Alright, let's dive into a head-to-head comparison of the Motorola Edge (2022) and the Motorola Moto G23. I'll be looking at these phones not just as spec sheets, but as real tools that people use every day.
1. Specifications Breakdown
Here's a detailed table breaking down the key specifications and what they mean for you:
| Feature | Motorola Edge (2022) | Motorola Moto G23 | Real-World Implications |
|---|---|---|---|
| DESIGN | |||
| Launch Date | 2022-09-22 | 2023-01-24 | The Moto G23 is a bit newer, so it may have longer software support. |
| Dimensions | 160.9 x 74.2 x 8 mm | 162.7 x 74.7 x 8.2 mm | The G23 is slightly taller and thicker. The Edge will feel slightly more compact in the hand. |
| Weight | 170g | 184.3g | The Edge is noticeably lighter, which might make a difference during extended use. |
| DISPLAY | |||
| Size | 6.6" | 6.5" | Both screens are close in size, negligible difference here. |
| Resolution | 1080x2400 | 720x1600 | The Edge will have a noticeably sharper and more detailed display. |
| PPI | 399 | 270 | Edge's screen will look crisper; text and images will be sharper. |
| Technology | OLED | IPS LCD | OLED screens on the Edge provide richer colors, deeper blacks, and better viewing angles, more vibrant experience. |
| Refresh Rate | 144Hz | 90Hz | The Edge will offer smoother scrolling and animations making everything feel more responsive and fluid. |
| Brightness | 0 nits | 0 nits | Both devices have identical peak brightness at 0 nits (likely this is incorrect data as there should be a value). |
| PERFORMANCE | |||
| Chipset | MediaTek Dimensity 1050 (6 nm) | Mediatek MT6769Z Helio G85 (12 nm) | The Edge is significantly more powerful, translating to faster app loading, better multitasking, and better gaming. |
| AnTuTu Score | 522,375 | 225,154 | The Edge is nearly twice as fast, handling intensive tasks with ease. |
| GPU | Arm Mali-G610 MC3 | Mali-G52 MC2 | The Edge will have much better graphics performance for gaming and other graphically intensive apps. |
| BATTERY LIFE | |||
| Capacity | 5000mAh | 5000mAh | Both phones have similar battery capacity, suggesting similar battery life. |
| Charging | 30W Fast | 30W Fast | Both will charge quickly, but not as fast as some premium options. |
| Features | Reverse Charging, 15W Wireless | None | The Edge can charge other devices wirelessly, a very convenient feature. |
| CAMERA | |||
| Standard Camera | 50MP f/1.8, 1/1.55" | 50MP f/1.8 | Edge's larger sensor size and pixel size mean better image quality, especially in low light, also has a better sensor model. |
| Selfie Camera | 32MP f/2.45 | 16MP f/2.5 | The Edge has a much higher resolution front camera for clearer selfies, also has a wider aperture. |
| Wide Angle Lens | 13MP f/1.5 | 5MP f/2.2 | The Edge will capture far more detailed wide angle shots, especially in low light, also has a wider aperture. |
| Macro Lens | 20MP f/2.4, 1/2.83" | 2MP f/2.4 | The Edge will capture much higher quality detailed macro shots. |
| Video | Up to 4K@30fps | Up to 1080p@30fps | The Edge can shoot in much higher video quality. |
| Features | OIS, Continuous Shooting | RAW | The Edge includes OIS for better stabilization, and continuous shooting and the G23 has RAW capabilities for post processing. |
| SOFTWARE | |||
| OS | Android 12 (upgradable to 13) | Android 13 | The G23 launches with the latest Android version. |
| CONNECTIVITY | |||
| WiFi | WiFi 6, Wi-Fi Display | WiFi 5 | The Edge supports the newer WiFi 6 standard for faster and more reliable connections. Also supports WiFi Display. |
| Bluetooth | 5.2 LE | 5.1 LE, EDR, HID | The Edge has a newer Bluetooth standard but the G23 has support for EDR and HID. |
| SIM | Nano + eSIM | Nano + Nano | The Edge supports eSIM for greater flexibility with carriers. |
| STORAGE | |||
| Internal | 128/256 GB | 64/128 GB | The Edge offers more storage and has a larger top tier variant. |
| RAM | 6/8 GB | 4/8 GB | Both offer 8 GB RAM option but the Edge has an advantage with the 6GB variant over the 4 GB of the G23. |
| Expandable | No | No | Neither phone offers microSD card support. |
| AUDIO | |||
| Quality | Dolby Atmos, Stereo Speakers, Noise cancellation mic, 3 mics | Dolby Atmos, Stereo Speakers, 2 mics | The Edge has a slight advantage in audio with a better mic setup. |
| SECURITY | |||
| Features | Basic Fingerprint | Side-mounted Fingerprint Sensor | The G23 features a more convenient and responsive side-mounted sensor. |
| BUILD QUALITY | |||
| Screen Protection | Corning Gorilla Glass 3 | Unknown | The Edge screen is protected by Gorilla Glass 3. |
| SENSORS | |||
| Sensors | Biometric: Fingerprint, Proximity: Proximity, Motion: Accelerometer, Compass, Gyroscope, Magnetometer, Environmental: Barometer | Biometric: Fingerprint, Proximity: Proximity, Motion: Accelerometer, Gyroscope | The Edge offers a more comprehensive sensor suite that may be useful for advanced features and gaming. |
2. Key Insights
Motorola Edge (2022) Strengths:
- Superior Display: The OLED screen with a 144Hz refresh rate and higher resolution is a significant step up, offering a far more immersive viewing experience with vivid colors, deeper blacks, and smooth scrolling.
