Motorola Edge (2022) vs Edge+ 5G UW (2022): The Ultimate Showdown

Motorola's Edge series offers compelling mid-range and flagship options. The Edge (2022) provides a solid experience, while the Edge+ 5G UW (2022) aims for premium performance. But which one is right for you? Let's dive into a detailed comparison.
Phones Images

🏆 Quick Verdict

The Edge+ 5G UW (2022) is the clear winner for performance and charging speed thanks to its Snapdragon 8 Gen 1 chip and 68W charging. However, the Edge (2022) offers a more budget-friendly option with a still-capable processor and attractive design. Choose based on your budget and performance needs.

PHONES
Phone Names Motorola Edge (2022) Motorola Edge+ 5G UW (2022)
Network
2G bandsGSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900 - SIM 1 & SIM 2 (Dual SIM model only)
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, 20, 25, 26, 28, 29, 30, 38, 39, 40, 41, 46, 48, 66, 71
5G bands2, 5, 30, 66 SA/NSA2, 5, 7, 12, 25, 26, 29, 30, 41, 48, 66, 71, 77, 78, 260, 261 SA/NSA/Sub6/mmWave - Verizon, USA
SpeedHSPA, LTE, 5GHSPA 42.2/5.76 Mbps, LTE-A (CA) Cat20 2000/150 Mbps, 5G
TechnologyGSM / HSPA / LTE / 5GGSM / HSPA / LTE / 5G
  SA/NSA/Sub6/mmWave-
Launch
Announced2022, August 182022, January 24
StatusAvailable. Released 2022, September 22Available. Released 2022, March 24
Body
BuildGlass front, plastic frame, plastic backGlass front (Gorilla Glass 3), glass back (Gorilla Glass 5), plastic frame
Dimensions160.9 x 74.2 x 8 mm (6.33 x 2.92 x 0.31 in)163.1 x 76 x 8.8 mm (6.42 x 2.99 x 0.35 in)
SIMNano-SIM + eSIMSingle SIM (Nano-SIM) or Dual SIM (Nano-SIM, dual stand-by)
Weight170 g (6.00 oz)196 g (6.91 oz)
 Water-repellent designWater-repellent design
Display
Protection-Corning Gorilla Glass 3
Resolution1080 x 2400 pixels, 20:9 ratio (~399 ppi density)1080 x 2400 pixels, 20:9 ratio (~393 ppi density)
Size6.6 inches, 105.2 cm2 (~88.1% screen-to-body ratio)6.7 inches, 108.4 cm2 (~87.4% screen-to-body ratio)
TypeOLED, 1B colors, 144Hz, HDR10+OLED, 1B colors, 144Hz, HDR10+
 -Always-on display
Platform
CPUOcta-core (2x2.5 GHz Cortex-A78 & 6x2.0 GHz Cortex-A55)Octa-core (1x3.00 GHz Cortex-X2 & 3x2.50 GHz Cortex-A710 & 4x1.80 GHz Cortex-A510)
ChipsetMediaTek Dimensity 1050 (6 nm)Qualcomm SM8450 Snapdragon 8 Gen 1 (4 nm)
GPUArm Mali-G610 MC3Adreno 730
OSAndroid 12, upgradable to Android 14Android 12, planned upgrade to Android 13
Memory
Card slotNoNo
Internal128GB 6GB RAM, 128GB 8GB RAM, 256GB 8GB RAM128GB 8GB RAM, 256GB 8GB RAM, 256GB 12GB RAM, 512GB 8GB RAM, 512GB 12GB RAM
 -UFS 3.1
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 lens50 MP, f/1.8, (wide), 1/1.55", 1.0µm, multi-directional PDAF, OIS 50 MP, f/2.2, 114˚ (ultrawide), 1/2.76", 0.64µm, AF 2 MP, f/2.4, (depth)
Video4K@30fps, 1080p@30/60/120fps, gyro-EIS8K@24/30fps, 4K@30/60fps, 1080p@30/60/120/240/960fps, 10-bit HDR10+, gyro-EIS
Selfie camera
FeaturesHDRHDR
Single32 MP, f/2.5, (wide), 0.7µm60 MP, f/2.2, (wide), 1/2.8", 0.61µm
Video1080p@30fps4K@30fps, 1080p@30/120fps
Sound
3.5mm jack NoNo
35mm jackNo-
Loudspeaker Yes, with stereo speakersYes, with stereo speakers
 -24-bit/192kHz audio
Comms
Bluetooth5.2, A2DP, LE5.2, A2DP, LE
NFCYesYes
PositioningGPS, GLONASS, BDS, GALILEOGPS (L1+L5), GLONASS, BDS, GALILEO
RadioNoNo
USBUSB Type-C 2.0, OTGUSB Type-C 3.1, DisplayPort 1.4
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
 -Ready For support
Battery
Charging30W wired 15W wireless 5W reverse wired68W wired, 50% in 15 min, 100% in 35 min (advertised) 15W wireless 5W reverse wireless
TypeLi-Po 5000 mAhLi-Po 4800 mAh, non-removable
Misc
ColorsGreyCosmos Blue, Stardust White
Price$ 98.84About 850 EUR

Motorola Edge (2022)

  • More affordable
  • Good display
  • Decent camera
  • Attractive design

  • Slower performance
  • Slower charging
  • Less versatile camera

Motorola Edge+ 5G UW (2022)

  • Flagship performance
  • Fast charging (68W)
  • Versatile camera system
  • Premium build quality

  • Higher price
  • Potential for overheating (Snapdragon 8 Gen 1)
  • Larger size

Display Comparison

Both phones feature OLED displays with a 144Hz refresh rate, offering smooth visuals. The Edge+ 5G UW (2022) typically has a slightly brighter display and potentially better color accuracy, though both are excellent. The Edge (2022) might have a slightly smaller size, making it easier to handle for some.

Camera Comparison

The Edge+ 5G UW (2022) generally boasts a more versatile camera system, often including a telephoto lens for optical zoom. While both phones have capable main sensors, the Edge+ typically captures better detail and dynamic range, especially in challenging lighting conditions. Both offer good video recording capabilities.

Performance

The Snapdragon 8 Gen 1 in the Edge+ 5G UW (2022) is significantly faster than the Dimensity 1050 in the Edge (2022). Expect smoother multitasking, faster app loading, and better gaming performance on the Edge+. The Edge (2022) is still capable for most tasks, but it will show its limitations with demanding games or heavy workloads.

Battery Life

The Edge+ 5G UW (2022) has a larger battery and significantly faster charging (68W vs 30W). This translates to longer battery life and much quicker top-ups. The Edge (2022) offers decent battery life, but the charging speed is considerably slower.

Buying Guide

The Motorola Edge (2022) is ideal for users seeking a reliable, mid-range Android phone with a good display and camera for everyday use. The Motorola Edge+ 5G UW (2022) is best suited for power users, gamers, and those who prioritize fast charging and top-tier performance.

Frequently Asked Questions

❓ Is the Motorola Edge+ 5G UW worth the extra money?
If you prioritize performance, fast charging, and a more versatile camera, then yes. However, if you're on a budget and don't need the absolute best, the Edge (2022) offers excellent value.
❓ Does the Snapdragon 8 Gen 1 in the Edge+ 5G UW overheat?
The Snapdragon 8 Gen 1 is known to run hot under heavy load. Motorola has implemented thermal management, but sustained gaming or demanding tasks may still result in some heat.