iPhone SE (2022) vs Motorola Edge 30 Pro

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

Refurbished price:A$206.00

Versus A$719.00 new

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Motorola Edge 30 Pro
Motorola Edge 30 Pro
Starting at

Refurbished price:A$288.72

Versus A$2,709.00 new

See options

The iPhone SE 2022 and the Motorola Edge 30 Pro are smartphones released in early 2022, offering distinct approaches to mobile technology. The iPhone SE 2022, running on Apple's iOS, presents a compact design with powerful internal components. In contrast, the Motorola Edge 30 Pro, powered by Android, features a larger display and a versatile camera system. These devices cater to different user preferences, primarily differing in their operating systems, physical form factors, and display technologies.

Scores

Durability

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

  • Release Timeline and OS Support: The iPhone SE 2022 was released in March 2022 and typically receives iOS updates for approximately 5-6 years from its launch, extending its software longevity [2, 18]. The Motorola Edge 30 Pro, launched in February 2022, runs on Android and generally receives fewer major OS updates compared to its Apple counterpart, though it offers a near-stock Android experience [3, 9, 24].
  • Repairability: The iPhone SE 2022 has an average repairability score, with components like the screen and battery being relatively accessible for replacement, though specialized tools and knowledge are often required [22, 41, 42]. The Motorola Edge 30 Pro's repairability is not as widely documented, but its construction suggests a similar level of complexity for component replacement.
  • Durability Features: The iPhone SE 2022 features an IP67 rating for water and dust resistance, allowing it to withstand submersion in up to 1 meter of water for 30 minutes [12, 35]. It also includes Ceramic Shield protection on the front [6]. The Motorola Edge 30 Pro offers an IP52 rating, indicating splash resistance rather than full water immersion protection, and uses Gorilla Glass 3 on the front and Gorilla Glass 5 on the back [1, 3, 5].

Release year

2022

2022

Compatible with latest Update

Yes

Yes

Operating system

iOS

Android

Foldable

No

No

Performance

The performance of a smartphone is crucial for daily tasks, from app usage to demanding games. Both devices offer capable internal hardware, but their real-world performance can differ based on their respective ecosystems.

  • Processor Capabilities: The iPhone SE 2022 is equipped with a powerful current-generation processor, enabling it to handle demanding applications and multitasking smoothly, similar to more premium iPhone models [19, 35]. The Motorola Edge 30 Pro also features a high-performance processor, ensuring a fast and consistent user experience, with apps launching quickly and fluidly [1, 24].
  • Storage and RAM: The iPhone SE 2022 is available with 64GB, 128GB, or 256GB of internal storage and 4GB of RAM, which is sufficient for typical iOS multitasking [6, 14]. The Motorola Edge 30 Pro offers more generous storage options, including 128GB, 256GB, and 512GB, paired with 8GB or 12GB of RAM, providing ample capacity for numerous applications and extensive multitasking on Android [4, 5, 7].
  • Battery Behavior: The iPhone SE 2022 has a smaller battery capacity, which, while efficient due to its processor, may require more frequent charging for heavy users [19, 35]. The Motorola Edge 30 Pro, with its larger battery, typically lasts a full day even with intensive use and can extend to nearly two days with moderate usage [1, 16, 24]. It also supports significantly faster wired charging and includes a charger in the box [1, 4, 16].

Memory (GB)

4 GB

8 GB

Screen quality

The display is a primary interface for smartphone interaction, and these two models offer distinct visual experiences.

  • Display Technology and Size: The iPhone SE 2022 features a 4.7-inch Retina HD IPS LCD display, known for its accurate color reproduction and consistent viewing angles [13, 19, 36]. The Motorola Edge 30 Pro boasts a larger 6.7-inch P-OLED display, which provides deeper blacks and more vibrant colors due to its organic light-emitting diode technology [1, 3, 4].
  • Resolution and Clarity: The iPhone SE 2022 has a resolution of 1334x750 pixels, resulting in a pixel density of 326 PPI, which offers clear visuals for its size [6, 17]. The Motorola Edge 30 Pro provides a higher resolution of 2400x1080 pixels, translating to a sharper image on its larger screen with 393 PPI [3, 5].
  • Refresh Rate and Brightness: The iPhone SE 2022 features a standard 60Hz refresh rate and a typical maximum brightness of 625 nits, suitable for most indoor and outdoor conditions [6, 14]. The Motorola Edge 30 Pro offers a smoother visual experience with an impressive 144Hz refresh rate, making scrolling and animations appear more fluid. It also reaches a brightness of up to 700 nits, enhancing outdoor visibility [1, 5].

