The Motorola Edge and iPhone 14 are two of the most popular smartphones of 2022-2023, appealing to both Android and iOS fans. With their sleek designs, high-resolution cameras and powerful performance, it can be tough deciding which one delivers the best bang for your buck.
In this in-depth comparison, we‘ll examine how the Motorola Edge and iPhone 14 stack up across several key categories to help you determine the right choice for your needs and budget.
Motorola Edge vs. iPhone 14: Key Specs
Let‘s start with a high-level overview of the core hardware and features:
| Specs | Motorola Edge | iPhone 14 |
|---|---|---|
| Screen Size | 6.55" | 6.1" |
| Display Type | 1080 x 2400 AMOLED | 1290 x 2796 OLED |
| Refresh Rate | 144Hz | 120Hz |
| Processor | Snapdragon 778G Plus | Apple A16 Bionic |
| RAM | 6GB / 8GB | 6GB |
| Storage | 128GB / 256GB | 128GB / 256GB / 512GB |
| Rear Camera | 50MP + ultrawide + depth | 12MP triple camera with telephoto and ultrawide |
| Front Camera | 32MP | 12MP |
| Battery | 4020 mAh | 4323 mAh |
| Charging | 30W fast charging | 20W fast charging |
| Wireless Charging | No | Yes |
| Water Resistance | IP52 | IP68 |
| Biometric Authentication | Side fingerprint scanner | Face ID |
As we can see, while the core specs are comparable, the iPhone 14 pulls ahead in several areas like its class-leading A16 Bionic processor, higher resolution OLED display, triple rear camera setup and wireless charging support. However, the Motorola Edge does have a few advantages like a faster 144Hz screen and higher resolution selfie camera.
Display: Slight win for the iPhone 14
Starting with the display, the iPhone 14’s 6.1” OLED panel has a significantly sharper resolution of 1290 x 2796 pixels versus 1080 x 2400 on the 6.55” AMOLED screen of the Motorola Edge. With a pixel density of 460 ppi versus 402 ppi, images and videos will look crisper on the iPhone’s display.
The iPhone 14 also delivers higher typical and peak brightness up to 1200 nits, making it better for outdoor visibility. It matches the Edge’s excellent contrast with an infinite contrast ratio thanks to both using OLED technology.
However, the Motorola Edge takes the lead when it comes to refresh rate with an ultra-smooth 144Hz display compared to 120Hz on the iPhone 14 Pro. This results in more fluid scrolling and animations. Overall, while the Edge has a faster refresh rate, the iPhone 14’s display takes the edge when it comes to resolution, brightness and quality.
Performance: iPhone 14 breezes ahead
The next area where the iPhone 14 easily pulls ahead is processing power. Apple’s latest A16 Bionic chipset benchmark tests show it delivers up to 63% better performance versus the Snapdragon 778G Plus powering the Motorola Edge according to AnTuTu benchmarks.
With two high-performance cores and four efficiency cores, along with a 5-core GPU, the A16 Bionic can handle demanding games and applications with ease. In comparison, the Snapdragon 778G Plus uses a triple cluster design with one prime core, three performance and four efficiency cores.
Both smartphones come equipped with 6GB of RAM which is sufficient for multitasking. The iPhone 14 also has up to 512GB of internal storage while the Edge maxes out at 256GB. For power users who want uncompromising speed, the iPhone 14 is the clear choice.
Design: Premium vs. practical
In terms of design and build quality, both phones have their pros and cons. The iPhone 14 has a premium-feeling aerospace-grade aluminum frame with glass front and back panels giving it a sleek and modern look. The steel edges add durability as well. It has slightly more heft at 172g versus 168g for the plastic-framed Motorola Edge.
The Edge is a bit more compact thanks to its taller 20:9 aspect ratio compared to 19.5:9 on the iPhone 14. For practicality, the Edge also retains a microSD card slot to expand its storage unlike the iPhone 14. However, the iPhone 14 has much better water and dust resistance with an IP68 rating letting it survive submersion in 6 meters of water for 30 minutes. The Motorola Edge only has an IP52 rating meaning it offers limited protection against dust ingress and light sprays of water.
Both phones come in a range of stylish colors. For its glass and metal build, IP68 rating and premium fit and finish, the iPhone 14 gets the nod for design but the Edge offers greater expandability and compactness.
