Motorola Edge 5G UW (2021) vs. Edge+ 5G UW (2022): A Detailed Showdown
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🏆 Quick Verdict
The Motorola Edge+ 5G UW (2022) is the clear winner, boasting a significantly faster processor, vastly improved charging speeds, and a more advanced camera system. However, the Edge 5G UW (2021) remains a solid choice for budget-conscious buyers seeking reliable performance and 5G connectivity.
| PHONES | ||
|---|---|---|
| Phone Names | Motorola Edge 5G UW (2021) | Motorola Edge+ 5G UW (2022) |
| Network | ||
|---|---|---|
| 2G bands | GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900 | GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900 - SIM 1 & SIM 2 (Dual SIM model only) |
| 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, 20, 25, 26, 28, 29, 30, 38, 39, 40, 41, 46, 48, 66, 71 |
| 5G bands | 2, 5, 25, 41, 66, 71, 77, 78, 260, 261 SA/NSA/Sub6/mmWave - Verizon, USA | 2, 5, 7, 12, 25, 26, 29, 30, 41, 48, 66, 71, 77, 78, 260, 261 SA/NSA/Sub6/mmWave - Verizon, USA |
| Speed | HSPA 42.2/5.76 Mbps, LTE Cat18 1200/150 Mbps, 5G | HSPA 42.2/5.76 Mbps, LTE-A (CA) Cat20 2000/150 Mbps, 5G |
| Technology | GSM / HSPA / LTE / 5G | GSM / HSPA / LTE / 5G |
| Launch | ||
|---|---|---|
| Announced | 2021, October 14 | 2022, January 24 |
| Status | Available. Released 2021, October 14 | Available. Released 2022, March 24 |
| Body | ||
|---|---|---|
| Build | Glass front, plastic back | Glass front (Gorilla Glass 3), glass back (Gorilla Glass 5), plastic frame |
| Dimensions | 169 x 75.6 x 9 mm (6.65 x 2.98 x 0.35 in) | 163.1 x 76 x 8.8 mm (6.42 x 2.99 x 0.35 in) |
| SIM | Nano-SIM | Single SIM (Nano-SIM) or Dual SIM (Nano-SIM, dual stand-by) |
| Weight | 200 g (7.05 oz) | 196 g (6.91 oz) |
| Water-repellent design | Water-repellent design | |
| Display | ||
|---|---|---|
| Protection | Corning Gorilla Glass 3 | Corning Gorilla Glass 3 |
| Resolution | 1080 x 2460 pixels (~395 ppi density) | 1080 x 2400 pixels, 20:9 ratio (~393 ppi density) |
| Size | 6.8 inches, 109.8 cm2 (~85.9% screen-to-body ratio) | 6.7 inches, 108.4 cm2 (~87.4% screen-to-body ratio) |
| Type | LCD, 144Hz, HDR10 | OLED, 1B colors, 144Hz, HDR10+ |
| - | Always-on display | |
| Platform | ||
|---|---|---|
| CPU | Octa-core (1x2.4 GHz Cortex-A78 & 3x2.2 GHz Cortex-A78 & 4x1.9 GHz Cortex-A55) | Octa-core (1x3.00 GHz Cortex-X2 & 3x2.50 GHz Cortex-A710 & 4x1.80 GHz Cortex-A510) |
| Chipset | Qualcomm SM7325 Snapdragon 778G 5G (6 nm) | Qualcomm SM8450 Snapdragon 8 Gen 1 (4 nm) |
| GPU | Adreno 642L | Adreno 730 |
| OS | Android 11 | Android 12, planned upgrade to Android 13 |
| Memory | ||
|---|---|---|
| Card slot | No | No |
| Internal | 128GB 6GB RAM, 256GB 6GB RAM | 128GB 8GB RAM, 256GB 8GB RAM, 256GB 12GB RAM, 512GB 8GB RAM, 512GB 12GB RAM |
| - | UFS 3.1 | |
| Main Camera | ||
|---|---|---|
| Features | Dual-LED dual-tone flash, HDR, panorama | Dual-LED dual-tone 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 50 MP, f/2.2, 114˚ (ultrawide), 1/2.76", 0.64µm, AF 2 MP, f/2.4, (depth) |
| Video | 4K@30fps, 1080p@30/60/120ps, 720p@960fps, gyro-EIS | 8K@24/30fps, 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@30fps, 1080p@30/120fps |
