Alright, let's dive deep into the Motorola Edge (2022) and Moto G72. I've been playing around with both, and it’s clear each has its strengths. Let's break it down in a way that's both technically thorough and easy to understand.
1. Specifications Breakdown
Here's a detailed comparison table that should give you a clear picture of where each phone stands:
| Feature | Motorola Edge (2022) | Motorola Moto G72 | Real-World Implications |
|---|---|---|---|
| Design | |||
| Dimensions | 160.9 × 74.2 × 8 mm | 160.5 × 74.4 × 7.9 mm | Essentially identical in size and feel in hand. |
| Weight | 170g | 166g | Virtually the same; both are comfortably portable. |
| Display | |||
| Size | 6.6" | 6.6" | Large, immersive screen for both phones, great for media consumption and gaming. |
| Resolution | 1080 x 2400 | 1080 x 2400 | Crisp, clear visuals, great for detail and readability. |
| Pixel Density (PPI) | 399 | 402 | Practically identical; both offer sharp image quality. |
| Technology | OLED | P-OLED | Both offer vibrant colors and deep blacks; P-OLED is a variation of OLED. |
| Refresh Rate | 144Hz | 120Hz | Edge has slightly smoother scrolling and animations. |
| Brightness | 0 nits | 0 nits | Both phones have identical peak brightness at 0 nits, which likely means the values are missing. |
| Performance | |||
| Chipset | MediaTek Dimensity 1050 (6 nm) | Mediatek Helio G99 (6 nm) | Edge has a much faster chipset, resulting in quicker app loading and smoother operation. |
| AnTuTu Score | 522,375 | 415,300 | Edge provides a 26% performance boost in benchmarks. |
| GPU | Arm Mali-G610 MC3 | Mali-G57 MC2 | Edge's GPU enables better graphics processing, which means smoother gaming experience. |
| Camera | |||
| Main Camera | 50MP, f/1.8, 1/1.55" | 108MP, f/1.7 | G72 has a higher resolution sensor, which should provide more details in photos. |
| Selfie Camera | 32MP, f/2.45 | 16MP | Edge takes more detailed selfie images. |
| Wide Angle Lens | 13MP, f/1.5 | 8MP, f/1.9 | Edge captures wider, brighter scenes. |
| Macro Lens | 20MP, f/2.4 | 2MP, f/2.4 | Edge produces significantly sharper macro shots. |
| Video Recording | 4K@30fps, 1080p@120fps, EIS | 1080p@30/60fps | Edge offers significantly higher video resolution and smoother footage with EIS. |
| Video Stabilization | Yes | No | Edge offers better stabilization for smoother video capture. |
| Additional Camera Features | OIS | LAF | Edge has Optical Image Stabilization for sharper photos and videos; G72 has Laser Autofocus (LAF) for faster autofocus. |
| Battery Life | |||
| Capacity | 5000mAh | 5000mAh | Both should easily last a full day of typical use. |
| Charging | 30W fast charging | 33W fast charging | G72 charges slightly faster. |
| Features | 15W wireless, 5W reverse charging | None | Edge offers more flexibility in charging options with wireless and reverse charging. |
| Software | |||
| Operating System | Android 12, Max Version 13 | Android 12 | Edge is upgradable to Android 13, providing newer software features. |
| Connectivity | |||
| WiFi | WiFi 6 (802.11ax) | 802.11ac | Edge supports the latest standard for faster and more reliable connectivity |
| Bluetooth | 5.2 LE | 5.0 LE | Edge has a newer version of Bluetooth for better performance and range |
| SIM | (Nano SIM + eSIM) | (Nano SIM + Nano SIM) | The Edge offers eSim support for more flexibility in managing carriers. |
| Storage | |||
| Internal | 128/256GB | 128/256GB | Both phones offer plenty of storage for most users. |
| RAM | 6/8GB | 6/8GB | Both are good for multitasking and gaming. |
| Expandable Storage | No | No | Users are limited to the internal storage capacity provided. |
| Audio | |||
| Quality | Dolby Atmos, Stereo Speakers, Noise cancellation microphone, 3 microphones | Dolby Atmos, Stereo Speakers | Edge offers a more enhanced audio experience with noise cancelling and better voice capture. |
| Security | |||
| Features | Basic fingerprint sensor | Basic fingerprint sensor | Both offer standard biometric security via a fingerprint sensor. |
| Build Quality | |||
| Screen Protection | Corning Gorilla Glass 3 | Unknown | Edge offers superior protection against scratches and impacts on the screen. |
| Sensors | |||
| Additional Sensors | Barometer | None | Motorola Edge (2022) features a barometer sensor |
2. Key Insights
- Motorola Edge (2022): The Performance Powerhouse
- Strengths: This phone shines in raw performance with its Dimensity 1050 chipset and Mali-G610 MC3 GPU. It's better for gaming, multitasking, and overall responsiveness. The 144Hz refresh rate display makes scrolling and animations significantly smoother. The enhanced camera system, particularly the macro and selfie lenses, captures images with more detail and clarity. The Edge also offers convenient features like wireless and reverse charging. The inclusion of WiFi 6 also provides faster connectivity.
