Galaxy S22 5G vs Motorola Edge 30 Pro

The Samsung Galaxy S22 5G and the Motorola Edge 30 Pro are both Android smartphones released in early 2022. While both devices offer powerful performance and vibrant displays, they cater to slightly different user preferences through their camera systems, software approaches, and overall design philosophies. Both run on the Android operating system, offering a range of features and customisation options.

When considering the long-term usability of these devices, their release timelines and software support policies are key differentiators.

• Release and Support: The Samsung Galaxy S22 5G was released in February 2022, while the Motorola Edge 30 Pro followed in March 2022. Samsung typically provides a longer software support window, offering four years of major Android updates and five years of security updates for the Galaxy S22 5G. In contrast, Motorola generally commits to two major Android updates and three years of security updates for the Edge 30 Pro. This means the Galaxy S22 5G is expected to receive software support for a longer duration, potentially extending its practical lifespan for users who prioritise the latest software features and security patches.
• Durability and Repairability: The Galaxy S22 5G features a more robust build with Gorilla Glass Victus+ on both the front and back, coupled with an aluminium frame and an IP68 rating for dust and water resistance, indicating it can withstand submersion. The Motorola Edge 30 Pro uses Gorilla Glass 3 on the front and Gorilla Glass 5 on the back, with a plastic frame and an IP52 rating, offering splash resistance but not full water immersion. This suggests the Galaxy S22 5G may offer greater protection against accidental damage.
• Expected Lifespan: For users who keep their devices for several years, the Galaxy S22 5G's extended software support could mean a more current and secure experience for a longer period. The Motorola Edge 30 Pro, while still a capable device, might see its software features become outdated sooner.

Both smartphones deliver strong performance for daily tasks and demanding applications, though there are nuances in their real-world usage.

• Processing Power: Both devices are equipped with powerful processors designed to handle demanding apps and multitasking smoothly. This translates to quick app loading times, fluid navigation, and efficient handling of graphics-intensive games. Users can expect a responsive experience across a wide range of activities.
• Multitasking and Storage: The Galaxy S22 5G typically comes with 8GB of RAM, while the Motorola Edge 30 Pro offers configurations with 8GB or 12GB of RAM. For users who frequently switch between many applications or engage in heavy multitasking, the higher RAM option on the Edge 30 Pro could provide a slight edge in maintaining app states in memory. Both devices offer internal storage options of 128GB and 256GB, with the Edge 30 Pro also having a 512GB variant, but neither supports expandable storage.
• Battery Performance: The Motorola Edge 30 Pro features a larger 4800 mAh battery, generally providing solid all-day battery life, even with intensive use. It also supports faster 68W wired charging. The Galaxy S22 5G has a smaller 3700 mAh battery, and while it can last through an average day for some users, heavy usage often necessitates more frequent charging. Its wired charging is also slower at 25W. Some users of the Edge 30 Pro have reported heating under heavy load, which can impact battery longevity during those periods.

Both smartphones offer high-quality displays, but they differ in size, refresh rate, and peak brightness.

• Display Technology and Size: The Samsung Galaxy S22 5G features a 6.1-inch Dynamic AMOLED 2X display, known for its vibrant colours and deep blacks. The Motorola Edge 30 Pro sports a larger 6.7-inch OLED display, also delivering rich colours and contrast. The larger screen on the Edge 30 Pro provides a more expansive viewing area, which can be beneficial for media consumption and productivity.
• Refresh Rate and Smoothness: The Galaxy S22 5G offers a 120Hz adaptive refresh rate, providing smooth scrolling and responsiveness. The Motorola Edge 30 Pro goes a step further with a 144Hz refresh rate, which can result in an even smoother visual experience, particularly noticeable in fast-paced content or general interface navigation.
• Brightness and Clarity: The Galaxy S22 5G's display can reach a peak brightness of 1300 nits, ensuring good visibility even in bright outdoor conditions. The Edge 30 Pro's display is also bright and clear, though specific peak brightness figures are less consistently highlighted as a standout feature compared to its refresh rate. Both displays offer Full HD+ resolution, providing sharp and detailed visuals for everyday use.

The camera systems on these two devices present different strengths and capabilities for capturing photos and videos.

• Rear Camera Setup: The Samsung Galaxy S22 5G features a versatile triple-camera system with a 50MP main sensor with optical image stabilisation (OIS), a 10MP telephoto lens offering 3x optical zoom with OIS, and a 12MP ultrawide lens. The Motorola Edge 30 Pro also has a triple-camera setup, including a 50MP main sensor with OIS, a 50MP ultrawide lens that doubles as a macro camera, and a 2MP depth sensor. A key difference is the dedicated telephoto lens on the Galaxy S22 5G, which the Edge 30 Pro lacks.
• Photography Performance: The Galaxy S22 5G is generally praised for its consistent and high-quality photos, particularly in good lighting, with its telephoto lens providing excellent zoom capabilities. Its low-light performance is also considered strong. The Motorola Edge 30 Pro's main camera performs well in good lighting, producing vibrant and detailed images. However, its low-light performance and overall camera consistency, especially with the ultrawide, have received mixed reviews, with some users noting a drop in sharpness and increased noise. The absence of a telephoto lens means digital zoom is the only option, which can lead to a loss of detail.
• Video and Audio: Both phones are capable of recording high-resolution video, including 8K. The Galaxy S22 5G offers strong video stabilisation and clear audio recording. The Edge 30 Pro also provides good video quality, with 8K recording at 30fps, though some users have noted inconsistencies in 1080p video quality. Both devices feature stereo speakers, providing a good audio experience for media consumption, with the Edge 30 Pro benefiting from Dolby Atmos tuning.