Cameras: iPhone 14 wins again
Cameras are a vital feature for any new smartphone these days. And in this category, the iPhone 14’s triple 12MP camera array with telephoto, ultrawide and main sensors proves vastly superior for photos and videos versus the Motorola Edge’s cameras.
The main wide camera on both phones actually have similar sensors with an approximately 50MP resolution. However, thanks to Apple’s image processing and lens quality, the iPhone 14 captures shots with much better detail, color accuracy, dynamic range and low light performance.
The iPhone 14 also offers 3x optical zoom with its telephoto camera versus only digital zoom on the Edge. It can capture 4K video at 60 fps across all its cameras while the Edge maxes out at 30 fps for 4K. For slow motion, the Edge can go up to 960 fps at 720p using its high-resolution sensor.
For selfies, the one advantage the Motorola Edge holds is its higher 32MP front camera resolution compared to 12MP on the iPhone 14. However, the iPhone’s sensor still produces comparable or better quality selfies in most conditions. With its telephoto lens and vastly superior image quality, the iPhone 14 is the undisputed winner for photography needs.
Battery: All day endurance
Battery life is becoming increasingly important as we rely on our phones throughout the day. The iPhone 14 packs a larger 4,323 mAh battery compared to the 4,020 mAh unit in the Motorola Edge. In practical usage, the iPhone 14 lasts just over 16 hours on a charge while the Edge manages around 6 hours of screen-on time.
Both phones offer fast charging – the Edge at 30 watts and iPhone 14 at 20 watts. But only the iPhone 14 supports wireless 15W Qi charging for added convenience. Overall, the iPhone 14 lasts significantly longer on a full charge making it a better choice if you want all-day battery life you can rely on.
Software and Special Features
As expected, the iPhone 14 comes loaded with iOS 16 and will receive guaranteed major OS updates for at least 5 years. The clean, intuitive iOS interface is appreciated by Apple fans. Motorola’s near stock Android 12 on the Edge is also easy to use with assured updates for 2 years.
Some special features on the iPhone 14 include eSIM support for dual SIM functionality, Face ID facial recognition and crash detection that can automatically get you emergency assistance if it detects a severe car crash. The Edge offers handy features like an in-display fingerprint reader and Motorola’s signature gestures to quickly open the camera or turn on the flashlight.
Price and Value
With its premium construction, market-leading processor and excellent cameras, the iPhone 14 delivers an unbeatable user experience but also comes at a high price of $799 for the base 128GB model. In comparison, you can find the Motorola Edge for around $500 for a model with 128GB of storage.
The Motorola Edge provides a very capable midrange experience at a lower cost. But the iPhone 14 is worth the extra investment if you want the most powerful performance along with long term software support.
The Verdict
Based on this detailed comparison, the iPhone 14 is the clear winner if you’re open to its higher price tag. With its class-leading A16 Bionic processor, stellar triple camera setup, all-day battery life and sleek durable design, it’s one of the best phones of 2022-2023.
However, the Motorola Edge still holds its own as a budget-friendly alternative. It offers a gorgeous AMOLED display with faster 144Hz refresh rate, very capable midrange performance, solid cameras and modern software. For shoppers looking for good value, the Edge deserves consideration too.
Recent News and Developments
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Apple is still seeing high demand for iPhone 14 models and expects to hit sales targets despite supply chain constraints. However, some users have reported camera vibration issues which Apple is working on fixing.
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Motorola recently launched the Motorola Edge 30 Ultra in early 2023 with upgraded specs including a 6.7” OLED screen and improved triple camera system. More Motorola Edge series phones are likely on the way too.
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For 2023, rumors suggest Apple may launch an iPhone 15 Ultra model at the high end above the Pro Max with exclusive features. This would create a more staggered lineup.
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On the Android side, players like Samsung and Google will continue releasing more advanced flagships that could take on the next iPhones. The smartphone world will be exciting to follow through the rest of 2023 and beyond.
So in summary, while both are compelling options, the iPhone 14 claims victory against the Motorola Edge across screen quality, cameras, performance, battery life and premium design. But the Motorola Edge deserves merit for giving buyers a quality experience at a midrange price point. Carefully weigh your priorities and budget to decide which phone best fits your needs.