Alright, let's dive into a head-to-head comparison of the Motorola Edge (2022) and the Motorola Moto G Stylus 5G (2024). I'm going to put on my tech journalist hat and break down these phones with a focus on what matters to you – the user. No jargon overload, just clear insights and real-world implications.
1. Specifications Breakdown
Here's a detailed table comparing the key specs of each phone, with an added column to highlight what these numbers actually mean for your day-to-day use:
| Feature | Motorola Edge (2022) | Motorola Moto G Stylus 5G (2024) | Real-World Implications |
|---|---|---|---|
| Design | |||
| Launch Date | 2022-09-22 | 2024-05-30 | The Moto G Stylus 5G is a newer device with more recent technology. |
| Dimensions | 160.9 x 74.2 x 8 mm | 162.6 x 74.8 x 8.3 mm | The G Stylus 5G is slightly taller and thicker, which might affect pocket fit and one-handed use. |
| Weight | 170g | 190g | The Edge is significantly lighter, making it more comfortable for extended use and easier to carry. |
| Display | |||
| Size | 6.6" | 6.7" | The G Stylus 5G has a slightly larger screen for more immersive viewing. |
| Resolution | 1080x2400 | 1080x2400 | Both offer the same level of screen clarity; sharp enough for media consumption. |
| PPI | 399 | 395 | Virtually identical pixel density, so both screens will look similarly sharp. |
| Technology | OLED | P-OLED | Both OLED technologies deliver vibrant colors and deep blacks; P-OLED is slightly more flexible, allowing for thin bezels. |
| Refresh Rate | 144Hz | 120Hz | The Edge has a smoother display for gaming and fast scrolling, with less motion blur. |
| Brightness | 0 nits | 1200 nits | The G Stylus 5G offers dramatically better outdoor visibility, especially in bright sunlight. |
| Performance | |||
| Chipset | MediaTek Dimensity 1050 | Qualcomm Snapdragon 6 Gen 1 | Different processors, both offering similar performance; Snapdragon is often favored for its GPU and modem stability; MediaTek is a good value choice. |
| AnTuTu Score | 522,375 | 514,000 | Very similar overall performance, neither phone has a clear advantage for everyday tasks. |
| GPU | Arm Mali-G610 MC3 | Adreno 710 | Different GPUs; the Snapdragon's Adreno is usually favored for gaming; the MediaTek's Mali is more general purpose. |
| Battery Life | |||
| Capacity | 5000mAh | 5000mAh | Both should easily last a full day on a single charge for most users. |
| Charging | 30W wired, 15W wireless | 30W wired, 15W wireless | Both devices support the same fast and wireless charging speeds, so the charging experience should be consistent. |
| Features | 5W reverse charging | None | The Edge can charge other devices wirelessly, which is great for earbuds. |
| Camera | |||
| Main Camera | 50MP, f/1.8, 1/1.55" OV50A | 50MP, f/1.8, 1/1.56" Sony LYT-700C | Edge’s slightly larger sensor and OV50A may offer slight advantages in image quality in some scenarios. |
| Selfie Camera | 32MP, f/2.45 | 32MP, f/2.45 | Both have comparable front-facing cameras. |
| Wide Angle Lens | 13MP, f/1.5 | None | The Edge has a dedicated ultra-wide lens for landscape and group shots; great for capturing more of the scene. |
| Macro Lens | 20MP, f/2.4 | None | The Edge has a dedicated macro lens for capturing close-up details. |
| Wide + Macro Lens | None | 13MP, f/2.2 | The G Stylus 5G has a combined wide angle + macro lens, trading dedicated macro and wide lenses for one that provides both functionality. |
| Video Recording | 4K@30fps, 1080p@120fps | 4K@30fps, 1080p@120fps | Both phones have very similar video capture capabilities, excellent for everyday vlogs and moments. The G Stylus has faster slow motion at 240fps. |
| Camera Features | Triple Camera, OIS | Dual Camera, OIS, Night Mode | Edge has dedicated macro and ultra-wide lenses; G Stylus has improved software features like time-lapse, dual capture, and night mode, and combines wide angle and macro into a single lens |
| Software | |||
| OS | Android 12, max 13 | Android 14, max 15 | The G Stylus 5G has a more modern OS, offering access to newer features and potentially longer software support. |
| Connectivity | |||
| Wi-Fi | Wi-Fi 6 | Wi-Fi 6E | The G Stylus 5G supports Wi-Fi 6E for faster speeds, lower latency, and access to 6GHz band |
| Bluetooth | Bluetooth 5.2 | Bluetooth 5.1 | The Edge has a slightly newer version of Bluetooth, which can be a minor advantage for some scenarios. The G Stylus has additional codec support |
| GPS | GPS, A-GPS, GLONASS, Beidou | GPS, A-GPS, GLONASS, NavIC | The G Stylus 5G supports more satellite systems, which offers more reliable and accurate location tracking. |
| SIM | Dual SIM (Nano + eSIM) | Dual SIM (Nano + eSIM) | Both support dual SIM and eSIM, offering the flexibility to use two phone numbers. |
| Storage | |||
| Internal Storage | 128 GB or 256 GB | 256 GB | Both offer a generous 256 GB of storage, plenty for most users. The Edge has an entry level 128GB option. |
| RAM | 6 GB or 8 GB | 8 GB | Both have adequate RAM for multitasking. G Stylus has a clear advantage with 8GB standard. |
| Expandable Storage | No | No | Neither of the phones offer expandable storage via microSD cards. |
| Audio | |||
| Quality | Dolby Atmos, 3 microphones | Dolby Atmos, 2 microphones | Edge has better noise cancellation and better overall audio capture with an additional microphone. |
| Security | |||
| Features | basic fingerprint sensor | basic fingerprint sensor | Both phones have a similar standard fingerprint reader. |
| Build Quality | |||
| Screen Protection | Corning Gorilla Glass 3 | Unknown | The Edge has screen protection with Corning Gorilla Glass 3, whereas the screen protection for the G Stylus is unknown. |
| Sensors | |||
| Sensors | Magnetometer, Barometer | None | The Edge offers additional sensor capabilities. |
2. Key Insights
Motorola Edge (2022): The All-Arounder with a Focus on Camera and Display
- Strengths: The Edge shines with its smoother 144Hz display, slightly larger main camera sensor, dedicated ultra-wide and macro lenses, and a lighter body. It also boasts reverse wireless charging and a more feature-rich sensor suite.
