Alright, let's dive into a head-to-head comparison of the Motorola Moto G (2022) and the Motorola Edge 40 Neo. I've got my engineering hat on and I'm ready to break down these two phones, focusing on what actually matters to you, the user.
1. Specifications Breakdown
Here's a detailed look at how these two devices stack up, with a focus on real-world implications:
| Feature | Motorola Moto G (2022) | Motorola Edge 40 Neo | Real-World Implications |
|---|---|---|---|
| Design | |||
| Dimensions | 165.4 x 75.8 x 9.4 mm | 159.6 x 72 x 7.9 mm | Edge 40 Neo is noticeably slimmer and lighter, making it more comfortable to hold and carry. |
| Weight | 204g | 170g | Edge 40 Neo is 34g lighter, reducing hand fatigue during long periods of use. |
| Display | |||
| Size | 6.5" | 6.55" | Both have very similar display sizes; a negligible difference for most users. |
| Resolution | 720 x 1600 | 1080 x 2400 | Edge 40 Neo has a much sharper and clearer screen, significantly improving detail and image quality. |
| Pixel Density (PPI) | 270 | 402 | Edge 40 Neo's higher PPI means text and images will look much crisper, particularly noticeable when reading or viewing photos. |
| Technology | IPS LCD | P-OLED | Edge 40 Neo has deeper blacks, better contrast and wider viewing angles which will improve color vibrancy & visual experience. |
| Refresh Rate | 90Hz | 144Hz | Edge 40 Neo’s 144Hz refresh rate makes scrolling and animations feel much smoother and more responsive. |
| Brightness | 0 nits | 1300 nits | Edge 40 Neo is much more visible in bright sunlight, ensuring comfortable use outdoors. |
| Performance | |||
| Chipset | Dimensity 700 (7nm) | Dimensity 7030 (6nm) | Edge 40 Neo's slightly newer chip offers improved performance and efficiency. |
| Antutu Score | 389,300 | 527,666 | Edge 40 Neo will feel snappier overall, with faster app loading and better multitasking. |
| GPU | Mali-G57 MC2 | Mali-G610 MC3 | Edge 40 Neo's better GPU translates to smoother graphics performance in games and graphically demanding apps. |
| Camera | |||
| Main Camera Sensor | 50MP, 1/2.76" | 50MP, 1/1.55" | Edge 40 Neo's larger sensor captures more light, improving image quality, especially in low light. |
| Selfie Camera | 13MP, f/2.2 | 32MP, f/2.4 | Edge 40 Neo delivers much higher resolution for sharper selfies. The Moto G 2022 has a slightly wider aperture for better light sensitivity. |
| Additional Cameras | 2MP Depth, 2MP Macro | 13MP Wide + Macro | Moto G (2022) has dedicated depth and macro lenses; Edge 40 Neo has a wide-angle/macro lens that likely has more utility. |
| Video | 1080p@30fps | Up to 4K@30fps | Edge 40 Neo supports 4K video recording, offering much higher video quality, plus stabilization at all resolutions. |
| Camera Features | PDAF, HDR, etc. | OIS, LAF, 4K, RAW, Night Mode | Edge 40 Neo has Optical Image Stabilization, Laser Autofocus, better video capabilities, and more advanced features. |
| DXOMark | - | 103 (Mobile) | Edge 40 Neo's camera has received an objective score indicating it has much better performance. |
| Battery Life | |||
| Capacity | 5000mAh | 5000mAh | Both phones should provide similar battery life with average usage. |
| Charging | 10W | 68W | Edge 40 Neo charges much faster, significantly reducing downtime. |
| Software | |||
| OS | Android 12 | Android 13 | Edge 40 Neo ships with a more up-to-date version of Android, and confirmed upgrades to Android 15, providing access to newer features and security updates. |
| Connectivity | |||
| Wi-Fi | Wi-Fi 5 | Wi-Fi 6 | Edge 40 Neo supports Wi-Fi 6, offering faster and more reliable wireless connections. |
| Bluetooth | 5.1 | 5.4 | Edge 40 Neo has a newer Bluetooth version which offers improved power efficiency and connection stability. |
| SIM | Single SIM | Dual SIM + eSIM | Edge 40 Neo offers more flexibility in carrier options and travel convenience. |
| Storage | |||
| Internal Storage | 64 GB | 256 GB | Edge 40 Neo has significantly more storage for apps, photos, and videos. |
| RAM | 6 GB | 8/12 GB | Edge 40 Neo’s 8GB or 12GB RAM configurations enable smoother multitasking and operation for demanding apps. |
| Expandable Storage | No | No | Neither phone supports additional storage through microSD cards. |
| Audio | |||
| Audio Quality | Basic Audio | Dolby Atmos, Stereo Speakers | Edge 40 Neo offers a more immersive and richer audio experience, great for media consumption. |
| Security | |||
| Security | Side fingerprint | Basic fingerprint sensor | Moto G (2022) has side-mounted fingerprint sensor; Both provide basic biometric security. |
| Build Quality | |||
| Screen Protection | Unknown | Corning Gorilla Glass 3 | Edge 40 Neo has superior screen protection, reducing risk of scratches and damage. |
| Sensors | |||
| Sensors | Fingerprint, Accelerometer, Compass, Gyroscope, Proximity, Barometer | Fingerprint, Accelerometer, Compass, Gyroscope, Proximity | Moto G (2022) has additional Barometer sensor, useful for tracking changes in atmospheric pressure. |
2. Key Insights
Motorola Moto G (2022)
- Strengths: The Moto G (2022) is the budget-friendly option of the two, and it does have a few things going for it. The side-mounted fingerprint sensor is a useful touch, and its sensor suite is quite complete.
