Motorola Edge+ 5G UW (2022) vs. Sony Xperia 1 IV: A Detailed Comparison of Snapdragon Flagships

The Motorola Edge+ 5G UW (2022) and the Sony Xperia 1 IV represent distinct approaches to the flagship Android experience. The Motorola prioritizes rapid charging and a more accessible price point, while the Sony doubles down on a creator-focused experience with a refined camera system and a focus on multimedia consumption. Both utilize the Qualcomm Snapdragon 8 Gen 1, making a direct performance comparison less critical than examining how each manufacturer leverages the chipset.
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🏆 Quick Verdict

For the average user prioritizing value and quick top-ups, the Motorola Edge+ 5G UW (2022) is the stronger choice. Its 68W charging significantly outperforms the Xperia 1 IV’s 30W, and the price difference is substantial. However, the Sony Xperia 1 IV caters to photography and videography enthusiasts with its dedicated features and potentially superior image processing.

PHONES
Phone Names Motorola Edge+ 5G UW (2022) Sony Xperia 1 IV
Network
2G bandsGSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900
3G bandsHSDPA 850 / 900 / 1700(AWS) / 1900 / 2100HSDPA 800 / 850 / 900 / 1700(AWS) / 1900 / 2100
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, 19, 20, 25, 26, 28, 29, 32, 34, 38, 39, 40, 41, 46, 66 - Europe
5G bands2, 5, 7, 12, 25, 26, 29, 30, 41, 48, 66, 71, 77, 78, 260, 261 SA/NSA/Sub6/mmWave - Verizon, USA1, 3, 5, 7, 8, 20, 28, 38, 40, 41, 77, 78 SA/NSA/Sub6 - Europe
SpeedHSPA 42.2/5.76 Mbps, LTE Cat20 2000/150 Mbps, 5GHSPA, LTE, 5G
TechnologyGSM / HSPA / LTE / 5GGSM / HSPA / LTE / 5G
 -1, 3, 5, 7, 8, 28, 38, 40, 41, 77, 78, 79 SA/NSA/Sub6 - Asia
Launch
Announced2022, January 242022, May 11
StatusAvailable. Released 2022, March 24Available. Released 2022, June 11
Body
BuildGlass front (Gorilla Glass 3), glass back (Gorilla Glass 5), plastic frameGlass front (Gorilla Glass Victus), glass back (Gorilla Glass Victus), aluminum frame
Dimensions163.1 x 76 x 8.8 mm (6.42 x 2.99 x 0.35 in)165 x 71 x 8.2 mm (6.50 x 2.80 x 0.32 in)
SIM· Nano-SIM· Nano-SIM + Nano-SIM· Nano-SIM + eSIM· Nano-SIM + Nano-SIM
Weight196 g (6.91 oz)185 g (6.53 oz)
 -IP65/IP68 dust/water resistant (up to 1.5m for 30 min)
Display
ProtectionCorning Gorilla Glass 3Corning Gorilla Glass Victus
Resolution1080 x 2400 pixels, 20:9 ratio (~393 ppi density)1644 x 3840 pixels, 21:9 ratio (~643 ppi density)
Size6.7 inches, 108.4 cm2 (~87.4% screen-to-body ratio)6.5 inches, 98.6 cm2 (~84.2% screen-to-body ratio)
TypeOLED, 1B colors, 144Hz, HDR10+OLED, 1B colors, 120Hz, HDR BT.2020
 -Runs at 1096 x 2560 pixels except for select use cases
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, upgradable to Android 14Android 12, upgradable to Android 13
Memory
Card slotNomicroSDXC (uses shared SIM slot)
Internal128GB 8GB RAM, 256GB 8GB RAM, 256GB 12GB RAM, 512GB 8GB RAM, 512GB 12GB RAM256GB 12GB RAM, 512GB 12GB RAM, 512GB 16GB RAM
 -UFS 3.X
Main Camera
FeaturesDual-LED dual-tone flash, HDR, panoramaZeiss optics, Zeiss T* lens coating, color spectrum sensor, LED flash, panorama, HDR, eye tracking
Single-12 MP, f/2.0, 24mm (wide), 1/2.9", 1.25µm
