Alright, let's dive into a detailed comparison of the Motorola Edge (2022) and the Samsung Galaxy S24 FE. I'll be breaking down the specs, looking at real-world implications, and figuring out who each phone is best for.
1. Specifications Breakdown
Here's a side-by-side look at the key specs of each phone, along with how these translate into actual user experiences:
| Feature | Motorola Edge (2022) | Samsung Galaxy S24 FE | Real-World Implications |
|---|---|---|---|
| DESIGN | |||
| Dimensions | 160.9 × 74.2 × 8 mm | 162 × 77.3 × 8 mm | The S24 FE is slightly taller and wider. Both are equally thin at 8mm. The Edge (2022) might be more comfortable in smaller hands. |
| Weight | 170g | 213g | The Edge (2022) is significantly lighter making it easier to use for longer periods without fatigue. The S24 FE is noticeably heavier. |
| Build | Gorilla Glass 3 | Gorilla Glass Victus+ | S24 FE has superior screen protection, meaning better scratch resistance. The Edge (2022) has an older glass tech, so may be more prone to scratches. |
| DISPLAY | |||
| Size | 6.6" | 6.7" | The S24 FE has a slightly larger screen, providing a more immersive viewing experience. |
| Resolution | 1080x2400 | 1080x2340 | Both are very similar. The difference is likely not noticeable during everyday use. |
| Pixel Density | 399 PPI | 385 PPI | Similar sharpness. You'd be hard-pressed to see any difference with the naked eye. |
| Technology | OLED | AMOLED | Both offer vibrant colors and deep blacks, but AMOLED on the S24 FE usually has an edge in contrast. |
| Refresh Rate | 144Hz | 120Hz | The Edge (2022)'s higher refresh rate offers slightly smoother scrolling and animations. The difference isn't huge but it might appeal to gamers. |
| Brightness | 0 nits | 1900 nits | A huge difference. The S24 FE is dramatically better in bright sunlight, meaning you can see the screen clearly under the sun. The Edge (2022) doesn't offer a specific brightness value in the spec sheet, but this is a key advantage for the S24 FE. |
| PERFORMANCE | |||
| Chipset | MediaTek Dimensity 1050 (6nm) | Exynos 2400e (4nm) | The S24 FE's 4nm chip is a major leap over the 6nm chip of the Edge (2022). This means faster processing speeds, improved power efficiency, better AI and thermal performance. |
| AnTuTu Score | 522,375 | 1,600,000 | The S24 FE scores over 200% higher, indicating it’s much faster for daily tasks, gaming, and resource-intensive apps. |
| GPU | Arm Mali-G610 MC3 | Xclipse 940 | The S24 FE has a more powerful GPU, leading to better gaming performance. |
| CAMERA | |||
| Main Camera | 50MP (f/1.8, 1/1.55") | 50MP (f/1.8, 1/1.57") | Similar main camera resolutions. The Edge (2022) has a marginally larger sensor. Both likely produce great photos, but S24 FE should have a lead due to its newer processing. |
| Selfie Camera | 32MP (f/2.45) | 10.8MP (f/2.4, 1/2.65") | The Edge (2022) has higher resolution for selfies, but the S24 FE has a larger sensor, wider aperture and newer sensor which should result in better low light performance. |
| Telephoto Lens | None | 8MP (f/2.4, 1/4.4") | The S24 FE has a dedicated telephoto lens for optical zoom. The Edge (2022) relies on digital zoom. |
| Wide Angle Lens | 13MP (f/1.5) | 13MP (f/2.2, 1/3.1") | The Edge (2022) offers a wider aperture for better wide-angle shots, especially in low light. S24 FE likely uses its superior processing for better results regardless of aperture. |
| Macro Lens | 20MP (f/2.4) | None | The Edge (2022) has a dedicated macro camera for close-up shots. S24 FE does not. |
| Video | Up to 4K@30fps | Up to 8K@30fps, 4K@120fps | S24 FE can capture higher resolution and frame rates, offering more flexibility for video creation and slow motion. |
| DXOMARK | N/A | 133 (136 photo, 125 video) | S24 FE has a much better rated camera compared to the Edge (2022). |
| BATTERY LIFE | |||
| Capacity | 5000mAh | 4700mAh | The Edge (2022) has a slightly bigger battery. The difference in battery life might be negligible. |
| Charging | 30W Fast Charging | 25W Fast Charging | The Edge (2022) charges slightly faster. |
| Features | 15W Wireless, 5W Reverse | 15W Wireless, Bypass Charging, Reverse | Both have similar features. The S24 FE allows for bypass charging which is beneficial for gaming. |
| SOFTWARE | |||
| OS | Android 12 (Upgradable to 13) | Android 14 | The S24 FE has a newer version of Android, and is likely to get updates for longer. |
| CONNECTIVITY | |||
| Wi-Fi | Wi-Fi 6 | Wi-Fi 6E | The S24 FE has Wi-Fi 6E for faster and less congested wireless connections. |
| Bluetooth | 5.2 LE | 5.3 LE with extensive codec support | S24 FE has a more advanced bluetooth with a wider range of codecs. |
| GPS | GPS, A-GPS, GLONASS, Beidou, SUPL, Galileo | GPS, A-GPS, GLONASS, Beidou, QZSS, Galileo, GPS (L1+L5), GLONASS (L1), Galileo (E1+E5a), NavIC System | The S24 FE supports more satellite systems for improved location accuracy. |
| STORAGE | |||
| Internal | 128GB or 256GB | 128GB, 256GB or 512GB | S24 FE has an additional higher storage option and is likely to have faster storage. |
| RAM | 6GB or 8GB | 8GB | S24 FE comes with 8GB for better multitasking. |
| Expandable | No | No | Neither phone offers expandable storage. |
| AUDIO | |||
| Quality | Dolby Atmos, 3 Mics | Stereo Speakers | Edge (2022) includes Dolby Atmos and three microphones, which means it should have better quality audio capture and processing. |
| SECURITY | |||
| Features | basic fingerprint sensor | basic fingerprint sensor | Both offer a standard fingerprint sensor. |
2. Key Insights
Motorola Edge (2022) Strengths:
- Lighter Design: Its lighter weight is a significant advantage for comfortable, extended use.
