Alright, let's dive deep into this comparison of the Motorola Edge (2022) and the newer Edge 50 Ultra. We've got some interesting differences to unpack, and I'm excited to see how these phones stack up in terms of real-world usability.
1. Specifications Breakdown
Here’s a detailed table breaking down the key specs, along with some real-world context:
| Feature | Motorola Edge (2022) | Motorola Edge 50 Ultra | Real-World Implications |
|---|---|---|---|
| Design | |||
| Dimensions | 160.9 × 74.2 × 8 mm | 161.1 × 72.4 × 8.6 mm | The Edge 50 Ultra is slightly taller and thinner, but a bit thicker, so it will feel slightly different in hand. |
| Weight | 170g | 197g | The Edge (2022) feels noticeably lighter, which is great for prolonged use. |
| Display | |||
| Size | 6.6" | 6.7" | The Edge 50 Ultra offers a slightly larger viewing area. |
| Resolution | 1080x2400 | 1220x2712 | Edge 50 Ultra provides sharper visuals with more detail, noticeably better when reading text or watching high-res videos. |
| Pixel Density (PPI) | 399 | 446 | Edge 50 Ultra's display looks clearer due to higher pixel density. |
| Technology | OLED | P-OLED | Both use similar high-quality OLED display technology. |
| Refresh Rate | 144Hz | 144Hz | Both offer incredibly smooth scrolling and animations. |
| Brightness | 0 nits | 2500 nits | Edge 50 Ultra has much better visibility in bright sunlight, making it ideal for outdoor use. |
| Performance | |||
| Chipset | MediaTek Dimensity 1050 (6 nm) | Qualcomm Snapdragon 8s Gen 3 (4 nm) | The Edge 50 Ultra is significantly faster, handles demanding apps and games more easily. |
| AnTuTu Score | 522,375 | 1,523,879 | Edge 50 Ultra scores nearly three times higher, clearly showing its processing advantage. |
| GPU | Arm Mali-G610 MC3 | Adreno 735 | Edge 50 Ultra will give you better graphics in games and media applications. |
| Battery | |||
| Capacity | 5000mAh | 4500mAh | Edge (2022) has a larger battery, potentially offering longer battery life, but it will depend on other things. |
| Charging | 30W fast charging | 125W fast charging | Edge 50 Ultra charges much faster, getting you back up and running in no time. |
| Wireless Charging | 15W | 50W | Edge 50 Ultra can charge wirelessly much faster. |
| Reverse Charging | 5W | 10W | Edge 50 Ultra can charge your accessories faster. |
| Camera | |||
| Main Camera Res | 50MP | 50MP | Both have a 50MP sensor but the Edge 50 Ultra will perform better due to superior hardware. |
| Main Camera Sensor | 1/1.55" | 1/1.3" | Edge 50 Ultra’s larger sensor captures more light, leading to better low-light performance. |
| Main Camera Aperture | f/1.8 | f/1.6 | Edge 50 Ultra’s wider aperture will capture better and brighter images. |
| Selfie Camera Res | 32MP | 50MP | Edge 50 Ultra captures detailed selfies. |
| Selfie Camera Aperture | f/2.45 | f/1.9 | Edge 50 Ultra captures brighter selfies. |
| Telephoto Lens | None | 64MP | Edge 50 Ultra offers an actual zoom lens, a significant advantage for versatility. |
| Wide Angle Lens | 13MP | 50MP | Edge 50 Ultra captures much wider images with better detail. |
| Wide Angle Aperture | f/1.5 | f/2.0 | Edge (2022) captures brighter images with a larger aperture. |
| Macro Lens | 20MP | None | Edge (2022) offers a macro lens to capture detailed close up images. |
| Video Recording | 4K@30fps | 4K@60fps | Edge 50 Ultra can record higher quality video with HDR support. |
| Slow-Motion | 120fps | 960fps | Edge 50 Ultra is better for capturing fast-moving action. |
| DXOMARK Score | N/A | 146 | Edge 50 Ultra has a superior camera, based on DXOMARK test results |
| Software | |||
| OS | Android 12 (upgradable to 13) | Android 14 (upgradable to 17) | Edge 50 Ultra ships with newer software and has longer support. |
| Connectivity | |||
| Wi-Fi | Wi-Fi 6 | Wi-Fi 7 | The Edge 50 Ultra has the latest Wi-Fi standard, great for fast and stable connections. |
| Bluetooth | 5.2 | 5.4 | The Edge 50 Ultra offers a more modern connection with more codec support. |
| GPS | Standard | Advanced | Edge 50 Ultra is more accurate and stable with GPS. |
| Storage | |||
| Internal Storage | 128 GB/256 GB | 512 GB/1024 GB | Edge 50 Ultra offers much more built-in storage, great for larger libraries of media. |
| RAM | 6 GB/8 GB | 12 GB/16 GB | Edge 50 Ultra provides a more fluid experience, especially for multitasking. |
| Expandable Storage | No | No | Neither phone allows for expandable storage, so choose the variant with the storage you need. |
| Audio | |||
