iPhone SE (2022) vs Motorola Edge 50 Fusion

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

Refurbished price:A$206.00

Versus A$719.00 new

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Motorola Edge 50 Fusion
Motorola Edge 50 Fusion
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The iPhone SE 2022 and the Motorola Edge 50 Fusion are two distinct smartphones, each catering to different user preferences. Released in March 2022, the iPhone SE 2022 offers a compact form factor and runs on Apple's iOS ecosystem. In contrast, the Motorola Edge 50 Fusion, launched in May 2024, presents a larger display and operates on the Android platform, emphasizing a modern design and extended battery life.

Scores

Durability

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

  • Release Timeline: The iPhone SE 2022 was released in March 2022, while the Motorola Edge 50 Fusion followed in May 2024. This two-year difference means the Motorola device benefits from a more recent starting point for its lifecycle.
  • Software Longevity: The iPhone SE 2022 launched with iOS 15 and is expected to receive software updates for approximately 5-6 years from its release, potentially up to iOS 26 as of September 2025. The Motorola Edge 50 Fusion shipped with Android 14 and is promised three major OS updates, reaching Android 17, along with four years of security patches. This indicates a slightly shorter major OS update cycle for the Motorola compared to Apple's typical support.
  • Durability Features: The iPhone SE 2022 features an IP67 rating for dust and water resistance and uses durable glass on its front and back, similar to the back glass of the iPhone 13 series. The Motorola Edge 50 Fusion boasts an IP68 rating, offering enhanced protection against dust and water immersion, and its display is protected by Corning Gorilla Glass 5.

Release year

2022

2024

Compatible with latest Update

Yes

Yes

Operating system

iOS

Android

Foldable

No

No

Performance

The performance of a smartphone is crucial for daily tasks, app usage, and overall responsiveness.

  • Processing Power: The iPhone SE 2022 is equipped with a powerful processor that enables smooth handling of demanding applications and efficient multitasking, offering performance comparable to more premium devices from its release year. The Motorola Edge 50 Fusion features a current-generation processor designed to provide a balanced experience for everyday use and moderate gaming.
  • System Responsiveness: Users of the iPhone SE 2022 generally report a highly responsive and fluid user experience across the iOS ecosystem, even with intensive tasks. The Motorola Edge 50 Fusion offers a smooth and clutter-free Android experience, though some users have noted occasional lag in specific interface elements like the control center after certain updates.
  • Battery Behavior: The iPhone SE 2022's battery capacity means that heavy users might find themselves needing to charge more frequently to last a full day. In contrast, the Motorola Edge 50 Fusion is known for its substantial battery life, often lasting a full day or even up to two days for average users, and supports fast charging for quick power-ups.

Memory (GB)

4 GB

12 GB

Screen quality

The display is a primary interface for smartphone interaction, and both devices offer different visual experiences.

  • Display Technology and Size: The iPhone SE 2022 features a compact 4.7-inch Retina HD LCD display, which provides clear visuals and accurate colors. The Motorola Edge 50 Fusion sports a larger 6.7-inch pOLED display with curved edges, offering deeper blacks and more vibrant colors due to its organic light-emitting diode technology.
  • Resolution and Clarity: The iPhone SE 2022 has a resolution of 750x1334 pixels, resulting in a pixel density of 326 pixels per inch (ppi). The Motorola Edge 50 Fusion provides a Full HD+ resolution of 2400x1080 pixels, which, combined with its larger size, offers sharp and crisp text and images.
  • Brightness and Refresh Rate: The iPhone SE 2022 has a standard 60Hz refresh rate and a peak brightness of 625 nits. The Motorola Edge 50 Fusion stands out with a high 144Hz refresh rate for smoother scrolling and animations, and a peak brightness of 1600 nits, making it highly visible even in bright outdoor conditions.

Resolution

750 x 1334

1080 x 2400

Screen type

Retina IPS LCD

P-OLED

Audiovisual

For many users, camera capabilities are a significant consideration, and these two phones approach photography differently.

