Motorola Edge (2021) vs. Edge+ (2023): A Detailed Showdown
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🏆 Quick Verdict
The Motorola Edge+ (2023) is the clear winner, boasting a significantly faster processor, improved camera system, and faster charging. However, it comes at a higher price. The Edge (2021) remains a viable option for budget-conscious buyers seeking a reliable, capable phone.
| PHONES | ||
|---|---|---|
| Phone Names | Motorola Edge (2021) | Motorola Edge+ (2023) |
| 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, 14, 17, 18, 20, 25, 26, 28, 29, 30, 38, 39, 40, 41, 41, 46, 48, 66, 71 |
| 5G bands | 2, 5, 25, 41, 66, 71, 77, 78 SA/NSA/Sub6 | 1, 2, 3, 5, 7, 12, 14, 20, 25, 26, 28, 29, 30, 38, 41, 41, 48, 66, 70, 71, 77, 78 SA/NSA/Sub6/mmWave |
| Speed | HSPA 42.2/5.76 Mbps, LTE Cat18 1200/150 Mbps, 5G | HSPA, LTE, 5G |
| Technology | GSM / HSPA / LTE / 5G | GSM / HSPA / LTE / 5G |
| Launch | ||
|---|---|---|
| Announced | 2021, August 19 | 2023, May 02 |
| Status | Available. Released 2021, September 02 | Available. Released 2023, May 19 |
| Body | ||
|---|---|---|
| Build | Glass front, plastic back | Glass front (Gorilla Glass Victus), glass back (Gorilla Glass Victus), aluminum frame |
| Dimensions | 169 x 75.6 x 9 mm (6.65 x 2.98 x 0.35 in) | 161.2 x 74 x 8.6 mm (6.35 x 2.91 x 0.34 in) |
| SIM | Nano-SIM | Nano-SIM + eSIM |
| Weight | 200 g (7.05 oz) | 203 g (7.16 oz) |
| Water-repellent design | IP68 dust/water resistant (up to 1.5m for 30 min) | |
| Display | ||
|---|---|---|
| Protection | Corning Gorilla Glass 3 | Corning Gorilla Glass Victus |
| Resolution | 1080 x 2460 pixels (~395 ppi density) | 1080 x 2400 pixels, 20:9 ratio (~395 ppi density) |
| Size | 6.8 inches, 109.8 cm2 (~85.9% screen-to-body ratio) | 6.67 inches, 107.4 cm2 (~90.0% screen-to-body ratio) |
| Type | LCD, 144Hz, HDR10 | OLED, 1B colors, 165Hz, HDR10+, Dolby Vision, 1300 nits (peak) |
| Platform | ||
|---|---|---|
| CPU | Octa-core (1x2.4 GHz Cortex-A78 & 3x2.2 GHz Cortex-A78 & 4x1.9 GHz Cortex-A55) | Octa-core (1x3.2 GHz Cortex-X3 & 2x2.8 GHz Cortex-A715 & 2x2.8 GHz Cortex-A710 & 3x2.0 GHz Cortex-A510) |
| Chipset | Qualcomm SM7325 Snapdragon 778G 5G (6 nm) | Qualcomm SM8550-AB Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 (4 nm) |
| GPU | Adreno 642L | Adreno 740 |
| OS | Android 11, planned upgrade to Android 13 | Android 13, upgradable to Android 14 |
| Memory | ||
|---|---|---|
| Card slot | No | No |
| Internal | 128GB 8GB RAM, 256GB 8GB RAM | 512GB 8GB RAM |
| - | UFS 4.0 | |
| Main Camera | ||
|---|---|---|
| Features | Dual-LED dual-tone flash, HDR, panorama | Dual-LED flash, panorama, HDR |
| 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 | 50 MP, f/1.8, (wide), 1/1.55", 1.0µm, multi-directional PDAF, OIS 12 MP, f/1.6, (telephoto), 1/2.93", 1.22µm, PDAF, 2x optical zoom 50 MP, f/2.2, 114˚ (ultrawide), 1/2.76", 0.64µm, AF |
| Video | 4K@30fps, 1080p@30/60/120ps, 720p@960fps, gyro-EIS | 8K@30fps, 4K@30/60fps, 1080p@30/60/120/240/960fps, 10-bit HDR10+, gyro-EIS |
| Selfie camera | ||
|---|---|---|
| Features | HDR | HDR |
| Single | 32 MP, f/2.3, (wide), 0.7µm | 60 MP, f/2.2, (wide), 1/2.8", 0.61µm |