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 Auxiliary lens12 MP, f/1.7, 24mm (wide), 1/1.7", 1.8µm, dual pixel PDAF, OIS 12 MP, f/2.3, 85mm (telephoto), f/2.8, 125mm (telephoto), 1/3.5", dual pixel PDAF, 3.5x-5.2x continuous optical zoom, OIS 12 MP, f/2.2, 124˚, 16mm (ultrawide), 1/2.5", dual pixel PDAF 0.3 MP, TOF 3D, (depth)
Video8K@24/30fps, 4K@30/60fps, 1080p@30/60/120/240/960fps, 10-bit HDR10+, gyro-EIS4K@24/25/30/60/120fps HDR, 1080p@30/60/120fps; 5-axis gyro-EIS, OIS
Selfie camera
FeaturesHDRHDR
Single60 MP, f/2.2, (wide), 1/2.8", 0.61µm12 MP, f/2.0, 24mm (wide), 1/2.9", 1.25µm
Video4K@30fps, 1080p@30/120fps4K@30fps, 1080p@30/60fps, 5-axis gyro-EIS
Sound
3.5mm jack -Yes
35mm jackNoYes
Loudspeaker Yes, with stereo speakersYes, with stereo speakers
 -24-bit/192kHz audio Dynamic vibration system
Comms
Bluetooth5.2, A2DP, LE5.2, A2DP, LE Audio, aptX HD, aptX Adaptive
NFCYesYes
PositioningGPS (L1+L5), GLONASS, BDS, GALILEOGPS, GLONASS, BDS, GALILEO, QZSS
RadioNoNo
USBUSB Type-C 3.1, DisplayPort 1.4USB Type-C 3.2, OTG, video output
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 or tri-band (region dependent), Wi-Fi Direct, DLNA
Features
SensorsFingerprint (side-mounted), accelerometer, gyro, proximity, compass, barometerFingerprint (side-mounted), accelerometer, gyro, proximity, barometer, compass
 -Native Sony Alpha camera support
Battery
Charging68W wired, 50% in 15 min, 100% in 35 min 15W wireless 5W reverse wireless30W wired, PD3.0, PPS, 50% in 30 min Wireless Reverse wireless
TypeLi-Po 4800 mAhLi-Po 5000 mAh
Misc
ColorsCosmos Blue, Stardust WhiteBlack, Violet, White
Models-XQCT62-B, XQCT54, XQCT54C0V.YD, XQCT54C0B.YD, XQCT54C0W.YD, XQCT54C0V.EEAC, XQCT54C0B.EEAC, XQ-CT72, XQ-CT54, XQ-CT62, SO-51C
PriceAbout 850 EUR$ 1,120.00 / € 489.00
Tests
Battery life- Endurance rating 100h
Camera- Photo / Video
Display- Contrast ratio: Infinite (nominal)
Loudspeaker- -27.6 LUFS (Good)
Performance- AnTuTu: 838832 (v9) GeekBench: 3403 (v5.1) GFXBench: 74fps (ES 3.1 onscreen)

Motorola Edge+ 5G UW (2022)

  • Significantly faster 68W wired charging
  • More affordable price point
  • Reverse wireless charging capability

  • Missing display specifications (brightness, refresh rate)
  • Limited camera details provided
  • Potential for thermal throttling under sustained load (unconfirmed)

Sony Xperia 1 IV

  • Professional-grade camera system
  • High-quality display with infinite contrast ratio
  • Optimized for content creation and consumption

  • Slower 30W wired charging
  • Higher price tag
  • Less focus on rapid charging convenience

Display Comparison

Both devices utilize the Snapdragon 8 Gen 1, but their displays diverge. The Sony Xperia 1 IV boasts an infinite (nominal) contrast ratio, suggesting a true OLED panel, while the Motorola’s display specs are not provided. The Xperia 1 IV’s measured 602 nits peak brightness is respectable, but the Motorola’s brightness remains unknown. The absence of refresh rate information for the Motorola is a key omission; the Xperia 1 IV likely benefits from a smoother experience if it incorporates LTPO technology for variable refresh rates, optimizing battery life. The Xperia 1 IV’s display is geared towards color accuracy and professional use, while the Motorola’s display characteristics are less defined.

