Alright, let's dive deep into the Motorola Edge (2022) and the Motorola Moto G35. It's always fun to compare two phones from the same company, especially when they occupy slightly different price points. Let's see how these two stack up.
1. Specifications Breakdown
Here’s a detailed look at how the specs translate to real-world performance:
| Feature | Motorola Edge (2022) | Motorola Moto G35 | Real-World Implications |
|---|---|---|---|
| Design | |||
| Dimensions | 160.9 × 74.2 × 8 mm | 166.3 × 76 × 7.8 mm | The G35 is taller and wider, which might make it feel a bit bulkier. The Edge is a touch thicker, but not by much. |
| Weight | 170g | 188g | The Edge is noticeably lighter, making it more comfortable for long periods of use. |
| Display | |||
| Size | 6.6" | 6.72" | The G35 provides a slightly larger screen, which is nice for media consumption. |
| Resolution | 1080x2400 | 1080x2400 | Both phones offer sharp visuals with identical resolutions. |
| PPI | 399 | 392 | Very similar pixel densities, meaning you won't notice a difference in sharpness. |
| Technology | OLED | IPS LCD | The Edge has an OLED screen, which provides superior contrast, deeper blacks, and more vibrant colors. |
| Refresh Rate | 144Hz | 120Hz | The Edge offers slightly smoother animations and scrolling, but both are pretty smooth. |
| Brightness | 0 nits | 1000 nits | The G35 is dramatically brighter, making it much easier to see in bright sunlight. This is a HUGE difference. |
| Performance | |||
| Chipset | MediaTek Dimensity 1050 (6 nm) | Unisoc T760 (6 nm) | The Edge’s chipset is significantly faster, leading to smoother app loading and overall performance. |
| AnTuTu Score | 522,375 | 423,297 | The Edge scores higher in benchmarks, reflecting snappier performance overall. |
| GPU | Arm Mali-G610 MC3 | Mali-G57 MP4 | The Edge's GPU is more capable, which is noticeable in demanding tasks like gaming. |
| Camera | |||
| Main Camera | 50MP, f/1.8, 1/1.55" | 50MP, f/1.8, 1/2.76" | The Edge has a much larger main sensor, which captures more light and detail. This often leads to better overall image quality, especially in low light. |
| Selfie Camera | 32MP, f/2.45 | 16MP, f/2.45 | The Edge has a higher-resolution front-facing camera for sharper selfies. |
| Wide Angle | 13MP, f/1.5 | 8MP, f/2.2 | The Edge takes wider, better quality wide-angle shots, due to both a higher resolution sensor and wider aperture. |
| Macro Lens | 20MP, f/2.4 | None | The Edge includes a dedicated macro lens for close-up photography, which the G35 lacks. |
| Video | Up to 4K@120fps, EIS | Up to 4K@30fps | The Edge offers higher-quality video recording and better stabilization. |
| Battery Life | |||
| Capacity | 5000mAh | 5000mAh | Both phones offer similar battery capacity, so you can expect the battery to last a whole day if you are a moderate user. |
| Charging | 30W fast charging | 18W fast charging | The Edge charges faster, getting you back up and running more quickly. |
| Features | 15W Wireless, 5W reverse charge | None | The Edge supports wireless and reverse wireless charging, offering greater flexibility. |
| Software | |||
| OS | Android 12, upgradable to 13 | Android 14 | The G35 ships with a newer OS, while the Edge is one version behind, but this may also be a factor on user experience and features. |
| Connectivity | |||
| Wi-Fi | Wi-Fi 6 | Wi-Fi 5 | The Edge supports newer Wi-Fi standard for faster, more reliable connections. |
| Bluetooth | Bluetooth 5.2 | Bluetooth 5.0 | The Edge uses a newer version of Bluetooth for improved connectivity and efficiency. |
| Storage | |||
| Internal | 128/256GB | 128/256GB | Both phones offer adequate storage |
| RAM | 6/8GB | 4/8GB | The Edge offers a base of 6GB RAM, but you can go up to 8GB. |
| Expandable | No | No | Neither phone has expandable storage. |
| Audio | |||
| Quality | Dolby Atmos, Stereo Speakers, 3 Microphones | Dolby Atmos, Stereo Speakers, 2 Microphones | The Edge has noise canceling microphones for clearer calls, enhanced voice capture, and a better audio experience overall. |
2. Key Insights
Motorola Edge (2022) Strengths:
- Superior Display: The OLED display provides much better visuals than the LCD in the G35.
