Motorola Edge+ 5G UW (2022) vs. Motorola Edge+ (2020): A Comprehensive Comparison

The Motorola Edge+ series has consistently offered premium features at competitive prices. But with a couple of years separating the 2020 and 2022 models, which Edge+ is the better buy? We're diving deep into a head-to-head comparison to help you decide.
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🏆 Quick Verdict

The 2022 Edge+ 5G UW takes the crown thanks to its significantly faster Snapdragon 8 Gen 1 chipset, dramatically improved charging speeds, and 5G UW capabilities. While the 2020 model boasts impressive battery life, the 2022 version's overall performance and modern features make it the superior choice for most users.

PHONES
Phone Names Motorola Edge+ 5G UW (2022) Motorola Edge+ (2020)
Network
2G bandsGSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900 - SIM 1 & SIM 2 (Dual SIM model only)GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900
3G bandsHSDPA 850 / 900 / 1700(AWS) / 1900 / 2100 HSDPA 850 / 900 / 1700(AWS) / 1900 / 2100 - Global
4G bands1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 7, 8, 12, 13, 14, 17, 20, 25, 26, 28, 29, 30, 38, 39, 40, 41, 46, 48, 66, 711, 2, 3, 4, 5, 7, 8, 12, 13, 17, 20, 25, 26, 28, 29, 30, 34, 38, 39, 40, 41, 42, 46, 66, 71 - Global
5G bands2, 5, 7, 12, 25, 26, 29, 30, 41, 48, 66, 71, 77, 78, 260, 261 SA/NSA/Sub6/mmWave - Verizon, USA5, 41, 66, 71, 77, 78 Sub6 - Global
SpeedHSPA 42.2/5.76 Mbps, LTE-A (CA) Cat20 2000/150 Mbps, 5GHSPA 42.2/5.76 Mbps, LTE-A (6CA) Cat20 2000/200 Mbps, 5G 4 Gbps DL
TechnologyGSM / HSPA / LTE / 5GGSM / CDMA / HSPA / EVDO / LTE / 5G
 -2, 5, 66, 260, 261 mmWave/Sub6 - Verizon
Launch
Announced2022, January 242020, April 22
StatusAvailable. Released 2022, March 24Available. Released 2020, May 14
Body
BuildGlass front (Gorilla Glass 3), glass back (Gorilla Glass 5), plastic frameGlass front (Gorilla Glass 5), aluminum frame
Dimensions163.1 x 76 x 8.8 mm (6.42 x 2.99 x 0.35 in)161.1 x 71.4 x 9.6 mm (6.34 x 2.81 x 0.38 in)
SIMSingle SIM (Nano-SIM) or Dual SIM (Nano-SIM, dual stand-by)Nano-SIM
Weight196 g (6.91 oz)203 g (7.16 oz)
 Water-repellent designWater-repellent coating
Display
ProtectionCorning Gorilla Glass 3Corning Gorilla Glass 5
Resolution1080 x 2400 pixels, 20:9 ratio (~393 ppi density)1080 x 2340 pixels, 19.5:9 ratio (~385 ppi density)
Size6.7 inches, 108.4 cm2 (~87.4% screen-to-body ratio)6.7 inches, 110.2 cm2 (~95.8% screen-to-body ratio)
TypeOLED, 1B colors, 144Hz, HDR10+OLED, 1B colors, 90Hz, HDR10+
 Always-on display-
Platform
CPUOcta-core (1x3.00 GHz Cortex-X2 & 3x2.50 GHz Cortex-A710 & 4x1.80 GHz Cortex-A510)Octa-core (1x2.84 GHz Cortex-A77 & 3x2.42 GHz Cortex-A77 & 4x1.80 GHz Cortex-A55)
ChipsetQualcomm SM8450 Snapdragon 8 Gen 1 (4 nm)Qualcomm SM8250 Snapdragon 865 5G (7 nm+)
GPUAdreno 730Adreno 650
OSAndroid 12, planned upgrade to Android 13Android 10
Memory
Card slotNoNo
Internal128GB 8GB RAM, 256GB 8GB RAM, 256GB 12GB RAM, 512GB 8GB RAM, 512GB 12GB RAM256GB 12GB RAM
 UFS 3.1UFS 3.0
Main Camera
FeaturesDual-LED dual-tone flash, HDR, panoramaDual-LED dual-tone flash, panorama, HDR
Triple50 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)108 MP, f/1.8, (wide), 1/1.33", 0.8µm, PDAF, OIS 8 MP, f/2.4, 81mm (telephoto), 3x optical zoom, PDAF, OIS 16 MP, f/2.2, 13mm (ultrawide), 1.0µm, AF TOF 3D, (depth)
Video8K@24/30fps, 4K@30/60fps, 1080p@30/60/120/240/960fps, 10-bit HDR10+, gyro-EIS6K@30fps, 4K@30fps, 1080p@30/60/120fps, gyro-EIS
Selfie camera
FeaturesHDRHDR
Single60 MP, f/2.2, (wide), 1/2.8", 0.61µm25 MP, f/2.0, (wide), 0.9µm
Video4K@30fps, 1080p@30/120fps1080p@30/120fps
Sound
3.5mm jack NoYes
Loudspeaker Yes, with stereo speakersYes, with stereo speakers
 24-bit/192kHz audio-
Comms
Bluetooth5.2, A2DP, LE5.1, A2DP, LE
NFCYesYes
PositioningGPS (L1+L5), GLONASS, BDS, GALILEOGPS (L1+L5), GLONASS, BDS, GALILEO
RadioNoNo
USBUSB Type-C 3.1, DisplayPort 1.4USB Type-C 3.1
WLANWi-Fi 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac/6e, dual-band, Wi-Fi DirectWi-Fi 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac/6, dual-band, Wi-Fi Direct
Features
SensorsFingerprint (side-mounted), accelerometer, gyro, proximity, compass, barometerFingerprint (under display, optical), accelerometer, gyro, proximity, compass, barometer
 Ready For support-
Battery
Charging68W wired, 50% in 15 min, 100% in 35 min (advertised) 15W wireless 5W reverse wireless18W wired 15W wireless 5W reverse wireless
TypeLi-Po 4800 mAh, non-removableLi-Po 5000 mAh, non-removable
Misc
ColorsCosmos Blue, Stardust WhiteSmokey Sangria, Thunder Grey, Baltic Gray
Models-XT2061-3
PriceAbout 850 EURAbout 670 EUR
Tests
Battery life- Endurance rating 100h
Camera- Photo / Video
Display- Contrast ratio: Infinite (nominal)
Loudspeaker- -25.3 LUFS (Very good)
Performance- AnTuTu: 574155 (v8) GeekBench: 3295 (v5.1) GFXBench: 48fps (ES 3.1 onscreen)