- Advantages: Faster processing, smoother display, more versatile camera system, more charging options, superior audio recording and playback.
- Motorola Moto G72: The Budget All-Rounder
- Strengths: The Moto G72 focuses on providing a great user experience without breaking the bank. Its 108MP main camera produces detailed shots. Battery life is good. The phone is slightly lighter, which may appeal to some.
- Advantages: High-resolution main camera, slightly faster wired charging, more affordable price point.
3. User Profiles and Recommendations
Motorola Edge (2022) is best for:
- Gamers: The stronger chipset and 144Hz refresh rate make for a superior gaming experience.
- Power Users: Those who multitask, use demanding apps, or want the fastest phone possible.
- Photography Enthusiasts: The better camera system, with the higher quality macro lens, provides more versatility.
- Tech-Savvy Individuals: The latest Bluetooth and WiFi standards, along with reverse charging, will appeal to those who like cutting-edge tech.
- Users looking for a more enhanced audio experience: The inclusion of noise cancellation microphones and the 3 mic array will greatly benefit users looking to record or playback their audio.
Motorola Moto G72 is best for:
- Casual Users: Those who want a reliable phone for day-to-day tasks like browsing, social media, and taking occasional photos.
- Budget-Conscious Buyers: Users looking for good value and good camera capabilities without the premium price tag.
- Users who prioritize battery life and wired charging: The slightly faster 33W charging provides a marginal advantage in wired charging.
4. Buying Decision Framework
Here are three practical questions to help you decide:
- How important is performance and gaming for you? If you're a heavy user or gamer, the Edge is the clear winner. If you want more than enough to cover the basics, the G72 is solid.
- How much do you value camera flexibility? The Edge's more versatile camera system, with its better macro and selfie lenses, offers a better experience. The G72 is more capable when taking standard photos, but lacks in macro and selfies.
- How much are you looking to spend and what features are important to you? The Edge is more expensive but includes additional features like better performance, wireless and reverse charging, the latest WiFi and Bluetooth, and a 144Hz display. The G72 comes at a more affordable price point, and provides great camera capabilities.
Scenario-Based Recommendations:
- Scenario 1: Budget and Battery Conscious User: If you primarily want great battery and a large, capable screen, and plan to use your phone for social media, browsing, and taking a few photos, the Moto G72 is the better option.
- Scenario 2: Performance and Photography Enthusiast: If performance and camera flexibility are priorities and you are willing to pay more, the Motorola Edge is the ideal choice.
- Scenario 3: Mid-Range User: If you need a well-rounded phone with good performance, decent battery, good audio recording and playback and you don't mind paying a bit more, the Motorola Edge strikes a great balance.
My Choice
If I were choosing between these two, I'd go with the Motorola Edge (2022). Here's why:
As a tech journalist and someone who genuinely enjoys pushing devices to their limits, the improved chipset performance and higher refresh rate offer a much smoother and more responsive user experience, while the superior camera system will always be more important to me. The enhanced audio recording, playback, and the wireless charging functionality are great to have and provide flexibility, which I greatly appreciate. The improved screen protection of the Edge is also something I prefer. Although the Moto G72 has a better main camera, the Edge’s versatile camera system, especially when it comes to macro and selfies, will provide a better experience.
I hope this comprehensive breakdown helps you make a well-informed decision. Let me know if you have any more questions!
