Alright, let’s dive into a head-to-head comparison of the Motorola Edge 30 Fusion and the Motorola Edge (2022). Both phones pack a punch, but they cater to slightly different needs and preferences. I've meticulously analyzed the specifications to break down what these differences mean for you, the user.
1. Specifications Breakdown
Here’s a detailed comparison, focusing on the real-world impact of each specification:
| Feature | Motorola Edge 30 Fusion | Motorola Edge (2022) | Real-World Implications |
|---|---|---|---|
| DESIGN | |||
| Dimensions | 158.5 × 72 × 7.5 mm | 160.9 × 74.2 × 8 mm | Edge 30 Fusion is slightly smaller and thinner, making it more pocketable; Edge (2022) is larger in hand. |
| Weight | 168g | 170g | Practically identical; both feel light and comfortable to hold. |
| DISPLAY | |||
| Size | 6.55" | 6.6" | Minimal difference, both offer immersive screen experiences. |
| Resolution | 1080x2400 | 1080x2400 | Sharp, clear visuals for both phones – excellent for content consumption. |
| PPI | 402 | 399 | Very similar; text and images look crisp. |
| Technology | P-OLED | OLED | Both are high-quality; P-OLED may offer slightly better viewing angles, but in practice similar. |
| Refresh Rate | 144Hz | 144Hz | Ultra-smooth scrolling and animations; great for gaming. |
| Brightness | 1100 nits | 0 nits (spec missing, likely lower) | Edge 30 Fusion offers significantly better outdoor visibility in bright sunlight. |
| PERFORMANCE | |||
| Chipset | Snapdragon 888+ 5G (5 nm) | Dimensity 1050 (6 nm) | Edge 30 Fusion: High-end performance, smoother gaming and multitasking; Edge (2022): Solid performance for everyday tasks. |
| AnTuTu Score | 904,900 | 522,375 | Edge 30 Fusion has significantly higher performance (73% faster), suitable for demanding tasks and heavy gaming, much faster app load times. |
| GPU | Adreno 660 | Arm Mali-G610 MC3 | Edge 30 Fusion: More powerful GPU, better for graphics-intensive games and applications. |
| BATTERY LIFE | |||
| Capacity | 4400mAh | 5000mAh | Edge (2022) has larger battery, expect longer battery life. |
| Charging | 68W Fast Charging | 30W Fast Charging | Edge 30 Fusion: Much faster charging speeds; back to full charge much faster. |
| Features | Non-removable | Wireless & Reverse Charging | Edge (2022) has wireless charging and reverse charging making it more convenient. |
| CAMERA | |||
| Standard Camera | 50MP, f/1.8, 1/1.55", OV50A | 50MP, f/1.8, 1/1.55", OV50A | Similar main camera; comparable image quality in most lighting conditions. |
| Selfie Camera | 32MP, f/2.2 | 32MP, f/2.45 | Edge 30 Fusion has a wider aperture for better low-light performance for selfies. |
| Wide Angle Lens | 13MP, f/2.2 | 13MP, f/1.5 | Edge (2022) has a wider aperture; better low-light performance for wide-angle shots. |
| Depth Camera | 2MP, f/2.4, 1/5", OV02B1B | Not Available | Edge 30 Fusion has a depth sensor for better portrait mode. |
| Macro Lens | Not Available | 20MP, f/2.4, 1/2.83", OV24B1Q | Edge (2022) has a dedicated macro lens for close-up shots. |
| Video | 8K@30fps, 4K@30fps, 1080p@60fps | 4K@30fps, 1080p@60fps | Edge 30 Fusion offers 8K video for more professional video recording capabilities, both feature EIS. |
| Camera Features | 8K Video, LAF, RAW, Night Mode | Digital zoom only | Edge 30 Fusion has more advanced features, including RAW capture for editing and night mode. |
| SOFTWARE | |||
| OS | Android 12 | Android 12 | Both are very similar, will be updated to Android 13. |
| CONNECTIVITY | |||
| WiFi | Wi-Fi 6 (802.11ax) | Wi-Fi 6 (802.11ax) | Both offer fast Wi-Fi; no significant difference in this category. |
| Bluetooth | 5.2 LE | 5.2 LE | Both have similar Bluetooth capabilities. |
| GPS | GPS (L1+L5), BeiDou (B1) | Standard GPS | Edge 30 Fusion offers more advanced GPS for better location accuracy. |
| SIM | Dual Nano SIM | Dual SIM (Nano + eSIM) | Edge (2022) offers eSIM for greater flexibility in carrier selection. Edge 30 Fusion uses two physical SIM slots. |
| STORAGE | |||
| Internal | 128GB/256GB | 128GB/256GB | Both offer the same storage options; no expandable storage on either model. |
| RAM | 8GB/12GB | 6GB/8GB | Edge 30 Fusion offers more RAM options, better for heavy multitasking. |
| Expandable Storage | No | No | Neither phone offers expandable storage. |
| AUDIO | |||
| Quality | Dolby Atmos, 2 Mics | Dolby Atmos, 3 Mics | Edge (2022) has noise cancelling microphones for clearer calls. Edge 30 Fusion only uses 2 microphones for input. |
| SECURITY | |||
| Features | Fingerprint Sensor | Fingerprint Sensor | Both provide similar biometric security measures. |
| BUILD QUALITY | |||
| Protection | Unknown | Corning Gorilla Glass 3 | Edge (2022) offers better screen protection due to Corning Gorilla Glass 3, Edge 30 fusion is unknown. |
| SENSORS | |||
| Sensors | Fingerprint, Proximity, Accelerometer, Compass, Gyroscope | Fingerprint, Proximity, Accelerometer, Compass, Gyroscope, Magnetometer, Barometer | Edge (2022) offers additional sensors including Magnetometer and Barometer. |
2. Key Insights
Motorola Edge 30 Fusion: Powerhouse Performer
- Strengths: The Edge 30 Fusion is the performance king, boasting a much more powerful Snapdragon 888+ 5G chipset, higher AnTuTu scores, 8K video recording capabilities, and more advanced camera features (Laser Autofocus, RAW, Night Mode). It's also much faster charging with 68W.
