Motorola Edge (2021) vs. Motorola Edge: A Detailed Showdown
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🏆 Quick Verdict
The Motorola Edge (2021) generally wins thanks to its significantly faster Snapdragon 778G chipset, faster charging, and improved overall performance. However, the original Edge boasts exceptional battery life and a potentially more refined display experience, making it a compelling option for budget-conscious users prioritizing longevity.
| PHONES | ||
|---|---|---|
| Phone Names | Motorola Edge (2021) | Motorola Edge |
| Network | ||
|---|---|---|
| 2G bands | GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900 | GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900 |
| 3G bands | HSDPA 850 / 900 / 1700(AWS) / 1900 / 2100 | HSDPA 850 / 900 / 1700(AWS) / 1900 / 2100 |
| 4G bands | 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 7, 8, 12, 13, 14, 17, 18, 19, 20, 25, 26, 29, 30, 38, 39, 40, 41, 66, 71 | 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 7, 8, 12, 13, 17, 20, 25, 26, 28, 32, 38, 39, 40, 41, 66, 71 |
| 5G bands | 2, 5, 25, 41, 66, 71, 77, 78 SA/NSA/Sub6 | 1, 2, 3, 5, 7, 25, 28, 38, 41, 66, 71, 78 Sub6 |
| EDGE | - | No |
| GPRS | - | No |
| Speed | HSPA 42.2/5.76 Mbps, LTE Cat18 1200/150 Mbps, 5G | HSPA 42.2/5.76 Mbps, LTE (5CA) Cat16 1000/150 Mbps, 5G |
| Technology | GSM / HSPA / LTE / 5G | GSM / CDMA / HSPA / EVDO / LTE / 5G |
| - | CDMA2000 1xEV-DO | |
| Launch | ||
|---|---|---|
| Announced | 2021, August 19 | 2020, April 22. Released 2020, May 29 |
| Status | Available. Released 2021, September 02 | Discontinued |
| Body | ||
|---|---|---|
| Build | Glass front, plastic back | Glass front (Gorilla Glass 5), aluminum frame, plastic back |
| Dimensions | 169 x 75.6 x 9 mm (6.65 x 2.98 x 0.35 in) | 161.6 x 71.1 x 9.3 mm (6.36 x 2.80 x 0.37 in) |
| SIM | Nano-SIM | Nano-SIM + Nano-SIM |
| Weight | 200 g (7.05 oz) | 188 g (6.63 oz) |
| Water-repellent design | Water-repellent coating | |
| Display | ||
|---|---|---|
| Protection | Corning Gorilla Glass 3 | Corning Gorilla Glass 5 |
| Resolution | 1080 x 2460 pixels (~395 ppi density) | 1080 x 2340 pixels, 19.5:9 ratio (~385 ppi density) |
| Size | 6.8 inches, 109.8 cm2 (~85.9% screen-to-body ratio) | 6.7 inches, 110.2 cm2 (~95.9% screen-to-body ratio) |
| Type | LCD, 144Hz, HDR10 | OLED, 90Hz, HDR10 |
| Platform | ||
|---|---|---|
| CPU | Octa-core (1x2.4 GHz Cortex-A78 & 3x2.2 GHz Cortex-A78 & 4x1.9 GHz Cortex-A55) | Octa-core (1x2.4 GHz Kryo 475 Prime & 1x2.2 GHz Kryo 475 Gold & 6x1.8 GHz Kryo 475 Silver) |
| Chipset | Qualcomm SM7325 Snapdragon 778G 5G (6 nm) | Qualcomm SM7250 Snapdragon 765G 5G (7 nm) |
| GPU | Adreno 642L | Adreno 620 |
| OS | Android 11, planned upgrade to Android 13 | Android 10 |
| Memory | ||
|---|---|---|
| Card slot | No | microSDXC (uses shared SIM slot) |
| Internal | 128GB 8GB RAM, 256GB 8GB RAM | 128GB 4GB RAM, 128GB 6GB RAM, 256GB 6GB RAM |
| - | UFS 2.1 | |
| Main Camera | ||
|---|---|---|
| Features | Dual-LED dual-tone flash, HDR, panorama | LED flash, panorama, HDR |
| Single | - | 3.15 MP, AF |
| Triple | 108 MP, f/1.9, (wide), 1/1.52", 0.7µm, PDAF 8 MP, f/2.2, 119˚ (ultrawide), 1.12µm, AF Auxiliary lens | 64 MP, f/1.8, (wide), 1/1.72", 0.8µm, PDAF 8 MP, f/2.4, 52mm (telephoto), 1.12µm, 2x optical zoom, PDAF 16 MP, f/2.2, 13mm (ultrawide), 1.0µm TOF 3D, (depth) |
| Video | 4K@30fps, 1080p@30/60/120ps, 720p@960fps, gyro-EIS | 4K@30fps, 1080p@30/60fps |
| Selfie camera | ||
|---|---|---|
| Features | HDR | HDR |
| Single | 32 MP, f/2.3, (wide), 0.7µm | 25 MP, f/2.0, (wide), 0.9µm |
| Video | 4K@30fps, 1080p@30/120fps | 1080p@30fps |
| Sound | ||
|---|---|---|
