graphics performance for games and GPU-intensive applications. |
| Camera | |||
| Main Camera | 50MP, f/1.8 | 50MP, f/1.9 | Edge has a slightly wider aperture. Both are good main cameras, but the V2 will have better image quality due to its sensor and ISP. |
| Selfie Camera | 32MP, f/2.45 | 16MP, f/2.2 | Motorola Edge offers a higher resolution, but the Honor Magic V2 has a slightly wider aperture. |
| Telephoto Lens | None | 20MP, f/2.4 | Honor Magic V2 has a dedicated telephoto lens, offering better optical zoom. |
| Wide Angle Lens | 13MP, f/1.5 | None | Edge has a dedicated wide-angle lens. |
| Macro Lens | 20MP, f/2.4 | None | Motorola Edge has a dedicated macro lens. |
| Wide Angle + Macro | None | 50MP, f/2.0 | Honor Magic V2 has a dedicated wide-angle and macro lens. |
| Video | 4K@30fps with EIS | 4K@60fps with HDR, OIS, EIS | Honor Magic V2 offers superior video recording quality, features like HDR, OIS and faster frame rate. |
| DXOMark Mobile Score | - | 117 | Honor Magic V2's has been tested by DXOMark. The Motorola Edge (2022) has no results. |
| Camera Features | OIS, EIS | OIS, EIS, LAF, RAW | Honor Magic V2 offers additional camera capabilities. |
| Battery Life | |||
| Capacity | 5000mAh | 5000mAh | Both have the same capacity, suggesting similar battery life. |
| Charging | 30W Fast Charging | 66W Fast Charging | Honor Magic V2 charges significantly faster. |
| Features | Wireless, Reverse | Non-removable | Motorola offers more versatile charging options. |
| Software | |||
| OS | Android 12 (upgradable to 13) | Android 13 (upgradable to 14) | Honor Magic V2 has a newer OS and more likely to get long-term support from Honor. |
| Connectivity | |||
| Wi-Fi | WiFi 6 | WiFi 7 | Honor Magic V2 has the latest Wi-Fi technology for better performance. |
| Bluetooth | 5.2 | 5.3 | Honor Magic V2 has a newer version, offers more audio codecs, lower latency. |
| GPS | GPS, A-GPS, GLONASS, Beidou, SUPL, Galileo | GPS, A-GPS, Beidou, Galileo, GPS (L1+L5), GLONASS (L1), BeiDou (B1), Galileo (E1+E5a), BeiDou (B2) | Honor Magic V2 has more satellite systems for location accuracy. |
| SIM | Dual SIM (Nano + eSIM) | Dual SIM (Nano + Nano) | Motorola Edge allows for eSIM, offering easier carrier switching. |
| Storage | |||
| Internal Storage | 128/256 GB | 256/512/1024 GB | Honor Magic V2 has significantly higher storage capacity. |
| RAM | 6/8 GB | 16 GB | Honor Magic V2 excels in multitasking. |
| Expandable | No | No | Neither supports expandable storage. |
| Audio | |||
| Quality | Dolby Atmos | DTS / DTS X | Both have similar audio quality and features, with proprietary processing technologies. |
| Security | |||
| Features | Basic fingerprint sensor | Side-mounted fingerprint sensor | Honor Magic V2’s side-mounted sensor is often faster and more convenient. |
| Build Quality | |||
| Protection | Corning Gorilla Glass 3 | Unknown | Motorola Edge (2022) has better screen protection. |
| Sensors | Biometric: Fingerprint; Proximity: Proximity; Motion: Accelerometer, Compass, Gyroscope, Magnetometer; Environmental: Barometer | Biometric: Fingerprint; Proximity: Proximity; Motion: Accelerometer, Compass, Gyroscope | Motorola Edge (2022) has a more comprehensive sensor suite. |
2. Key Insights
Motorola Edge (2022) Strengths:
- Lightweight and Comfortable: It’s significantly lighter and easier to handle for long periods.
- Smooth Display: The 144Hz refresh rate provides a fluid and responsive experience.
- Versatile Charging: Wireless and reverse charging are handy for added convenience.
- eSIM Support: Enables easier digital carrier switching.
- Good Screen Protection: Corning Gorilla Glass 3 provides added durability.
- Complete sensor suite: Includes Barometer and Magnetometer.
Honor Magic V2 Strengths:
- Transformative Design: The foldable form factor offers a unique tablet-like experience.
- Superior Display: Much larger, higher resolution, and dramatically brighter screen.
