Okay, let's dive deep into a comparison of the Motorola Edge (2022) and the Samsung Galaxy S23 FE. I'm excited to put these two devices head-to-head and see what makes each of them tick – and more importantly, which one might be the better fit for you.
1. Specifications Breakdown
Here’s a detailed comparison table, focusing on how technical specs translate to real-world use:
| Feature | Motorola Edge (2022) | Samsung Galaxy S23 FE | Real-World Implications |
|---|---|---|---|
| Design | |||
| Dimensions | 160.9 × 74.2 × 8 mm | 158 × 76.5 × 8.2 mm | The Motorola is taller and thinner, while the Samsung is wider and a tad thicker, impacting how they feel in the hand. |
| Weight | 170g | 209g | The Motorola is significantly lighter, potentially more comfortable for extended use, especially one-handed. |
| Display | |||
| Size | 6.6" | 6.4" | Motorola's larger screen gives a bit more room for content, great for media consumption. |
| Resolution | 1080x2400 | 1080x2340 | Both offer crisp visuals; the slight difference is nearly unnoticeable. |
| Pixel Density (PPI) | 399 | 403 | Practically identical sharpness; both deliver very clear images. |
| Technology | OLED | AMOLED | Both technologies offer excellent colors and contrast; differences are likely minor in everyday use. |
| Refresh Rate | 144Hz | 120Hz | Motorola’s 144Hz refresh rate should make scrolling and animations appear a bit smoother. |
| Brightness | 0 nits | 0 nits | Both phones have identical peak brightness at 0 nits. This is likely a data error, and in reality, both have excellent brightness for outdoor viewing. |
| Performance | |||
| Chipset | MediaTek Dimensity 1050 (6nm) | Exynos 2200 (4nm) | Samsung's 4nm chip should provide noticeably better performance, especially in intensive tasks like gaming. |
| AnTuTu Score | 522,375 | 1,188,176 | The Samsung dramatically outperforms the Motorola in benchmarks, indicating faster app loading and smoother multitasking. |
| GPU | Arm Mali-G610 MC3 | Xclipse 920 | The Samsung’s GPU is significantly more powerful, leading to smoother graphics performance in demanding apps and games. |
| Battery Life | |||
| Capacity | 5000mAh | 4500mAh | Motorola's larger battery should translate to longer battery life between charges under normal use. |
| Charging | 30W fast charging | 25W fast charging | Motorola's charger is slightly faster, which means less time tethered to the wall. |
| Features | 15W Wireless, 5W Reverse | 15W Wireless, 4.4W Reverse | Both offer wireless charging and reverse wireless charging; the Motorola has slight advantage with 5W vs Samsung's 4.4W reverse charging. |
| Camera | |||
| Main Camera | 50MP, f/1.8, 1/1.55" | 50MP, f/1.8, 1/1.57" | Both have a 50MP main sensor; Motorola has slightly larger sensor size. |
| Telephoto/Portrait | None | 8MP, f/2.0 | Samsung provides dedicated telephoto capabilities for improved portrait mode and zoom photos. |
| Selfie Camera | 32MP, f/2.45 | 10.8MP, f/2.4, 1/2.65" | Motorola has a much higher resolution sensor, while the Samsung has larger pixels for potentially better low-light performance. |
| Wide Angle | 13MP, f/1.5 | None | Motorola has a dedicated wide-angle lens for expansive shots. |
| Macro | 20MP, f/2.4, 1/2.83" | None | Motorola provides a dedicated macro lens for detailed close-ups. |
| Wide Angle + Macro | None | 13MP, f/2.2, 1/3.1" | Samsung has a combined wide-angle/macro lens for flexibility. |
| Video Recording | 4K@30fps, 1080p@120fps | 8K@24fps, 4K@60fps, 1080p@240fps | Samsung offers much more advanced video capabilities, including 8K recording and higher frame rates at lower resolutions. |
| DxoMark | Not Tested | 127 (Mobile) | Samsung's camera has been independently tested and scored, Motorola was not tested. |
| Software | |||
| OS | Android 12 (upgradable to 13) | Android 13 (upgradable to 17) | Samsung has the newer Android version out of the box and will be supported for longer (up to 17). |
| Connectivity | |||
| Wi-Fi | Wi-Fi 6 | Wi-Fi 6, Wi-Fi MiMO | Both have Wi-Fi 6 support, the Samsung also offers Wi-Fi MiMO for better connectivity in crowded spaces. |
| Bluetooth | Bluetooth 5.2 | Bluetooth 5.3 | Samsung has a slightly more recent version, generally providing better power efficiency and faster data transfer. |
| SIM | Nano SIM + eSIM | Dual Nano SIM | Motorola offers an eSIM for convenient switching between carriers; Samsung supports two physical nano SIM cards. |
2. Key Insights
Motorola Edge (2022) Strengths:
- Lighter Build: The most noticeable difference is the weight. At 170g, the Motorola is significantly more comfortable for one-handed use and long stretches of screen time.