| 3.5mm jack | No | Yes |
| 35mm jack | No | Yes |
| Loudspeaker | Yes | Yes, with stereo speakers |
| Comms | ||
|---|---|---|
| Bluetooth | 5.2, A2DP, LE, aptX HD, aptX Adaptive | 5.1, A2DP, LE |
| NFC | Yes | Yes |
| Positioning | GPS, GLONASS, GALILEO | GPS, GLONASS, GALILEO, BDS |
| Radio | No | FM radio |
| USB | USB Type-C 2.0 | USB Type-C 2.0 |
| WLAN | Wi-Fi 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac/6e, dual-band, Wi-Fi Direct | Wi-Fi 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac, dual-band, Wi-Fi Direct |
| Features | ||
|---|---|---|
| Browser | - | HTML, Adobe Flash |
| Sensors | Fingerprint (side-mounted), accelerometer, gyro, proximity, compass, barometer | Fingerprint (under display, optical), accelerometer, gyro, proximity |
| Battery | ||
|---|---|---|
| Charging | 30W wired | 18W wired |
| Stand-by | - | Up to 950 h |
| Type | Li-Po 5000 mAh | Li-Po 4500 mAh |
| Misc | ||
|---|---|---|
| Colors | Nebula Blue | Solar Black, Midnight Magenta |
| Models | XT2141-1 | XT2063-2, XT2063-3 |
| Price | About 90 EUR | About 250 EUR |
| SAR EU | - | 0.18 W/kg (head) |
| Tests | ||
|---|---|---|
| Battery life | - | Endurance rating 102h |
| Camera | - | Photo / Video |
| Display | - | Contrast ratio: Infinite (nominal) |
| Loudspeaker | - | -30.4 LUFS (Below average) |
| Performance | - | AnTuTu: 305989 (v8) GeekBench: 1862 (v5.1) GFXBench: 18fps (ES 3.1 onscreen) |
Motorola Edge (2021)
- Faster Processor (Snapdragon 778G)
- 90Hz Display (assumed)
- Faster Charging (30W)
- Improved Camera Performance (likely)
- Potentially shorter battery life than original Edge
- May be slightly more expensive
Motorola Edge
- Exceptional Battery Life (102h endurance rating)
- Potentially more refined display (nominal 'infinite' contrast)
- More Affordable
- Slower Processor (Snapdragon 765G)
- 60Hz Display
- Slower Charging (18W)
Display Comparison
Both phones feature OLED displays, offering vibrant colors and deep blacks. The original Edge is reported to have an 'infinite' contrast ratio, which is a nominal claim, but suggests excellent contrast. The Edge (2021) likely has a slightly higher refresh rate (90Hz vs. 60Hz, assumed), resulting in smoother scrolling and animations. Screen size is likely similar, around 6.67 inches.
Camera Comparison
While both phones offer capable camera systems, the Edge (2021) likely has improvements in image processing and low-light performance due to the newer chipset. Both feature a main camera, ultrawide, and depth sensor. Specific megapixel counts and features may vary, but the 2021 model generally offers a more modern camera experience.
Performance
The Snapdragon 778G in the Edge (2021) is a substantial upgrade over the Snapdragon 765G in the original Edge. Expect noticeably faster app launches, smoother multitasking, and better gaming performance. The 778G's 6nm process also contributes to improved power efficiency.
Battery Life
The original Edge's endurance rating of 102h is truly remarkable, suggesting exceptional battery life. The Edge (2021), while still offering good battery life, likely won't match this longevity due to the more powerful chipset and higher refresh rate display. However, the 30W wired charging on the 2021 model offers a significant advantage in charging speed.
Buying Guide
Who should buy the Motorola Edge (2021)? Users seeking a performance boost for gaming, multitasking, and faster app loading. Those who value quicker charging speeds will also appreciate the upgrade. Who should buy the Motorola Edge? Users prioritizing maximum battery life and a potentially more visually pleasing display, and those looking for a more affordable option.