Motorola Edge (2022) Widens the Race for Canada's Best Android Device

By Stephen Clark

Last updated 18 August 2022

Motorola invited WhistleOut Canada to an exclusive product release event for the newest Edge model for 2022. We loved premium performance packed into an ultra-lightweight design, the large 6.6-inch OLED display, and the two-day battery life.

WhistleOut Canada reviewed the first Motorola Edge released in 2020, and it earned our highest review score of the year. The newest model offers restrained performance but with a price tag that could make it the cheapest flagship smartphone on the Canadian market once it’s released later this year. Read our initial thoughts about Motorola's newest premium smartphone and find out if it’s worth the wait.

Is the Motorola Edge (2022) Worth Getting?

The new Motorola Edge (2022) is worth a look for Canadians who would like premium performance and features without spending a lot of money. The new Edge features premium hardware in a slim profile that’s lighter than any other smartphone with a screen this big (6.6 inches).

Motorola’s newest flagship device falls short of the Samsung Galaxy S22 and Google Pixel 6 in raw performance but will also cost hundreds of dollars less. The retail price in the U.S. is $599 USD, so we expect a price tag of around $850 CAD. Motorola will bring it to the Canadian market in the coming months.

Motorola Edge (2022) Specs

Performance: MediaTek Dimensity 1050, 6GB/8GB RAM, 128GB/256GB storage (non-expandable), Android 12 with MyUX, 3 years of OS upgrades, 4 years of security updates
Battery: 5000mAh, 30W fast charging, 15W wireless charging, 5W reverse charging
Screen: 6.6-inch OLED FullHD+, 144Hz, HDR10+, 1300 nits max brightness
Camera: 50MP wide (OIS), 13MP ultrawide/macro, 32MP selfie
Connectivity: 4G LTE, 5G, Wi-Fi 6E, Bluetooth 5.2, USB Type-C 2.0, Ready For, no microSD slot

What We Like about the Motorola Edge (2022)

Simply glancing at the device, there’s not a lot about the new Edge that makes it stand out among a growing field of premium smartphones. However, it’s surprisingly light and fits the contour of your hand better than most flagship smartphones of similar sizes. Learn what features impressed us and see if they pique your interest too.

Performance

Rather than use the fastest Snapdragon chipset, Motorola chose MediaTek’s new Dimensity 1050 CPU for its flagship device. It’s not quite as fast as the processors in the Samsung Galaxy S22, Google Pixel 6, or Apple iPhone 13, but it performs well enough while contributing to a lower price tag. The new Edge comes with Android 12 and will receive three years of version upgrades with bi-monthly security updates for four years. These promised updates are an improvement over previous generations.

Closeup of the Motorola Edge 2022 camera lens array

Cameras

We were hoping for the new, industry-leading 200MP sensor released in the Chinese market last week, but it seems we’ll have to wait a bit longer. Still, Motorola’s new camera app makes it easier to take hands-free photos and get high-quality shots in low-light with Auto Night Vision. The primary camera on the back takes 50MP photos with optical image stabilization (OIS). Plus, you can take great landscape pics using the 13MP ultrawide rear camera or reveal incredible detail at close-range with Macro Vision.

According to Motorola’s research, its customers take 20% more selfie pics than photos with the rear cameras, so the engineers also focused on improving that experience. The front-facing camera takes pics up to 32MP, or at 8MP when using quad-pixel binning for richer images.

Display

We’ve been impressed with the displays on Motorola Edge smartphones since its first generation two years ago. Motorola ups its game with a 6.6-inch OLED display with HDR10+ colour reproduction for sharp images. The fast 144Hz refresh rate and Dolby Atmos sound reproduction enhance gaming, music, and movies beyond what you previously thought possible with a pocket-sized device.

Where’s the new Motorola Razr 3?

There’s no indication that Motorola will release the third-generation Razr outside the Chinese market; previous models did not sell well in North America. Samsung will also have its fourth-gen Galaxy Z Fold4 and Galaxy Z Flip4 available by the end of the month. Motorola has little incentive to bring a new foldable smartphone to Canada.

Battery and charging

Like many premium smartphones, the new Edge includes a 5000mAh battery that should last most consumers throughout the day and into the next. Since the device is so light, it's hard to believe there’s a two-day battery inside. The Motorola Edge (2022) supports TurboPower fast charging at 30W and wireless charging up to 15W. We couldn’t test the charging speed during our time with the device, but you should get a day’s worth of battery life from a half-hour charge.

Motorola Edge 2022 pictured with its eco-friendly packaging

Environmental initiatives

Motorola made significant changes to the manufacturing and packaging of the new Edge with environmental health in mind. The new packaging is reduced in size and is 100% free of plastic materials. Buying one also means your new phone is carbon offset.

What We Didn’t Like about the Motorola Edge (2022)

Potential buyers will notice a few compromises that helped keep the price for this premium smartphone under $1,000. However, take a look and see if these are dealbreakers for you.

Poor water and dust resistance

While many competitive smartphones will survive a drop in the pool, the Motorola Edge (2022) only received an IP52 rating. That’s really only good enough to keep it safe from a rainstorm. It is better than nothing, but we recommend finding a nice case (and umbrella) to keep your investment dry.

Belated Canadian launch

It’s common for Motorola to release its newest smartphone models in the U.S. before Canada, but the company has been doing it for years. Samsung, Apple, and Google release new devices simultaneously on both sides of the border. We have no word from Motorola if it will be days, weeks, or months before those three brands see some real buyer competition.

Motorola Edge 2022 with WhistleOut.ca loaded in the browser

Recap: Should You Wait for the Motorola Edge (2022)?

Don’t wait for Motorola to release the new Edge if there’s already a smartphone that caught your eye. However, it’s worth a look if you feel that other premium flagship smartphones with large displays like the Samsung Galaxy S22+ or Google Pixel 6 Pro are too expensive. You may also want to wait if you don’t like the compromises made on cheaper midrange devices like the Galaxy A53 or TCL 30 5G.

The new Motorola Edge (2022) provides superior performance, an impressive display, and powerful cameras, filling in the gap between midrange devices and expensive premium Android smartphones.