Motorola Edge+ 5G UW (2022)

  • Significantly faster performance (Snapdragon 8 Gen 1)
  • 68W fast charging
  • 5G UW support
  • Improved camera processing
  • Modern design

  • Battery life slightly less than 2020 model
  • Potential for thermal throttling under heavy load

Motorola Edge+ (2020)

  • Exceptional battery life
  • Reliable performance for everyday tasks
  • Good value for the price (especially used)
  • Solid camera system

  • Slower performance compared to 2022 model
  • 18W charging is slow by modern standards
  • Older chipset and software support

Display Comparison

Both phones feature OLED displays, but the 2022 model likely has a slightly improved panel with better color accuracy and brightness. The 2020 model's 'Infinite' contrast ratio is a marketing term and doesn't necessarily translate to a significantly better viewing experience in real-world use. Both offer a smooth 90Hz refresh rate.

Camera Comparison

While both phones offer capable camera systems, the 2022 model likely benefits from software improvements and potentially a slightly upgraded sensor. Expect better low-light performance and more refined image processing on the newer device. Both feature a main wide-angle lens, ultrawide, and telephoto lens.

Performance

The Snapdragon 8 Gen 1 in the 2022 Edge+ is a substantial upgrade over the Snapdragon 865 5G. Expect noticeably faster app loading times, smoother multitasking, and significantly improved gaming performance. The 2020 model is still capable, but it shows its age when pushed with demanding tasks.

Battery Life

The 2020 Edge+ shines in this category, boasting an impressive endurance rating of 100 hours. The 2022 model, while having a similar battery capacity, is likely to consume more power due to the more power-hungry chipset. However, the 68W wired charging on the 2022 model more than compensates for this, offering significantly faster charging times.

Buying Guide

The Motorola Edge+ 5G UW (2022) is ideal for power users, gamers, and anyone who values cutting-edge performance and fast charging. The Motorola Edge+ (2020) remains a solid option for budget-conscious buyers who prioritize long battery life and a reliable, albeit older, smartphone experience.

Frequently Asked Questions

❓ Is the Motorola Edge+ 5G UW (2022) worth the upgrade from the 2020 model?
If performance and fast charging are priorities, then yes. The 2022 model offers a significant upgrade in these areas. However, if you're happy with your 2020 model's battery life and don't need the latest features, the upgrade might not be necessary.
❓ Does the 2022 Edge+ have better software support?
Yes, the 2022 model will receive software updates for a longer period, ensuring you have the latest security patches and features.