Alright, let's dive into a detailed comparison of the Motorola Edge (2022) and the Samsung Galaxy Z Fold6. This isn't just about specs; it's about how these devices fit into your life and what they offer in the real world.
1. Specifications Breakdown
Here's a side-by-side comparison of the key technical specifications, along with an explanation of their real-world implications:
| Feature | Motorola Edge (2022) | Samsung Galaxy Z Fold6 | Real-World Implications |
|---|---|---|---|
| Design | |||
| Launch Date | 2022-09-22 | 2024-07-24 | Galaxy Z Fold6 is much newer, benefitting from the latest tech. |
| Foldable | Standard | Foldable | Z Fold6's folding design offers a unique tablet-like experience when unfolded. |
| Dimensions | 160.9 × 74.2 × 8 mm | 153.5 × 132.6 × 5.6 mm (Unfolded) | Edge is taller and thicker, Z Fold6 is much wider when open, creating a larger display area. |
| Weight | 170g | 239g | Edge is significantly lighter, making it more comfortable to hold for long periods. |
| Display | |||
| Size | 6.6" | 7.6" | Z Fold6 offers a larger screen for enhanced media consumption and multitasking. |
| Resolution | 1080x2400 | 1856x2160 | Z Fold6 has a higher resolution, providing sharper visuals and greater detail. |
| Pixel Density | 399 PPI | 374 PPI | Edge has slightly sharper text and images. |
| Technology | OLED | Edge uses OLED for vibrant colors and deep blacks. | |
| Refresh Rate | 144Hz | 120Hz | Edge has a slightly smoother display for fast-paced action. |
| Brightness | 0 nits | 0 nits | Both have similar peak brightness, which is unusual as this is typically a key spec in comparing screens, consider this spec is missing from the data. |
| Performance | |||
| Chipset | MediaTek Dimensity 1050 (6nm) | Qualcomm Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 (4nm) | Z Fold6's chipset is much more powerful, offering better performance for gaming, multitasking, and intensive applications. |
| Antutu Score | 522,375 | 2,200,000 | Z Fold6 delivers significantly faster app loading, smoother multitasking, and improved future-proofing. |
| GPU | Arm Mali-G610 MC3 | Adreno 750 (1 GHz) | Z Fold6's GPU is far more powerful, supporting demanding graphics for gaming. |
| Battery | |||
| Capacity | 5000mAh | 4400mAh | Edge has a larger battery and likely better battery life. |
| Charging | 30W Fast Charging | 25W Fast Charging | Edge charges faster, getting you back to 100% quicker. |
| Features | 15W Wireless, 5W Reverse | 15W Wireless, 4.5W Reverse, Bypass Charging | Edge offers faster reverse wireless charging, while Z Fold6 has bypass charging for extended gaming and video capture sessions. |
| Camera | |||
| Standard Lens | 50MP (f/1.8) | 50MP (f/1.8) | Both have capable main cameras for everyday photography, no sensor details for Samsung. |
| Selfie Lens | 32MP (f/2.45) | 10MP (f/2.2) | Edge offers higher-resolution selfies, while Z Fold6 has a wider aperture for better low-light. |
| Telephoto Lens | None | 10MP (f/2.4) | Z Fold6 has a dedicated telephoto lens for optical zoom capabilities. |
| Wide-Angle Lens | 13MP (f/1.5) | 12MP (f/2.2) | Edge has a wider aperture for better low-light wide-angle shots, while Samsung is slightly less wide. |
| Macro Lens | 20MP (f/2.4) | None | Edge offers dedicated macro photography for close-up shots. |
| Video | 4K@30fps | 8K@30fps | Z Fold6 has higher resolution video for professional-grade video capture. |
| DXOMark | N/A | 133 (Mobile) | Z Fold6 has a benchmark score indicating great overall camera quality. |
| Features | Variety | Wide Variety | Z Fold6 supports more advanced camera features, better video recording capabilities. |
| Software | |||
| OS | Android 12 (up to 13) | Android 14 (up to 18) | Z Fold6 has a more modern OS with a longer update lifespan. |
| Connectivity | |||
| WiFi | WiFi 6 | WiFi 6 | Both support the latest WiFi standards, Samsung also supports MiMO. |
| Bluetooth | 5.2 LE | 5.3 LE | Z Fold6 has newer, more power-efficient Bluetooth with more codecs. |
| GPS | GPS, A-GPS, GLONASS, Beidou, SUPL, Galileo | GPS, A-GPS, GLONASS, Beidou, Galileo, GPS (L1+L5), GLONASS (L1), BeiDou (B1), Galileo (E1+E5a) | Z Fold6 has more accurate GPS with dual-band capability. |
| SIM | Dual SIM (Nano + eSIM) | Dual SIM (Nano + Nano/eSIM) | Both are Dual SIM devices, with eSIM availability. |
| Storage | |||
| Internal | 128/256GB | 256/512/1024GB | Z Fold6 offers significantly more storage options. |
| RAM | 6/8GB | 12GB | Z Fold6 has more RAM, enhancing multitasking capabilities. |
| Expandable | No | No | Neither phone offers expandable storage. |
| Audio | |||
| Quality | Dolby Atmos, Stereo, Mic NC | Dolby Atmos, Stereo Speakers | Edge has better features for calls and recording. |
| Security | |||
| Features | Basic fingerprint | Side-mounted fingerprint | Z Fold6’s side-mounted fingerprint sensor is generally faster and more convenient. |
| Build Quality | |||
| Protection | Gorilla Glass 3 | Gorilla Glass Victus 2 | Z Fold6's screen is better protected against scratches and drops. |
| Sensors | |||
| Sensors | Biometric, Proximity, Accelerometer, Compass, Gyroscope, Magnetometer, Barometer | Biometric, Proximity, Accelerometer, Compass, Gyroscope, Barometer, Gravity, Hall, Geomagnetic | Samsung offers more advanced sensors, enhancing accuracy for motion and environmental awareness. |
2. Key Insights
Motorola Edge (2022) Strengths:
- Lightweight and Comfortable: Much lighter than the Z Fold6, which is excellent for prolonged use.