- Higher Refresh Rate Display: The 144Hz display offers smoother scrolling and animations.
- Wider Aperture Wide Angle: The f/1.5 wide-angle lens should offer better low-light performance.
- Macro Lens: A dedicated macro lens adds versatility for close-up photography.
- Dolby Atmos & 3 Mics: Enhances the audio experience with better audio capture and immersion.
- Marginally larger battery and faster charging: May provide slightly longer battery life with marginally faster charging.
Samsung Galaxy S24 FE Strengths:
- Much Higher Performance: The Exynos 2400e chip provides significantly faster performance than the Motorola's Dimensity 1050.
- Significantly Brighter Display: The 1900 nits display is much better for outdoor visibility.
- Telephoto Lens: A dedicated telephoto lens provides optical zoom capabilities, better than digital.
- Superior Camera and Video Quality: Higher video resolution, better processing, and better overall camera scores.
- Newer Android OS: Comes with Android 14 with longer update support.
- More advanced Bluetooth: Has more extensive bluetooth codecs for audio.
- Newer WiFi: Supports Wi-Fi 6E for a more stable and faster wireless connection
- Higher storage options: Offers the option of having a 512GB version.
- Bypass Charging: Beneficial for gaming or heavy usage.
Trade-offs:
- The Edge (2022) prioritizes lighter weight and a slightly smoother refresh rate, but its performance lags behind the S24 FE.
- The S24 FE, although having overall better specs, is noticeably heavier and does not have a dedicated macro camera or superior audio system like the Edge (2022).
3. User Profiles and Recommendations
Motorola Edge (2022) is best for:
- Casual users who prioritize a comfortable, lightweight device with a decent screen and camera experience.
- Multimedia consumers who enjoy watching content on the go and appreciate slightly smoother refresh rate.
- Macro Photographers: The dedicated macro lens will be of use to users who like to take close up shots.
- Audio lovers: The Edge (2022)'s Dolby Atmos and three microphones provide a slightly better audio experience.
- Budget-conscious buyers who want good value at an affordable price.
Samsung Galaxy S24 FE is best for:
- Power users who need a device that can handle demanding apps and multitasking.
- Photography and videography enthusiasts who appreciate the telephoto lens, higher video quality, and better camera processing.
- Users who work outdoors due to the brighter screen and improved outdoor visibility.
- Gamers who need the performance for smooth, high-fps gaming.
- Future-proof buyers who want the latest specs and the latest Android OS with longer update support.
4. Buying Decision Framework
Here are three practical questions to help you choose between these phones:
- How important is raw processing power? If you need a device that can handle demanding tasks and gaming, the S24 FE is the better choice. If you are a casual user the Edge (2022) should be fine.
- How often do you use your phone outdoors in bright sunlight? If you do, the S24 FE's significantly brighter screen is essential.
- Which features do you prioritize for camera experience? If you want macro shots, Edge (2022) is the way to go, if you want a telephoto lens with optical zoom, better all around camera, video quality and scores, the S24 FE is the way to go.
Scenario-Based Recommendations:
- Scenario 1 (Casual User): You value a comfortable phone for everyday use, watching videos, browsing, and light gaming: Motorola Edge (2022).
- Scenario 2 (Creative Professional): You need a phone with a strong camera for content creation and great performance: Samsung Galaxy S24 FE.
- Scenario 3 (Gaming Enthusiast): You want the best performance possible for gaming: Samsung Galaxy S24 FE.
- Scenario 4 (Outdoor User): You are frequently outside under the sun and require a bright display: Samsung Galaxy S24 FE.
- Scenario 5 (Audio Lover): You want better audio quality and sound capture: Motorola Edge (2022).
My Choice: Samsung Galaxy S24 FE
If I were to choose between these two phones, I would go with the Samsung Galaxy S24 FE. While I appreciate the lighter weight and slightly smoother refresh rate of the Motorola Edge (2022), the raw performance difference and the superior display brightness on the S24 FE are too significant to overlook. As someone who often uses my phone for various tasks, I need a device that can keep up with my pace, not only that, the superior camera, video quality and higher storage option is a plus for me.
