Okay, let's dive into a detailed comparison of the Motorola Edge (2022) and the Samsung Galaxy A04. This isn't just about specs on paper; it's about how these phones feel and perform in your hands. I'll break down the details so you can make the right choice for your needs.
1. Specifications Breakdown
Here's a side-by-side look at the key specs, focusing on their real-world impact:
| Feature | Motorola Edge (2022) | Samsung Galaxy A04 | Real-World Implications |
|---|---|---|---|
| Design | |||
| Dimensions | 160.9 × 74.2 × 8 mm | 164.4 × 76.3 × 9.1 mm | Edge is more compact and thinner; A04 is taller, wider and thicker |
| Weight | 170g | 192g | Edge is lighter, more comfortable for extended use. |
| Display | |||
| Size | 6.6" | 6.5" | Both similar in size, difference is negligible. |
| Resolution | 1080x2400 | 720x1600 | Edge has a significantly sharper display. |
| Pixel Density (PPI) | 399 | 270 | Edge's display will look much crisper and detailed, with sharper text |
| Technology | OLED | PLS LCD | Edge has richer colors, deeper blacks, and better viewing angles. |
| Refresh Rate | 144Hz | 60Hz | Edge provides much smoother scrolling and animations. |
| Brightness | 0 nits | 0 nits | Brightness is identical in each phone but a value of 0 nits seems incorrect |
| Performance | |||
| Chipset | MediaTek Dimensity 1050 (6 nm) | Mediatek MT6765 Helio P35 (12 nm) | Edge has a much more powerful and efficient processor. |
| AnTuTu Score | 522,375 | 124,000 | Edge is significantly faster for all tasks, particularly gaming and multi-tasking. |
| GPU | Arm Mali-G610 MC3 | PowerVR GE8320 | Edge has a more powerful GPU, better for gaming and graphics-intensive apps. |
| Camera | |||
| Standard Camera | 50MP, f/1.8, 1/1.55", 1.0µm | 50MP, f/1.8, 0.8µm | Both have 50MP main cameras, Edge's larger sensor should capture more light |
| Selfie Camera | 32MP, f/2.45, 0.7µm | 5MP, f/2.2 | Edge has a vastly superior selfie camera. |
| Wide Angle Lens | 13MP, f/1.5, 1.12µm | Not available | Edge captures more of the scene. |
| Macro Lens | 20MP, f/2.4, 1/2.83", 0.9µm | Not available | Edge can capture very detailed close-up shots. |
| Portrait mode (depth) | Not available | 2MP, f/2.4 | A04 can add depth to portrait photos, though resolution is low. |
| Video Recording | Up to 4K@30fps w/ EIS | 1080p@30fps | Edge captures higher-quality video with electronic image stabilization. |
| Battery Life | |||
| Capacity | 5000mAh | 5000mAh | Both should offer comparable all-day battery life. |
| Charging | 30W Fast Charging, Li-Polymer | Li-Ion | Edge charges much faster and has newer battery tech. |
| Additional Features | 15W wireless charging, Reverse, 5W Reverse Charging | Non-removable | Edge is more versatile in charging methods. |
| Storage and RAM | |||
| Internal Storage | 128GB/256GB | 32GB/64GB/128GB | Edge has a higher maximum and base storage. |
| RAM | 6GB/8GB | 3GB/4GB/6GB | Edge has more base RAM for smoother multitasking. |
| Expandable Storage | No | No | No option to increase storage on either phone. |
| Connectivity | |||
| Wi-Fi | 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac/ax | 802.11 b/g/n/ac | Edge has faster and more reliable Wi-Fi. |
| Bluetooth | 5.2 | 5.0 | Edge has a slightly more modern Bluetooth version. |
| GPS | GPS, A-GPS, GLONASS, Beidou, SUPL, Galileo | GPS, A-GPS, GLONASS | Edge offers more satellite systems for better location accuracy. |
| SIM | Dual SIM (Nano + eSIM) | Dual SIM (Nano + Nano) | Edge can switch carriers without a physical SIM. |
| Audio | |||
| Quality | Dolby Atmos, Stereo Speakers, 3 Microphones, Noise cancellation microphone | Basic audio features | Edge has richer and more immersive audio. |
| Security | |||
| Features | Fingerprint sensor | Basic security features | Edge has a fingerprint scanner for basic biometric security |
| Build Quality | |||
| Protection | Corning Gorilla Glass 3 | Unknown | Edge's screen is protected with Gorilla Glass 3. |
| Sensors | |||
| Features | Biometric: Fingerprint, Motion: Accelerometer, Compass, Gyroscope, Magnetometer; Environmental: Barometer, Proximity | Motion: Accelerometer, Proximity | Edge has a more comprehensive sensor suite |
2. Key Insights
Motorola Edge (2022)
- Strengths: The Edge is a clear winner in performance, display quality, and camera capabilities. Its powerful processor, high refresh-rate OLED screen, versatile camera system, and fast charging make it a significantly more advanced device. The inclusion of wireless charging, better audio, and a fingerprint scanner add a lot of value.