- Faster Charging & Longer Battery: Provides a larger battery and faster charging, ideal for a long day out.
- Smoother Display: Offers a 144Hz refresh rate, ideal for gamers and smooth animations.
- Macro Lens: Dedicated Macro lens
- Better Audio Capture: Has noise cancellation and 3 microphones for better audio in calls and recordings.
- More Affordable: Significantly less expensive, making it an accessible high-performance device.
Samsung Galaxy Z Fold6 Strengths:
- Unique Foldable Design: Offers a larger, tablet-like display when unfolded, great for media consumption and productivity.
- Superior Performance: The Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 provides top-tier performance for demanding tasks and gaming.
- High-Resolution Display: The significantly higher resolution provides very sharp images.
- Advanced Camera System: Features telephoto lens, a higher-quality video resolution with more advanced video features.
- More Storage & RAM: Offers more storage options and RAM for multitasking.
- Better Bluetooth: Has a newer Bluetooth version for better performance and connection to newer devices.
- Future-Proof Software: Comes with a newer Android version and a longer software support lifecycle.
- Build Quality: Comes with superior build quality in terms of screen protection.
Trade-offs:
- Edge: Less powerful chipset and camera system than the Z Fold6. Basic screen protection and older operating system.
- Z Fold6: Significantly heavier, more expensive and with a smaller battery.
3. User Profiles and Recommendations
Motorola Edge (2022):
Best For:
- Users who prioritize lightweight comfort, long battery life, and a smooth display.
- Budget-conscious buyers looking for a high-performance device without breaking the bank.
- Everyday users who need reliable performance for basic tasks and gaming without any specific use case needing the highest performance.
- Users who need a great microphone setup for calls or recording.
Use Cases:
- Long days away from a charger with intensive phone use.
- Mobile gamers who appreciate smooth scrolling.
- Users who need a dedicated macro lens for very close up shots.
- Users who need an affordable phone with all the modern trimmings.
Samsung Galaxy Z Fold6:
- Best For:
- Power users who need a versatile device for multitasking, media consumption, and high-performance gaming.
- Tech enthusiasts who desire the latest in cutting-edge technology and innovative design.
- Users who value a large display for productivity and entertainment on the go.
- Those who prioritize a high-quality camera system with advanced video capabilities.
- Use Cases:
- Mobile professionals who need a portable device for emails, presentations, and document editing.
- Content creators who require high-resolution video recording and advanced camera features.
- Gamers who demand top-tier performance and a large, immersive display.
- Users who want the latest cutting edge tech.
4. Buying Decision Framework
To help you decide between the Motorola Edge (2022) and the Samsung Galaxy Z Fold6, ask yourself these questions:
- Budget: How much are you willing to spend on a smartphone? The Edge is the clear budget-friendly choice, while the Z Fold6 is a high end device.
- Use Case: Do you prioritize a lightweight device with long battery life or a versatile device with cutting-edge technology and design? The edge is a phone, the fold6 is a tablet, what do you need?
- Performance: Do you need the highest level of performance for gaming and demanding tasks, or is good performance enough for your daily use?
Scenario-Based Recommendations:
- Scenario 1: If you need an affordable phone for everyday use and enjoy smooth gameplay, the Motorola Edge (2022) is the better option.
- Scenario 2: If you're a professional who needs top-tier performance, a big screen, and the latest technology, the Samsung Galaxy Z Fold6 is the superior choice.
- Scenario 3: If you are a content creator and require professional video capabilities, the Samsung Galaxy Z Fold6 is the better option.
My Choice
Personally, I'd choose the Samsung Galaxy Z Fold6. While the Motorola Edge (2022) is an excellent device, it is the performance, screen quality, and camera that appeal to me for their cutting edge and premium technology. As a tech journalist, I'm always looking for the latest innovations and the Z Fold6 offers more in that regard with its folding screen and the power of the Snapdragon 8 Gen 3.
The Z Fold 6 is not necessarily the better phone overall, the Motorola excels in many ways, but the use case and focus that comes with a cutting edge product such as the Samsung Z Fold 6 outweighs the areas the Edge excels in for my personal needs.
