Galaxy S22+ 5G vs Motorola Edge 30 Pro

Galaxy S22+ 5G
Galaxy S22+ 5G
Starting at

Refurbished price:A$395.00

Versus A$1,690.00 new

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Motorola Edge 30 Pro
Motorola Edge 30 Pro
Starting at

Refurbished price:A$289.72

Versus A$2,709.00 new

See options

The Samsung Galaxy S22 Plus 5G and the Motorola Edge 30 Pro, both released in February 2022, are smartphones that offer distinct experiences within the Android ecosystem. While both launched with Android 12, they diverge in their approach to software, build quality, and camera capabilities, catering to different user preferences.

Scores

Durability

When considering the long-term usability of these devices, several factors contribute to their expected lifespan.

  • Software Support: The Galaxy S22 Plus 5G typically benefits from Samsung's policy of providing four years of operating system updates and five years of security updates for its flagship devices. This generally translates to a longer period of receiving the latest Android features and security patches. In contrast, the Motorola Edge 30 Pro usually receives two to three years of OS updates and three years of security updates, meaning its software support cycle is shorter.
  • Build Quality: The Galaxy S22 Plus 5G features Gorilla Glass Victus+ on both its front and back, coupled with an aluminum frame, offering robust protection and an IP68 rating for dust and water resistance. The Motorola Edge 30 Pro utilizes Gorilla Glass 3 on the front and Gorilla Glass 5 on the back, with a plastic frame, and carries an IP52 rating for splash resistance.
  • Practical Lifespan: Users prioritizing extended software longevity and higher-grade material durability may find the Galaxy S22 Plus 5G to be a more suitable option for prolonged use.

Performance

Both devices are equipped with powerful internal components designed for smooth operation, though they offer different configurations and battery experiences.

  • Processing Power: Both the Galaxy S22 Plus 5G and the Motorola Edge 30 Pro are powered by a similar generation of high-performance processors, enabling them to handle demanding applications, multitasking, and graphic-intensive games with efficiency. This ensures a responsive user experience across everyday tasks.
  • Memory and Storage: The Galaxy S22 Plus 5G comes with 8GB of RAM and offers internal storage options of 128GB or 256GB. The Motorola Edge 30 Pro provides more flexibility with 8GB or 12GB of RAM and storage choices including 128GB, 256GB, and 512GB.
  • Battery Behavior: The Galaxy S22 Plus 5G houses a 4500 mAh battery, while the Motorola Edge 30 Pro features a larger 4800 mAh battery. User experiences with the Edge 30 Pro's battery life are varied, with some reporting it lasts a full day under intensive use, while others note quicker drainage, potentially linked to the processor's thermal management.

Memory (GB)

8 GB

8 GB

Screen quality

The visual experience on both smartphones is vibrant, though they differ in display technology and refresh rate capabilities.

  • Display Technology and Size: The Galaxy S22 Plus 5G features a 6.6-inch Dynamic AMOLED 2X display, known for its deep blacks and vivid colors. The Motorola Edge 30 Pro offers a slightly larger 6.7-inch pOLED display, which also delivers rich visuals.
  • Resolution and Clarity: Both devices provide a Full HD+ resolution, ensuring sharp and clear images for typical viewing distances. The Galaxy S22 Plus 5G has a resolution of 1080 x 2340 pixels, while the Motorola Edge 30 Pro offers 1080 x 2400 pixels.
  • Brightness and Smoothness: The Galaxy S22 Plus 5G boasts a peak brightness of up to 1750 nits, making it highly visible even in bright outdoor conditions, and an adaptive refresh rate of up to 120Hz for smooth scrolling. The Motorola Edge 30 Pro has a typical brightness of 500 nits and a higher fixed refresh rate of 144Hz, which can result in an exceptionally fluid visual experience.

Audiovisual

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

  • Rear Camera Systems: The Galaxy S22 Plus 5G features a versatile triple-camera setup, including a 50 MP main sensor with optical image stabilization (OIS), a 12 MP ultrawide lens, and a 10 MP telephoto lens with 3x optical zoom and OIS. The Motorola Edge 30 Pro also has a triple-camera array, with a 50 MP main sensor with OIS, a 50 MP ultrawide lens that can also function for macro shots, and a 2 MP depth sensor.
  • Front Camera and Video: For selfies, the Galaxy S22 Plus 5G is equipped with a 10 MP front camera, while the Motorola Edge 30 Pro features a high-resolution 60 MP front camera. Both devices are capable of recording video at up to 8K resolution at 24 frames per second and 4K at 60 frames per second.
  • Photography Performance: User feedback for the Motorola Edge 30 Pro's camera performance has been mixed, with some users noting issues with software optimization, graininess, and low-light performance, though some improvements can be achieved with third-party camera applications. The Galaxy S22 Plus 5G generally offers a more consistent and reliable photography experience across various conditions.

Miscellaneous

Beyond core specifications, several practical elements differentiate the user experience of these smartphones.

  • Connectivity and Ports: Both the Galaxy S22 Plus 5G and the Motorola Edge 30 Pro support modern connectivity standards, including 5G networks, Wi-Fi 6E for faster wireless internet, and Bluetooth 5.2 for accessory connections. Both devices also utilize a USB-C port for charging and data transfer.
  • Biometric Security: The Galaxy S22 Plus 5G incorporates an in-display fingerprint sensor for convenient and secure unlocking. The Motorola Edge 30 Pro features a side-mounted fingerprint sensor, integrated into the power button.
  • Physical Attributes: The Galaxy S22 Plus 5G measures 157.4 x 75.8 x 7.6 mm and weighs 195g. The Motorola Edge 30 Pro is slightly larger and thicker at 163.1 x 76 x 8.8 mm and weighs 196g. These differences can impact how each device feels in hand and its overall portability.

Screen size (in)

6.6

6,7

Network

5G

5G

SIM card

Physical SIM + eSIM

Dual Physical SIM

Carrier compatibility

Unlocked

Unlocked

User feedback for the Samsung Galaxy S22 Plus 5G often highlights its consistent camera performance, vibrant display, and premium build quality. Some users appreciate Samsung's One UI for its feature set and customization options. Criticisms sometimes point to battery life that, while generally adequate, might not always meet the demands of very heavy users. For the Motorola Edge 30 Pro, common praise includes its near-stock Android experience, which many find clean and responsive, and its high refresh rate display. However, frequent criticisms revolve around its camera's software processing, which can lead to inconsistent results, particularly in challenging lighting conditions, and some reports of the device heating under heavy load affecting battery performance.

Users prioritizing a polished software experience with longer update support and a more robust, water-resistant build may find the Galaxy S22 Plus 5G well-suited to their needs. Those who prefer a cleaner Android interface, a slightly larger display with a higher refresh rate, and potentially more RAM options might lean towards the Motorola Edge 30 Pro. Both devices offer strong performance for daily tasks and demanding applications. For those considering either model, exploring quality-assured refurbished options can provide an eco-friendly alternative to extend the life cycle of these capable smartphones.

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