Alright, let's dive into a head-to-head comparison of the Motorola Edge (2022) and the Moto G04s. I'll break down the tech specs, explain what they mean for you, and help you figure out which phone might be the better fit.
1. Specifications Breakdown
Here's a detailed look at the key specs, along with a real-world interpretation of what these numbers mean:
| Feature | Motorola Edge (2022) | Motorola Moto G04s | Real-World Implications |
|---|---|---|---|
| Design | |||
| Dimensions | 160.9 × 74.2 × 8 mm | 163.5 × 74.5 × 8 mm | Edge is slightly shorter, both phones are nearly identical in width and thickness; Minimal difference in daily usage |
| Weight | 170g | 178.8g | Edge is a bit lighter, might be noticeable during extended use. |
| Display | |||
| Size | 6.6" | 6.56" | Very similar screen sizes; Unlikely to notice any real difference in day to day use |
| Resolution | 1080x2400 | 720x1612 | Edge offers much sharper visuals, text, and images compared to G04s |
| PPI | 399 | 269 | Edge's higher pixel density results in a sharper, more detailed display. |
| Technology | OLED | IPS LCD | Edge's OLED provides deeper blacks, vibrant colors, and better viewing angles |
| Refresh Rate | 144Hz | 90Hz | Edge offers smoother animations and scrolling, enhancing the overall user experience. |
| Brightness | 0 nits | 0 nits | Both have similar peak brightness, but the OLED of the Edge will provide better contrast |
| Performance | |||
| Chipset | MediaTek Dimensity 1050 (6 nm) | Unisoc T606 (12 nm) | Edge's chipset significantly outperforms the G04s' chipset in terms of speed and efficiency |
| AnTuTu Score | 522,375 | 220,000 | Edge offers noticeably faster app loading and smoother gaming; G04s is more budget focused |
| GPU | Arm Mali-G610 MC3 | Mali-G57 MP1 | Edge's GPU is more capable, handling graphics-intensive tasks and gaming more smoothly |
| Battery Life | |||
| Capacity | 5000mAh | 5000mAh | Both phones have similar battery capacity, comparable battery endurance |
| Charging | 30W Fast Charging, Li-Polymer | 15W Fast Charging, Li-Polymer | Edge charges significantly faster, reducing downtime |
| Features | 15W Wireless, 5W Reverse Charging, Non-removable | Non-removable | Edge offers the flexibility of wireless charging and reverse charging, offering enhanced daily usability |
| Camera | |||
| Main Camera | 50MP, f/1.8, 1/1.55" | 50MP, f/1.8, 1/2.76" | Edge’s larger sensor captures more light, resulting in superior low-light performance and detail |
| Selfie Camera | 32MP, f/2.45 | 5MP, f/2.2 | Edge’s higher-resolution selfie camera will capture significantly more detail |
| Wide Angle Camera | 13MP, f/1.5 | None | Edge's wide-angle lens provides added versatility in photography and video |
| Macro Camera | 20MP, f/2.4 | None | Edge’s macro lens captures close-up details |
| Video Recording | 4K@30fps, 1080p@120fps | 1080p@30fps | Edge offers 4K recording, along with better image stabilization, making it a better option for videography |
| DxOMark | N/A | N/A | DxOMark scores not available for either phone. |
| Camera Features | Triple camera, OIS | Optical zoom, Laser Autofocus | Each has different extra features, with Edge having triple camera while G04s has optical zoom. |
| Software | |||
| OS | Android 12 (upgradable to 13) | Android 14 | Moto G04s has a newer version of Android. |
| Connectivity | |||
| WiFi | WiFi 6 (802.11ax) | WiFi 5 (802.11ac) | Edge offers faster speeds and better performance on compatible networks |
| Bluetooth | 5.2 | 5.0 | Edge has a newer Bluetooth version, potentially offering more reliable connections |
| SIM | Dual SIM (Nano + eSIM) | Dual SIM (Nano + Nano) | Edge supports eSIM for convenient carrier switching, while G04s uses physical SIMs. |
| Storage | |||
| Internal Storage | 128/256 GB | 64/128/256 GB | Both offer up to 256 GB, but the Edge has fewer storage options. |
| RAM | 6/8 GB | 4 GB | Edge's higher RAM allows for smoother multitasking and app performance. |
| Expandable Storage | No | No | Neither device supports expandable storage. |
| Audio | |||
| Audio Quality | Dolby Atmos, Noise cancellation, Stereo Speakers | Dolby Atmos | Edge has more audio features. |
| Security | |||
| Features | basic fingerprint sensor | side-mounted fingerprint sensor | G04s has a more modern side-mounted fingerprint sensor. |
| Build Quality | |||
| Screen Protection | Corning Gorilla Glass 3 | Corning Gorilla Glass 3 | Similar screen protection, reasonable for both phones |
| Sensors | |||
| Sensors | Fingerprint, Proximity, Accelerometer, Compass, Gyroscope, Magnetometer, Barometer | Fingerprint, Proximity, Accelerometer, Gyroscope | Edge has more sensors, making it suitable for advanced gaming and other sensor based features |
2. Key Insights
- Motorola Edge (2022) Strengths:
- Superior Display: The OLED panel with a 144Hz refresh rate offers a visually richer experience, smoother animations, and better contrast compared to the G04s' IPS LCD panel.
