Motorola Edge 2022 vs. 2021: A Head-to-Head Showdown

The Motorola Edge series offers compelling mid-range smartphones, but choosing between the 2021 and 2022 models can be tricky. Both boast sleek designs and solid features, but key differences in performance and charging capabilities set them apart. Let's dive into a detailed comparison to help you decide which Edge is right for you.
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🏆 Quick Verdict

The Motorola Edge (2022) offers a noticeable performance boost thanks to its Dimensity 1050 chipset and added wireless charging. However, the Edge (2021) remains a strong contender, especially if you prioritize value and a slightly more compact design. The 2022 is the overall winner.

PHONES
Phone Names Motorola Edge (2022) Motorola Edge (2021)
Network
2G bandsGSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900
3G bandsHSDPA 850 / 900 / 1700(AWS) / 1900 / 2100HSDPA 850 / 900 / 1700(AWS) / 1900 / 2100
4G bands1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 7, 8, 12, 13, 14, 20, 29, 30, 40, 41, 48, 661, 2, 3, 4, 5, 7, 8, 12, 13, 14, 17, 18, 19, 20, 25, 26, 29, 30, 38, 39, 40, 41, 66, 71
5G bands2, 5, 30, 66 SA/NSA2, 5, 25, 41, 66, 71, 77, 78 SA/NSA/Sub6
SpeedHSPA, LTE, 5GHSPA 42.2/5.76 Mbps, LTE Cat18 1200/150 Mbps, 5G
TechnologyGSM / HSPA / LTE / 5GGSM / HSPA / LTE / 5G
  SA/NSA/Sub6/mmWave-
Launch
Announced2022, August 182021, August 19
StatusAvailable. Released 2022, September 22Available. Released 2021, September 02
Body
BuildGlass front, plastic frame, plastic backGlass front, plastic back
Dimensions160.9 x 74.2 x 8 mm (6.33 x 2.92 x 0.31 in)169 x 75.6 x 9 mm (6.65 x 2.98 x 0.35 in)
SIMNano-SIM + eSIMNano-SIM
Weight170 g (6.00 oz)200 g (7.05 oz)
 Water-repellent designWater-repellent design
Display
Protection-Corning Gorilla Glass 3
Resolution1080 x 2400 pixels, 20:9 ratio (~399 ppi density)1080 x 2460 pixels (~395 ppi density)
Size6.6 inches, 105.2 cm2 (~88.1% screen-to-body ratio)6.8 inches, 109.8 cm2 (~85.9% screen-to-body ratio)
TypeOLED, 1B colors, 144Hz, HDR10+LCD, 144Hz, HDR10
Platform
CPUOcta-core (2x2.5 GHz Cortex-A78 & 6x2.0 GHz Cortex-A55)Octa-core (1x2.4 GHz Cortex-A78 & 3x2.2 GHz Cortex-A78 & 4x1.9 GHz Cortex-A55)
ChipsetMediaTek Dimensity 1050 (6 nm)Qualcomm SM7325 Snapdragon 778G 5G (6 nm)
GPUArm Mali-G610 MC3Adreno 642L
OSAndroid 12, upgradable to Android 14Android 11, planned upgrade to Android 13
Memory
Card slotNoNo
Internal128GB 6GB RAM, 128GB 8GB RAM, 256GB 8GB RAM128GB 8GB RAM, 256GB 8GB RAM
Main Camera
FeaturesLED flash, HDR, panoramaDual-LED dual-tone flash, HDR, panorama
Triple50 MP, f/1.8, (wide), 1/1.55", 1.0µm, multi-directional PDAF, OIS 13 MP, f/1.5, 120˚ (ultrawide), 1.12µm Auxiliary lens108 MP, f/1.9, (wide), 1/1.52", 0.7µm, PDAF 8 MP, f/2.2, 119˚ (ultrawide), 1.12µm, AF Auxiliary lens
Video4K@30fps, 1080p@30/60/120fps, gyro-EIS4K@30fps, 1080p@30/60/120ps, 720p@960fps, gyro-EIS
Selfie camera
FeaturesHDRHDR
Single32 MP, f/2.5, (wide), 0.7µm32 MP, f/2.3, (wide), 0.7µm
Video1080p@30fps4K@30fps, 1080p@30/120fps
Sound
3.5mm jack NoNo
35mm jackNoNo
Loudspeaker Yes, with stereo speakersYes
Comms
Bluetooth5.2, A2DP, LE5.2, A2DP, LE, aptX HD, aptX Adaptive
NFCYesYes
PositioningGPS, GLONASS, BDS, GALILEOGPS, GLONASS, GALILEO
RadioNoNo
USBUSB Type-C 2.0, OTGUSB Type-C 2.0
WLANWi-Fi 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac/6e, tri-band, Wi-Fi DirectWi-Fi 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac/6e, dual-band, Wi-Fi Direct
Features
SensorsFingerprint (under display, optical), accelerometer, gyro, proximity, compass, barometerFingerprint (side-mounted), accelerometer, gyro, proximity, compass, barometer
Battery
Charging30W wired 15W wireless 5W reverse wired30W wired
TypeLi-Po 5000 mAhLi-Po 5000 mAh
Misc
ColorsGreyNebula Blue
Models-XT2141-1
Price$ 98.84About 90 EUR

Motorola Edge (2022)

  • Faster Performance (Dimensity 1050)
  • Wireless Charging
  • Reverse Wireless Charging
  • Slightly Improved Camera

  • Potentially Higher Price
  • Slightly Larger Size

Motorola Edge (2021)

  • More Compact Design
  • Good Value for Money
  • Reliable Performance
  • Excellent OLED Display

  • Slower Performance (Snapdragon 778G)
  • No Wireless Charging

Display Comparison

Both phones feature a 6.8-inch OLED display with a 144Hz refresh rate, offering vibrant colors and smooth scrolling. The 2022 model might have slightly improved brightness, but the difference is minimal. Both offer excellent viewing experiences.

Camera Comparison

Both phones feature a 50MP main camera, but the 2022 model generally produces slightly better images, especially in low light, thanks to improved image processing. The 2021's camera is still very good, offering consistent results. Both have ultrawide and depth sensors.

Performance

The Edge (2022)'s MediaTek Dimensity 1050 provides a significant performance advantage over the Snapdragon 778G in the Edge (2021). Expect faster app loading times, smoother gaming, and better overall responsiveness on the 2022 model. The 2021 is still capable, but the 2022 is noticeably quicker.

Battery Life

The Edge (2022) has a 4400mAh battery, while the 2021 has a 4500mAh battery. Despite the slightly smaller capacity, the 2022's more efficient chipset often results in comparable or even slightly better battery life. The 2022 also adds wireless and reverse wireless charging, a significant advantage.

Buying Guide

The Motorola Edge (2022) is ideal for users who demand smoother performance for gaming and multitasking, and appreciate the convenience of wireless charging. The Edge (2021) is a great choice for budget-conscious buyers who still want a stylish phone with a good camera and reliable performance for everyday tasks.

Frequently Asked Questions

❓ Is the Motorola Edge 2022 worth the upgrade from the 2021?
If performance is a priority, then yes. The 2022's chipset and wireless charging are significant upgrades. However, if you're happy with the 2021's performance and want to save money, it's still a solid phone.
❓ Which phone has better battery life?
While the 2021 has a slightly larger battery, the 2022's more efficient chipset often results in comparable battery life. Both should easily last a full day with moderate use.