Okay, let's dive into a detailed comparison of the Motorola Edge 20 Pro and the Asus ROG Phone 6. I'll approach this as if we're sitting down for a chat, breaking down the tech in a way that makes sense for real-world use, not just a spec sheet showdown.
1. Specifications Breakdown
Here’s a comprehensive table that compares the key specifications of the Motorola Edge 20 Pro and the Asus ROG Phone 6, with a focus on real-world implications:
| Feature | Motorola Edge 20 Pro | Asus ROG Phone 6 | Real-World Implications |
|---|---|---|---|
| Design | |||
| Dimensions | 163 × 76 × 8 mm, 190g | 173 × 77 × 10.3 mm, 239g | Edge 20 Pro is slimmer and lighter, better for comfortable, everyday handling. ROG Phone 6 is bulkier, more suited for gaming. |
| Foldable | Standard | Standard | Both are traditional smartphones, not foldables. |
| Display | |||
| Size | 6.7" | 6.78" | Both offer large displays; ROG Phone 6's slightly bigger screen provides slightly more immersive experience. |
| Resolution | 1080x2400 | 1080x2448 | Both are sharp enough for everyday use, minor difference in pixel density. |
| Pixel Density (PPI) | 385 | 395 | Minimal difference; both offer clear, sharp visuals. |
| Technology | OLED | AMOLED | Both offer excellent color and contrast; AMOLED generally offers slightly better blacks. |
| Refresh Rate | 144Hz | 165Hz | ROG Phone 6 has slightly smoother animations and scrolling; great for fast-paced games and overall fluidity. |
| Brightness | 0 nits | 1200 nits | ROG Phone 6 has much better outdoor visibility, ensuring a clear display under direct sunlight. |
| Performance | |||
| Chipset | Snapdragon 870 (7nm) | Snapdragon 8+ Gen 1 (4nm) | ROG Phone 6 boasts significantly faster and more efficient processing, better for demanding tasks and games. |
| AnTuTu Score | 813,800 | 1,203,000 | ROG Phone 6 will load apps faster, run more smoothly and be more responsive. |
| GPU | Adreno 650 | Adreno 730 | ROG Phone 6 will have superior graphics processing, offering better performance in games and demanding apps. |
| Battery Life | |||
| Capacity | 4500mAh | 6000mAh | ROG Phone 6 offers significantly longer battery life for extended gaming and heavy usage. |
| Charging | 30W Fast Charging | 65W Fast Charging | ROG Phone 6 charges much faster, great for topping up quickly. |
| Features | Reverse Charging | Bypass, Reverse (10W) | ROG Phone 6 can charge while directly powered, reducing heat, and also offers 10W of reverse charging. |
| Camera | |||
| Main Camera | 108MP, f/1.9, 1/1.52" | 50MP, f/1.9, 1/1.56" | Edge 20 Pro has higher resolution, while ROG Phone 6's sensor is slightly smaller. Performance is nuanced and dependent on processing |
| Selfie Camera | 32MP, f/2.3 | 12MP, f/2.0, 1/2.93" | Edge 20 Pro has higher resolution, but ROG Phone 6 has wider aperture for better low light. |
| Telephoto Lens | 8MP, f/3.4 | None | Edge 20 Pro offers a dedicated telephoto lens for zoomed-in shots. |
| Wide Angle Lens | None | 13MP, f/2.2 | ROG Phone 6 can capture expansive landscapes and group shots. |
| Macro Lens | None | 5MP, f/2.4 | ROG Phone 6 can capture detailed close-up shots. |
| Wide Angle + Macro | 16MP, f/2.2 | None | Edge 20 Pro has a ultrawide lens that can also be used for macro shots. |
| Video Recording | Up to 8K@24fps, EIS | Up to 8K@24fps, EIS | Both record 8k and 4k, but the ROG Phone 6 features OIS. |
| Camera Features | Optical Zoom, HDR | OIS, PDAF, RAW, Night Mode | ROG Phone 6 features optical image stabilization for steadier videos and better low-light photos, also RAW capture for pro editing. |
| Software | |||
| OS | Android 11 | Android 12, upgradeable to 13 | ROG Phone 6 ships with a newer OS, offering more up-to-date features and security. |
| Connectivity | |||
| Wi-Fi | Wi-Fi 6 | Wi-Fi 6, 802.11ad | Both are modern WiFi. |
| Bluetooth | 5.1 | 5.2 | ROG Phone 6 has a newer Bluetooth version, may offer slight improvements in power efficiency and range. |
| GPS | Standard | QZSS, NavIC System | ROG Phone 6 has more satellite systems for improved location accuracy. |
| SIM | Dual SIM Dual Standby | Dual SIM Dual Standby | Both phones support two SIM cards for flexible network use. |
| Storage | |||
| Internal Storage | 128GB/256GB | 128GB/256GB/512GB | ROG Phone 6 offers more storage options, catering to those needing large space for media and games. |
| RAM | 12GB | 8GB/12GB/16GB | ROG Phone 6 offers more RAM for better multitasking and future proofing. |
| Expandable Storage | No | No | Neither phone supports microSD card expansion. |
| Audio | |||
| Audio Quality | Basic | DTS/DTS:X, Hi-Res, Stereo | ROG Phone 6 offers superior audio quality with enhanced sound processing and stereo speakers. |
| Security | |||
| Features | Side-mounted fingerprint | Basic fingerprint sensor | Edge 20 Pro’s side-mounted sensor might be slightly more ergonomic. |
| Build Quality | |||
| Screen Protection | Gorilla Glass 5 | Gorilla Glass Victus | ROG Phone 6 uses significantly stronger screen protection. |
| Sensors | |||
| Other sensors | N/A | Hall | ROG Phone 6 offers additional sensors useful for advanced gaming features. |
2. Key Insights
Motorola Edge 20 Pro Strengths:
- Slim & Light Design: It's more comfortable to hold for extended periods, ideal for everyday use.
