iPhone SE (2022) vs Motorola Edge 30 Fusion

iPhone SE (2022)
iPhone SE (2022)
Starting at

Refurbished price:A$206.00

Versus A$719.00 new

See options
Motorola Edge 30 Fusion
Motorola Edge 30 Fusion
Starting at

Refurbished price:A$257.46

Versus A$1,352.00 new

See options

The iPhone SE 2022 and the Motorola Edge 30 Fusion are two distinct smartphones released in 2022, offering different approaches to mobile technology. The iPhone SE 2022, launched in March, represents Apple's compact and performance-focused offering, while the Motorola Edge 30 Fusion, released in September, aims to deliver a premium Android experience with a larger display and modern design. Their primary differentiators lie in their operating systems, form factors, and display technologies.

Scores

Durability

When considering the longevity of these devices, several factors come into play, including their release timelines, software support, and physical durability.

  • Release Timeline and Software Support: The iPhone SE 2022, released in March 2022, benefits from Apple's reputation for extended software support, typically receiving iOS updates for five to seven years from its launch. This suggests it will continue to receive major OS updates well into the future. The Motorola Edge 30 Fusion, launched in September 2022, runs on Android and generally receives fewer major OS updates compared to iPhones, though it typically gets two to three years of OS upgrades and security patches.
  • Durability and Build: The iPhone SE 2022 features a durable glass and aluminum design, with Apple claiming it has the toughest glass in a smartphone on both the front and back, similar to the iPhone 13. It also boasts an IP67 rating for dust and water resistance, meaning it can withstand submersion in up to 1 meter of water for 30 minutes. The Motorola Edge 30 Fusion features a glass and metal design with an IP52 rating, offering protection against dust and splashing water, but not full submersion.
  • Practical Lifespan: Both devices are built to last, but the iPhone SE 2022's longer software support cycle generally translates to a longer practical lifespan for users who prioritize up-to-date features and security. The Motorola Edge 30 Fusion's robust build and capable hardware also contribute to a solid lifespan, though its software support window may be shorter.

Release year

2022

2022

Compatible with latest Update

Yes

Yes

Operating system

iOS

Android

Foldable

No

No

Performance

Performance is a key area where both devices offer capable experiences, though with different underlying architectures and real-world impacts.

  • Processing Power: The iPhone SE 2022 is equipped with a powerful processor that enables smooth operation across demanding applications and multitasking. This allows for quick app loading, fluid navigation, and efficient handling of graphics-intensive games. The Motorola Edge 30 Fusion features a high-end processor from late 2021, which still delivers excellent performance for everyday tasks, gaming, and multitasking. Users report a smooth and responsive experience, with apps opening quickly and no noticeable stuttering.
  • Multitasking and Responsiveness: Both phones handle multitasking effectively. The iPhone SE 2022's optimized software and powerful internal components ensure that switching between apps and running multiple processes simultaneously remains fluid. The Motorola Edge 30 Fusion, with its capable processor and ample RAM options, also provides a very responsive user experience, making it easy to manage several applications at once without significant slowdowns.
  • Battery Behavior: The iPhone SE 2022 has a smaller battery capacity, which, despite software optimizations and an efficient processor, generally results in average battery life for a modern smartphone. Heavy users may find themselves needing to charge it more frequently, though it can last a full day with lighter use. The Motorola Edge 30 Fusion, with a larger battery, typically offers a full day of use, even with its high refresh rate display. Its fast charging capability allows for quick power top-ups.

Memory (GB)

4 GB

8 GB

Screen quality

The display is a significant differentiating factor between these two smartphones, impacting the visual experience and overall interaction.

  • Display Technology and Size: The iPhone SE 2022 features a 4.7-inch Retina IPS LCD display. This technology provides good color accuracy and viewing angles, though it is a smaller screen with noticeable bezels. In contrast, the Motorola Edge 30 Fusion boasts a larger 6.55-inch P-OLED display, which offers deeper blacks, higher contrast, and more vibrant colors.
  • Resolution and Clarity: The iPhone SE 2022 has a resolution of 1334 x 750 pixels, resulting in a clear display for its size. The Motorola Edge 30 Fusion offers a Full HD+ resolution of 2400 x 1080 pixels, providing a sharper and more detailed viewing experience, especially on its larger screen.
  • Refresh Rate and Brightness: The iPhone SE 2022 features a standard 60Hz refresh rate, which is suitable for everyday use. Its typical maximum brightness is around 625 nits. The Motorola Edge 30 Fusion stands out with a high 144Hz refresh rate, offering noticeably smoother scrolling and animations. It also achieves a peak brightness of 1100 nits, making it more visible in bright outdoor conditions.