- Competitive Advantages: If you're a gamer, a heavy multitasker, or someone who cares about top-tier performance and a superior display, the Edge 30 Fusion is your go-to. The brighter display is also a considerable plus for outdoor use.
- Trade-offs: Smaller battery capacity compared to the Edge (2022), lacks wireless charging and a macro lens.
Motorola Edge (2022): The Versatile All-Rounder
- Strengths: The Edge (2022) shines with its larger battery, wireless charging, a macro camera and a wider aperture wide angle lens for low light photos. It also features additional sensors such as Barometer and Magnetometer.
- Competitive Advantages: A great option for the user who needs a reliable phone with great battery life, added versatility in camera performance for close-up photos, and convenient wireless charging.
- Trade-offs: It lags significantly behind in pure processing power and doesn't feature as advanced camera features such as laser autofocus or 8k recording.
3. User Profiles and Recommendations
Motorola Edge 30 Fusion is best for:
- Gamers: The high-performance chipset and 144Hz display make it ideal for mobile gaming.
- Power Users: Those who multitask heavily, edit videos, or run demanding applications.
- Outdoor Users: The brighter screen makes it easier to use in direct sunlight.
- Photography Enthusiasts: Those who prioritize camera features such as RAW and Night Mode
Motorola Edge (2022) is best for:
- Everyday Users: Those who need a reliable phone for daily tasks, social media, and content consumption.
- Battery-Conscious Users: Those who need a phone that lasts all day and need wireless charging.
- Photography Lovers: Those who enjoy the macro lens for closeup shots and the wide-angle lens for landscape shots.
4. Buying Decision Framework
Here are three key questions to help you choose:
How important is raw performance? If you need the most powerful experience for gaming or demanding tasks, the Edge 30 Fusion is the clear choice. If you want something good enough for daily tasks, the Edge (2022) is sufficient.
Do you prioritize battery life and wireless charging? If so, the Edge (2022)'s larger battery and wireless charging give it the edge.
What are your camera preferences? If you value macro photography and a slightly better low light experience in the wide-angle lens, the Edge (2022) is more suitable. If you want superior video quality and more features, the Edge 30 Fusion wins.
Scenario-Based Recommendations:
- Scenario 1: Gaming and heavy multitasking.
- Recommendation: Motorola Edge 30 Fusion.
- Scenario 2: All-day battery life and wireless charging.
- Recommendation: Motorola Edge (2022).
- Scenario 3: A mix of everyday tasks, social media, and occasional photos.
- Recommendation: Motorola Edge (2022), but consider the 30 fusion if you are a more demanding user.
- Scenario 4: Best overall camera performance including more features.
- Recommendation: Motorola Edge 30 Fusion
Personal Choice
If I had to choose between the two for my personal use, I would lean towards the Motorola Edge 30 Fusion.
Here's why:
While the Motorola Edge (2022) has a lot of appealing features, including an advantage in the battery department and wireless charging, the Snapdragon 888+ 5G chip and higher AnTuTu score of the Edge 30 Fusion makes it a more tempting choice. As a tech journalist and a mobile gaming enthusiast, I often find myself using my phone to test out apps, run demanding benchmarks, and push its limits. For this reason, the Edge 30 Fusion's raw performance is a considerable advantage. The superior video recording capabilities are also ideal for the creation of professional video content. While the battery and macro camera of the Edge (2022) are compelling and a nice feature to have, it doesn't outweigh the performance and higher brightness of the Edge 30 Fusion. I would much rather charge the phone quicker with 68W charging than have to wait longer at 30W.