- Competitive Advantages: This phone could be appealing for someone looking for the cheapest possible way into an Android smartphone with a 5000 mAh battery. The 2MP macro and depth sensors might be nice for those who like to experiment with their phone camera, though they are of low quality.
- Trade-offs: The Moto G (2022) has a low-resolution display, a slower chipset, basic camera capabilities, and a very slow charging speed. It's a more basic experience overall compared to the Edge 40 Neo.
Motorola Edge 40 Neo
- Strengths: The Edge 40 Neo is superior in virtually every way, from its vivid P-OLED display and fast refresh rate to its significantly better camera, performance, and charging speed. It has a modern design that is sleek, slim, and lightweight.
- Competitive Advantages: Its P-OLED display, 4K video recording, optical stabilization, faster charging, and larger storage space provide a premium smartphone experience at a more accessible price point.
- Trade-offs: The Edge 40 Neo does not have a barometer, which may be important for those who take outdoor excursions in areas with changing weather conditions.
3. User Profiles and Recommendations
Motorola Moto G (2022) is ideal for:
- Budget-conscious users who need a basic smartphone for calls, messaging, and light app usage.
- Individuals who don't require high-performance gaming, media consumption or photography.
- Users who do not take a lot of photos or videos and who value battery life over camera quality.
Motorola Edge 40 Neo is ideal for:
- Users who want a high-quality display for media consumption, gaming and general use.
- Photography enthusiasts who want better low-light performance, higher resolution, and better video recording capabilities.
- Those who value smooth performance, fast charging, and a sleek, modern design.
- Users who need more storage for a large collection of apps, photos, and videos.
4. Buying Decision Framework
Here are three questions to help you decide:
- How much do I care about screen quality? If you value clarity, vibrancy, and sharpness, the Edge 40 Neo's P-OLED display is a significant step up.
- Do I take a lot of photos and videos? If so, the Edge 40 Neo's improved camera, OIS, and 4K video capabilities make it the better choice.
- Do I value performance and charging speed? The Edge 40 Neo's faster chipset and 68W charging are a big plus if you want a responsive device that recharges quickly.
Scenario-Based Recommendations:
- The "Bargain Hunter": If your priority is saving money and you're not particularly demanding, the Moto G (2022) will suffice.
- The "Media Lover": If you want a great screen for videos and games, the Edge 40 Neo is your phone.
- The "Power User": If you value performance, fast charging, and a smooth experience with demanding apps, the Edge 40 Neo will be far more suitable.
- The "Amateur Photographer": If you take lots of photos and videos, the Edge 40 Neo will significantly outperform the Moto G (2022) with better low light capture, more detail, higher resolutions, and stabilization.
My Choice
Personally, I'd go with the Motorola Edge 40 Neo. While it's certainly a step up in price, the improvements in display quality, performance, camera capabilities and charging speed are well worth the extra cost. The superior screen, faster charging, and larger storage are things that I value and would directly impact my daily experience with the phone. As a tech journalist, I often rely on a high-quality display to view images, videos, and text. Having the ability to capture higher resolution images and videos, is also extremely important when I'm documenting my reviews. I also prioritize a responsive device with the ability to charge quickly, allowing me to go throughout the day without worrying about my phone's battery life. The Edge 40 Neo just feels like a more modern and premium device, and the upgrades it has over the Moto G (2022) make it an easy pick for me.