| Sound | ||
|---|---|---|
| 3.5mm jack | No | No |
| 35mm jack | No | - |
| Loudspeaker | Yes | Yes, with stereo speakers |
| - | 24-bit/192kHz audio | |
| Comms | ||
|---|---|---|
| Bluetooth | 5.2, A2DP, LE | 5.2, A2DP, LE |
| NFC | Yes | Yes |
| Positioning | GPS, GLONASS, GALILEO | GPS (L1+L5), GLONASS, BDS, GALILEO |
| Radio | No | No |
| USB | USB Type-C 2.0 | USB Type-C 3.1, 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, dual-band, Wi-Fi Direct |
| Features | ||
|---|---|---|
| Sensors | Fingerprint (side-mounted), accelerometer, gyro, proximity, compass, barometer | Fingerprint (side-mounted), accelerometer, gyro, proximity, compass, barometer |
| - | Ready For support | |
| Battery | ||
|---|---|---|
| Charging | 30W wired | 68W wired, 50% in 15 min, 100% in 35 min (advertised) 15W wireless 5W reverse wireless |
| Type | Li-Po 5000 mAh | Li-Po 4800 mAh, non-removable |
| Misc | ||
|---|---|---|
| Colors | Nebula Blue | Cosmos Blue, Stardust White |
| Price | About 550 EUR | About 850 EUR |
Motorola Edge 5G UW (2021)
- Affordable
- 5G Connectivity
- Decent Performance
- Good Value
- Slower Processor
- Less Advanced Camera
- Slower Charging
- Less Premium Build
Motorola Edge+ 5G UW (2022)
- Flagship Performance
- Fast Charging
- Excellent Camera
- Premium Design
- Wireless Charging
- Reverse Wireless Charging
- Higher Price
- Potential for Thermal Throttling (Snapdragon 8 Gen 1)
- Larger Size/Weight
Display Comparison
The Edge+ 5G UW (2022) features a brighter, likely higher resolution (likely 144Hz refresh rate vs 144Hz on the 2021 model), and potentially more color-accurate display. While both offer a 6.7-inch display, the Edge+’s panel is generally superior in terms of visual quality and responsiveness. The 2021 model's display is still good, but noticeably less vibrant.
Camera Comparison
The Edge+ 5G UW (2022) typically features a more advanced camera system, likely with a higher resolution main sensor and improved image processing. Expect better low-light performance, more detail, and more versatile shooting options. The 2021 model's camera is decent, but not as impressive.
Performance
The Snapdragon 8 Gen 1 in the Edge+ 5G UW (2022) is a massive upgrade over the Snapdragon 778G in the Edge 5G UW (2021). Expect significantly faster app loading times, smoother multitasking, and a much better gaming experience on the Edge+. The 778G is capable, but the 8 Gen 1 is in a different league.
Battery Life
The Edge+ 5G UW (2022) offers significantly faster charging speeds (68W wired, 15W wireless, 5W reverse wireless) compared to the Edge 5G UW (2021)'s 30W wired charging. While battery capacity might be similar, the faster charging makes a noticeable difference in convenience. Both should offer all-day battery life with moderate usage.
Buying Guide
The Motorola Edge 5G UW (2021) is ideal for users on a tighter budget who prioritize 5G connectivity and a smooth, everyday experience. The Motorola Edge+ 5G UW (2022) is perfect for power users, gamers, and photography enthusiasts who demand top-tier performance, fast charging, and a premium camera experience.