Resolution

750 x 1334

1080 x 2400

Screen type

Retina IPS LCD

OLED

Audiovisual

Camera capabilities are a significant consideration for many users, and both devices offer different strengths in their photographic and video performance.

  • Rear Camera System: The iPhone SE 2022 features a single 12MP main camera with optical image stabilization (OIS), capable of producing good images in well-lit conditions with accurate colors and detail [12, 29, 34]. It supports 4K video recording at up to 60 frames per second [6, 30]. The Motorola Edge 30 Pro offers a more versatile triple-camera setup, including a 50MP main sensor with OIS, a 50MP ultrawide lens that also functions for macro shots, and a 2MP depth sensor [1, 3, 21]. It can record video in 8K resolution [23, 24].
  • Low-Light Performance and Features: While the iPhone SE 2022 benefits from advanced image processing, it lacks a dedicated Night mode, which can result in darker and grainier images in low-light environments [12, 29]. The Motorola Edge 30 Pro's low-light photography is generally considered adequate but may show digital noise and a lack of fine detail compared to top-tier flagships [1, 21, 32].
  • Front Camera and Audio: The iPhone SE 2022 includes a 7MP front-facing camera that performs well in good lighting and supports Portrait mode [12, 29]. The Motorola Edge 30 Pro features a high-resolution 60MP front camera, capable of capturing detailed selfies [3, 5]. For audio, the iPhone SE 2022 provides stereo speakers [13]. The Motorola Edge 30 Pro also includes stereo speakers with Dolby Atmos support, enhancing the media consumption experience [4, 23, 40].

Main camera

12 megapixels

50 megapixels

Front camera

7 megapixels

60 megapixels

Miscellaneous

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

  • Connectivity and Ports: Both devices support 5G connectivity and Wi-Fi 6 for fast wireless data transfer [6, 14, 20, 25]. The iPhone SE 2022 uses Apple's proprietary Lightning port for charging and data transfer [6]. The Motorola Edge 30 Pro features a more universal USB-C port, which also supports USB 3.1 speeds [7, 15]. Neither device includes a traditional 3.5mm headphone jack [12, 24].
  • Biometrics and Design: The iPhone SE 2022 retains the classic iPhone design with a physical home button that integrates Touch ID for fingerprint authentication [19, 36]. Its compact dimensions and lighter weight make it easy for one-handed use [17]. The Motorola Edge 30 Pro adopts a more modern, larger form factor with a side-mounted fingerprint sensor integrated into the power button [1, 4].
  • Additional Features: The Motorola Edge 30 Pro supports reverse wireless charging, allowing it to charge other compatible devices [4, 24]. It also offers a feature called 'Ready For,' which enables a desktop-like experience when connected to an external display [24]. The iPhone SE 2022, while lacking these specific features, integrates seamlessly into the Apple ecosystem.

Weight

144 oz

196 oz

Screen size (in)

4.7

6,7

SIM card

Physical SIM + eSIM

Dual Physical SIM

Carrier compatibility

Unlocked

Unlocked

The iPhone SE 2022 and Motorola Edge 30 Pro cater to distinct user needs, each excelling in different areas. Users often praise the iPhone SE 2022 for its powerful processor, which ensures smooth performance and extended software support, making it a reliable choice for long-term use [27, 35]. Its compact size and the familiarity of Touch ID are also frequently highlighted as positive aspects [19, 27]. However, common criticisms include its dated design with thick bezels, smaller LCD display, and the absence of a dedicated Night mode for its camera [19, 29].

Conversely, the Motorola Edge 30 Pro receives acclaim for its large, fluid OLED display with a high refresh rate, offering an immersive visual experience [1, 24]. Its fast charging capabilities and robust battery life are also frequently noted as strong advantages [16, 24]. Some users, however, express concerns about its low-light camera performance and the IP52 splash resistance, which is less comprehensive than some competitors [1, 32].

Users prioritizing a compact device with a powerful processor and long-term software updates within the iOS ecosystem may find the iPhone SE 2022 well-suited to their needs. Those who value a large, high-refresh-rate OLED display, versatile camera system, and extended battery life with fast charging, all within the Android ecosystem, may lean toward the Motorola Edge 30 Pro. Both devices offer compelling features for different user profiles. For those considering either model, exploring quality-assured refurbished options can provide an eco-friendly alternative.

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