Alright, let's dive into a head-to-head comparison of the Motorola Edge (2022) and the newer Moto G85. I've got my engineering hat on, and I’m ready to break down what these specs mean for real-world use.
1. Specifications Breakdown
Here’s a detailed look at how these two Motorola phones stack up, focusing on practical impacts:
| Feature | Motorola Edge (2022) | Motorola Moto G85 | Real-World Implications |
|---|---|---|---|
| Design | |||
| Dimensions | 160.9 × 74.2 × 8 mm | 161.9 × 73.1 × 7.6 mm | Edge is wider and thicker; G85 is slimmer and more pocketable. |
| Weight | 170g | 171g | Practically identical in hand. |
| Display | |||
| Size | 6.6" | 6.67" | Negligible difference in screen size; both offer immersive viewing. |
| Resolution | 1080x2400 | 1080x2400 | Both offer sharp, clear visuals. |
| Pixel Density (PPI) | 399 | 395 | Both screens are very crisp. |
| Technology | OLED | P-OLED | Both offer great color and deep blacks, minor difference. |
| Refresh Rate | 144Hz | 120Hz | Edge offers slightly smoother scrolling, better for gaming. |
| Brightness | 0 nits | 1600 nits | Moto G85 significantly brighter and much more usable outdoors. |
| Performance | |||
| Chipset | MediaTek Dimensity 1050 (6 nm) | Qualcomm Snapdragon 6s Gen 3 (6 nm) | Edge’s chip slightly faster for everyday tasks and gaming. |
| AnTuTu Score | 522,375 | 475,000 | Edge has a slight edge in benchmark performance, indicating better performance. |
| GPU | Arm Mali-G610 MC3 | Adreno 619 | Both handle daily tasks well, slight performance difference. |
| Camera | |||
| Main Camera | 50MP, f/1.8, 1/1.55", OV50A | 50MP, f/1.79, 1/2", Sony LYT-600 | Edge has a larger sensor, better low light capabilities. G85 has slightly wider aperture. |
| Selfie Camera | 32MP, f/2.45 | 32MP, f/2.4 | G85 has slightly wider aperture, better in low light. |
| Wide Angle | 13MP, f/1.5, 1.12 µm | 8MP, f/2.2, 1.12 µm | Edge's wide angle is much better with higher resolution and aperture. |
| Macro Lens | 20MP, f/2.4, 1/2.83" | None | Edge has a dedicated macro lens for close up shots. |
| Video Recording | 4K@30fps, 1080p@120fps | 1080p@60fps | Edge has higher resolution and framerate for video recording. |
| DXOMark Scores | N/A | Mobile: 88, Photo: 83, Video: 109 | G85 camera quality tested with good scores, Edge untested. |
| Camera Features | Triple camera | Dual Camera, Laser AF | Different camera setups: Edge with triple lens, G85 with Laser AF and RAW capture |
| Battery Life | |||
| Capacity | 5000mAh | 5000mAh | Both offer similar all-day battery life. |
| Charging | 30W Fast Charging | 30W Fast Charging | Both charge quickly. |
| Features | 15W Wireless, 5W Reverse Charging | Non-removable | Edge adds wireless charging and reverse charging, better options. |
| Software | |||
| OS | Android 12 (Upgradable to 13) | Android 14 | Moto G85 has a newer OS out-of-the-box. |
| Connectivity | |||
| Wi-Fi | Wi-Fi 6 | Wi-Fi 6 | Both support modern WiFi standards. |
| Bluetooth | 5.2 LE | 5.1 LE | Edge has slightly newer Bluetooth for better connectivity. |
| GPS | GPS, A-GPS, GLONASS, Beidou, SUPL, Galileo | GPS, A-GPS, GLONASS, Beidou, QZSS, Galileo | G85 uses more satellite systems for accurate location tracking. |
| SIM | Dual SIM (Nano + eSIM) | Dual SIM (Nano + Nano/eSIM) | Both offer flexible SIM options. |
| Storage | |||
| Internal Storage | 128/256 GB | 128/256 GB | Both come with ample storage options. |
| RAM | 6/8 GB | 8/12 GB | Moto G85 offers better multi-tasking capabilities and handles demanding apps more smoothly. |
| Expandable Storage | No | No | Neither supports microSD cards, so choose storage wisely. |
| Audio | |||
| Quality | Dolby Atmos, Noise cancelling 3 mics, Stereo speakers | Dolby Atmos, Stereo speakers, 2 microphones | Edge has better audio quality with noise cancellation microphone and 3 microphones, enhanced spatial audio experience. |
| Security | |||
| Fingerprint | Basic sensor | Basic sensor | Standard security. |
| Build Quality | |||
| Screen Protection | Gorilla Glass 3 | Gorilla Glass 5 | G85 better screen protection. |
| Sensors | |||
| Sensors | Fingerprint, Proximity, Accelerometer, Compass, Gyroscope, Magnetometer, Barometer | Fingerprint, Proximity, Accelerometer, Compass, Gyroscope | Edge has more sensors, for gaming, advanced use and environmental use. |
2. Key Insights
Motorola Edge (2022) Strengths:
- Slightly Better Performance: The Dimensity 1050 chip offers a slight edge in raw power, good for gaming and demanding apps.