- Performance Powerhouse: The MediaTek Dimensity 1050 chipset combined with the powerful GPU makes the Edge noticeably faster and more capable in demanding tasks such as gaming and video editing.
- Enhanced Camera System: The better sensor, wide angle lens, macro lens, and selfie lens, together with 4K video recording and OIS, provides a huge improvement in picture quality.
- Added Features: The addition of wireless charging, reverse charging, a newer Wi-Fi standard and a more comprehensive sensor package gives the Edge an edge in overall capability.
- Better audio: The Edge has a noise cancellation microphone and 3 microphones for overall better sound and voice capture.
- Screen Protection: The Edge has Gorilla Glass 3 protecting the screen while the G23's protection is unknown.
Motorola Moto G23 Strengths:
- Newer Software: The G23 comes with Android 13 out of the box, which means it might have slightly longer software support.
- Affordability: The Moto G23 is likely more budget-friendly, making it an attractive option for cost-conscious consumers.
- Convenient fingerprint reader: The side mounted fingerprint reader is more ergonomic.
Trade-offs and Limitations:
- Display Quality: The Moto G23's LCD screen with a lower resolution and refresh rate will not be as vibrant and smooth as the Edge's OLED display.
- Performance: The Helio G85 chip in the G23 is notably less powerful, making it less suitable for intensive gaming or heavy multitasking.
- Camera Quality: The cameras on the G23 are generally less capable in terms of detail, low-light performance, and video recording than the Edge.
3. User Profiles and Recommendations
- Motorola Edge (2022): This phone is ideal for users who value a premium experience, including a high-quality display for media consumption, robust performance for gaming or demanding tasks, and a versatile camera system for capturing high-quality photos and videos. Power users and those seeking a more future-proof device will appreciate the Edge's advanced features like wireless charging and reverse wireless charging.
- Motorola Moto G23: This phone is best suited for users looking for a reliable, budget-friendly phone that can handle everyday tasks without breaking the bank. It is a good choice for casual users who prioritize affordability over top-tier performance and the latest features. This phone would be suitable for people who just need a phone that does all the basic things without problems and some advanced camera capabilities such as RAW.
4. Buying Decision Framework
Here are three key questions to help you decide:
- How much do I prioritize display quality and performance? If you watch a lot of videos, game, or need a phone that is snappy and responsive, the Edge is the clear winner. If you are okay with a more basic display and performance for everyday tasks, then the G23 will do the job.
- What is my budget? If cost is a primary factor, the G23 is the more affordable choice. If you have room in your budget to go higher, the Edge will offer a better overall experience.
- What kind of photography do I do? If you want to capture high quality pictures and videos in various scenarios, the Edge with its additional features is the clear winner. If you just need to capture the average picture, and want to do post-processing with RAW files, then G23 is the choice.
Scenario-Based Recommendations:
- Budget-Conscious User: If you're primarily using your phone for social media, browsing, calls and texting, the Moto G23 is a great option that will save you money without compromising on functionality.
- Media Enthusiast: If you love watching videos, playing games, and want the best possible visual experience, the Edge with its vibrant OLED screen and 144Hz refresh rate is your go-to phone.
- Photography Lover: If you want to capture high quality pictures and videos, including 4K videos and wide-angle shots, the Motorola Edge will be a better option.
My Choice
If it were my money, I'd pick the Motorola Edge (2022). While it will likely cost more, the overall experience is a major step up compared to the G23. The superior display alone is worth it for me – that OLED panel with the 144Hz refresh rate makes everything look fantastic. The faster processor is a big plus, as I tend to jump between apps and like my phone to be snappy.
The improved camera system, especially with 4K recording and OIS, is another reason that pulls me to the Edge. The added conveniences, like wireless charging, just make the phone a more versatile daily driver. Yes, the G23 is good for its price range but the Edge offers the premium features that I prioritize such as screen, battery features, audio, and camera.
