Editor's note: Since its debut, the Motorola Edge (2022 generation) has been surpassed by new Edge models. We've checked the below to ensure accuracy and relevance, though pricing and availability will differ from when we first reviewed this device.
We recently spent a week with the new Motorola Edge (2022) to see how it stacks up against the competition, especially other flagship Android phones like the Google Pixel 7 and Samsung Galaxy S22.
For the everyday user looking for a reliable midrange phone in the $600-$800 price bracket, the latest Edge is a solid choice. Its gorgeous 6.6” screen, extended battery life, and high-speed 5G performance make for an impressive, user-friendly Android device.
We’ve broken down the Edge’s best features and some areas for improvement. Read our Motorola Edge (2022) hands-on review to find out if it’s the right phone for you.
Motorola Edge (2022) Review: The Verdict
The 2022 iteration of the Motorola Edge features reliable 5G connectivity, a long-lasting battery, and a beautiful design. It’s widely available across all the major carriers (Bell, Rogers, and Telus) as well as Virgin Plus, Fido, Koodo, and SaskTel. For a typical user looking for a reliable flagship phone that won’t break the bank, the Motorola Edge (2022) is a great option.
What we love
- Large screen for excellent streaming and gaming experiences
- Impressive, extended battery life
What could be improved
- Average camera capabilities
- Limited sound options
The essentials
- Performance: The phone is fast, with processing power courtesy of the MediaTek Dimensity 1050 and 6GB/8GB of RAM.
- Battery: Seriously impressive lifespan on this 5000mAh battery, ensuring you won’t need to recharge while you’re on the move. Equally impressive was the 30W battery, which fully recharged in under two hours.
- Screen: Beautiful 6.6-inch OLED FullHD+ screen that was great for streaming.
- Camera: The front (50MP wide OIS, 13MP ultrawide/macro) and rear camera (32MP selfie) are fine for the casual photographer, but the device is a few steps behind its flagship competitors.
why we recommend
The Motorola Edge (2022)
The Motorola Edge (2022) may not be the most sophisticated Android phone available, but it’s a solid device that provides everything the everyday user needs from a 5G phone.
What we like: Large screen for excellent streaming and gaming experiences
The Edge’s 6.6” OLED display and its curved edges make for stunning video playback, especially when streaming from Netflix and YouTube. It’s not just the big picture, though: the new Edge has a 144 Hz refresh rate, which is well above the average 60-120 Hz range, and allows for crystal clear streaming and gaming with no noticeable lag. After back-to-back-to-back episodes of Community in bed, it was easy to forget we were watching on a phone and not a TV. (Note: this extended period of lying around was not laziness, but research.)
What we like: impressive, extended battery life
It’s easy to get caught up in the minuscule details when reviewing a phone, but the most pressing concern for most of us is battery life. There’s nothing worse than a phone dying when you’re out and about, but you won’t have to worry about that with the latest Edge. We went nearly two days (checking emails, listening to Spotify, and, ahem, watching more Netflix) without having to recharge.
When we did eventually recharge, the results were impressive: the Turbo Charge took us from 2% to 100% in under two hours. While we wish the included USC-C cable came with a proper charging block, we were still amazed by the 5000mAh battery’s ability to spring back to life so quickly.
What we don't like: average camera capabilities
The flagship Androids have all upped their photography game, so Motorola’s clearly making an attempt to keep up with their competitors with their latest phone. The Edge has some camera features that strive to reach the level of Google’s Pixel 7 or Samsung’s Galaxy S22, with a 50MP main camera and an improved 32MP selfie camera with optical image stabilization. They’ve also included several quirky features like Dual Capture and Group Selfie alongside helpful photo-editing tools like Cutout and Spot Color.
If you’re looking for a smartphone camera primarily used for Instagram, you’ll appreciate the color and definition the Edge captures during daylight. You might be alarmed, though, by how facial features are distorted and plumped during selfies, thanks to the phone’s misguided default Shot Optimization, which is akin to a real-time Instagram filter. (Luckily, this can be changed by going to Settings and turning off Shot Optimization, but it’s a bit disorienting to find it clicked on as the factory setting.)
If you’re someone who takes photography seriously, the Edge might not be the best phone for you. Even in perfect light, photos lack the depth and clarity of its Android competitor, the Pixel 7. The Edge’s Night Vision setting is similarly underwhelming, with blurry patches being a recurring problem.
What we don't like: limited sound options
The latest Edge supports Dolby Atmos surround sound, though we found the output from its two internal stereo speakers to be average at best. We tried out several different genres (the indie-rock of Alvvays, the house music of Beyoncé) and found the louder tracks (Alvvays) and the ones with more bass (Beyoncé) sounded muddy.