Camera Comparison

The Sony Xperia 1 IV is clearly positioned as the photography and videography powerhouse. While both phones share the same chipset, Sony’s expertise in imaging sensors and image processing is a significant advantage. The Xperia 1 IV’s camera system is described as 'Photo / Video', indicating a comprehensive feature set. The Motorola’s camera specs are not detailed, making a direct comparison difficult. Sony’s emphasis on manual controls and professional features, like 4K 120fps video recording, are absent in the Motorola’s description. The Xperia 1 IV likely benefits from superior image stabilization and dynamic range.

Performance

Both the Motorola Edge+ 5G UW (2022) and the Sony Xperia 1 IV are powered by the Qualcomm SM8450 Snapdragon 8 Gen 1 (4 nm) chipset, featuring an Octa-core CPU configuration (1x3.00 GHz Cortex-X2, 3x2.50 GHz Cortex-A710, and 4x1.80 GHz Cortex-A510). This means raw processing power will be largely comparable. However, thermal management and sustained performance are where differences may emerge. The Motorola’s larger chassis *could* offer better cooling potential, but without specific thermal testing data, it’s difficult to say. Both devices likely utilize LPDDR5 RAM, but the speed isn’t specified. The Xperia 1 IV’s focus on video recording and prolonged use cases suggests Sony may have prioritized sustained performance through software optimization.

Battery Life

Both devices share a 100h endurance rating, which is a somewhat vague metric. The Motorola Edge+ 5G UW (2022) offers a substantial charging advantage with its 68W wired charging, achieving 50% charge in 15 minutes and 100% in 35 minutes. The Sony Xperia 1 IV’s 30W wired charging (PD3.0, PPS) takes 30 minutes to reach 50%. The Motorola also includes 15W wireless and 5W reverse wireless charging, features the Xperia 1 IV also supports, but details are lacking. The Motorola’s faster charging mitigates concerns about battery capacity, making it more convenient for users who frequently need to top up their device.

Buying Guide

Buy the Motorola Edge+ 5G UW (2022) if you need blazing-fast charging, a more affordable flagship experience, and don't require the absolute best in mobile photography. Buy the Sony Xperia 1 IV if you prioritize a professional-grade camera system, a high-quality display for content creation and consumption, and are willing to pay a premium for a specialized experience.

Frequently Asked Questions

❓ Does the Motorola Edge+ 5G UW (2022) suffer from significant thermal throttling during extended gaming sessions?
While both phones use the Snapdragon 8 Gen 1, which is known to run warm, the Motorola Edge+ 5G UW (2022)'s larger chassis *could* provide better thermal dissipation. However, without independent thermal testing, it's impossible to definitively say. Users should expect some performance throttling during prolonged, demanding tasks, but the extent will vary.
❓ What kind of video recording capabilities does the Sony Xperia 1 IV offer beyond standard 4K?
The Sony Xperia 1 IV is geared towards videographers, offering features like 4K 120fps recording, 10-bit color depth, and S-Cinetone for a cinematic look. It also includes advanced autofocus and tracking capabilities, making it a powerful tool for mobile video production.
❓ Is the 100h endurance rating a reliable indicator of real-world battery life for both devices?
The 100h endurance rating is a standardized test result, but real-world battery life will vary significantly based on usage patterns. Factors like screen brightness, network connectivity, and app usage will all impact battery drain. Consider this rating as a general guideline rather than a precise prediction.