Alright, let's dive into a detailed comparison between the Motorola Moto G (2022) and the Motorola Edge 50 Pro. I've got my engineering hat on and am ready to break down these devices in a way that's both technically accurate and easy to understand.
1. Specifications Breakdown
Here’s a detailed table comparing the key specs of each phone, along with their real-world implications:
Feature | Motorola Moto G (2022) | Motorola Edge 50 Pro | Real-World Implications |
---|---|---|---|
Design | |||
Dimensions | 165.4 × 75.8 × 9.4 mm | 161.2 × 72.4 × 8.2 mm | Edge 50 Pro is more compact and easier to handle. The Moto G 2022 is a bit bulkier. |
Weight | 204g | 186g | Edge 50 Pro feels lighter and more comfortable in hand for longer periods. |
Display | |||
Size | 6.5" | 6.7" | Edge 50 Pro has a slightly larger display for a more immersive viewing experience. |
Resolution | 720x1600 | 1220x2712 | Edge 50 Pro's display is significantly sharper, great for detailed content. |
PPI | 270 | 446 | Edge 50 Pro provides much crisper text and images. |
Technology | IPS LCD | P-OLED | Edge 50 Pro's P-OLED offers richer colors, deeper blacks, and better viewing angles. |
Refresh Rate | 90Hz | 144Hz | Edge 50 Pro has a much smoother display, enhancing gaming and scrolling. |
Brightness | 0 nits | 2000 nits | Edge 50 Pro is much more readable outdoors, even in direct sunlight. |
Performance | |||
Chipset | Mediatek Dimensity 700 (7 nm) | Qualcomm Snapdragon 7 Gen 3 (4 nm) | Edge 50 Pro is significantly faster, handles more demanding apps with ease. |
AnTuTu Score | 389,300 | 866,863 | Edge 50 Pro scores significantly higher, indicating a substantial performance advantage. |
GPU | Mali-G57 MC2 | Adreno 720 | Edge 50 Pro's graphics capabilities are far superior, better for gaming and graphics-intensive apps. |
Camera | |||
Standard Camera | 50MP, f/1.8, 1/2.76", 0.64µm | 50MP, f/1.4, 2.00µm | Edge 50 Pro captures brighter and clearer images, especially in low light. |
Selfie Camera | 13MP, f/2.2, 1.12µm | 50MP, f/1.9, 0.64µm | Edge 50 Pro has a higher-resolution selfie camera and wider aperture, better quality selfies. |
Telephoto Lens | None | 10MP, f/2.0, 1.00µm | Edge 50 Pro can zoom in with minimal loss in quality. |
Wide Angle Lens | None | 13MP, f/2.2, 1.12µm | Edge 50 Pro can capture expansive landscapes. |
Portrait Mode (depth) | 2MP, f/2.4, 1.75µm | None | Moto G 2022 offers basic depth sensing for portrait mode. |
Macro Lens | 2MP, f/2.4, 1.75µm | None | Moto G 2022 can capture close-up details. |
Video | 1080p@30fps | 4K@30fps, 1080p@120fps with HDR & EIS | Edge 50 Pro shoots higher quality videos with stabilization and higher frame rates. |
Camera Features | Basic features | OIS, Time-lapse, RAW, Night Mode | Edge 50 Pro offers more robust photography options. |
Battery Life | |||
Capacity | 5000mAh | 4500mAh | Moto G 2022 has a larger battery for potentially longer use between charges. |
Charging | 10W fast charging | 125W fast charging, 50W wireless, 10W reverse wireless | Edge 50 Pro charges much faster, and includes wireless charging options. |
Software | |||
OS | Android 12 | Android 14 | Edge 50 Pro comes with the latest Android version, offering better features and security. |
Connectivity | |||
WiFi | 802.11ac | Wi-Fi 7 (802.11be) | Edge 50 Pro offers significantly faster Wi-Fi and enhanced capabilities. |
Bluetooth | 5.1 | 5.4 | Edge 50 Pro has better connectivity and audio features. |
GPS | GPS, A-GPS, GLONASS, SUPL | GPS, A-GPS, GLONASS, SUPL, Galileo, GPS (L1+L5), Galileo (E1+E5a), NavIC System | Edge 50 Pro provides more precise and reliable navigation. |
SIM | Single SIM | Dual SIM (Nano SIM + eSIM) | Edge 50 Pro supports eSIM for digital carrier switching |
Storage | |||
Internal | 64GB | 256 GB/512 GB/1024GB | Edge 50 Pro provides far more storage. |
RAM | 6 GB | 12 GB / 16 GB | Edge 50 Pro has significantly more RAM, boosting multitasking performance. |
Expandable | No | No | Neither phone supports expandable storage. |
Audio | |||
Quality | Basic audio features | Dolby Atmos, Stereo Speakers, 3 microphones | Edge 50 Pro has enhanced audio capabilities with Dolby Atmos and stereo speakers |
Security | |||
Security | side-mounted fingerprint sensor | basic fingerprint sensor | Moto G (2022) fingerprint sensor is better |
Build Quality | |||
Screen Protection | Unknown | Corning Gorilla Glass Victus | Edge 50 Pro has stronger screen protection. |
Sensors | |||
Sensors | Barometer, Fingerprint, Accelerometer, Compass, Gyroscope | Fingerprint, Accelerometer, Compass, Gyroscope | Moto G (2022) has a more comprehensive sensor suite |
2. Key Insights
- Motorola Moto G (2022):
- Strengths: It’s a budget-friendly device with a large battery, making it a decent option for users focused on endurance. The inclusion of a barometer is a rare find at this price point.
