Following its recent launch in the Indian market, the Motorola Edge 50 Ultra has entered the competitive premium smartphone segment. We’ve already compared it to close rivals like the Xiaomi 14 Civi and iQOO 12.  

Today, we will take a closer look at how the Edge 50 Ultra stacks up against another strong competitor, the OnePlus 12. This comparison will lay out the key specifications of both phones to help you decide which one might be the better choice for you.

Motorola Edge 50 Ultra vs OnePlus 12

1. Performance

Both phones boast the top-of-the-line Qualcomm Snapdragon processor. The OnePlus 12 opts for the current-best Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 delivering the best performance for demanding tasks and gaming you can expect from an flagship Android phone. 

The Edge 50 Ultra, on the other hand, uses a slightly modified Snapdragon 8s Gen 3. The key difference is that the Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 in the OnePlus 12 has a 3.3 GHz Cortex-X4 core, while the Edge 50 Ultra’s Snapdragon 8s Gen 3 has a 3.0 GHz Cortex-X4 core. This means that, theoretically, the OnePlus 12 should have better performance on paper, though real-world use is unlikely to show a significant difference.

Both phones offer plenty of RAM options. The Motorola Edge 50 Ultra maxes out at 16GB, while the OnePlus 12 offers up to 24GB. Storage options are identical, with both phones offering up to 1TB.

2. Display

The OnePlus 12 features a 6.82-inch AMOLED display with a 120Hz refresh rate. The Edge 50 Ultra, on the other hand, offers a slightly smaller 6.7-inch P-OLED display with a higher 144Hz refresh rate. Both displays are protected by scratch-resistant Gorilla Glass Victus, with the OnePlus 12 using the latest Victus 2 version.

The difference in display size is likely negligible for most users, but the higher refresh rate on the Edge 50 Ultra could be attractive to gamers seeking an extra edge in fast-paced titles. However, the OnePlus 12 has the brightest display on paper, with a peak brightness of 4500 nits compared to the Edge 50 Ultra’s 2500 nits. Despite the difference, both displays should be sufficiently visible in outdoor scenarios.

3. Design

As for the design, the Motorola Edge 50 Ultra boasts a unique feature with its back panel material options. You can choose between a wooden back or a silicone polymer back with a leather-like texture. This offers users a choice compared to the standard glass back on the OnePlus 12.

Additionally, the Edge 50 Ultra has an IP68 dust and water resistance rating, offering superior protection against the elements compared to the OnePlus 12’s IP65 rating.

4. Camera

Camera specifications are often a deciding factor for smartphone purchases. The OnePlus 12 features a triple-lens rear camera system with a 50MP main sensor, a 48MP ultrawide sensor, and a 64MP telephoto lens with 3x optical zoom. On the other hand, the Edge 50 Ultra also offers a triple-lens configuration with a 50MP main sensor, a 50MP ultrawide sensor, and a 64MP periscope telephoto lens with 3x optical zoom. 

Both smartphones feature optical image stabilization for their main and telephoto lenses. The OnePlus 12 has an additional edge with Hasselblad color calibration for possibly more natural-looking photos.

However, we recommend you go through detailed camera comparisons by reviewers to determine which phone offers sharper, more natural images and performs better in low-light conditions.

Switching to the selfie camera, the Motorola Edge 50 Ultra boasts a higher resolution sensor at 50MP compared to the OnePlus 12’s 32MP offering.

5. Battery and Charging

The OnePlus 12 comes out ahead in terms of battery capacity with a 5400mAh unit compared to the 4500mAh battery in the Edge 50 Ultra. 

However, the Edge 50 Ultra offers faster wired charging at 125W compared to the OnePlus 12’s 100W (80W in the US variant). Both phones also support wireless charging, where the Edge 50 Ultra maintains a slight advantage with 50W compared to the OnePlus 12’s 40W.

6. Software

Both phones ship with Android 14, the latest operating system version available. However, the user experience can vary based on the custom user interface (UI) each manufacturer uses. Motorola is known for its near-stock Android experience, which includes minimal pre-installed apps. In contrast, OnePlus’ OxygenOS interface offers additional features and customization options alongside the core Android experience.

7. Price

Pricing is a major factor when you decide to buy a smartphone. The OnePlus 12 is a premium offering with a starting price of Rs 64,999 for the 12GB RAM and 256GB configuration and goes up to Rs 69,999 for the 16GB RAM and 512GB setup. The Motorola Edge 50 Ultra is available in a single configuration with 12GB RAM and 512GB storage, priced at Rs 59,999 in India.

8. Conclusion

The Motorola Edge 50 Ultra and the OnePlus 12 are formidable competitors in the flagship smartphone market. Choosing between them largely depends on individual preferences. Gamers might prefer the Edge 50 Ultra for its faster refresh rate display, while those who prefer a larger battery and higher resolution display might lean towards the OnePlus 12.

The Edge 50 Ultra offers a unique design aesthetic and faster-wired charging. However, the ultimate decision could hinge on a deeper dive into software features, real-world camera performance, and pricing comparisons. These factors will play crucial roles in determining the superior choice in this battle of flagships.