- Larger Display: The 6.6-inch screen provides a more immersive experience for watching videos or playing games.
- Higher Refresh Rate: The 144Hz refresh rate will make scrolling and animations feel extra smooth.
- Bigger Battery: With a 5000mAh battery, it has a 10% capacity advantage, suggesting longer battery life.
- Dedicated Macro and Wide-Angle Lenses: Having these dedicated lenses enhances photography capabilities, especially for close-ups and expansive shots.
- eSIM Support: The eSIM support offers flexibility and convenience for those who switch carriers often.
Samsung Galaxy S23 FE Strengths:
- Superior Performance: The Exynos 2200 chipset is a beast compared to the MediaTek, providing significantly better speed for apps and gaming. The benchmark scores tell the story clearly.
- Advanced Video Capabilities: The S23 FE is a clear winner for video recording, offering 8K resolution and higher frame rate options.
- Dedicated Telephoto Lens: The telephoto lens enables better zoom and portrait capabilities, a significant advantage for photography.
- Better Software Support: The S23 FE comes with Android 13 and is promised software updates until Android 17.
- Enhanced Connectivity: Features like Wi-Fi MiMO and Bluetooth 5.3 offer slight connectivity advantages.
- DxoMark Score: The camera has been independently reviewed with a good result.
- More Advanced Camera Features: Features like 8K video, OIS, Dual PDAF, and Night Mode offer more versatility.
Trade-offs and Limitations
- Motorola: While it has a lighter build and a larger battery, its performance lags behind the Samsung. Its camera system is versatile but lacks dedicated telephoto capabilities.
- Samsung: The S23 FE is heavier and has a smaller battery, so you might feel the extra weight and need to charge it more often. Also, the removal of the charger from the box can be frustrating.
3. User Profiles and Recommendations
Motorola Edge (2022):
- Casual Media Consumers: This phone is ideal for anyone who enjoys watching videos and browsing social media on a bigger screen and values long battery life.
- Users Who Prioritize Comfort: Those who find heavier phones tiring will appreciate the lighter build.
- Amateur Photographers: The versatile camera system, with dedicated wide-angle and macro lenses, makes it a great budget option for users who like to experiment.
- Travelers/Multi-Network Users: The eSIM support makes it easy to switch carriers.
Samsung Galaxy S23 FE:
- Power Users and Gamers: Its superior chipset handles intensive tasks effortlessly, and the better GPU provides a smooth gaming experience.
- Video Content Creators: The 8K video recording and more advanced camera features make it perfect for those who want professional-grade footage on the go.
- Users Who Value Camera Quality: The telephoto lens, along with other camera enhancements, is a boon for photography enthusiasts.
- Users Who Value Software Support: Samsung guarantees updates up to Android 17.
4. Buying Decision Framework
Here are three practical questions to help you choose:
- How Important is Performance? If you prioritize smooth, fast performance, especially for gaming, the Samsung Galaxy S23 FE is the clear choice. If you're a casual user who values battery life and comfortable, lighter design, the Motorola Edge (2022) is adequate.
- How Important are Camera and Video Features? If you need a versatile camera system with a telephoto lens and advanced video recording capabilities, the Samsung Galaxy S23 FE is a must-have. If you only take occasional photos and prefer having macro and wide-angle lenses without a telephoto, then the Motorola Edge (2022) is acceptable.
- What is Your Budget and Daily Usage? If the priority is to have a phone that is light, long-lasting, and affordable, then the Motorola Edge (2022) is a great budget option. However, if performance, video, and a more secure long-term future are what you are after, the Samsung Galaxy S23 FE is worth the investment.
Scenario-Based Recommendations
- Scenario 1: Heavy Gaming and Video Editing: Choose the Samsung Galaxy S23 FE for its processing power and advanced video capabilities.
- Scenario 2: Daily Commuting and Media Consumption: Choose the Motorola Edge (2022) for its light build, longer battery life, and larger display.
- Scenario 3: Travel Photography Enthusiast: Choose the Samsung Galaxy S23 FE for its versatile camera system, including the telephoto zoom lens.
My Choice and Why
If I were choosing between these two, I'd personally lean towards the Samsung Galaxy S23 FE. While I appreciate the Motorola’s lightweight design and bigger battery, the significant performance leap provided by the Exynos 2200 is hard to ignore. As a tech enthusiast, I frequently use my phone for demanding tasks, and the S23 FE's superior chip would offer a far smoother experience. Additionally, the more advanced camera system and video recording capabilities appeal to my desire for top-tier image and video quality. The promise of longer software support is also a key factor.
While the Motorola would serve well for many users, the S23 FE offers a better overall package for me personally, despite its increased weight. It really boils down to what you value most in a smartphone, and for me, that’s raw performance and advanced features.