- Limitations: The lower-resolution screen, slower chipset, basic camera, and slow charging speeds are significant compromises. It lacks the premium build quality and advanced features of more modern devices.
- Motorola Edge 50 Pro:
- Strengths: It shines with a vibrant P-OLED display, a high-performance chipset, a versatile camera system (including telephoto and wide-angle lenses), incredibly fast charging, and enhanced audio. The build quality is also better, thanks to Gorilla Glass Victus protection.
- Limitations: It has a smaller battery capacity and lacks a dedicated macro lens, which might be a drawback for some users. There's no expandable storage, but the larger storage options may compensate for this.
3. User Profiles and Recommendations
Motorola Moto G (2022) is ideal for:
- Budget-conscious users: Those who need a functional smartphone without breaking the bank.
- Users prioritizing battery life: Individuals who value long battery life over other features.
- Basic smartphone users: Those who use their phone for basic tasks like calling, texting, and light browsing.
Motorola Edge 50 Pro is ideal for:
- Tech enthusiasts: Users who want top-tier performance, camera quality, and display technology.
- Content creators: Those who need high-quality video recording and versatile camera capabilities.
- Power users: Individuals who multitask heavily, play graphically intensive games, and enjoy media consumption.
- Users who value fast charging: Those who hate waiting for their phone to charge.
- Users who value quality display and audio. Those who prioritize a great viewing and audio experience.
4. Buying Decision Framework
Consider these three questions when choosing between the Motorola Moto G (2022) and the Motorola Edge 50 Pro:
- What is your budget? If price is the primary constraint, the Moto G (2022) is the more affordable option.
- What are your key usage scenarios? If you are a casual user focused on calls, texts, and basic browsing, the Moto G (2022) will suffice. If you want higher-quality media, gaming, content creation, or a robust multitasking device, the Edge 50 Pro is a better fit.
- Which features are most important to you? If a large battery is your main priority, the Moto G (2022) is sufficient. However, if you desire a superior display, performance, camera, and charging speeds, the Edge 50 Pro is the way to go.
Scenario-based recommendations:
- Scenario 1: You're on a tight budget and need a reliable phone for daily communication and basic tasks. Recommendation: Motorola Moto G (2022).
- Scenario 2: You're an avid gamer and want a phone with smooth graphics and fast performance. Recommendation: Motorola Edge 50 Pro.
- Scenario 3: You enjoy photography and want a versatile camera system for different shooting scenarios. Recommendation: Motorola Edge 50 Pro.
- Scenario 4: You often forget to charge your phone, and need a device that lasts as long as possible between charges. Recommendation: Motorola Moto G (2022).
- Scenario 5: You require high-quality media consumption and want immersive audio. Recommendation: Motorola Edge 50 Pro.
- Scenario 6: You're a professional who juggles multiple apps simultaneously and needs a responsive multitasking machine. Recommendation: Motorola Edge 50 Pro.
My Choice
If I were choosing between these two, I would absolutely go for the Motorola Edge 50 Pro. While the Moto G (2022) has its place as an affordable, basic smartphone, the Edge 50 Pro is just in a completely different league when it comes to the user experience and specifications. The performance bump from the Snapdragon chipset, the crisp and bright P-OLED display with its buttery smooth 144Hz refresh rate, and the versatile camera array with the addition of telephoto and ultrawide lenses makes this phone hard to resist. And, as a tech journalist who relies on my smartphone for photos and videos on-the-go, the significant improvement in camera quality, video capabilities, and the inclusion of Optical Image Stabilization (OIS) is essential to my workflow. I'm all about devices that not only do what I need but inspire me to create, and the Edge 50 Pro fits that bill perfectly.
Sure, the larger battery on the Moto G (2022) is tempting, but the Edge 50 Pro's ultra-fast charging capabilities make that less of a concern. I’d trade a little bit of battery capacity for the superior experience in nearly every other area. Additionally, the premium build and the faster WiFi connectivity makes the Edge 50 Pro the device I'd choose without hesitation.
I hope this helps you decide which device best fits your needs!