| Video | 4K@30fps, 1080p@30/120fps | 4K@30/60fps, 1080p@30/60/120/240fps |
| Sound | ||
|---|---|---|
| 3.5mm jack | No | No |
| 35mm jack | No | No |
| Loudspeaker | Yes | Yes, with stereo speakers |
| Comms | ||
|---|---|---|
| Bluetooth | 5.2, A2DP, LE, aptX HD, aptX Adaptive | 5.3, A2DP, LE, aptX HD, aptX Adaptive |
| NFC | Yes | Yes |
| Positioning | GPS, GLONASS, GALILEO | GPS, GLONASS, GALILEO, BDS |
| Radio | No | No |
| USB | USB Type-C 2.0 | USB Type-C 3.2, OTG, DisplayPort 1.4 |
| 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/6e/7, tri-band, Wi-Fi Direct |
| Features | ||
|---|---|---|
| Sensors | Fingerprint (side-mounted), accelerometer, gyro, proximity, compass, barometer | Fingerprint (under display, optical), accelerometer, gyro, proximity, compass, barometer |
| - | Ready For 3.5 support | |
| Battery | ||
|---|---|---|
| Charging | 30W wired | 68W wired 15W wireless 5W reverse wired 5W reverse wireless |
| Type | Li-Po 5000 mAh | Li-Po 5100 mAh |
| Misc | ||
|---|---|---|
| Colors | Nebula Blue | Interstellar Black |
| Models | XT2141-1 | - |
| Price | About 90 EUR | $ 298.99 |
Motorola Edge (2021)
- Affordable
- Decent display
- Reliable performance for everyday tasks
- Good battery life
- Older chipset
- Less impressive camera
- Slower charging
- No wireless charging
Motorola Edge+ (2023)
- Flagship performance
- Excellent camera system
- Fast charging (wired & wireless)
- High refresh rate display
- Reverse wireless charging
- Higher price
- Larger size may not suit everyone
Display Comparison
The Edge (2021) features a 6.8-inch OLED display with a 90Hz refresh rate. The Edge+ (2023) boasts a slightly larger 6.9-inch OLED display with a smoother 144Hz refresh rate and likely better color accuracy and brightness. The higher refresh rate on the Edge+ provides a noticeably smoother scrolling and gaming experience.
Camera Comparison
The Edge (2021) has a triple-camera system (108MP main, 8MP ultrawide, 2MP depth). The Edge+ (2023) features a more advanced triple-camera system (50MP main, 13MP ultrawide, 12MP telephoto with OIS). The Edge+ (2023) offers better image quality, especially in low light, and the telephoto lens adds versatility.
Performance
Here's where the Edge+ (2023) truly shines. The Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 is a massive upgrade over the Snapdragon 778G. Expect significantly faster app loading, smoother multitasking, and superior gaming performance. The Edge (2021) is still capable, but it will struggle with demanding tasks compared to its successor.
Battery Life
Both phones offer all-day battery life. However, the Edge+ (2023) has a larger battery capacity (4600mAh vs 4500mAh) and significantly faster charging speeds (68W wired vs 30W wired). The addition of wireless and reverse wireless charging on the Edge+ (2023) further enhances its convenience.
Buying Guide
Who should buy the Motorola Edge (2021)? Users on a tighter budget who prioritize a decent display and reliable performance for everyday tasks. Who should buy the Motorola Edge+ (2023)? Power users, gamers, and photography enthusiasts who demand top-tier performance, a superior camera, and faster charging.