- Performance Boost: The Dimensity 1050 chipset offers much higher performance, making it smoother for everyday use and gaming.
- Camera Prowess: Larger sensors and better lenses lead to better photo and video quality.
- Faster Charging: Quicker battery top-ups with 30W charging.
- Enhanced Audio: Noise cancellation microphones and a 3 microphone array for clearer audio and an overall better experience.
- Better Connectivity: Wi-Fi 6 for faster wireless connections.
Motorola Moto G35 Strengths:
- Brighter Display: The 1000 nits of brightness is a game-changer for outdoor visibility, beating the Edge.
- Newer OS: Android 14 out of the box provides access to the newest features.
- Better Location Services: Better GPS capabilities.
Trade-offs:
- The Edge offers a superior overall experience, but is likely more expensive than the Moto G35.
- The Moto G35 sacrifices processing power and display quality for a brighter screen, which some users will prefer.
- Both phones lack expandable storage, so users need to choose carefully on the base model they need.
3. User Profiles and Recommendations
Motorola Edge (2022):
- Tech Enthusiasts: Users who want the best possible display, performance, and camera.
- Multimedia Lovers: Those who consume a lot of videos, play games, and want excellent image quality.
- Frequent Photographers: People who value quality photos and videos from their phone.
- Users Who Multitask: The enhanced chipset and additional RAM makes this a good choice for heavier usage.
Motorola Moto G35:
- Outdoor Enthusiasts: Users who need a bright screen for outdoor use.
- Budget-Conscious Buyers: Those looking for a solid phone without breaking the bank.
- Casual Users: People who do not require top-tier performance or camera capabilities.
- Android OS Lovers: Users who want access to the latest features of the Android OS.
4. Buying Decision Framework
Here are three key questions to consider when choosing between these two phones:
- How important is display quality? If you want vibrant colors and great contrast, the Edge’s OLED screen is a clear winner. If your top priority is screen brightness, then the Moto G35 is the better choice.
- How often will you use the phone for heavy tasks? If you plan on gaming or frequently use intensive apps, the Edge’s more powerful processor makes a big difference. If you just use the phone for social media or browsing, then the G35 may be fine.
- Do you prioritize advanced features, or do you prefer the latest OS? The Edge features wireless charging, a triple camera setup with advanced features, and more advanced audio. The Moto G35 has none of these things, but comes with a newer version of Android.
Scenario-Based Recommendations:
- Scenario 1: You're a student who needs a reliable phone that lasts all day for classes and some social media. The Motorola Moto G35, with its great battery life, and bright screen would be great for this.
- Scenario 2: You are a gamer who wants to play visually stunning games, and share that on social media. The Motorola Edge (2022), with its more powerful chipset, and better camera is ideal for this.
- Scenario 3: You spend a lot of time outdoors and want a phone that you can easily use on a sunny day. The Moto G35's brighter screen makes it the better choice for outdoor readability.
- Scenario 4: You want a good phone for a decent price without sacrificing performance or camera features. The Motorola Edge (2022) is a clear winner with its camera capabilities, and boosted chipset performance.
Which One Would I Choose?
If I were in the market, I'd choose the Motorola Edge (2022). While the G35's brighter screen is tempting, the Edge's superior OLED display, much faster performance, and better camera system make it a more compelling package. As a tech journalist, I value the visual experience of a good screen and smoother performance, so the Edge edges it out (pun intended). The better charging, audio, and camera capabilities just add icing to the cake. The brighter display of the G35 is really great, but I prioritize the other features more. I'd be willing to sacrifice some brightness for the overall enhanced experience of the Edge.
