Alright, let's dive into a detailed comparison between the Motorola Edge (2022) and the Moto G Stylus 5G (2023). Both phones offer a compelling set of features, but they cater to slightly different needs and preferences. Let’s break down the specs and see what each device brings to the table.
1. Specifications Breakdown
Here’s a comprehensive look at the key specs, along with real-world implications:
| Feature | Motorola Edge (2022) | Motorola Moto G Stylus 5G (2023) | Real-World Implications |
|---|---|---|---|
| Design | |||
| Dimensions | 160.9 x 74.2 x 8 mm, 170g | 162.8 x 73.8 x 9.2 mm, 202g | The Edge is noticeably lighter (32g) and thinner, making it more pocketable and comfortable for prolonged use; the Stylus is taller and thicker. |
| Build Quality | Gorilla Glass 3 Screen Protection | Unknown Screen Protection | Edge provides added protection to its screen, while the Stylus has no info. |
| Display | |||
| Size | 6.6" | 6.6" | Both offer a large screen that's great for media consumption and multitasking. |
| Resolution | 1080 x 2400 | 1080 x 2400 | Both have sharp, detailed displays suitable for most tasks. |
| Panel Technology | OLED | IPS LCD | OLED offers superior contrast, deeper blacks, and more vibrant colors compared to the IPS LCD on the Moto G Stylus 5G. |
| Refresh Rate | 144Hz | 120Hz | The Edge's higher refresh rate results in smoother scrolling and animations, although the difference is subtle for most everyday use. |
| Performance | |||
| Chipset | MediaTek Dimensity 1050 (6 nm) | Qualcomm Snapdragon 6 Gen 1 (4 nm) | The Moto G Stylus 5G's Snapdragon chipset provides better overall performance due to a more efficient architecture, translating to snappier apps. |
| Antutu Score | 522,375 | 565,000 | Moto G Stylus 5G demonstrates a slightly better benchmark performance, meaning a smoother overall experience. |
| GPU | Arm Mali-G610 MC3 | Adreno 710 | Both GPUs are adequate for most gaming needs, with the Adreno 710 having a slight edge in newer titles. |
| Camera | |||
| Main Camera | 50MP, f/1.8, 1/1.55" sensor | 50MP, f/1.88, 1/1.55" sensor | The Edge's slightly wider aperture (f/1.8) may give it an edge in low-light performance with more light coming into the sensor. |
| Selfie Camera | 32MP, f/2.45, 0.70 µm pixels | 16MP, f/2.5, no pixel size reported | The Edge’s 32MP front camera captures more detail, but aperture (f/2.45) provides better low-light performance. |
| Wide Angle Camera | 13MP, f/1.5, 1.12 µm pixel size | No Wide Angle Lens | The Edge's dedicated wide-angle lens offers greater versatility in shooting landscapes and group photos; the stylus lacks this capability. |
| Macro Camera | 20MP, f/2.4, 1/2.83" sensor, 0.90 µm pixel size | No Macro Lens | The Edge's dedicated Macro lens allows for detailed closeup photos. |
| Wide Angle + Macro Camera | No Wide Angle + Macro Lens | 8MP, f/2.2, 1.12 µm pixel size | Moto G stylus has this while Edge has separate lenses. |
| Video Recording | 4K@30fps with EIS, 1080p@120fps | 4K@30fps, 1080p@60fps | Both capture 4K video at 30fps, but the Edge offers higher frame rates at 1080p for smoother slow-motion videos. |
| Camera Features | Triple camera, OIS | Dual camera, OIS | Edge has a dedicated macro and wide lens, the stylus has only a dual camera setup. |
| Battery Life | |||
| Capacity | 5000 mAh | 5000 mAh | Both offer similar all-day battery life for most users. |
| Charging | 30W Fast Charging, 15W Wireless, 5W Reverse | 20W Fast Charging | The Edge charges faster and offers wireless charging, a significant advantage. |
| Software | |||
| OS | Android 12, upgradable to 13 | Android 13 | The Moto G Stylus 5G ships with a newer version of Android out of the box. |
| Connectivity | |||
| Wi-Fi | Wi-Fi 6 (802.11ax) | Wi-Fi 6 (802.11ax) | Both feature fast Wi-Fi 6 support. |
| Bluetooth | Bluetooth 5.2 LE | Bluetooth 5.2 LE, aptX, LDAC, SBC, AAC | The Moto G Stylus 5G offers a wider range of audio codecs for higher-quality wireless audio. |
| SIM | Dual SIM (Nano + eSIM) | Single Nano SIM | The Edge offers dual SIM functionality, adding flexibility. |
| Storage | |||
| Internal | 128GB/256 GB | 128GB/256GB | Both have similar storage options |
| RAM | 6GB or 8GB | 4GB, 6GB or 8GB | Both offer sufficient RAM for smooth multitasking. |
| Expandable | No | No | Neither supports expandable storage. |
| Audio | |||
| Quality | Dolby Atmos, Noise cancellation microphone, Stereo Speakers, 3 microphones | Dolby Atmos, Stereo Speakers, 2 microphones | The Edge offers enhanced audio capabilities with 3 microphones and noise cancellation capabilities |
| Security | |||
| Features | Basic fingerprint sensor | Side-mounted fingerprint sensor | The Stylus offers an more convenient side-mounted sensor. |
| Sensors | |||
| Features | Fingerprint, Proximity, Accelerometer, Compass, Gyroscope, Magnetometer, Barometer | Fingerprint, Proximity, Accelerometer, Gyroscope, Hall, Geomagnetic | The Edge includes additional environmental sensors. |
2. Key Insights
Motorola Edge (2022):
- Strengths: The Edge shines with its superior display tech (OLED with 144Hz refresh rate), a more versatile camera system, and faster charging capabilities with added wireless charging support. It also has a more premium feel with its lighter and thinner design and better screen protection. It also has a more robust audio system.
