The smartphone world has seen intense competition heat up between premium flagships in 2022, with Samsung‘s Galaxy S22 lineup and Motorola‘s revamped Edge series exemplifying this battle. As 2023 gets underway, tech enthusiasts and average consumers alike may be wondering how these two Android titans compare if they‘re considering an upgrade.
This comprehensive comparison guide will analyze the latest Motorola Edge versus Samsung‘s Galaxy S22 model to see how they stack up on critical factors like design, display quality, performance, camera capabilities, battery life, software, and overall value. We‘ll highlight the key similarities and differences between these flagship phones to help you decide which is the better option to meet your needs in 2023.
Motorola Edge vs Galaxy S22: Key Specs Comparison
On paper, the Motorola Edge and Samsung Galaxy S22 share some core hardware and features common among premium phone flagships, while also having some notable differences that set them apart.
| Specification | Motorola Edge | Samsung Galaxy S22 |
|---|---|---|
| Screen Size | 6.6 inches | 6.1 inches |
| Display | pOLED, 1080 x 2400 pixels, 20:9 ratio, 144Hz refresh rate | Dynamic AMOLED 2X, 1080 x 2340 pixels, 19.5:9 ratio, 48-120Hz adaptive refresh |
| Chipset | MediaTek Dimensity 1050 | Qualcomm SM8450 Snapdragon 8 Gen 1 (USA variant) / Samsung Exynos 2200 (global) |
| RAM | 6GB / 8GB options | 8GB (128GB model) / 12GB (256GB model) |
| Storage | 128GB / 256GB, no expansion | 128GB / 256GB, no expansion |
| Rear Camera | 50MP main + 13MP ultrawide | 50MP wide + 12MP ultrawide + 10MP telephoto |
| Front Camera | 32MP | 10MP |
| Battery | 5000 mAh | 3700 mAh |
| Charging Speed | 68W wired turbo charging support | 25W wired charging |
| Wireless Charging | No | Yes, up to 15W |
| IP Rating | IP52 splash resistance | IP68 dust/water resistant |
| Biometric Security | In-display fingerprint reader | Ultrasonic in-display fingerprint reader |
| Software | Ships with Android 12 | Ships with Android 12 and One UI 4.2 |
| Dimensions and Weight | 161.6 x 73.6 x 8.2mm, 196g | 146 x 70.6 x 7.6mm, 167g |
Design and Build Quality: Compact S22 vs Curved Edge
The most obvious design difference between these two phones is the display size and form factor. With a expansive 6.6-inch screen, the latest Motorola Edge 2023 model stands out with its dramatic curved edges and tall 20:9 aspect ratio to maximize that display real estate for immersive viewing. It also makes the phone design feel narrow despite the screen size.
By comparison, Samsung‘s Galaxy S22 sports a more mainstream 6.1-inch display size that‘s easier to use one-handed. Both phones share crisp Full HD+ resolutions, but the S22‘s Dynamic AMOLED 2X panel offers bolder, vibrant colors and better high-end features like higher peak brightness levels and 120Hz adaptive refresh rates. The Motorola Edge isn‘t far behind though at 90-144Hz.
Build quality favors the Galaxy S22 as well with its sleek "Contour Cut" metal-and-glass unibody design that looks and feels highly premium in typical Samsung fashion. An IP68 rating provides excellent dust and water resistance too. The Motorola Edge equally delivers an attractive minimalist look, but uses a polycarbonate plastic back that feels cheaper in-hand.
With dimensions of 146 x 71 x 7.6mm and a weight of just 167 grams, the Galaxy S22 also comes out as the more compact and pocketable option of the two. But some may prefer the Motorola Edge‘s thinner chassis despite larger size.
Cameras: Flagship Features with Edge Cases
The camera hardware seems evenly matched at first glance with both phones equipped with a 50MP primary wide sensor and 10+ megapixel supporting lenses – an ultrawide on the Edge and both an ultrawide and 3x telephoto on the Galaxy S22.