| Audio quality | Dolby Atmos, Noise cancellation microphone, Stereo Speakers, 3 microphones | Dolby Atmos, Stereo Speakers, 3 microphones | Both phones offer excellent audio quality, but Edge (2022) is a bit better, with a noise cancellation microphone |
| Security | |||
| Fingerprint Sensor | Basic | Basic | Both phones offer a basic biometric security measure. |
| Build Quality | |||
| Screen Protection | Gorilla Glass 3 | Gorilla Glass Victus | Edge 50 Ultra is more resistant to scratches and accidental drops. |
| Sensors | |||
| Sensors | Biometric: Fingerprint; Proximity: Proximity; Motion: Accelerometer, Compass, Gyroscope, Magnetometer; Environmental: Barometer | Biometric: Fingerprint; Proximity: Proximity; Motion: Accelerometer, Compass, Gyroscope | Edge (2022) offers a comprehensive set of sensors, making it suitable for more advanced features and gaming. |
2. Key Insights
Motorola Edge (2022):
- Strengths: Lighter design, larger battery, and a slightly wider aperture in the wide-angle camera. Also, the macro camera can be useful for people who take close-up pictures frequently.
- Competitive Advantages: It is the budget-friendly option with a very good quality display.
- Trade-offs: Significantly slower performance, lower resolution screen, and older software.
Motorola Edge 50 Ultra:
- Strengths: Superior performance, sharper display, much faster charging, better cameras with a telephoto lens, and a newer operating system.
- Competitive Advantages: Top-tier performance, enhanced display experience, and improved camera versatility, suitable for users who prioritize these features.
- Trade-offs: Heavier, slightly thicker, and with a slightly smaller battery than the Edge (2022).
3. User Profiles and Recommendations
Motorola Edge (2022) is ideal for:
- Budget-conscious users: Those who want a reliable phone for everyday tasks without breaking the bank.
- Light to moderate users: People who use their phones mainly for calls, texts, browsing, and social media.
- Users who prefer a lightweight phone: Those who value a comfortable, non-bulky design for extended use.
- Users who like macro photography: Users who like taking close up images
Motorola Edge 50 Ultra is ideal for:
- Power users: Those who need a phone that can handle demanding tasks, such as gaming, video editing, and heavy multitasking.
- Photography enthusiasts: Users who want a versatile camera system with excellent image quality.
- Users who need a fast-charging phone: Those who want minimal downtime and maximum convenience.
- Tech enthusiasts: Users who appreciate the latest technology and want the best possible mobile experience.
4. Buying Decision Framework
Here are three questions to help you decide between these phones:
- How important is performance to you? If you need a snappy phone for demanding apps and games, the Edge 50 Ultra is the clear choice. If basic performance is fine, the Edge (2022) can manage.
- How much do you value camera quality and versatility? If you want an amazing camera with various features, the Edge 50 Ultra wins. If only a basic camera is ok, the Edge (2022) is also good.
- What’s your budget? If cost is the primary factor, the Edge (2022) is more affordable. However, if you can afford it, the Edge 50 Ultra delivers a substantial upgrade.
Scenario-Based Recommendations:
- For the casual user: If you use your phone mainly for basic communication and media consumption, the Motorola Edge (2022) is more than enough.
- For the content creator: If you need to record videos, take professional-looking photos, and use advanced social media apps, the Edge 50 Ultra is the superior device.
- For the mobile gamer: The Edge 50 Ultra is the clear winner due to its far superior performance.
- For those who prefer a lighter phone: The Motorola Edge (2022) will feel lighter in the hand, making it better for long periods of usage.
Final thoughts:
If I had to pick between these phones, I would go for the Motorola Edge 50 Ultra. While the Motorola Edge (2022) presents a more affordable option with good features for the price, the Motorola Edge 50 Ultra is a true powerhouse, offering a significantly superior experience. The faster processor, higher resolution display with better brightness, advanced camera system with telephoto capabilities, much faster charging speed, and modern software make it a much more compelling device for demanding users like me. The benefits of superior performance, better image quality and the latest in connectivity features easily justify the higher price for me, making it my choice.