- Performance Boost: The MediaTek Dimensity 1050 chip offers a significant performance jump over the G04s' Unisoc chipset. This means faster apps, smoother multitasking, and a better experience in more demanding apps.
- Enhanced Camera System: Edge's camera setup is significantly more versatile, with higher resolution sensors and larger sensor size. The inclusion of a wide-angle and macro lens and better video recording make it more capable for different photography needs.
- Fast Charging & Wireless Charging: 30W fast charging and wireless charging capabilities add a great level of convenience.
- Audio: Stereo speakers and noise cancelling microphones make the audio significantly better
- More RAM: More RAM allows for more demanding tasks
- Motorola Moto G04s Strengths:
- Newer Android Version: Out of the box, the G04s offers a newer version of Android.
- Side-Mounted Fingerprint: The more modern side-mounted fingerprint sensor may be preferred by many users
- Optical Zoom and Laser Autofocus: These may be beneficial for more advanced users.
- Trade-offs:
- Edge (2022): The phone's biggest trade off is price. If cost is your biggest factor, the G04s may be a better option.
- Moto G04s: It falls short in performance and display, and it does not have advanced camera features.
3. User Profiles and Recommendations
- Motorola Edge (2022):
- Power Users and Gamers: Those who want a phone that can handle multitasking, gaming, and demanding applications will appreciate the Edge.
- Media Enthusiasts: The excellent display, enhanced audio, and great camera make it a great pick for anyone who loves consuming media.
- Photography Enthusiasts: The versatile camera system will give photographers a more robust experience.
- Motorola Moto G04s:
- Budget-Conscious Users: Ideal for users who need a reliable, day to day smartphone without spending a lot.
- Everyday Users: Suitable for those who primarily use their phones for social media, communication, and basic tasks.
- Users who prefer a side-mounted fingerprint: The sensor can be easier to use depending on user preference.
4. Buying Decision Framework
Here are three questions to help you decide:
- How Important is Performance to You?
- If you need a phone for heavy usage, gaming, or creative tasks, the Edge is the clear winner. If you just need the basics, the G04s is a good option.
- How Much Do You Value Display Quality?
- If you want the best looking screen with vibrant colours, the Edge with its OLED display and high refresh rate is the best pick. The G04s' display is fine for everyday use, but it's not as vibrant.
- What is Your Budget?
- If you're on a tight budget, the G04s offers great value for the price. The Edge is more expensive, but the superior features make it worth the price if your budget allows it.
Scenario-Based Recommendations:
- Scenario 1: You're a casual user looking for a basic phone on a budget: The Moto G04s will get the job done, with a solid display, long battery life, and up to date software.
- Scenario 2: You're a student who plays games and watches videos: The Motorola Edge (2022) with its smooth display, high performance, and good quality audio is the best option.
- Scenario 3: You want a reliable camera to capture memories and the ability to easily transfer files: The Motorola Edge (2022) is the superior option due to its wireless charging, better main and front facing cameras, and additional versatile lenses.
My Choice:
If it were my money, I would choose the Motorola Edge (2022). While the Moto G04s is a solid device for the price, the Edge’s overall performance, display quality, and enhanced camera system make it a more versatile and future-proof option. The faster processor and larger amounts of RAM would provide a much more reliable and better experience. Additionally, the better audio, faster charging, and wireless charging makes the Edge a step above the G04s. For me, the added performance and user experience are worth the extra cost.
