Motorola Edge X30 vs Edge+ 5G UW (2022): A Detailed Showdown

Motorola's Edge series consistently delivers impressive specs at competitive prices. The Edge X30 and Edge+ 5G UW (2022) are both powered by the Snapdragon 8 Gen 1, but cater to slightly different audiences. Let's dive into a comprehensive comparison to determine which phone is the better choice for you.
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🏆 Quick Verdict

The Edge+ 5G UW (2022) offers a more complete package with wireless charging, reverse wireless charging, and potentially better camera optimization. However, the Edge X30 might be a better value if you prioritize raw performance and a slightly lower price point. It's a close call!

PHONES
Phone Names Motorola Edge X30 Motorola Edge+ 5G UW (2022)
Network
2G bandsGSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900 - SIM 1 & SIM 2 (Dual SIM model only)
3G bandsHSDPA 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900 / 2100HSDPA 850 / 900 / 1700(AWS) / 1900 / 2100
4G bands1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 7, 8, 12, 17, 34, 38, 39, 40, 411, 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 bands1, 3, 5, 7, 8, 20, 28, 38, 41, 78 SA/NSA/Sub62, 5, 7, 12, 25, 26, 29, 30, 41, 48, 66, 71, 77, 78, 260, 261 SA/NSA/Sub6/mmWave - Verizon, USA
SpeedHSPA, LTE, 5GHSPA 42.2/5.76 Mbps, LTE-A (CA) Cat20 2000/150 Mbps, 5G
TechnologyGSM / HSPA / LTE / 5GGSM / HSPA / LTE / 5G
Launch
Announced2021, December 092022, January 24
StatusAvailable. Released 2021, December 15Available. Released 2022, March 24
Body
BuildGlass front, glass back (Gorilla Glass 5)Glass front (Gorilla Glass 3), glass back (Gorilla Glass 5), plastic frame
Dimensions163.6 x 75.6 x 8.5 mm (6.44 x 2.98 x 0.33 in)163.1 x 76 x 8.8 mm (6.42 x 2.99 x 0.35 in)
SIMNano-SIM + Nano-SIMSingle SIM (Nano-SIM) or Dual SIM (Nano-SIM, dual stand-by)
Weight194 g (6.84 oz)196 g (6.91 oz)
 Water-repellent designWater-repellent design
Display
Protection-Corning Gorilla Glass 3
Resolution1080 x 2400 pixels, 20:9 ratio (~393 ppi density)1080 x 2400 pixels, 20:9 ratio (~393 ppi density)
Size6.7 inches, 108.4 cm2 (~87.6% screen-to-body ratio)6.7 inches, 108.4 cm2 (~87.4% screen-to-body ratio)
TypeOLED, 1B colors, 144Hz, HDR10+, 500 nits (typ), 700 nits (HBM)OLED, 1B colors, 144Hz, HDR10+
 -Always-on display
Platform
CPUOcta-core (1x3.00 GHz Cortex-X2 & 3x2.50 GHz Cortex-A710 & 4x1.80 GHz Cortex-A510)Octa-core (1x3.00 GHz Cortex-X2 & 3x2.50 GHz Cortex-A710 & 4x1.80 GHz Cortex-A510)
ChipsetQualcomm SM8450 Snapdragon 8 Gen 1 (4 nm)Qualcomm SM8450 Snapdragon 8 Gen 1 (4 nm)
GPUAdreno 730Adreno 730
OSAndroid 12, MYUI 3.0Android 12, planned upgrade to Android 13
Memory
Card slotNoNo
Internal128GB 8GB RAM, 256GB 8GB RAM, 256GB 12GB RAM128GB 8GB RAM, 256GB 8GB RAM, 256GB 12GB RAM, 512GB 8GB RAM, 512GB 12GB RAM
 UFS 3.1UFS 3.1
Main Camera
FeaturesDual-LED flash, panorama, HDRDual-LED dual-tone flash, HDR, panorama
Triple50 MP, f/1.9, (wide), 1/1.55", 1.0µm, dual pixel PDAF, OIS 50 MP, f/2.2, 114˚ (ultrawide), 1/2.76", 0.64µm Auxiliary lens50 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)
Video4K@30fps, 1080p@30/60/120/240fps, 720p@960fps, 10-bit HDR10+, gyro-EIS8K@24/30fps, 4K@30/60fps, 1080p@30/60/120/240/960fps, 10-bit HDR10+, gyro-EIS
Selfie camera
FeaturesHDRHDR
Single60 MP, f/2.2, (wide), 1/2.8", 0.61µm or 60 MP, f/2.2, (wide), 1/2.8", 0.61µm, under display60 MP, f/2.2, (wide), 1/2.8", 0.61µm
Video4K@30fps, 1080p@30/120fps4K@30fps, 1080p@30/120fps
Sound
3.5mm jack NoNo
35mm jackNo-
Loudspeaker Yes, with stereo speakersYes, with stereo speakers
 -24-bit/192kHz audio
Comms
Bluetooth5.2, A2DP, LE, aptX HD, aptX Adaptive5.2, A2DP, LE
NFCYesYes
PositioningGPS (L1+L5), GLONASS, BDS, GALILEOGPS (L1+L5), GLONASS, BDS, GALILEO
RadioNoNo
USBUSB Type-CUSB Type-C 3.1, DisplayPort 1.4
WLANWi-Fi 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac/6e, dual-band, Wi-Fi DirectWi-Fi 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac/6e, dual-band, Wi-Fi Direct
Features
SensorsFingerprint (side-mounted), accelerometer, gyro, proximity, compassFingerprint (side-mounted), accelerometer, gyro, proximity, compass, barometer
 Ready For supportReady For support
Battery
Charging68W wired, 100% in 35 min68W wired, 50% in 15 min, 100% in 35 min (advertised) 15W wireless 5W reverse wireless
TypeMarket-dependent versions:· Li-Po 5000 mAh (regular version)· Li-Po 4800 mAh (under screen camera version)Li-Po 4800 mAh, non-removable
Misc
ColorsWhite, BlackCosmos Blue, Stardust White
ModelsXT2201-2, XT2201-6-
PriceAbout 420 EURAbout 850 EUR

