Okay, let's break down the Motorola Edge (2022) and the OnePlus Nord 4. It's a fascinating comparison, pitting a mid-range workhorse against a newer contender with some serious performance chops. I'll make sure to cut through the spec sheet jargon and focus on what these numbers actually mean for you.
1. Specifications Breakdown
| Feature | Motorola Edge (2022) | OnePlus Nord 4 | Real-World Implications |
|---|---|---|---|
| Design | |||
| Release Date | 2022-09-22 | 2024-08-08 | OnePlus is nearly 2 years newer, likely with more up-to-date features. |
| Dimensions | 160.9 x 74.2 x 8 mm | 162.6 x 75 x 8 mm | Similar size, but Nord 4 is a touch taller. Both feel comfortable in hand. |
| Weight | 170g | 199.5g | Edge (2022) is noticeably lighter, making it more comfortable for extended use. |
| Display | |||
| Size | 6.6" | 6.74" | Nord 4 offers slightly more screen real estate for immersive viewing. |
| Resolution | 1080x2400 | 1240x2772 | Nord 4's screen is significantly sharper with a higher pixel count. |
| Pixel Density | 399 PPI | 450 PPI | Nord 4's screen has better clarity and finer details. |
| Technology | OLED | AMOLED | Both offer rich colours and deep blacks, with negligible difference in experience. |
| Refresh Rate | 144Hz | 120Hz | Edge (2022) feels smoother in daily usage. |
| Brightness | 0 nits | 2200 nits | Nord 4 is significantly more readable outdoors in bright sunlight. |
| Performance | |||
| Chipset | MediaTek Dimensity 1050 (6 nm) | Qualcomm Snapdragon 7+ Gen 3 (4 nm) | Nord 4's chipset is more advanced, providing significantly better speed and efficiency. |
| Antutu Score | 522,375 | 1,366,982 | Nord 4 is much faster for demanding apps and gaming. |
| GPU | Arm Mali-G610 MC3 | Adreno 732 | Nord 4 has significantly faster graphics performance, making gaming more enjoyable. |
| Camera | |||
| Standard Camera | |||
| Resolution | 50MP | 50MP | Similar resolution, but Nord 4 uses a newer sensor. |
| Sensor Size | 1/1.55" | 1/2" | Edge (2022) can capture more light thanks to the larger sensor. |
| Selfie Camera | |||
| Resolution | 32MP | 16MP | Edge (2022) has more detailed selfies with higher pixel count. |
| Aperture | f/2.45 | f/2.4 | Nord 4's wider aperture lets in slightly more light in low-light conditions. |
| Pixel Size | 0.70 µm pixel size | 1.00 µm pixel size | Nord 4 has bigger pixels, resulting in better light capturing. |
| Wide Angle Camera | |||
| Resolution | 13MP | 8MP | Edge (2022) has more detailed wide-angle shots with higher resolution. |
| Aperture | f/1.5 | f/2.2 | Edge (2022) has a wider aperture for brighter photos in low-light conditions. |
| Pixel Size | 1.12 µm pixel size | 1.14 µm pixel size | Similar pixel sizes |
| Macro Camera | 20MP | N/A | Edge (2022) has an extra macro lens, enabling detailed close-up shots. |
| Video | Up to 4K@30fps | Up to 4K@60fps | Nord 4 offers slightly smoother video recording, and better slow motion capabilities. |
| Battery Life | |||
| Capacity | 5000mAh | 5500mAh | Nord 4's larger battery provides better all-day battery life. |
| Charging | 30W Fast Charging | 100W Fast Charging | Nord 4 charges much faster, taking minutes instead of hours. |
| Features | Wireless, Reverse Charging | No Wireless or Reverse Charging | Edge (2022) offers more battery features |
| Software | |||
| OS | Android 12 (Up to 13) | Android 14 (Up to 18) | Nord 4 has the latest Android with years of updates. |
| Connectivity | |||
| Wi-Fi | WiFi 6 | WiFi 6 | Both offer modern Wi-Fi, but with minor differences. |
| Bluetooth | 5.2 LE | 5.4 | Nord 4 has a newer Bluetooth version for better performance and audio support. |
| SIM | Nano + eSIM | Dual Nano | Edge (2022) provides the flexibility of an eSIM, while Nord 4 has dual physical SIMs. |
| Storage/RAM | |||
| Internal Storage | 128/256GB | 128/256/512GB | Nord 4 provides more storage options, with a 512 GB version. |
| RAM | 6/8GB | 8/12/16GB | Nord 4 has higher RAM options for smoother multitasking. |
| Expandable Storage | No | No | Neither phone provides extra storage space. |
| Audio | |||
| Features | Dolby Atmos, Noise cancellation microphone, Stereo Speakers, 3 microphones | Stereo Speakers, 2 microphones | Edge has better quality of audio, with a more enhanced sound system for better quality |
| Security | |||
| Features | basic fingerprint sensor | basic fingerprint sensor | Both phones have similar fingerprint sensors for a basic secure system |
| Build Quality | |||
| Screen Protection | Corning Gorilla Glass 3 | Unknown | Edge has better screen protection with Gorilla Glass. |
| Sensors | |||
| Features | Fingerprint, Proximity, Accelerometer, Compass, Gyroscope, Magnetometer, Barometer | Fingerprint, Proximity, Accelerometer, Gyroscope, Gravity, Geomagnetic | Edge has more environmental sensors, while Nord 4 has gravity and geomagnetic sensors |
| ### 2. Key Insights |
Motorola Edge (2022) Strengths
- Lightweight Design: Significantly lighter than the Nord 4, making it more comfortable for prolonged use.