- Superior Display Smoothness: 144Hz refresh rate offers smoother visuals, especially in fast-paced gaming.
- Enhanced Camera Versatility: It includes a macro lens, a wide angle with a higher resolution, and also has higher quality video.
- Wireless Charging: The Edge has both wireless charging and reverse wireless charging which is a bonus.
- Better Audio: Enhanced audio quality due to noise cancellation microphone, 3 microphones and spatial audio.
- More Environmental Sensors: Has barometer and magnetometer in addition to standard sensors.
Motorola Moto G85 Strengths:
- Brighter Display: Its 1600 nits display is much better for outdoor use.
- Newer OS: Android 14 out-of-the-box offers the latest features and updates.
- More RAM: Up to 12GB of RAM for better multitasking and demanding apps.
- Better Screen Protection: It has a Gorilla Glass 5 screen protection.
- Laser Auto Focus: The G85 has laser auto focus and raw image capture, giving more control to the user.
- Camera Scores: Has a known good camera, tested and rated by DXOMark.
- Slimmer Build: Moto G85 is more compact, comfortable for smaller hands or pockets.
Trade-offs:
- The Edge has a slightly better display, but the G85 is much brighter.
- The Edge has slightly better overall performance, but less RAM.
- The Edge has a more complete camera system, while the G85 has laser auto focus and RAW image capture.
3. User Profiles and Recommendations
Motorola Edge (2022) is best for:
- Gamers: The slightly better chip, GPU, and 144Hz screen make it a solid gaming choice.
- Multimedia Enthusiasts: The higher video quality and more versatile camera with a macro lens are good for creating content.
- Users Who Like Wireless Charging: The wireless charging and reverse wireless charging are a plus for these users.
- Users Who Want Better Audio Quality: Edge has noise cancellation mic and more mics.
Motorola Moto G85 is best for:
- Outdoor Users: The 1600 nits display is a game-changer under sunlight.
- Multitaskers: More RAM allows for smoother switching between apps.
- Camera Enthusiasts: The laser autofocus and RAW shooting capabilities make it better for photographers and video enthusiasts.
- Users Wanting the Latest OS: The Android 14 experience ensures the latest features.
- Users Wanting Slimmest Phones: G85 is thinner and lighter.
4. Buying Decision Framework
Here are three questions to ask yourself:
- Do you spend a lot of time outdoors? If so, the Moto G85’s brighter screen is a clear advantage.
- Do you need a camera for video, with wireless charging? If so, the Edge is the better option with its 4k video, macro lens and the wireless charging.
- Do you prioritize overall speed and gaming? Edge will be a better choice.
Scenario-Based Recommendations:
- For Casual Use: The Moto G85 offers a modern design, latest software and solid performance, making it a user-friendly option for everyday tasks.
- For Content Creation: The Edge offers a superior camera setup for creative work.
- For Power Users: If you need to multitask heavily, and want the latest OS, the G85 with more RAM would be ideal.
- For Gamers: The Edge would be a better choice with its 144hz screen and better chipset performance.
What I Would Choose and Why
If I were picking between these two, I'd lean towards the Motorola Edge (2022). Here’s why:
As a tech journalist and analyst, I often need a versatile device for content creation, capturing images and videos, and for fast-paced use, and this makes the Edge a more suited phone for my use. The slightly faster processor, the 144Hz display, and the versatile camera system are all plus points for me. I also appreciate the wireless charging and reverse wireless charging features. Although the Moto G85 has a brighter screen, its other advantages are not as much of a necessity for me.
While the G85 is a great all-rounder, the Edge is a more complete package for my needs, providing slightly better capabilities across multiple fronts. It’s the better choice for those who appreciate a balance of power and media capabilities.
