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

Motorola's 2022 lineup offered two compelling mid-range options: the premium Edge+ 5G UW and the more accessible Edge. Both boast sleek designs and solid features, but significant differences exist under the hood. This comprehensive comparison will help you decide which phone best suits your needs and budget.

Phones Images

🏆 Quick Verdict

The Edge+ 5G UW wins on performance and charging speed thanks to the Snapdragon 8 Gen 1. However, the Edge offers excellent value with a capable Dimensity 1050 and a more attractive price point. Choose the Edge+ for power, or the Edge for a balanced experience.

PHONES
Phone Names	Motorola Edge+ 5G UW (2022)	Motorola Edge (2022)

Network
2G bands	GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900 - SIM 1 & SIM 2 (Dual SIM model only)	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, 20, 25, 26, 28, 29, 30, 38, 39, 40, 41, 46, 48, 66, 71	1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 7, 8, 12, 13, 14, 20, 29, 30, 40, 41, 48, 66
5G bands	2, 5, 7, 12, 25, 26, 29, 30, 41, 48, 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-A (CA) Cat20 2000/150 Mbps, 5G	HSPA, LTE, 5G
Technology	GSM / HSPA / LTE / 5G	GSM / HSPA / LTE / 5G
	-	SA/NSA/Sub6/mmWave

Launch
Announced	2022, January 24	2022, August 18
Status	Available. Released 2022, March 24	Available. Released 2022, September 22

Body
Build	Glass front (Gorilla Glass 3), glass back (Gorilla Glass 5), plastic frame	Glass front, plastic frame, plastic back
Dimensions	163.1 x 76 x 8.8 mm (6.42 x 2.99 x 0.35 in)	160.9 x 74.2 x 8 mm (6.33 x 2.92 x 0.31 in)
SIM	Single SIM (Nano-SIM) or Dual SIM (Nano-SIM, dual stand-by)	Nano-SIM + eSIM
Weight	196 g (6.91 oz)	170 g (6.00 oz)
	Water-repellent design	Water-repellent design

Display
Protection	Corning Gorilla Glass 3	-
Resolution	1080 x 2400 pixels, 20:9 ratio (~393 ppi density)	1080 x 2400 pixels, 20:9 ratio (~399 ppi density)
Size	6.7 inches, 108.4 cm2 (~87.4% screen-to-body ratio)	6.6 inches, 105.2 cm2 (~88.1% screen-to-body ratio)
Type	OLED, 1B colors, 144Hz, HDR10+	OLED, 1B colors, 144Hz, HDR10+
	Always-on display	-

Platform
CPU	Octa-core (1x3.00 GHz Cortex-X2 & 3x2.50 GHz Cortex-A710 & 4x1.80 GHz Cortex-A510)	Octa-core (2x2.5 GHz Cortex-A78 & 6x2.0 GHz Cortex-A55)
Chipset	Qualcomm SM8450 Snapdragon 8 Gen 1 (4 nm)	MediaTek Dimensity 1050 (6 nm)
GPU	Adreno 730	Arm Mali-G610 MC3
OS	Android 12, planned upgrade to Android 13	Android 12, upgradable to Android 14

Memory
Card slot	No	No
Internal	128GB 8GB RAM, 256GB 8GB RAM, 256GB 12GB RAM, 512GB 8GB RAM, 512GB 12GB RAM	128GB 6GB RAM, 128GB 8GB RAM, 256GB 8GB RAM
	UFS 3.1	-

Main Camera
Features	Dual-LED dual-tone flash, HDR, panorama	LED flash, HDR, panorama
Triple	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)	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	8K@24/30fps, 4K@30/60fps, 1080p@30/60/120/240/960fps, 10-bit HDR10+, gyro-EIS	4K@30fps, 1080p@30/60/120fps, gyro-EIS

Selfie camera
Features	HDR	HDR
Single	60 MP, f/2.2, (wide), 1/2.8", 0.61µm	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
Loudspeaker	Yes, with stereo speakers	Yes, with stereo speakers
	24-bit/192kHz audio	-

Comms
Bluetooth	5.2, A2DP, LE	5.2, A2DP, LE
NFC	Yes	Yes
Positioning	GPS (L1+L5), GLONASS, BDS, GALILEO	GPS, GLONASS, BDS, GALILEO
Radio	No	No
USB	USB Type-C 3.1, DisplayPort 1.4	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
	Ready For support	-

Battery
Charging	68W wired, 50% in 15 min, 100% in 35 min (advertised) 15W wireless 5W reverse wireless	30W wired 15W wireless 5W reverse wired
Type	Li-Po 4800 mAh, non-removable	Li-Po 5000 mAh

Misc
Colors	Cosmos Blue, Stardust White	Grey
Price	About 850 EUR	$ 98.84

Motorola Edge+ 5G UW (2022)

Blazing-fast Snapdragon 8 Gen 1 performance
68W fast charging
Versatile camera system
Premium build quality
5G UW support

Higher price
Potential for thermal throttling under heavy load
Larger size and weight

Motorola Edge (2022)

Excellent value for money
Capable Dimensity 1050 processor
Stylish design
Good battery life
144Hz OLED display

Slower charging speed
Less powerful than the Edge+
Camera not as versatile as the Edge+

Display Comparison

Both phones feature OLED displays with a 144Hz refresh rate, offering smooth visuals. The Edge+ likely has slightly better peak brightness and color accuracy due to its higher price point and potentially more advanced panel, but both provide a great viewing experience. The Edge+ may also have a slightly larger screen size (6.7 inches vs 6.6 inches).

Camera Comparison

The Edge+ generally has a more versatile camera system, often including a higher resolution main sensor and potentially a telephoto lens for optical zoom. While the Edge's camera is capable, the Edge+ offers more creative options and potentially better image quality, especially in low light. Expect the Edge+ to have a 50MP main sensor, while the Edge may have a 32MP or 48MP sensor.

Performance

The Snapdragon 8 Gen 1 in the Edge+ is significantly more powerful than the Dimensity 1050 in the Edge. Expect noticeably faster app loading times, smoother multitasking, and better performance in demanding games on the Edge+. The Edge still provides a fluid experience for most tasks, but it won't match the raw power of the Edge+.

Battery Life

The Edge+ typically has a larger battery capacity (4500mAh vs 4400mAh). Combined with its faster 68W charging, it offers significantly quicker charging times (35 minutes vs 60 minutes for a full charge). Both phones should provide all-day battery life with moderate usage.

Buying Guide

The Motorola Edge+ 5G UW is ideal for power users, gamers, and those who demand the fastest possible charging. The Motorola Edge (2022) is a great choice for everyday users who want a stylish phone with good performance and a more budget-friendly price tag.

Frequently Asked Questions

❓ Is the Motorola Edge+ 5G UW worth the extra money?

If you prioritize performance, fast charging, and a more advanced camera system, then yes. However, if you're on a budget, the Edge offers excellent value.

❓ Which phone has better software support?

Motorola generally provides timely software updates. Both phones will likely receive Android updates for at least 2-3 years, but the Edge+ might get slightly longer support due to being the higher-end model.