Alright, let's break down these two contenders – the Motorola Edge (2022) and the Huawei Pura 70 Ultra. We've got a good mix of specs here, and I'm excited to dive into what they mean for you, the user.
1. Specifications Breakdown
Here's a detailed look at the specifications, along with real-world implications:
| Feature | Motorola Edge (2022) | Huawei Pura 70 Ultra | Real-World Implications |
|---|---|---|---|
| DESIGN | |||
| Dimensions | 160.9 x 74.2 x 8 mm | 162.6 x 75.1 x 8.4 mm | The Pura 70 Ultra is slightly taller and thicker. The Edge is more compact. |
| Weight | 170g | 226g | The Edge is significantly lighter, more comfortable for prolonged one-handed use. |
| DISPLAY | |||
| Size | 6.6" | 6.8" | Pura 70 Ultra offers a bit more screen real estate, better for media consumption. |
| Resolution | 1080 x 2400 | 1260 x 2844 | Pura 70 Ultra has a much sharper display, better for viewing detailed content. |
| Pixel Density (PPI) | 399 | 460 | Pura 70 Ultra’s higher PPI results in clearer text and sharper images. |
| Technology | OLED | OLED | Both use vibrant OLED tech; expect good contrast and colors on both screens. |
| Refresh Rate | 144Hz | 120Hz | The Edge boasts slightly smoother animations for a more fluid interface. |
| Brightness | 0 nits | 2500 nits | Pura 70 Ultra has dramatically better visibility in bright sunlight. |
| PERFORMANCE | |||
| Chipset | MediaTek Dimensity 1050 (6 nm) | Kirin 9010 (7 nm) | Pura 70 Ultra’s chipset significantly outperforms the Edge, better for gaming/multitasking. |
| AnTuTu Score | 522,375 | 869,707 | The Pura 70 Ultra’s benchmark scores translate to faster performance. |
| GPU | Arm Mali-G610 MC3 | Maleoon 910 | Pura 70 Ultra has the more advanced graphics processor. |
| CAMERA | |||
| Standard (Main) | 50MP, f/1.8, 1/1.55", 1.00µm | 50MP, f/1.6, 1", 1.60µm | Pura 70 Ultra has a larger sensor & wider aperture, should perform better in low light. |
| Selfie | 32MP, f/2.45, 0.70µm | 13MP, f/2.4 | The Edge offers higher resolution for selfies, but Pura 70 Ultra has slightly wider aperture. |
| Telephoto | N/A | 50MP, f/2.1 | Pura 70 Ultra offers a dedicated telephoto lens for optical zoom capabilities. |
| Wide Angle | 13MP, f/1.5, 1.12µm | 40MP, f/2.2, 1/1.7", 1.00µm | Pura 70 Ultra offers more detail on wide shots, Edge has wider aperture. |
| Macro | 20MP, f/2.4, 1/2.83", 0.90µm | N/A | The Edge has a dedicated macro lens for extreme close ups. |
| Video | Up to 4K@30fps | Yes | Edge allows 4K capture and has EIS stabilization. |
| DXOMark | N/A | 163 | Pura 70 Ultra performs really well in camera tests. |
| Camera Features | Various | Optical zoom, Ultra stable video, Continuous autofocus, Manual focus, Contrast detection autofocus (CDAF), Laser autofocus (LAF), Dual front camera, RAW, Night Mode | Pura 70 Ultra has a more advanced feature set including Optical Zoom and RAW. |
| BATTERY LIFE | |||
| Capacity | 5000mAh | 5200mAh | Pura 70 Ultra has a slightly larger battery, potentially longer battery life. |
| Charging | 30W fast charging | 100W fast charging | The Pura 70 Ultra charges significantly faster, a big convenience factor. |
| Wireless Charging | 15W | 80W | Pura 70 Ultra has much faster wireless charging capabilities |
| Reverse Charging | 5W | 20W reverse wireless charging | Pura 70 Ultra has faster reverse charging |
| SOFTWARE | |||
| OS | Android 12, upgradable to 13 | Android Based OS | Pura 70 Ultra uses a Huawei Android based OS. |
| CONNECTIVITY | |||
| WiFi | Wi-Fi 6 (802.11ax) | Wi-Fi 6 (802.11ax), Wi-Fi MiMO | Pura 70 Ultra supports Wi-Fi MiMO technology for potentially faster and more stable connections. |
| Bluetooth | 5.2 LE | 5.2, A2DP, LDAC, SBC, AAC | Huawei offers better codec support |
| GPS | GPS, A-GPS, GLONASS, Beidou, SUPL, Galileo | GPS, A-GPS, QZSS, GPS (L1+L5), GLONASS (L1), BeiDou (B1), BeiDou (B2), NavIC System, QZSS (L1 + L5), Galileo (E1+E5a+E5b) | The Pura 70 Ultra offers much more precise and reliable positioning |
| SIM | Dual SIM Dual Standby (Nano SIM + eSIM) | Dual SIM Dual Standby (Nano SIM + Nano SIM) | Pura 70 Ultra doesn't support eSIM. |
| STORAGE | |||
| Internal | 128 GB or 256 GB | 512 GB or 1024 GB | Pura 70 Ultra comes with significantly more internal storage capacity. |
| RAM | 6 GB or 8 GB | 16 GB | Pura 70 Ultra has much more ram for multitasking and gaming. |
| Expandable | No | No | Neither phone offers expandable storage |
| AUDIO | |||
| Quality | Dolby Atmos, Noise cancellation microphone, Stereo Speakers, 3 microphones | Dolby Atmos, Stereo Speakers | Motorola offers better noise cancellation features |
| SECURITY | |||
| Features | basic fingerprint sensor | basic fingerprint sensor | Both provide basic fingerprint security. |
| BUILD QUALITY | |||
| Screen Protection | Corning Gorilla Glass 3 | Unknown | Motorola Edge uses more superior screen protection. |
| SENSORS | |||
| Sensors | Biometric: Fingerprint; Proximity: Proximity; Motion: Accelerometer, Compass, Gyroscope, Magnetometer; Environmental: Barometer | Biometric: Fingerprint; Proximity: Proximity; Motion: Accelerometer, Compass, Gyroscope, Gravity, Hall, RGB | Motorola Edge offers Barometer and Magnetometer; Huawei offers Gravity, Hall, RGB. |
2. Key Insights
Motorola Edge (2022):
- Strengths:
- Lightweight Design: The Edge is significantly lighter, making it more comfortable for one-handed use.