Motorola Edge X30

  • Excellent performance for the price
  • Fast 68W wired charging
  • Sleek design
  • High refresh rate display

  • No wireless charging
  • Camera versatility limited
  • Potential thermal throttling under sustained load

Motorola Edge+ 5G UW (2022)

  • Wireless and reverse wireless charging
  • Potentially better camera optimization
  • More versatile camera system (often includes telephoto)
  • Slightly improved display quality (potentially)

  • Higher price
  • Similar performance to X30
  • 68W wired charging is still relatively slow compared to some competitors

Display Comparison

Both phones feature OLED displays with a 144Hz refresh rate, offering smooth visuals. The Edge+ 5G UW (2022) may have slightly better color accuracy and brightness due to potential panel variations and software calibration. The Edge X30's display is excellent, but the Edge+ might edge it out in overall quality.

Camera Comparison

The Edge+ 5G UW (2022) generally boasts a more versatile camera system, often including a telephoto lens which the X30 lacks. While both have capable main sensors, the Edge+’s software processing and additional lens options provide more creative flexibility. Expect slightly better low-light performance on the Edge+.

Performance

Both devices share the same Snapdragon 8 Gen 1 chipset, guaranteeing top-tier performance. Real-world performance will likely be very similar in most tasks. However, thermal management could be a differentiating factor, with the Edge+ potentially having a slightly better cooling solution due to its larger size.

Battery Life

Both offer 68W wired charging, achieving 100% in roughly the same time. The Edge+ 5G UW (2022) adds 15W wireless charging and 5W reverse wireless charging, providing added convenience.

Buying Guide

The Motorola Edge X30 is ideal for users seeking flagship performance without breaking the bank, particularly those who don't need wireless charging. The Edge+ 5G UW (2022) is a better fit for users who value convenience features like wireless charging, reverse wireless charging, and potentially a more refined camera experience, and are willing to pay a premium.

Frequently Asked Questions

❓ Is the Snapdragon 8 Gen 1 still a good chipset?
Yes, the Snapdragon 8 Gen 1 is still a very capable chipset, offering flagship-level performance for demanding tasks and gaming. However, newer chipsets like the 8 Gen 2 are available now.
❓ Which phone has better battery life?
Both phones offer similar battery life due to their comparable battery capacities and efficient chipsets. The Edge+ 5G UW (2022) has the advantage of wireless charging for added convenience.