Okay, let's break down the Motorola Edge (2022) and the Realme 12 Pro. I'm excited to get into the nitty-gritty and see which one comes out on top for different users.
Motorola Edge (2022) vs. Realme 12 Pro: A Detailed Comparison
Here’s a breakdown of the key specifications, along with their real-world implications:
1. Specifications Breakdown
Design
| Feature | Motorola Edge (2022) | Realme 12 Pro | Real-World Implications |
|---|---|---|---|
| Dimensions | 160.9 x 74.2 x 8 mm | 161.5 x 74 x 8.8 mm | Similar size, Realme slightly thicker and larger. |
| Weight | 170g | 190g | Motorola is lighter, potentially more comfortable to hold for longer periods. |
| Build | Corning Gorilla Glass 3 | Unknown | Motorola offers better screen protection |
Display
| Feature | Motorola Edge (2022) | Realme 12 Pro | Real-World Implications |
|---|---|---|---|
| Size | 6.6" | 6.7" | Realme 12 Pro offers a slightly larger screen |
| Resolution | 1080 x 2400 | 1080 x 2412 | Essentially identical sharpness. |
| PPI | 399 | 394 | Virtually the same level of pixel density. |
| Technology | OLED | AMOLED | Similar visual quality with vibrant colors and deep blacks. |
| Refresh Rate | 144Hz | 120Hz | Motorola's display offers smoother scrolling and animation, good for gaming. |
| Brightness | 0 nits | 950 nits | Realme 12 Pro is far more visible in bright sunlight. |
Performance
| Feature | Motorola Edge (2022) | Realme 12 Pro | Real-World Implications |
|---|---|---|---|
| Chipset | MediaTek Dimensity 1050 (6 nm) | Qualcomm Snapdragon 6 Gen 1 (4 nm) | Realme's chipset is more power-efficient and offers a performance boost. |
| AnTuTu Score | 522,375 | 574,000 | Realme 12 Pro is slightly faster in daily tasks and gaming. |
| GPU | Arm Mali-G610 MC3 | Adreno 710 | Different GPUs, with Realme’s Adreno 710 being generally preferred for gaming. |
Camera
| Feature | Motorola Edge (2022) | Realme 12 Pro | Real-World Implications |
|---|---|---|---|
| Main Camera | 50MP, f/1.8, 1/1.55" sensor | 50MP, f/1.8, 1/2" sensor | Motorola has a larger main sensor for better low-light performance. |
| Selfie Camera | 32MP, f/2.45 | 16MP, f/2.4 | Motorola captures more detailed selfies; Realme captures more light. |
| Telephoto Lens | None | 32MP, f/2.0, 1/2.74" sensor | Realme has a dedicated zoom lens for far away subjects. |
| Wide Angle Lens | 13MP, f/1.5 | None | Motorola excels in capturing expansive scenes. |
| Macro Lens | 20MP, f/2.4 | None | Motorola offers detailed macro capabilities for close up photos. |
| Wide Angle + Macro Lens | None | 8MP, f/2.2, 1/2.8" sensor | Realme captures wide angle and macro shots with a single lens. |
| Video | Up to 4K@30fps with EIS | Up to 4K@30fps with EIS | Both capture good quality, stabilized videos. Realme offers better slow-motion. |
| Features | Digital zoom, OIS | Digital zoom, OIS, Optical Zoom | Realme offers additional optical zoom for enhanced image quality. |
Battery Life
| Feature | Motorola Edge (2022) | Realme 12 Pro | Real-World Implications |
|---|---|---|---|
| Capacity | 5000mAh | 5000mAh | Similar battery life. |
| Charging | 30W fast, 15W wireless | 67W fast | Realme charges significantly faster. |
| Features | Wireless charging, Reverse charging | None | Motorola offers the convenience of wireless and reverse charging. |
2. Key Insights
Motorola Edge (2022):
- Strengths: Lighter, higher refresh rate display, larger main camera sensor, wireless charging, and more camera options, including ultrawide and macro lens, which is great for diverse photography styles.
- Competitive Advantage: More versatile camera system with ultrawide and macro lenses. Great for users who value a comprehensive photographic experience.
- Trade-offs: Older chipset, slower charging, lower brightness.
Realme 12 Pro:
- Strengths: Faster chipset, brighter display, much faster charging, telephoto lens, and newer Android version.
- Competitive Advantage: Better performance and battery management with a newer processor and faster charging. Its standout feature is the dedicated zoom lens, perfect for versatile photography.
- Trade-offs: Heavier, less versatile camera without ultrawide or macro lens, no wireless charging, and a slightly lower refresh rate.
3. User Profiles and Recommendations
- Motorola Edge (2022): Best for users who prioritize a lightweight design, versatile camera setup, and the convenience of wireless charging, and who are happy with good but not the best performance.
- Realme 12 Pro: Ideal for those who need maximum performance, faster charging, and a bright display for outdoor visibility. Also suited for users who need an optical zoom lens. It excels in tasks requiring high processing power and long battery life.
4. Buying Decision Framework
Here are three questions to help users decide:
- Do you prioritize camera versatility or zoom capabilities? Motorola for versatile lenses, Realme for zoom.
- How much does performance and charging speed matter to you? Realme for performance and faster charging.
- Is a lightweight design or wireless charging more critical to you? Motorola for a lighter device and wireless charging capabilities.
Scenario-Based Recommendations:
- The Photographer: The Motorola Edge (2022) is your pick because of its ultrawide and macro lens.
- The Gamer: The Realme 12 Pro’s faster chipset makes it a better option for smooth gaming.
- The Outdoor Enthusiast: The Realme 12 Pro's bright screen is a must-have, especially under direct sunlight.
- The Everyday User: If speed, responsiveness, and battery life are your priorities, the Realme 12 Pro is an easy choice.
My Choice and Why
If I had to choose, I would lean towards the Realme 12 Pro. While I appreciate the Motorola's lighter build, more versatile camera system with the ultrawide and macro lens, and wireless charging capabilities, the Realme 12 Pro's advantages in performance, display brightness, and charging speed make a bigger impact in my day-to-day use. The telephoto lens also is a big plus for more varied photography options. As a tech journalist who is often on the go, a bright display and the ability to quickly top up my battery are very important. The newer chipset will also have better performance for longer. The extra performance and faster charging is also a big deal. While the Motorola offers a more complete camera system, the added versatility is not as impactful as raw power.
It ultimately boils down to what you prioritize. The Motorola is a great phone, but the Realme edges it out for my needs.