- Display Refresh Rate: Offers a slightly smoother 144Hz refresh rate for a more fluid visual experience.
- Camera Versatility: Features a dedicated macro lens, and larger sensors for better low light captures.
- Battery Features: Includes wireless and reverse charging, offering greater convenience for users.
- Audio System: Provides better quality audio with Dolby Atmos, a noise-cancelling mic, and a 3-mic system.
- Additional Sensors: A more complete suite of sensors and environmental sensors.
- Screen Protection: Comes with Corning Gorilla Glass 3
OnePlus Nord 4 Strengths
- Superior Performance: The Snapdragon 7+ Gen 3 chipset is significantly faster, offering better gaming and multitasking performance.
- Sharper Display: Higher resolution and pixel density offer a more detailed viewing experience.
- Brighter Screen: A much brighter screen makes it more readable in bright outdoor conditions.
- Faster Charging: The 100W fast charging system dramatically reduces charging times.
- Larger Battery: The 5500mAh battery provides better battery life throughout the day.
- Updated Software: Comes with Android 14 and will receive future Android updates.
- Better Bluetooth: Newer Bluetooth 5.4 version offers advanced audio codecs and other performance benefits.
- Storage & RAM: Offers up to 512GB of storage and 16GB of RAM for heavy users.
Trade-offs
- Edge (2022) Trade-offs: Weaker processing power, lower resolution display, less modern software, and heavier.
- Nord 4 Trade-offs: Slightly heavier, lack of wireless charging, and a weaker audio system
3. User Profiles and Recommendations
Motorola Edge (2022) is best for:
- Casual users: People who prioritize a lighter phone, a decent screen, and battery features.
- Photographers: Users who appreciate a good camera system and the flexibility of a macro lens.
- Audio lovers: Those who appreciate high quality audio and a good audio system.
- Budget Conscious buyers: Users who want more convenience on a lower budget.
OnePlus Nord 4 is best for:
- Power Users: Those who need top-tier performance, whether for gaming, heavy multitasking, or demanding apps.
- Media Enthusiasts: Users who value a sharp display with excellent outdoor visibility.
- On-the-Go Users: People who need fast charging and long battery life for all-day usage.
- Future Proofing: Users who want the latest software and updates.
- Those who want the latest technology
4. Buying Decision Framework
Here are three questions to help you choose:
Do you need top-tier performance for heavy gaming and multitasking? If yes, the OnePlus Nord 4 is the clear choice.
Do you prioritize a lightweight device with good battery features and a versatile camera? If yes, the Motorola Edge (2022) might be better.
Is a bright screen with high-resolution and fast charging crucial to your usage? If yes, the OnePlus Nord 4 stands out.
Scenario-Based Recommendations:
- For the gamer/power user: OnePlus Nord 4, with its powerful processor and fast charging, is the obvious winner.
- For the everyday user: The choice depends on what you value more. The Motorola Edge (2022) gives you more convenient features, while the Nord 4 gives you better all-around performance and a sharper screen.
- For the multimedia consumer: The OnePlus Nord 4, because it offers a higher quality, brighter display and sharper video recording capabilities.
- For someone on a budget: The Motorola Edge (2022) is a sensible choice because of it's lower price point and well-rounded system.
My Choice
Personally, I'd choose the OnePlus Nord 4. While the Motorola Edge (2022) has its merits, the Nord 4's significantly better processing power, sharper and brighter display, faster charging, and newer software are too compelling for my daily needs. As someone who uses their phone for demanding tasks, enjoys high-quality video, and is always on the go, the benefits of the Nord 4 clearly outweigh the convenience of the Edge's additional features. The performance boost is hard to ignore, and the brighter display is a game-changer for outdoor use.
I would recommend the OnePlus Nord 4 to most users, but If your budget is tight or if you are more concerned with weight, battery features, and the camera then the Motorola Edge (2022) is an excellent alternative.