- Blazing Performance: The Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 delivers top-tier speed and responsiveness.
- Advanced Cameras: Dedicated telephoto lens and better video recording capabilities.
- Faster Charging: 66W charging significantly reduces downtime.
- Newer Software: Android 13 offers the latest features and security patches.
- More Storage & RAM: Ample internal storage and RAM for demanding users.
- Better Connectivity: Latest Wi-Fi and Bluetooth versions for faster data transfer.
- High score in DXOMark testing: Proves good performance in image quality.
- More satellite systems: For better location accuracy.
Trade-offs and Limitations:
- Motorola Edge (2022):
- Less powerful chipset and GPU compared to its competitor.
- Lower brightness, making it hard to use in sunlight.
- Older Android version, fewer software upgrades.
- Fewer camera capabilities such as optical zoom.
- Honor Magic V2:
- Significantly heavier, less comfortable for long-term use.
- Unknown screen protection, might be less durable.
- No wireless or reverse charging.
- Does not have a Macro lens.
3. User Profiles and Recommendations
Motorola Edge (2022):
- Budget-Conscious Users: Ideal for those who want a reliable, smooth experience without breaking the bank.
- Everyday Users: Great for daily tasks, social media, and light gaming.
- Users Prioritizing Portability: The lighter weight and comfortable grip make it convenient for those on the go.
- Users who need extra sensors: The Motorola Edge includes a Barometer and Magnetometer.
Honor Magic V2:
- Power Users: Perfect for those who need top-tier performance for gaming, video editing, and multitasking.
- Early Adopters: Best for those who want to experience the latest in foldable technology.
- Content Creators: Superior video recording and telephoto zoom make it suitable for mobile videography.
- Tablet Enthusiasts: The large foldable display offers a fantastic tablet experience on the go.
- Users who need better connectivity: Latest Wi-Fi and Bluetooth versions for faster data transfer and more features.
- Users who need the best image quality: The only device in this comparison with DXOMark testing.
- Users who need large internal storage: Comes with 256 GB, 512 GB and 1024 GB storage options.
4. Buying Decision Framework
Questions to Ask Yourself:
- Do you need a foldable device? If you want a tablet-like experience in a compact format, the Honor Magic V2 is the way to go.
- How important is performance? If top-tier speed and performance for demanding applications are a priority, the Honor Magic V2 has a decisive advantage.
- What is your budget? If you are on a tighter budget, the Motorola Edge (2022) offers a solid experience at a lower price point.
Scenario-Based Recommendations:
- For the Budget-Conscious: Choose the Motorola Edge (2022) for its balance of performance and affordability.
- For the Content Creator: Opt for the Honor Magic V2 for its superior camera system and video capabilities.
- For the Multitasker: The Honor Magic V2's extra RAM and powerful chipset will make it ideal for heavy multitasking.
- For the Mobile Gamer: The Honor Magic V2 offers a much more powerful gaming experience with a better GPU and larger display.
- For the Portable User: The Motorola Edge is the better choice for people looking for a lighter and more portable device.
Which One Would I Choose and Why?
If I had to choose, I would go with the Honor Magic V2, despite the much higher price. Here's why:
As a tech journalist and analyst, I'm always looking for cutting-edge technology and a device that pushes the boundaries. The Magic V2's foldable form factor, combined with its superior performance and display, makes it incredibly compelling. The ability to seamlessly switch between a regular phone and a tablet-like experience is something I highly value.
The performance difference is also significant. I often use my phone for demanding tasks, including editing videos and running multiple applications simultaneously. The Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 and 16 GB of RAM in the Magic V2 would make a massive difference in my daily workflow. While the Motorola Edge (2022) is a capable mid-range device, the advancements in the Honor Magic V2 justify the extra cost for me.
The superior camera system with dedicated telephoto zoom and HDR video is crucial for producing quality content. I also appreciate the larger, brighter display and the latest in Wi-Fi and Bluetooth technologies, which are important for my work and daily use.
While the added weight and lack of wireless charging are minor drawbacks, the benefits of the Honor Magic V2 far outweigh these limitations in my case. I would be more than willing to adapt to the slightly heavier form factor for the significant gains in performance, display quality, and overall user experience.
Therefore, for someone like me who wants the latest technology and needs the absolute best performance, the Honor Magic V2 is the clear winner. If you’re on a tighter budget, the Motorola Edge (2022) is a good phone, but in my case, the Magic V2's performance and innovative form factor are irresistible.