Resolution

750 x 1334

1080 x 2400

Screen type

Retina IPS LCD

P-OLED

Audiovisual

Both devices offer capable camera systems, but they cater to different photographic needs and preferences.

  • Rear Camera System: The iPhone SE 2022 features a single 12-megapixel wide-angle camera on its rear. It produces good images in well-lit conditions with accurate colors and detail, benefiting from advanced image processing. However, it lacks a dedicated Night mode, which can result in darker and grainier images in low-light environments. The Motorola Edge 30 Fusion comes with a versatile triple-camera setup, including a 50-megapixel main sensor with optical image stabilization (OIS), a 13-megapixel ultrawide lens, and a 2-megapixel depth sensor. Its main camera performs well in various lighting conditions, including low light, and offers a dedicated Night Vision mode.
  • Front Camera and Video Recording: The iPhone SE 2022 has a 7-megapixel front camera that performs well in good lighting. It can record video at up to 4K resolution. The Motorola Edge 30 Fusion features a higher-resolution 32-megapixel front camera, capable of capturing detailed selfies and recording 4K video. Its video recording capabilities on the main camera extend to 8K, though stabilization can be a factor at this resolution.
  • Audio and Media Consumption: The iPhone SE 2022 offers stereo speakers, providing a good audio experience for calls and media. The Motorola Edge 30 Fusion also features good audio quality from its dual speakers, with clear speech and instruments, and sufficient volume for media consumption.

Main camera

12 megapixels

50 megapixels

Front camera

7 megapixels

32 megapixels

Miscellaneous

Beyond the core features, several practical elements contribute to the overall user experience of these smartphones.

  • Connectivity and Ports: Both devices support 5G connectivity, Wi-Fi 6, and Bluetooth 5.0 (iPhone SE 2022) or Bluetooth 5.2 (Motorola Edge 30 Fusion). The iPhone SE 2022 uses Apple's proprietary Lightning port for charging and data transfer. The Motorola Edge 30 Fusion utilizes a more universal USB-C port.
  • Biometric Security: The iPhone SE 2022 relies on Touch ID, an integrated fingerprint sensor in its home button, for secure unlocking and authentication. The Motorola Edge 30 Fusion offers both an under-display fingerprint sensor and face recognition for biometric security.
  • Design and Handling: The iPhone SE 2022 maintains a compact form factor with a 4.7-inch display and traditional bezels, making it easy for one-handed use and pocketability. It weighs 144g. The Motorola Edge 30 Fusion features a larger 6.55-inch display with a modern, slim design and curved edges, weighing around 168g to 175g depending on the finish. Users often praise its premium feel and comfortable in-hand experience despite its larger size.

Weight

144 oz

168 oz

Screen size (in)

4.7

6,55

SIM card

Physical SIM + eSIM

Dual Physical SIM

Carrier compatibility

Unlocked

Unlocked

The iPhone SE 2022 and Motorola Edge 30 Fusion cater to different user preferences, each excelling in specific areas. The iPhone SE 2022 is often praised for its powerful internal components, delivering flagship-level performance in a compact form factor. Users appreciate its long-term software support and the familiarity of its design, particularly those who prefer a physical home button and smaller screen. Criticisms often point to its dated design with thick bezels, the smaller display size, and its battery life, which some users find to be merely average for modern usage. The lack of a Night mode in its camera is also a frequent concern.

The Motorola Edge 30 Fusion receives commendation for its premium design, vibrant OLED display with a high refresh rate, and capable performance for its category. Its main camera is generally well-regarded, and the fast charging is a notable advantage. Common criticisms include its IP52 water resistance rating, which is less robust than some competitors, and some users note that while the main camera is good, the overall camera system might not be as consistently strong as top-tier flagships. Battery life, while generally good, can be impacted by the high refresh rate display for heavy users.

Users prioritizing a compact device, long-term software updates, and robust processing power for demanding tasks within the Apple ecosystem may find the iPhone SE 2022 well-suited to their needs. Conversely, those who value a larger, more immersive OLED display, a modern design, faster charging, and a versatile camera system within the Android ecosystem might lean towards the Motorola Edge 30 Fusion. Both devices offer compelling features, and considering a quality-assured refurbished option for either model can provide an eco-friendly alternative for consumers seeking reliable technology.

See all articles

Our recent comparisons