Alright, let's dive deep into a comparison of the Motorola Edge (2022) and the Realme 11 Pro+. These are two very capable mid-range contenders, but they cater to slightly different needs and preferences. I'll break down the specs, highlight key differences, and help you figure out which one might be the best fit for you.
1. Specifications Breakdown
Here’s a detailed breakdown of the key specifications, designed to be understandable and relevant to your everyday usage:
| Feature | Motorola Edge (2022) | Realme 11 Pro+ | Real-World Implications |
|---|---|---|---|
| Design | |||
| Physical Size | 160.9 × 74.2 × 8 mm | 161.6 × 73.9 × 8.2 mm | Both are similarly sized, the differences are hardly noticeable. |
| Weight | 170g | 183g | The Edge is a touch lighter, which you might appreciate over longer usage periods. |
| Display | |||
| Size | 6.6" | 6.7" | The Realme has a slightly larger display, but the difference is minor. |
| Resolution | 1080x2400 | 1080x2412 | Both are very sharp and detailed for typical usage. |
| Pixel Density (PPI) | 399 | 394 | Both have almost the same pixel density, so you shouldn't notice a difference. |
| Technology | OLED | AMOLED | These display technologies are very similar, offering vibrant colors and deep blacks. |
| Refresh Rate | 144Hz | 120Hz | The Edge is a bit smoother for gaming and scrolling due to the higher refresh rate. |
| Brightness | 0 nits | 950 nits | The Realme wins here significantly with superior outdoor visibility, making it much better in direct sunlight. |
| Performance | |||
| Chipset | Dimensity 1050 | Dimensity 7050 | Both are snappy for everyday tasks and gaming, but the 1050 is a touch more powerful. |
| AnTuTu Score | 522,375 | 540,800 | Both offer very similar performance scores with very close AnTuTu scores. |
| GPU | Mali-G610 MC3 | Mali-G68 MC4 | The slight difference in GPUs should not affect normal usage and will only be seen in the more demanding games. |
| Battery Life | |||
| Capacity | 5000mAh | 5000mAh | Both should easily last a full day with typical use. |
| Charging | 30W Fast Charging | 100W Fast Charging | The Realme's charging speed is a game-changer, topping up your phone in a fraction of the time compared to the Motorola. |
| Features | 15W Wireless, 5W Reverse | 2x2500mAh | Edge offers wireless charging; Realme utilizes a dual-cell for faster charging. |
| Camera | |||
| Standard Lens | 50MP, f/1.8, 1/1.55" | 200MP, f/1.69, 1/1.4" | Realme's main camera is significantly higher resolution and has a larger sensor for better low-light performance. |
| Selfie Lens | 32MP, f/2.45 | 32MP, f/2.45 | Both phones have similar selfie cameras. |
| Wide Angle Lens | 13MP, f/1.5 | 8MP, f/2.2 | Edge has a higher megapixel count with wider aperture, good for detailed wide-angle shots. |
| Macro Lens | 20MP, f/2.4 | 2MP, f/2.3 | The Edge has a much better macro lens than the Realme. |
| Video | 4K@30fps, EIS | 4K@30fps, EIS | Both record smooth video and have stabilization. Realme has a higher slow-motion fps. |
| Features | OIS, PDAF... | UIS, OIS, PDAF... | Realme offers additional video stabilization features. |
| Software | |||
| OS | Android 12 (up to 13) | Android 13 (up to 15) | Realme has a newer OS, providing the most current software and feature set. |
| Connectivity | |||
| Wi-Fi | Wi-Fi 6 | Wi-Fi 6 | Both support the latest Wi-Fi standards. |
| Bluetooth | 5.2 | 5.3 | Realme has a newer Bluetooth version with more codec options for superior audio. |
| GPS | GPS, A-GPS,... | GPS, A-GPS,... | Realme supports more satellite systems for better location accuracy. |
| SIM | Nano SIM + eSIM | Dual Nano SIM | The Edge provides an eSIM for digital carrier switching; the Realme has a physical dual-SIM. |
| Storage | |||
| Internal | 128GB/256GB | 256GB/512GB/1024GB | Realme offers more extensive storage options, especially for users who require substantial storage capacity. |
| RAM | 6GB/8GB | 8GB/12GB | Realme offers higher RAM configurations for better multitasking. |
| Expandable Storage | No | No | Neither phone supports external storage, so choose wisely when selecting the storage tier. |
| Audio | |||
| Quality | Dolby Atmos, 3 Mics | Dolby Atmos, 2 Mics | Both offer great audio features with immersive Dolby Atmos; Edge provides slightly better spatial audio and voice clarity due to 3 mics. |
| Security | |||
| Features | Fingerprint Sensor | Fingerprint Sensor | Both provide basic biometric security. |
| Build Quality | |||
| Screen Protection | Gorilla Glass 3 | Unknown | Edge offers better screen protection. |
| Sensors | Biometric, Proximity, Motion, Environmental | Biometric, Proximity, Motion | Motorola Edge (2022) includes additional environmental sensors; Both have the standard sensors for biometric security and motion. |
2. Key Insights
- Motorola Edge (2022) Strengths:
- Smoother Display: The 144Hz refresh rate is great for gamers and those who like snappy animations.