  • Rear Camera System: The iPhone SE 2022 features a single 12-megapixel main camera with optical image stabilization (OIS) and an f/1.8 aperture, capable of producing sharp and detailed photos in good lighting. The Motorola Edge 50 Fusion offers a dual-camera setup with a 50-megapixel main sensor (f/1.9, OIS) and a 13-megapixel ultrawide lens with macro focus, providing more versatility.
  • Low-Light Performance and Features: While the iPhone SE 2022 excels in daylight, its low-light performance is limited by the absence of a dedicated Night mode, relying on computational photography from its powerful processor. The Motorola Edge 50 Fusion's main camera performs well in low-light conditions, capturing detailed images, though some users suggest using a natural picture mode for optimal results.
  • Video Recording and Front Camera: Both devices can record 4K video, with the iPhone SE 2022 supporting up to 60 frames per second (fps) and offering good stabilization. The Motorola Edge 50 Fusion records 4K video at 30fps and 1080p at 120fps, with its 32-megapixel front camera offering detailed selfies compared to the iPhone SE 2022's 7-megapixel front camera.

Main camera

12 megapixels

50 megapixels

Front camera

7 megapixels

32 megapixels

Miscellaneous

Beyond the core features, several other aspects contribute to the overall user experience and practical utility of a smartphone.

  • Connectivity and Ports: Both devices support 5G connectivity, ensuring access to faster mobile networks. The iPhone SE 2022 uses Apple's proprietary Lightning port, while the Motorola Edge 50 Fusion features a more universal USB-C port. The Motorola also supports eSIM, offering flexibility in network usage.
  • Biometric Security: The iPhone SE 2022 retains the classic Home button with Touch ID for fingerprint authentication, a feature many users find reliable and convenient. The Motorola Edge 50 Fusion incorporates an optical under-display fingerprint sensor for secure unlocking.
  • Design and Handling: The iPhone SE 2022 maintains a compact and lightweight design, making it easy for one-handed use and pocketability. The Motorola Edge 50 Fusion, with its larger screen and curved edges, offers a sleek and modern aesthetic, often featuring vegan leather finishes for a distinct feel.

Weight

144 oz

175 oz

Screen size (in)

4.7

6.7

SIM card

Physical SIM + eSIM

Dual Physical SIM

Carrier compatibility

Unlocked

Unlocked

Connector

Lightning

USB-C

The iPhone SE 2022 and Motorola Edge 50 Fusion cater to different priorities, as reflected in user feedback. The iPhone SE 2022 is frequently praised for its powerful internal components, delivering flagship-level performance in a compact form factor, and its integration within the Apple ecosystem. Users appreciate its small size for one-handed use and its long-term software support. However, common criticisms include its outdated design with large bezels, the relatively small display, and battery life that may not suffice for heavy users without frequent charging. The lack of a dedicated Night mode for its camera is also a frequent point of concern.

Conversely, the Motorola Edge 50 Fusion receives commendation for its vibrant and smooth pOLED display with a high refresh rate, its impressive battery life, and its capable camera system, especially in good lighting conditions. Its modern design and IP68 water resistance are also highlighted as strong points. Some users have noted occasional software inconsistencies, such as bloatware or minor lag in the control center, and there are mixed reports regarding the durability of its curved screen despite Gorilla Glass protection. Its software update policy, while respectable, is generally shorter than Apple's.

Users prioritizing a compact device with robust processing power and a long software support window, who are already invested in or prefer the iOS ecosystem, may find the iPhone SE 2022 well-suited to their needs. Those who value a large, immersive display, extended battery life, a versatile camera system, and the Android operating system, along with a modern design, might lean towards the Motorola Edge 50 Fusion. Both devices offer compelling features, and considering a quality-assured refurbished option for either can be an eco-friendly alternative to purchasing new.

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