- Competitive Advantages: The Edge is ideal for users who prioritize display quality for content consumption, prefer a lighter, slimmer design, and want a more versatile camera setup. Wireless charging adds a layer of convenience for modern users.
Motorola Moto G Stylus 5G (2023):
- Strengths: The Moto G Stylus 5G stands out with its updated Android OS, enhanced audio codecs for Bluetooth, and better benchmark performance. It has a side mounted fingerprint sensor that provides a more modern touch.
- Competitive Advantages: The Stylus is a good choice for those who need better processing power and value extended Bluetooth audio compatibility. It also offers dual functionality, allowing for both wide-angle and macro functionality in the same lens.
Trade-offs & Limitations:
- The Edge's Mediatek chip is not quite as performant as the Snapdragon chip in the Stylus.
- The Moto G Stylus 5G, while having a more recent chipset, has an LCD display compared to the OLED in the Edge. It is also heavier and thicker, and lacks the advanced charging capabilities of the Edge.
3. User Profiles and Recommendations
Motorola Edge (2022):
- Ideal for:
- Media enthusiasts who want the best display experience for movies and videos.
- Users who prefer sleek, lightweight, and well-built smartphones.
- Photography lovers who value versatile camera features and quality.
- Users who appreciate fast and wireless charging.
- Specific Use Cases: Perfect for watching high-definition content, mobile gaming, and capturing detailed photos and videos.
Motorola Moto G Stylus 5G (2023):
- Ideal for:
- Users who prioritize updated software and strong day-to-day performance.
- Audiophiles who want high-quality wireless audio.
- Users who don't need premium features but want a solid all-rounder device.
- Users that use their phones as a secondary camera with a combined wide/macro lens
- Specific Use Cases: Great for everyday tasks, listening to music, and general productivity use.
4. Buying Decision Framework
Here are three questions to help you decide:
- What do you value most in a phone screen? If you want the best possible colors and contrast and smooth performance, the OLED on the Edge is the way to go. If an LCD is good enough, then the Stylus is a solid choice.
- How important is charging speed and wireless charging? If you value fast charging and the convenience of wireless, the Edge wins with 30W fast charging and wireless support.
- Do you need a dedicated wide and macro lens? If a versatile camera setup is important to you, the Edge with its dedicated wide-angle and macro lens is the winner. The stylus only has one combined lens.
Scenario-Based Recommendations:
- For the Casual User: If you are a casual user who needs a solid phone that can handle everyday tasks, the Moto G Stylus 5G (2023) should be a great fit.
- For the Content Lover: If you spend a lot of time watching movies and videos on your phone, the Motorola Edge (2022) with its superior OLED display is a clear winner.
- For the Power User: The Moto G Stylus 5G (2023) with its better performance, is more suitable for power users.
- For the Photography Enthusiast: The Edge with its versatile camera setup, including separate wide and macro lenses, will provide more photographic options.
My Choice
Personally, I would choose the Motorola Edge (2022). While the Moto G Stylus 5G (2023) has some advantages in terms of its chipset and software, the Edge's OLED display, more robust audio, lighter design, faster charging, and the added convenience of wireless charging, combined with the more versatile camera, make it the better all-around option for me. The display alone is a game-changer for enjoying content, and the additional camera capabilities are a plus for creative pursuits. The better build quality is also a win, and I find it is more ideal to have dedicated lenses for macro and wide-angle photography.