- Wireless Charging: The inclusion of 15W wireless charging is a rarity at this price point, adding a level of convenience.
- Better Wide-Angle and Macro: Higher resolution and better aperture on the wide-angle and a much better dedicated macro lens provide more versatility.
- eSIM Support: The inclusion of eSIM adds flexibility for travelers or those juggling multiple carriers.
- Better audio clarity and spatial audio: Three microphones will give the Motorola Edge (2022) a slight edge on calls.
- Realme 11 Pro+ Strengths:
- Faster Charging: The 100W charging is a standout feature that will dramatically reduce charging times.
- Higher Resolution Main Camera: The 200MP main camera has a larger sensor that will improve low-light photography.
- Brighter Display: With 950 nits of brightness, the Realme is significantly more usable in direct sunlight.
- More Storage Options: With the inclusion of a 1TB storage option, the Realme far exceeds the storage capacity of the Motorola
- Newer OS: Realme ships with the newest Android OS and promises a further two updates.
- More RAM: With a 12GB ram option, Realme will handle heavy multitasking better than the Motorola.
- Trade-offs and Limitations:
* **Motorola:** Lower main camera specs, slower charging, no expandable storage and less storage in general. * **Realme:** Not as smooth a display as the Motorola, no wireless charging and worse audio.
3. User Profiles and Recommendations
- Motorola Edge (2022) is best for:
- Gamers: The 144Hz display and a decent chipset are great for a better gaming experience.
- Users who value convenience: The wireless charging is a big win for a wire-free experience.
- Travelers: The eSIM support makes it easier to switch carriers when traveling abroad.
- Photography enthusiasts that require Macro and Wide-angle: The inclusion of a good Macro and Wide-angle lens will appeal to this group.
- Users who value sound quality: The inclusion of three microphones offers superior voice clarity on calls
- Realme 11 Pro+ is best for:
- Power Users: The 100W charging and bigger RAM will help users that are on the go.
- Photography Enthusiasts: The 200MP camera is ideal for those who want sharp, detailed images.
- Outdoor Users: The brighter display is essential for comfortable outdoor use.
- Users needing higher storage: The inclusion of a 1TB option will make this the obvious choice for those who require a lot of storage.
- Users who want the newest OS: The Realme is shipping with the newest OS and promises a further two updates.
4. Buying Decision Framework
Here are three questions to consider when choosing between these phones:
- How important is fast charging to you? If you need to quickly charge your phone throughout the day, the Realme's 100W charging is a significant advantage.
- How much do you value a smooth display versus a brighter one? If smooth scrolling and animations are a priority, the Edge's 144Hz display is better; but if you are frequently outdoors the Realme's display will be the better option.
- Do you require a specific camera or charging feature? If the inclusion of wireless charging or better Macro is important, the Edge is the better option, if you want the best main camera specs and charging, the Realme is the better choice.
Scenario-Based Recommendations:
- For the Gamer on the Go: The Motorola Edge (2022) provides the best gaming experience with the smooth 144Hz display and decent processor.
- For the Photographer: The Realme 11 Pro+ is the better choice due to the higher resolution camera with a large sensor, offering better low-light performance.
- For the Casual User: If you are a general user and you want the latest OS the Realme 11 Pro+ is the better option and will serve you best in day-to-day use.
- For the heavy phone user: If you need a lot of ram and storage the Realme 11 Pro+ is the better option due to 12GB of RAM and a 1TB storage option.
My Choice:
If I were choosing between these two phones, I would lean towards the Realme 11 Pro+. Despite the slightly smoother display on the Motorola Edge (2022), the Realme 11 Pro+'s faster charging, superior camera, better display brightness, more storage options, more ram and newer OS make it the more compelling option for my usage. I'm frequently on the move, so the faster charging is a huge plus. The main camera is great for photos, and I appreciate the brighter display when I'm outdoors.
The Motorola Edge (2022) is a fine choice for gamers and people that like to use the wireless charging, but for me personally the Realme 11 Pro+ is the superior phone.
