Galaxy S22 5G vs Motorola Edge 50 Fusion

Galaxy S22 5G
Galaxy S22 5G
Starting at

Refurbished price:A$374.00

Versus A$1,149.00 new

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Motorola Edge 50 Fusion
Motorola Edge 50 Fusion
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The Samsung Galaxy S22 5G, released in February 2022, and the Motorola Edge 50 Fusion, launched in May 2024, are both Android smartphones offering distinct user experiences. While the Galaxy S22 5G is a compact device with a focus on premium build and a versatile camera system, the Edge 50 Fusion emphasizes a larger display, extended battery life, and a more recent software experience. These differences cater to varying user priorities, from those seeking a pocket-friendly flagship to those desiring a modern device with strong endurance.

Scores

Durability

The longevity of a smartphone is influenced by its release date, software support, and physical durability. The Galaxy S22 5G and Edge 50 Fusion offer different timelines for expected usage.

  • Release Timeline: The Samsung Galaxy S22 5G was released in February 2022, making it an older model compared to the Motorola Edge 50 Fusion, which launched in May 2024. This two-year difference impacts the remaining software support and the overall practical lifespan of the devices.
  • Software Longevity: Samsung typically provides 4 major Android OS upgrades and 5 years of security updates for its flagship devices like the Galaxy S22 5G, with support expected to end around 2027. The Motorola Edge 50 Fusion, being newer, is promised 3 years of Android updates and 4 years of security updates from its 2024 release. This means the Edge 50 Fusion will likely receive software updates for a longer period into the future.
  • Physical Durability: The Galaxy S22 5G features Gorilla Glass Victus+ on both the front and back, along with an Armor Aluminum frame, contributing to its robust build. The Edge 50 Fusion uses Corning Gorilla Glass 5 for its display and offers a vegan leather or PMMA back, with an IP68 rating for dust and water resistance, similar to the S22 5G.

Performance

Performance in smartphones is about how smoothly they handle daily tasks, from opening apps to managing demanding applications and multitasking. The internal components of the Galaxy S22 5G and Edge 50 Fusion contribute to different performance profiles.

  • Everyday Responsiveness: The Galaxy S22 5G, with its flagship-tier processor from 2022, offers a highly responsive experience, capable of handling demanding apps and multitasking smoothly. The Motorola Edge 50 Fusion, powered by a more recent mid-range processor, provides a seamless experience for daily use and can handle multitasking efficiently, though it may not match the raw processing power of a flagship device.
  • Battery Behavior: The Galaxy S22 5G has a 3700 mAh battery, which for heavy users might require more frequent charging. In contrast, the Motorola Edge 50 Fusion features a larger 5000 mAh battery, designed to offer extended usage, with many users reporting it can last through a full day of heavy use and potentially up to two days for lighter users.
  • Storage and Multitasking: Both devices offer various storage options, typically starting from 128GB. The Galaxy S22 5G comes with 8GB of RAM, while the Edge 50 Fusion offers 8GB or 12GB RAM options, which can provide a slight edge in managing a large number of open applications simultaneously.

Memory (GB)

8 GB

12 GB

Screen quality

The display is a primary interface for smartphone interaction, and both the Galaxy S22 5G and Edge 50 Fusion offer vibrant viewing experiences with distinct characteristics.

  • Display Technology and Clarity: The Samsung Galaxy S22 5G features a 6.1-inch Dynamic AMOLED 2X display, known for its deep blacks, vibrant colors, and sharp FHD+ resolution (1080 x 2340 pixels). The Motorola Edge 50 Fusion comes with a larger 6.7-inch pOLED display, also offering FHD+ resolution (1080 x 2400 pixels) with excellent contrast levels and vivid colors.
  • Brightness and Refresh Rate: The Galaxy S22 5G's display can reach a peak brightness of 1300 nits, ensuring good visibility outdoors, and features an adaptive 120Hz refresh rate for smooth scrolling and animations. The Edge 50 Fusion boasts a higher peak brightness of 1600 nits, making it very readable even under direct sunlight, and offers a smoother 144Hz refresh rate.
  • Viewing Experience: The Galaxy S22 5G provides a compact viewing experience, suitable for one-handed use. The Edge 50 Fusion's larger, curved display offers a more immersive viewing experience, particularly for media consumption, though some users might find the curved edges prone to accidental touches or reflections.

