Motorola Edge 5G UW (2021) vs. Motorola Edge (2022): A Detailed Showdown
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🏆 Quick Verdict
The Motorola Edge (2022) is the clear winner. Its Dimensity 1050 chipset provides a noticeable performance boost, wireless charging adds convenience, and the overall refinements make it a more compelling package despite similar charging speeds. The 2021 model remains a decent option if found at a significantly lower price.
| PHONES | ||
|---|---|---|
| Phone Names | Motorola Edge 5G UW (2021) | Motorola Edge (2022) |
| 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, 20, 29, 30, 40, 41, 48, 66 |
| 5G bands | 2, 5, 25, 41, 66, 71, 77, 78, 260, 261 SA/NSA/Sub6/mmWave - Verizon, USA | 2, 5, 30, 66 SA/NSA |
| 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 |
| - | SA/NSA/Sub6/mmWave | |
| Launch | ||
|---|---|---|
| Announced | 2021, October 14 | 2022, August 18 |
| Status | Available. Released 2021, October 14 | Available. Released 2022, September 22 |
| Body | ||
|---|---|---|
| Build | Glass front, plastic back | Glass front, plastic frame, plastic back |
| Dimensions | 169 x 75.6 x 9 mm (6.65 x 2.98 x 0.35 in) | 160.9 x 74.2 x 8 mm (6.33 x 2.92 x 0.31 in) |
| SIM | Nano-SIM | Nano-SIM + eSIM |
| Weight | 200 g (7.05 oz) | 170 g (6.00 oz) |
| Water-repellent design | Water-repellent design | |
| Display | ||
|---|---|---|
| Protection | Corning Gorilla Glass 3 | - |
| Resolution | 1080 x 2460 pixels (~395 ppi density) | 1080 x 2400 pixels, 20:9 ratio (~399 ppi density) |
| Size | 6.8 inches, 109.8 cm2 (~85.9% screen-to-body ratio) | 6.6 inches, 105.2 cm2 (~88.1% screen-to-body ratio) |
| Type | LCD, 144Hz, HDR10 | OLED, 1B colors, 144Hz, HDR10+ |
| Platform | ||
|---|---|---|
| CPU | Octa-core (1x2.4 GHz Cortex-A78 & 3x2.2 GHz Cortex-A78 & 4x1.9 GHz Cortex-A55) | Octa-core (2x2.5 GHz Cortex-A78 & 6x2.0 GHz Cortex-A55) |
| Chipset | Qualcomm SM7325 Snapdragon 778G 5G (6 nm) | MediaTek Dimensity 1050 (6 nm) |
| GPU | Adreno 642L | Arm Mali-G610 MC3 |
| OS | Android 11 | Android 12, upgradable to Android 14 |
| Memory | ||
|---|---|---|
| Card slot | No | No |
| Internal | 128GB 6GB RAM, 256GB 6GB RAM | 128GB 6GB RAM, 128GB 8GB RAM, 256GB 8GB RAM |
| Main Camera | ||
|---|---|---|
| Features | Dual-LED dual-tone flash, HDR, panorama | LED flash, HDR, panorama |
| 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 13 MP, f/1.5, 120˚ (ultrawide), 1.12µm Auxiliary lens |
| Video | 4K@30fps, 1080p@30/60/120ps, 720p@960fps, gyro-EIS | 4K@30fps, 1080p@30/60/120fps, gyro-EIS |
| Selfie camera | ||
|---|---|---|
| Features | HDR | HDR |
| Single | 32 MP, f/2.3, (wide), 0.7µm | 32 MP, f/2.5, (wide), 0.7µm |
| Video | 4K@30fps, 1080p@30/120fps | 1080p@30fps |
| Sound | ||
|---|---|---|
| 3.5mm jack | No | No |
| 35mm jack | No | No |
| Loudspeaker | Yes | Yes, with stereo speakers |
| Comms | ||
|---|---|---|
| Bluetooth | 5.2, A2DP, LE | 5.2, A2DP, LE |
| NFC | Yes | Yes |
| Positioning | GPS, GLONASS, GALILEO | GPS, GLONASS, BDS, GALILEO |
| Radio | No | No |
| USB | USB Type-C 2.0 | USB Type-C 2.0, OTG |
| 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, tri-band, Wi-Fi Direct |
| Features | ||
|---|---|---|
| Sensors | Fingerprint (side-mounted), accelerometer, gyro, proximity, compass, barometer | Fingerprint (under display, optical), accelerometer, gyro, proximity, compass, barometer |
| Battery | ||
|---|---|---|
| Charging | 30W wired | 30W wired 15W wireless 5W reverse wired |
| Type | Li-Po 5000 mAh | Li-Po 5000 mAh |
| Misc | ||
|---|---|---|
| Colors | Nebula Blue | Grey |
| Price | About 550 EUR | $ 98.84 |
Motorola Edge 5G UW (2021)
- Excellent 5G UW connectivity
- Good value for the price
- Smooth 144Hz display
- Decent camera performance
- Slower processor compared to competitors
- No wireless charging
- Less refined software experience
Motorola Edge (2022)
- Faster processor (Dimensity 1050)
- Wireless charging (15W)
- Reverse wireless charging (5W)
- Improved camera performance
- More modern design
- Slightly higher price
- No significant upgrade in display quality
Display Comparison
Both phones feature OLED displays with a 144Hz refresh rate, offering smooth visuals. The 2022 Edge generally has slightly better color accuracy and brightness, though the difference is subtle. Both offer a similar 6.6-inch screen size.
Camera Comparison
The 2022 Edge boasts a slightly improved camera system, particularly in low-light conditions. While both offer a 50MP main sensor, the 2022 model's image processing is more refined. Video recording capabilities are also slightly better on the 2022 model. Both have a 13MP ultrawide and a depth sensor.
Performance
The MediaTek Dimensity 1050 in the 2022 Edge is significantly faster than the Snapdragon 778G in the 2021 model. Expect smoother multitasking, faster app loading times, and better gaming performance on the newer device. The 2021 model is still capable for everyday tasks, but struggles more with demanding applications.
Battery Life
Both phones have a 4500mAh battery, providing all-day battery life for moderate users. The 2022 Edge's more efficient chipset helps it squeeze out slightly better battery performance. The addition of 15W wireless charging and 5W reverse wireless charging on the 2022 model adds significant convenience.
Buying Guide
Who should buy the Motorola Edge 5G UW (2021)? Users prioritizing 5G UW connectivity and seeking a budget-friendly option with a good display and camera. Who should buy the Motorola Edge (2022)? Those wanting a faster processor, wireless charging, reverse wireless charging, and a more modern overall experience.