Alright, let's dive into a head-to-head comparison of the Motorola Edge (2022) and the OnePlus Nord 3. I've got my engineering hat on, so we're not just going to look at specs; we're going to figure out what these numbers mean for you in the real world.
1. Specifications Breakdown
| Feature | Motorola Edge (2022) | OnePlus Nord 3 | Real-World Implications |
|---|---|---|---|
| Design | |||
| Dimensions | 160.9 x 74.2 x 8 mm | 162 x 75.1 x 8.2 mm | The OnePlus Nord 3 is slightly taller and wider, but both are quite thin. The Edge is the lighter device. |
| Weight | 170g | 193.5g | The Motorola Edge (2022) feels lighter in the hand, making it better for extended use. The Nord 3's added weight might feel more substantial. |
| Display | |||
| Size | 6.6" | 6.74" | The OnePlus Nord 3 offers a marginally larger display, great if you want that extra screen real estate for media consumption or productivity. |
| Resolution | 1080x2400 | 1240x2772 | The OnePlus Nord 3 boasts a sharper display with significantly more pixels, resulting in finer detail and crisper visuals. This will be noticeable with text and high-resolution images. |
| Pixel Density (PPI) | 399 | 451 | With more pixels per inch, the OnePlus Nord 3's display is noticeably sharper. Expect clearer fonts, finer images, and a better overall viewing experience. |
| Technology | OLED | AMOLED | Both offer vibrant colors and deep blacks. No major difference here - you're getting excellent display quality in both. |
| Refresh Rate | 144Hz | 120Hz | The Motorola Edge (2022) technically provides smoother scrolling, but the difference might not be noticeable to most users. The OnePlus Nord 3's 120Hz is already excellent. |
| Brightness | 0 nits | 1450 nits | The OnePlus Nord 3 is substantially brighter, making it much easier to see the screen outdoors on sunny days. This is a significant advantage. The 0 nit brightness is likely a spec omission. |
| Performance | |||
| Chipset | MediaTek Dimensity 1050 (6nm) | Mediatek Dimensity 9000 (4nm) | The OnePlus Nord 3’s 4nm Dimensity 9000 is significantly more powerful than the 6nm Dimensity 1050 in the Motorola Edge, giving it an edge in heavy apps, gaming and sustained performance. |
| AnTuTu Score | 522,375 | 1,103,441 | The AnTuTu score dramatically illustrates the Nord 3's performance advantage. Expect significantly smoother and faster performance in everyday use, especially in demanding tasks and gaming. |
| GPU | Arm Mali-G610 MC3 | Mali-G710 MC10 | The OnePlus Nord 3 has the more powerful GPU, which contributes to its superior gaming performance and smoother graphics rendering. |
| Battery Life | |||
| Capacity | 5000mAh | 5000mAh | Both phones have similar battery capacities, which should result in comparable battery life. Real-world usage will depend on individual usage patterns. |
| Charging | 30W Fast Charging | 80W Fast Charging | The OnePlus Nord 3 charges much faster, which can be a significant time saver in daily use. Motorola Edge is slow by comparison. |
| Features | Wireless/Reverse | Non-Removable | Motorola has some nice to have features like wireless charging and reverse charging but OnePlus has much faster charging speeds which is beneficial in day to day usage. |
| Camera | |||
| Standard Camera | 50MP (OV50A, 1/1.55") | 50MP (IMX890, 1/1.56") | Both have similar resolution, but the sensor size is close with the Motorola Edge having a very slight advantage. The OnePlus uses a superior sensor. |
| Selfie Camera | 32MP (0.70 µm) | 16MP (IMX471, 1.00 µm) | The Motorola has higher resolution, but the OnePlus has a bigger pixel size and likely better overall image quality. |
| Wide-Angle Camera | 13MP (f/1.5, 1.12 µm) | 8MP (f/2.2, 1.12 µm) | The Motorola has a higher resolution, slightly wider aperture, and similar pixel size. Expect better wide angle shots. |
| Macro Camera | 20MP (OV24B1Q, 1/2.83", 0.90 µm) | 2MP (GC02M1, 1/5", 1.75 µm) | The Motorola has a much higher resolution with a larger sensor, making it the better choice for macro shots. |
| Video | Up to 4K@30fps | Up to 4K@60fps | The OnePlus Nord 3 offers the flexibility of shooting in 4K at 60fps. The Motorola is 4k @ 30 fps. Both phones offer EIS and similar features. |
| Software & Connectivity | |||
| OS | Android 12 (max 13) | Android 13 (max 16) | The OnePlus Nord 3 launches with a newer OS, providing a more current software experience and expected longer software support. |
| WiFi | WiFi 6 | WiFi 6 + MiMO | Both are similar but MiMO support provides better Wi-Fi speeds in the OnePlus Nord 3 |
| Bluetooth | 5.2 | 5.3 + APT-x, LDAC, SBC, AAC | The OnePlus Nord 3 has the newer Bluetooth version with superior audio codec support for higher fidelity sound through wireless headphones or speakers. |
| GPS | GPS, A-GPS, GLONASS, Beidou, SUPL, Galileo | A-GPS, Beidou, QZSS, GPS (L1+L5), Galileo (E1+E5a) | The OnePlus Nord 3 has better GPS support for more reliable positioning. |
| SIM | Nano SIM + eSIM | Nano SIM + Nano SIM | Motorola provides eSIM for easier carrier switching while both support dual SIM functionality. |