- Competitive Advantages: The Edge’s triple-camera setup is more versatile for photography enthusiasts, and the 144Hz display is a bonus for gamers and fast-scrollers.
- Trade-offs: The Edge has a less bright display, which could be problematic under direct sunlight, and it is running on an older OS.
Motorola Moto G Stylus 5G (2024): The Modern Performer with Enhanced Display
- Strengths: The G Stylus 5G steps up with a newer OS, significantly brighter display for better outdoor visibility, a more modern chipset, and Wi-Fi 6E. It also supports more accurate GPS systems and has additional audio codecs.
- Competitive Advantages: The brighter display and enhanced wireless connectivity make it ideal for users who are outdoors often and use their phone for navigation or streaming.
- Trade-offs: The G Stylus 5G lacks dedicated ultra-wide and macro lenses, opting for a single wide-angle + macro, is a bit heavier, and has a slightly less smooth refresh rate.
3. User Profiles and Recommendations
- Motorola Edge (2022) is best for:
- Photography enthusiasts: Its dedicated ultra-wide and macro lenses make it versatile for capturing various scenes.
- Gamers: The 144Hz refresh rate and lighter build make it great for a better gaming experience.
- Users who prioritize screen smoothness and audio: The 144Hz refresh rate and the additional microphones with noise cancellation.
- Motorola Moto G Stylus 5G (2024) is best for:
- Outdoor users: Its ultra-bright display and accurate GPS make it perfect for outdoor navigation.
- Users who want a future proof phone: It features a newer OS, faster Wi-Fi, better GPS, and is likely to get longer software support.
- General Purpose Users: Those that want an all around great device at an attractive price that will easily tackle a users everyday life.
4. Buying Decision Framework
Here are three questions to help you decide between these phones:
- How important is outdoor screen visibility? If you frequently use your phone in bright sunlight, the Moto G Stylus 5G’s 1200 nits of brightness will be significantly better.
- How critical is a versatile camera system? If you value dedicated ultra-wide and macro lenses, the Edge has the advantage. The G Stylus has a simpler camera system, though it offers additional software features.
- Do you need the latest software and wireless tech? If you value a newer OS, Wi-Fi 6E, and future proof performance, the G Stylus 5G is the clear winner.
Scenario-Based Recommendations:
- Outdoor Enthusiast: If you are constantly outside, the Moto G Stylus 5G (2024) is the better choice due to its brighter screen, accurate GPS, and latest software features, including Wi-Fi 6E and software support.
- Photography and Gaming Focus: If you love taking photos and prioritize a smoother gaming experience, the Motorola Edge (2022) is the better option due to the triple camera system, 144Hz refresh rate, lighter design, and reverse wireless charging.
- Budget-Conscious User: The Motorola Edge (2022) may offer a slight value since it comes in a 128GB option, where as the Motorola Moto G Stylus 5G (2024) comes standard with 256GB, however, this varies greatly based on current sales/pricing.
My Choice
If I were choosing between these two phones, I'd lean towards the Motorola Moto G Stylus 5G (2024) for a few key reasons. The brighter display is a significant advantage for me because I spend a lot of time outdoors, and I really appreciate the extra brightness. The newer OS, faster Wi-Fi 6E, and the more accurate GPS give it an edge in future-proofing. The camera is great for my everyday use and more software features add extra value.
While I enjoy the smooth 144Hz display and the flexibility of the triple camera on the Motorola Edge (2022), the G Stylus 5G's more modern technology and superior outdoor usability align better with my daily needs and usage scenarios. The G Stylus 5G’s combination of updated software, enhanced connectivity, and better display brightness makes it the smarter pick.