Things sounded much better through the Moto Buds 250 earbuds, but the phone lacks a headphone jack, leaving Bluetooth as the only option outside of the internal stereo speakers. That might not be an issue for younger users, but music fans looking to plug into older, non-Bluetooth stereo systems will be disappointed to find their options limited.Motorola Edge (2022)
features
The Motorola Edge (2022) is able to connect to 5G networks, including the several that have already arrived in Canada. This is especially noticeable on the Edge’s large screen–in our field testing, Netflix, YouTube, Spotify, and other streaming content had no noticeable lag.
Interested in scoring the Edge with a lightning-fast 5G plan? See the best options below.
Popular Providers Motorola Edge (2022) 256GB Plans
Android 12 software
Android 12 is a level-up for the OS, with enhanced design and new features like AppSearch alongside improved ones like auto-rotate. On the Edge, it runs smoothly, without any noticeable issues. If you’re an Apple iPhone user considering making the switch, now might be the best time.
Sleek design
The Edge looks great, no matter where you set it. The Mineral Gray plastic back is refined and avoids the smudging that plagues other models. The smartphone is water-repellent but not waterproof, though, so you’ll want to invest in a reliable case if you’re planning on picking up the Edge.
Motorola Edge (2022)
vs. Competitors
How does the latest Edge stack up against Androids from Google and Samsung? Let’s take a look.
Motorola Edge (2022) vs. Google Pixel 7
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Motorola Edge (2022) |
Google Pixel 7 |
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| RAM and storage | ||
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| Pricing | ||
| View plans | View plans |
The Pixel 7 shares some similarities with the 2022 iteration of the Edge, but even when it’s a close call, the Pixel outperforms the Edge in most categories. Considering they’re usually hovering around the same price, we recommend the Google Pixel 7 over the Motorola Edge (2022).
Motorola Edge (2022) vs. Samsung Galaxy S22
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Motorola Edge (2022) | Samsung Galaxy S22 |
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| Cameras | ||
| Processor | ||
| Display | ||
| RAM and storage | ||
| Software | ||
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| View plans | View plans |
The Galaxy S22+ is a beast of a smartphone, with a 6.8” display and impressive cameras. It’s also a seriously expensive piece of machinery. The Edge can offer a little less power for much less money, so we recommend the Motorola Edge (2022) over the Samsung Galaxy S22.
recap: is The Motorola
Edge (2022) right for you?
If you’re looking for an Android with some top-of-the-line features that won’t break the bank, the Motorola Edge (2022) is a strong contender for your next smartphone. Here's what you get with the Motorola Edge (2022):
- Gorgeous 6.6” screen that’s perfect for streaming
- 144 Hz refresh rate for high-quality video playback
- Extended battery life and fast recharging
- Improved Android 12 operating system
- High-speed 5G performance
We'd love to see some improvements in the camera and the sound, but the 2022 Edge is still a solid choice for Android users.
Want to grab a Motorola Edge (2022)? Find the latest prices and deals below.
Motorola Edge (2022) 256GB
| Description | |
|---|---|
| Screen Size | 6.6" |
| Available On | 71 Plans from 3 carriers |
| Available From |
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| Priced From | $15 per month + $1,040 upfront |
| View Full Details |
Android 12 smartphone with 6.6" FHD+ OLED display with HDR10+ and 144Hz refresh rate, triple rear camera and MediaTek Dimensity 1050 octa-core processor
Methodology
We spent over a week with the Motorola Edge (2022), assessing its camera, sound, interface, and user experience to inform our hands-on review. In addition, we used WhistleOut Canada’s extensive database to judge the performance and specifications of the Motorola Edge (2022) versus similar products available to Canadians.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is the Motorola Edge (2022) worth buying?
Yes, the Motorola Edge (2022) is worth buying. If you’re looking for an Android phone that is great for everyday use, especially streaming TV and movies, then it is a great option.
How long does the Motorola Edge (2022) battery last?
The Motorola Edge (2022) battery lasted close to two days in our test run.
Is the Motorola Edge (2022) waterproof?
No, the Motorola Edge (2022) is not waterproof. It is labeled as “water-repellent,” which means it has protection against some watery encounters, but Motorola’s hesitancy to use the term “waterproof” suggests the protection is not enough to save it from full immersion.
Does the Motorola Edge (2022) have Gorilla Glass?
No, the Motorola Edge (2022) does not have Gorilla Glass.
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