Audiovisual

Camera capabilities are a significant factor for many smartphone users, and both devices offer competent systems for capturing photos and videos, albeit with different strengths.

  • Rear Camera Systems: The Samsung Galaxy S22 5G features a versatile triple-camera setup, including a 50MP main sensor with optical image stabilization (OIS), a 10MP telephoto lens with 3x optical zoom, and a 12MP ultrawide lens. This configuration allows for a range of photographic options, including zoomed shots. The Motorola Edge 50 Fusion has a dual-camera system, comprising a 50MP main sensor with OIS and a 13MP ultrawide lens that also functions for macro photography.
  • Photography Performance: The Galaxy S22 5G is known for its consistent image quality across its lenses, with strong low-light performance and detailed photos. The Edge 50 Fusion's main camera also performs well in various lighting conditions, producing sharp and vibrant images, with users noting impressive HDR performance.
  • Video and Front Camera: The Galaxy S22 5G can record video up to 8K resolution and features a 10MP front camera. The Edge 50 Fusion records video up to 4K and includes a higher-resolution 32MP front camera, which is noted for producing detailed selfies.

Miscellaneous

Beyond core performance, several other features contribute to the overall user experience, including connectivity, physical design, and additional functionalities.

  • Connectivity and Ports: Both the Galaxy S22 5G and Motorola Edge 50 Fusion support 5G networks, Wi-Fi 6, and Bluetooth 5.2. The Edge 50 Fusion also supports Wi-Fi 6E in some configurations. Both devices utilize a USB-C port for charging and data transfer and lack a traditional 3.5mm headphone jack.
  • Design and Handling: The Galaxy S22 5G is a more compact device, weighing around 167-168 grams and featuring a glass and aluminum construction. The Motorola Edge 50 Fusion is slightly larger and lighter at around 174-175 grams, with a slim design and various back finishes, including vegan leather. Its curved display contributes to a sleek profile.
  • Security and Audio: Both smartphones include an under-display fingerprint sensor and support face recognition for secure unlocking. For audio, both offer stereo speakers, with the Edge 50 Fusion featuring Dolby Atmos support for an enhanced media consumption experience.

Screen size (in)

6.2

6.7

Network

5G

5G

SIM card

Physical SIM + eSIM

Dual Physical SIM

Carrier compatibility

Unlocked

Unlocked

The Samsung Galaxy S22 5G and Motorola Edge 50 Fusion cater to different user preferences, each excelling in specific areas. The Galaxy S22 5G is often praised for its compact size, premium build materials, and consistent camera performance, particularly its dedicated telephoto lens. Users appreciate its robust software support, ensuring a reliable experience over several years. Some common concerns for the S22 5G include its relatively smaller battery capacity compared to newer devices, which may lead to more frequent charging for heavy users.

The Motorola Edge 50 Fusion, on the other hand, receives commendation for its impressive battery life, often lasting well over a day, and its large, high-refresh-rate display, which provides a smooth and immersive visual experience. Its modern design and competitive camera system are also frequently highlighted. Criticisms sometimes point to its processor, which, while capable for everyday tasks, may not offer the same raw power as flagship devices for highly demanding applications or intense gaming. Additionally, its software update policy, while good, is not as extensive as some competitors.

Users who prioritize a compact form factor, a premium feel, and a versatile camera system with optical zoom may find the Samsung Galaxy S22 5G well-suited to their needs. Conversely, individuals who value extended battery life, a larger and smoother display, and a more recent software experience might lean towards the Motorola Edge 50 Fusion. Both devices offer compelling features, and choosing between them depends on which aspects align best with individual usage patterns. For those considering a sustainable choice, exploring quality-assured refurbished options for either model can provide an eco-friendly alternative.

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