| Storage | |||
| Internal | 128GB/256GB | 128GB/256GB | Both offer identical storage options. |
| RAM | 6GB/8GB | 8GB/16GB | The OnePlus Nord 3 has significantly more RAM, especially the 16GB option, resulting in better multitasking performance. |
| Expandable Storage | No | No | Neither phone supports microSD cards. |
| Audio | |||
| Quality | Dolby Atmos, Noise cancellation microphone, Stereo Speakers, 3 microphones | Dolby Atmos, Hi-Res Audio, Stereo Speakers | Both phones offer Dolby Atmos and Stereo speakers but the Motorola has 3 microphones with noise cancellation capabilities while the Oneplus has Hi-Res audio. |
| Security | |||
| Features | Fingerprint Sensor | Fingerprint Sensor | Both offer similar fingerprint security. |
| Build Quality | |||
| Screen Protection | Corning Gorilla Glass 3 | Unknown | The Motorola Edge offers screen protection while the Oneplus does not explicitly mention it. |
| Sensors | |||
| Sensors | Biometric, Proximity, Motion, Environmental | Biometric, Proximity, Motion, | Both have a similar suite of basic sensors with the Motorola Edge including a barometer, magnetometer and compass while the Oneplus includes Gravity, Geomagnetic and Sensor Core. |
2. Key Insights
Motorola Edge (2022): Strengths
- Lighter Design: More comfortable for extended use.
- Higher Refresh Rate Display: Slightly smoother scrolling (though marginal).
- Better Macro Camera: Superior for close-up photography.
- Wireless and Reverse Charging: Adds convenience to its battery features.
- More advanced sensors: Including a barometer, magnetometer and compass.
- eSIM Support: Adds flexibility for digital carrier switching.
OnePlus Nord 3: Strengths
- Significantly More Powerful Processor: Much better performance for gaming and demanding apps.
- Brighter Display: Superior outdoor visibility.
- Higher Resolution Display: Sharper and more detailed images.
- Faster Charging: Saves significant time when needing to recharge.
- More RAM: Better multitasking and responsiveness.
- Better Video Recording: 4k @ 60 fps allows higher flexibility.
- Superior Bluetooth codecs: For higher fidelity wireless audio.
- Newer OS: Longer software support.
Trade-offs & Limitations
- Motorola Edge (2022): Less powerful processor, lower screen brightness, slower charging.
- OnePlus Nord 3: Heavier, no wireless charging.
3. User Profiles and Recommendations
Motorola Edge (2022) is best for:
- Users who prioritize a lightweight device for daily use.
- Casual photographers who enjoy macro shots.
- Users who want the flexibility of wireless and reverse charging.
- Those on a budget but seeking decent performance.
OnePlus Nord 3 is best for:
- Power users who need excellent performance for gaming and demanding apps.
- Users who spend time outdoors and need a bright, clear display.
- Those who need faster charging speeds.
- People who multitask heavily and want more RAM.
- Users who need a future proof device with good OS support.
- Those who value superior audio codecs with their wireless headphones.
4. Buying Decision Framework
Here are three practical questions to help you decide:
- Do you value performance and speed above all else?
- If yes, the OnePlus Nord 3 is the clear winner with its significantly more powerful processor.
- Is a lightweight design and wireless charging essential for your usage?
- If yes, the Motorola Edge (2022) is a better fit, despite performance compromises.
- How important is outdoor screen visibility and higher display quality?
- If very important, the OnePlus Nord 3's superior brightness and resolution are necessary.
Scenario-Based Recommendations
- The "Gamer" or "Power User": The OnePlus Nord 3 is the obvious choice, offering superior performance, faster charging, and a great screen.
- The "Casual User": If you want a lighter phone with decent camera features and a lower price tag, the Motorola Edge (2022) will suffice.
- The "Outdoor Enthusiast": The OnePlus Nord 3’s bright screen is crucial for viewing in sunny conditions.
- The "On-the-Go Professional": The OnePlus Nord 3 offers better software support for a future proof experience.
- The "Budget Conscious": While both phones offer similar storage options, you might find the Motorola Edge (2022) for a better price.
My Choice
If I were choosing between these two phones, I would personally opt for the OnePlus Nord 3. The sheer difference in processing power, the brighter and higher-resolution display, and significantly faster charging are hard to ignore. As someone who values smooth performance, great screen quality, and a quick turnaround time when I need to charge my phone, the OnePlus Nord 3 fits my needs perfectly. I also prefer having a phone with better future OS support to make it last longer. The trade-off of a slightly heavier phone and lack of wireless charging is worth it for me. While the Motorola Edge (2022) offers some nice features like wireless charging and a slightly higher refresh rate, the OnePlus Nord 3 simply delivers a more compelling experience for my usage patterns.