- Competitive Advantage: It's designed for users who want a smooth, high-performance experience, good photography, and modern features. The device is built for multitasking, gaming, and media consumption. The screen refresh rate is 144Hz, so you'll notice that your phone is smoother and faster when swiping through apps, pages or playing video games.
- Trade-offs: The lack of expandable storage is a drawback, but the larger storage options of the Motorola Edge should offset the issue.
Samsung Galaxy A04
- Strengths: The A04 is a basic phone at a budget price. It's meant for the basic functions of smartphone usage and performs its job well enough. The dual-camera setup, though low quality, still performs well enough for the price.
- Competitive Advantage: The A04's competitive advantage comes in its budget price. For those who need a smartphone and don't care about speed and advanced features, the A04 is the budget option.
- Trade-offs: The biggest trade-offs are in its display quality, performance, camera system, and lack of modern features like fast charging and a fingerprint sensor.
3. User Profiles and Recommendations
- Motorola Edge (2022):
- Ideal For: Tech enthusiasts, gamers, photography lovers, and anyone who values a fast and responsive phone with great display.
- Use Cases: Gaming, high-quality photography and video, heavy multitasking, media consumption, professional use.
- Samsung Galaxy A04:
- Ideal For: Budget-conscious users who primarily need basic smartphone functionality for calling, texting, and light social media use.
- Use Cases: Basic smartphone use for users not interested in more advanced features, first-time smartphone buyers, or as a secondary phone.
4. Buying Decision Framework
Here are three practical questions to help you decide:
- How important is performance to you?
- If you need a fast, smooth phone for gaming or heavy app usage, the Motorola Edge (2022) is the only real option here. The A04 is much slower.
- What do you value more - camera or budget?
- If you prioritize better picture and video quality, the Motorola Edge (2022) is the way to go with its versatile camera system and higher resolution selfie camera. If budget is the main concern, then the A04 will be enough.
- Do you need features like fast charging, higher refresh rate display, or great audio?
- If you value these modern features, the Motorola Edge (2022) has them while the A04 lacks them.
Scenario-Based Recommendations:
- For the Tech Enthusiast: If you are serious about mobile gaming, want a high quality display, and a great camera with high speed processing, the Motorola Edge (2022) is the clear choice.
- For the Budget-Conscious User: If you have very basic smartphone needs and a strict budget, the Samsung Galaxy A04 will suit those needs.
- For the Everyday User: If you need a reliable phone that's fast enough to handle everyday tasks, but you aren't a heavy phone user, the Motorola Edge (2022) is the clear winner.
My Choice
For me, the choice is clear: I'd go with the Motorola Edge (2022). The difference in performance and display quality alone is enough to justify the difference in price for me. As someone who uses the phone for productivity, photography, and light gaming, the Edge’s fast processor, vibrant OLED display, versatile camera system, and modern features all come together in a much more satisfying experience. While the A04 has the benefit of being cheaper, the user experience is so far behind that I can’t recommend it when looking at these two phones. I need something more than just basic functionality, and the Motorola Edge provides exactly that.
