Motorola launched the Edge 50 Ultra in the European market back in April, and it has recently made its debut in the Indian market. Meanwhile, iQOO launched the iQOO 12 in December last year in India. Both smartphones target the flagship killer segment, offering high-end features and powerful specifications. Here’s a detailed comparison to help you decide which one might be the better choice for you.
1. Display
The Motorola Edge 50 Ultra boasts a 6.7-inch 1.5K 10-bit pOLED display with a 144Hz refresh rate. This translates to smoother visuals and better responsiveness. The iQOO 12 counters with a slightly larger 6.78-inch 1.5K LTPO AMOLED display, also offering a 144Hz refresh rate.
Here, the LTPO technology in iQOO 12 promises potentially better battery efficiency by dynamically adjusting the refresh rate based on content. The Edge 50 Ultra’s display boasts a peak brightness of 2500 nits, while the iQOO 12 takes the lead with up to 3000 nits peak brightness. Both screens offer HDR10+ support.
2. Performance
Under the hood, the iQOO 12 is powered by the robust Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 SoC, while the Edge 50 Ultra features the slightly less powerful Snapdragon 8s Gen 3. Both processors are top-tier chipsets, ensuring exceptional performance.
The Edge 50 Ultra offers up to 12GB of LPDDR5X RAM in India and a staggering 1TB of UFS 4.0 storage, while the iQOO 12 provides up to 16GB of LPDDR5X RAM and 512GB of UFS 4.0 storage. The iQOO 12 also benefits from its self-developed Q1 chip, enhancing frame rate stability and optimizing gaming performance.
3. Camera
Both phones come with a triple rear camera setup with a 50MP main sensor. The Edge 50 Ultra complements it with a 50MP ultrawide sensor with macro capabilities and a 64MP 3x telephoto lens. The iQOO 12 offers a similar 50MP ultrawide sensor but uses a 64MP 3x periscope telephoto lens, which could offer better image quality at longer zoom ranges. Both phones boast a 50MP front camera for high-resolution selfies.
When it comes to the front camera, the Edge 50 Ultra boasts a 50MP snapper, whereas the iQOO 12 is equipped with a 16MP snapper. In terms of resolution, the Edge 50 Ultra clearly has the advantage.
The Edge 50 Ultra highlights features like Moto AI and Photo Enhancement Engine with functionalities like Adaptive Stabilization and Auto Focus Tracking. iQOO 12 counters with a multi-frame fusion algorithm and a bionic night sky algorithm for low-light photography. Ultimately, camera performance can be subjective, and in-depth reviews will be necessary to determine which phone captures better photos and videos.
4. Battery and Charging
The Motorola Edge 50 Ultra comes with a slightly smaller 4500mAh battery compared to the iQOO 12’s 5000mAh battery. However, the Edge 50 Ultra boasts faster charging capabilities with 125W TurboPower wired charging, 50W wireless charging, and also 5W reverse charging. The iQOO 12 offers a respectable 120W fast charging.
5. Design and Build Quality
The Motorola Edge 50 Ultra exudes elegance with its sandblasted aluminum frame, Corning Gorilla Glass Victus protection, and the use of real wood in the Nordic Wood variant. The vegan leather back in Forest Grey and Pantone Color of the Year, Peach Fuzz, further adds to its aesthetic appeal. The phone is IP68-rated for dust and water resistance, ensuring durability in various environments.
The iQOO 12, on the other hand, features an aviation-grade aluminum middle frame and boasts a sleek design with the largest vapor chamber in iQOO’s history for efficient heat dissipation. Its Legend and Alpha color options cater to different style preferences. However, it only offers IP64 dust and splash resistance, which might be a concern for some users.
6. Software
Both phones run the latest Android 14 operating system. Motorola offers a near-stock Android experience, while iQOO 12 comes with their Funtouch OS 14 on top. This means the Motorola option might offer a cleaner and more familiar interface, while the iQOO offers potentially more customization options. Both phones are promised software updates for a similar timeframe.
7. Pricing
In India, the Motorola Edge 50 Ultra initially priced at Rs. 59,999, becomes significantly more attractive with a limited-period offer of Rs. 5,000 off and an additional Rs. 5,000 instant discount with ICICI Bank cards. This brings its effective price down to Rs. 49,999, making it considerably cheaper than the iQOO 12’s base model, which starts at Rs. 52,999.
8. Verdict
Both devices offer strong performance, similar camera setups, and impressive displays.
However, the Edge 50 Ultra stands out with its elegant design incorporating premium materials like real wood and vegan leather, along with superior water and dust resistance (IP68). It also offers the convenience of wireless charging and boasts a slightly brighter display.
The iQOO 12 counters with a larger battery, specialized gaming enhancements like the Q1 chip and vapor chamber cooling, and unique color options.
In conclusion, choosing the right one involves carefully considering individual needs and preferences to make an informed decision.
