Motorola Edge 5G UW (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, superior camera system, and faster charging. While the Edge 5G UW (2021) remains a capable device, the Edge+ offers a substantial upgrade for those seeking top-tier performance and features.
| PHONES | ||
|---|---|---|
| Phone Names | Motorola Edge 5G UW (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, 260, 261 SA/NSA/Sub6/mmWave - Verizon, USA | 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, October 14 | 2023, May 02 |
| Status | Available. Released 2021, October 14 | 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 | Android 13, upgradable to Android 14 |
| Memory | ||
|---|---|---|
| Card slot | No | No |
| Internal | 128GB 6GB RAM, 256GB 6GB 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 | 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 |
| Price | About 550 EUR | $ 298.99 |
Motorola Edge 5G UW (2021)
- Affordable
- Decent 5G connectivity
- Large display
- Good value for money
- Older processor
- Slower charging
- Less premium build
- Camera not as impressive
Motorola Edge+ (2023)
- Blazing-fast performance
- Excellent camera system
- Fast charging (wired & wireless)
- Premium design
- Reverse wireless charging
- Higher price
- Larger size may not suit everyone
Display Comparison
The Edge+ (2023) features a larger 6.67-inch OLED display with a 144Hz refresh rate, offering smoother visuals and vibrant colors compared to the Edge 5G UW's 6.8-inch OLED display with a 90Hz refresh rate. Both offer excellent brightness and resolution, but the higher refresh rate on the Edge+ provides a noticeable advantage.
Camera Comparison
The Edge+ (2023) boasts a 50MP main camera with OIS, a 13MP ultrawide, and a 12MP telephoto lens, delivering exceptional image quality and versatility. The Edge 5G UW (2021) has a 108MP main camera, an 8MP ultrawide, and a 2MP depth sensor. While the Edge 5G UW's main sensor has high resolution, the Edge+’s overall camera system and image processing are superior.
Performance
The Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 in the Edge+ (2023) is a generational leap over the Snapdragon 778G 5G in the Edge 5G UW (2021). Expect significantly faster app loading, smoother multitasking, and superior gaming performance on the Edge+. The Edge+ handles demanding tasks with ease, while the Edge 5G UW may show some lag under heavy load.
Battery Life
The Edge+ (2023) has a 4600mAh battery and supports 68W wired charging, 15W wireless charging, and reverse wireless charging. The Edge 5G UW (2021) has a 4500mAh battery with 30W wired charging. The Edge+ offers faster charging and the added convenience of wireless charging options.
Buying Guide
Who should buy the Motorola Edge 5G UW (2021)? Users on a tighter budget who still want a 5G-capable Motorola with a decent display and camera. Who should buy the Motorola Edge+ (2023)? Anyone prioritizing performance, a premium camera experience, and faster charging, and is willing to pay a premium.