- Smoother Display: The 144Hz refresh rate provides a noticeably smoother experience when scrolling.
- Macro Camera: Dedicated macro lens for detailed close-up photography.
- Better Audio Recording: Better voice capturing quality
- eSIM: Offers eSIM, a digital SIM.
- Trade-offs:
- Lower Performance: The MediaTek chipset is not as powerful as the Kirin in the Pura 70 Ultra.
- Lower Brightness: Screen brightness is not as high, making it harder to see in direct sunlight.
- Less Storage: Lower internal storage options.
- Slower Charging: Slower wired and wireless charging speeds.
Huawei Pura 70 Ultra:
- Strengths:
- Superior Performance: The Kirin 9010 chipset offers significantly higher performance.
- Incredible Display: Sharper display with much higher brightness for excellent outdoor visibility.
- Advanced Camera: Larger main sensor, dedicated telephoto lens, and advanced features.
- Faster Charging: Much faster wired and wireless charging, a big convenience boost.
- More Storage: Comes with 512GB or 1TB internal storage options.
- Better Positioning: Improved GPS technology
- Trade-offs:
- Heavier Build: The phone is considerably heavier, which might be a concern for some users.
- No Macro Lens: Lacks a dedicated macro lens for close-up photography
- No eSIM: Does not support eSIM.
3. User Profiles and Recommendations
Motorola Edge (2022) is ideal for:
- Budget-conscious users: It's likely to be the more affordable option.
- Everyday users: Good for browsing, social media, and moderate multitasking.
- Lightweight phone enthusiasts: Those who prefer a lighter, easier-to-handle device.
- Macro photography fans: Those who enjoy close-up photography.
Huawei Pura 70 Ultra is ideal for:
- Power users: Those who require top-tier performance for gaming, heavy multitasking, and demanding applications.
- Photography enthusiasts: Users who prioritize camera quality and need advanced features.
- Users needing long-lasting battery: Those who need extended usage with the ability to quickly charge.
- Those who need great outdoor visibility: The high brightness display is perfect for bright conditions.
4. Buying Decision Framework
Here are three practical questions to help users decide:
- How important is performance to you?
- If top-tier speed and gaming are critical, the Pura 70 Ultra is the clear choice. If you're fine with moderate performance, the Edge is acceptable.
- What type of photography do you prefer?
- If you love detailed close-ups, the Motorola's macro lens might sway you. However, if overall image quality, better low-light performance, and zoom capabilities are your priority, then the Pura 70 Ultra's camera is superior.
- How important is battery life and charging speed?
- If you need super fast charging and potentially longer battery life, the Pura 70 Ultra wins. If you are okay with moderate charging speeds, the Edge is acceptable.
Scenario-based Recommendations:
- The Budget-Conscious Creator: If you want decent performance for social media and content creation on a budget, the Motorola Edge (2022) is a good compromise.
- The Mobile Gamer: The Huawei Pura 70 Ultra is a no-brainer with its superior chipset and GPU for a better gaming experience.
- The Always-On-The-Go Professional: The Pura 70 Ultra provides blazing fast charging, and a long lasting battery for extended usage.
- The Casual User: For browsing social media and doing everyday tasks on a budget, the Motorola Edge is a good fit.
Which One Would I Choose?
For me, personally, I'd choose the Huawei Pura 70 Ultra. While I appreciate the lighter weight and higher refresh rate of the Motorola Edge, the Pura 70 Ultra's superior performance, exceptional display, and incredible camera capabilities are just too compelling to ignore. As a tech journalist and someone who values a snappy phone for testing and creating content, the Pura 70 Ultra's capabilities align perfectly with my needs. Plus, the blazing-fast charging and fantastic display for editing and outdoor use are huge pluses. While the Edge is good, the Pura 70 Ultra represents a clear step up in most areas that matter to me. The price will reflect this increase in quality, so that is something to consider.