- Versatile Cameras: It has a higher-resolution main sensor and a telephoto lens, making it a good all-rounder for photography.
- Side Fingerprint Sensor: Offers a quick and convenient method for unlocking.
Motorola Edge 20 Pro Trade-offs:
- Older Processor: The Snapdragon 870 is still capable, but it's not as powerful as the ROG Phone 6’s chip.
- Less Battery Life: Smaller battery capacity than the ROG Phone 6.
- Basic Audio: The audio system is not on par with the ROG Phone 6.
- No OIS: Lacks Optical Image Stabilization that helps in video recording and low light photography.
Asus ROG Phone 6 Strengths:
- Raw Performance: Snapdragon 8+ Gen 1, Adreno 730 for top-tier performance in demanding games and tasks.
- Gaming Focus: Higher refresh rate, bigger battery, advanced cooling, and gaming-centric features make this ideal for gamers.
- Superior Display: The brighter and smoother display ensures excellent visibility and an immersive experience.
- Enhanced Audio: The high-quality sound system and additional microphones are perfect for immersive gaming and communication.
- Larger Battery: Longer battery life, making this phone perfect for heavy users.
- Better Video and Low Light: Optical Image Stabilization (OIS) for better video and night mode in photography.
- More Sensors: Hall sensor is additional to other standard sensors making this a more complete system, especially for gaming needs.
- More Storage and RAM Options: Offers a variety of storage and RAM options to cater to different users.
Asus ROG Phone 6 Trade-offs:
- Bulkier Design: Heavier and thicker, making it less convenient for some users.
- Basic Fingerprint Sensor: The sensor may not be as convenient as the side mounted one on the Motorola Edge 20 Pro.
3. User Profiles and Recommendations
- Motorola Edge 20 Pro: Best for users who prioritize a lightweight design, good camera, and a smooth overall experience without needing the very top performance for gaming. It's suitable for general daily use, social media, photography, and moderate gaming. It's a very capable all rounder.
- Asus ROG Phone 6: Designed for gamers, power users, and those who demand the absolute best performance and battery life. Ideal for heavy mobile gaming, content creation, and users who need a robust multimedia device.
4. Buying Decision Framework
Here are three questions to help you decide:
- What is my primary use case? If gaming and performance are a priority, ROG Phone 6 is the clear winner. If day-to-day use and portability are more important, consider the Motorola Edge 20 Pro.
- How important is long battery life? If you hate being tethered to a charger, the ROG Phone 6’s bigger battery is better.
- How much am I willing to spend? Factor in the potential cost difference between the devices. The ROG Phone 6 is more expensive.
Scenario-Based Recommendations:
- The Casual User: Opt for the Motorola Edge 20 Pro if you want a stylish, light phone for everyday tasks and light gaming.
- The Mobile Gamer: The Asus ROG Phone 6 is the superior choice due to its top-tier performance, cooling, and gaming-focused features.
- The Media Consumer: If enjoying high-quality video content and audio is important, the ROG Phone 6’s superior display and audio enhancements make it a great option.
- The Photographer: The Motorola Edge 20 Pro is the winner here with a better main camera, and a telephoto lens. The absence of OIS on the Edge 20 Pro, however, might be a deal breaker for some, in which case, the ROG Phone 6 would be the choice.
My Choice
If I were choosing between these two, I would go with the Asus ROG Phone 6. While I appreciate the lighter design of the Motorola Edge 20 Pro, the ROG Phone 6's raw power, superior display, significantly longer battery life and advanced audio features make it a more compelling choice. I'm a heavy user who frequently juggles multiple apps, edits photos and videos, and enjoys some serious gaming, and the ROG Phone 6 is clearly the better fit for those requirements. The extra bulk is a trade-off I'm willing to accept for the substantial performance boost. It’s an enthusiast device that truly pushes the boundaries of what a smartphone can do, which is what gets me excited about technology in the first place.