According to camera testing experts like DXOMARK though, the Galaxy S22 holds a comfortable lead for rear camera quality and versatility. It captures intricate detail in any lighting along with richer colors and exposures. The 10x hybrid zoom also brings faraway objects very close, while specialized modes like the dedicated Night mode enhance low light shots. Video is equally silky smooth up to 8K.
Comparatively, the Motorola Edge struggles more with dynamic range, noise, and artifacts in challenging scenes based on samples. But for general shooting it remains highly capable, while its 32MP selfie camera outpaces the Galaxy S22‘s 10MP front sensor. The Edge also offers quicker access to manual controls and RAW photo support for some photography buffs.
Display and Entertainment: Smooth Scrolling vs Signature Pop
One spec where the Motorola Edge indisputably takes top marks is the high 144Hz screen refresh rate for incredibly fluid gaming and web scrolling. It‘s likely unmatched in smoothness by any other phone at its price tier. Samsung‘s flagship display still impresses with its Dynamic AMOLED 2X panel that scales between 48Hz and 120Hz refresh rates dynamically to balance performance and battery savings.
Besides fluidity though, Samsung‘s optimized color accuracy, 1600 nit peak brightness for excellent outdoor visibility, Vision Booster algorithm for boosting detail in low light viewing conditions, and 240Hz touch sampling rate for uber-responsive apps/games collectively provide an exceptional viewing experience that lives up to their reputation. The richer colors really make content pop, so it may come down to preferences for a more natural vs vibrant picture.
Performance and 5G: A Race Too Close to Call
Evaluating the Motorola Edge vs Galaxy S22 processor and performance is tricky business. On paper, the Snapdragon 8 Gen 1 that the majority of Galaxy S22 models shipped with seems the clear winner as Qualcomm‘s most advanced flagship chip yet for Android. In real-world testing however, throttling issues impacted sustained performance, and Exynos 2200 models seen in some regions likewise struggled.
Fortunately, software updates have improved thermal management a great deal on the S22 series. And the Motorola Edge running on MediaTek‘s Dimensity 1050 platform suffers no such problems, delivering excellent benchmark scores and smooth functioning for demanding games. Both chipsets also provide integrated 5G connectivity and Wi-Fi 6 speeds. For most everyday users, either phone will handle anything thrown at them with ease for years.
The Galaxy S22 lineup officially supports 45W charging as well, though only 25W wall adapters included. That‘s still faster than the 15W bricks included with the Motorola Edge, but a 68W version can be purchased separately to charge its battery from 0 to 50% in just 15 minutes. Overall everyday performance and battery experiences are thus equally great.
As for RAM, both base models include 8GB which is plenty for Android multitasking. But heavy users can opt for a 12GB Galaxy S22 configuration for added overhead. Storage is limited to 128GB or 256GB on both, with no microSD slot.
Software: Lean Motorola vs Feature-packed One UI
On the software front, personal preference for either Motorola‘s clean, near stock Android 12 experience or Samsung‘s heavy One UI Android skin ultimately determines impressions of everyday use.
Motorola uses a light touch, focusing on subtle productivity enhancements like attentive displays and gestures. One UI 4.x offers endless customization options and exclusive extras like Samsung DeX desktop mode, handy built-in integrations, continuity with Galaxy tablets/wearables, and promising 4 years of updates recently extended to the S22 family. Yet it also buries lots of settings and can seem cluttered or overwhelming.
Both manufacturers pledge 3 major OS updates and 4 years of security patches minimum for these flagships though, so users enjoy peace of mind for support longevity.
The Bottom Line: Two Strong Choices for Different Priorities
For those seeking an excellently designed phone with incredible display fluidity for gaming/media at a fair price, the 2023 Motorola Edge delivers a premium flagship experience that should satisfy many. But the Galaxy S22 still claims the edge (pun intended) for the title of best high-end Android phone currently when factoring its class-leading performance, cameras, polished hardware, and software support.
Sure the Galaxy S22 costs more, but also justifies it for discerning power users willing to pay top dollar. Ultimately though, buyers get excellent bang for buck either way. The Motorola Edge competes closely enough overall to give Samsung a run as our reigning champion.
