Okay, let's break down the Motorola Edge 20 Pro and the Asus ROG Phone 8. It's a classic match-up of a sleek, all-around performer against a dedicated gaming powerhouse. Here's the lowdown, focusing on what truly matters to you, the user.
1. Specifications Breakdown
| Feature | Motorola Edge 20 Pro | Asus ROG Phone 8 | Real-World Implications |
|---|---|---|---|
| Design | |||
| Launch Date | 2021-08-16 | 2024-01-18 | ROG Phone 8 is significantly newer, benefiting from more recent tech advances. |
| Dimensions | 163 × 76 × 8 mm | 163.8 × 76.8 × 8.9 mm | Similar size, ROG Phone 8 slightly thicker, possibly less comfortable in small hands. |
| Weight | 190g | 225g | Edge 20 Pro is lighter, making it better for one-handed use and carrying around. |
| Display | |||
| Size | 6.7" | 6.78" | Negligible size difference, both offer ample screen space for content consumption. |
| Resolution | 1080 x 2400 | 1080 x 2400 | Both provide sharp, clear visuals for everyday use. |
| PPI | 385 | 388 | Pixel density is practically identical, ensuring consistent sharpness. |
| Technology | OLED | AMOLED | Similar vibrant and deep blacks, both look great, though AMOLED is technically an improved variant. |
| Refresh Rate | 144Hz | 165Hz | ROG Phone 8 has slightly smoother animations and scrolling for an enhanced visual experience. |
| Brightness | 0 nits | 2500 nits | ROG Phone 8 offers significantly better outdoor visibility, crucial for bright conditions. |
| Performance | |||
| Chipset | Snapdragon 870 (7 nm) | Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 (4 nm) | ROG Phone 8's newer chipset is a huge leap, expect faster performance and efficiency. |
| AnTuTu Score | 813,800 | 2,020,000 | ROG Phone 8 is nearly 2.5x faster, dominating in gaming and heavy multitasking. |
| GPU | Adreno 650 | Adreno 750 | ROG Phone 8's GPU is much more capable, enabling higher graphics settings and smoother gameplay. |
| Camera | |||
| Main Camera Res. | 108MP | 50MP | Edge 20 Pro wins in resolution, but real-world image quality is determined by more than megapixels. |
| Main Sensor Size | 1/1.52" | 1/1.56" | Edge 20 Pro slightly larger sensor means better low-light performance. |
| Main Pixel Size | 0.70 µm | 1.00 µm | ROG Phone 8 has larger pixels, generally meaning better light capture. |
| Telephoto Lens | 8MP | None | Edge 20 Pro has a dedicated telephoto for zoomed images. |
| Macro Lens | None | 5MP | ROG Phone 8 has a dedicated macro lens for detailed close-up photography. |
| Wide Angle + Macro | 16MP | 13MP | Edge 20 Pro has a slightly higher resolution for its wide-angle shots. |
| Video Recording | Up to 8K@24fps | Up to 8K@24fps | Both can record 8K video, but ROG Phone 8 has more stabilization and advanced features. |
| Stabilization | EIS (Electronic) | EIS & OIS | ROG Phone 8 provides superior image stabilization for clearer videos and sharper low light shots. |
| Battery Life | |||
| Capacity | 4500 mAh | 5500 mAh | ROG Phone 8 has a significantly larger battery for extended usage. |
| Charging | 30W Fast Charging | 65W Fast Charging | ROG Phone 8 charges much faster, minimizing downtime. |
| Battery Features | Reverse Charging | None | Motorola Edge 20 Pro can act as a powerbank and charge other devices via reverse charging. |
| Software | |||
| Operating System | Android 11 | Android 14 + (16) | ROG Phone 8 has a newer, feature-rich OS with years of updates, where Motorola is unlikely to receive updates anymore. |
| Connectivity | |||
| WiFi | WiFi 6 | WiFi 7 | ROG Phone 8 offers faster speeds, lower latency and better performance in crowded environments. |
| Bluetooth | 5.1 | 5.3 | ROG Phone 8 has a newer Bluetooth version for better stability and efficient connection. |
| Other | |||
| Internal Storage | 128/256 GB | 256 GB | Same maximum storage, but Motorola Edge 20 Pro comes in multiple variants. |
| RAM | 12GB | 12/16GB | ROG Phone 8 has a 16 GB option for heavy multitasking and memory intensive apps. |
| Audio | Basic | DTS / DTS X, Stereo | ROG Phone 8 has superior audio features with dedicated speakers for a much better experience. |
| Screen Protection | Gorilla Glass 5 | Gorilla Glass Victus 2 | ROG Phone 8 has the newest screen protection for better durability and scratch resistance. |
| Expandable Storage | None | None | Neither device provides expandable storage |
| Security | side-mounted fingerprint | basic fingerprint | Motorola Edge 20 Pro has a better side mounted fingerprint sensor for quick access. |
2. Key Insights
Motorola Edge 20 Pro: This phone was a solid contender in 2021, offering a capable Snapdragon 870, a large, vibrant display, and a versatile camera setup with a telephoto lens. Its lightweight design and reverse charging are nice perks. However, it's dated now and falls short in multiple categories when compared to the ROG Phone 8.
Asus ROG Phone 8: This is a beast of a device. It boasts the latest Snapdragon 8 Gen 3, a super-bright display with a 165Hz refresh rate, a massive battery with fast charging, and enhanced audio. Its camera system is also impressive with a large 1.00µm pixel size, a macro lens, and the inclusion of OIS and Gimbal image stabilization. It's designed for performance, especially in gaming, and delivers.
Strengths of the ROG Phone 8:
- Blazing Performance: The Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 chipset and Adreno 750 GPU provide a massive performance leap, making it ideal for gaming and heavy tasks.
- Superior Display: Its 2500 nits brightness and 165Hz refresh rate offer incredible visuals, especially in bright outdoor conditions and fast paced gaming.
- Battery Life and Charging: The larger battery and 65W fast charging provide excellent endurance and minimal downtime.
- Enhanced Audio Experience: The DTS X surround sound, combined with stereo speakers, is a huge plus for gaming and media consumption.
- More Up-to-Date OS: The ROG Phone 8 runs Android 14, where the Edge 20 Pro runs Android 11, which is likely no longer receiving updates.
- Cutting Edge Connectivity: The ROG Phone 8 has the newest WiFi and Bluetooth technologies for better connectivity and performance.
Limitations of the Edge 20 Pro:
* **Outdated Performance:** The Snapdragon 870, though still capable, is no match for the latest chipsets, hindering gaming and heavy tasks.
* **Limited Camera Technology**: Though it has more megapixels, the older sensor technology doesn't perform as well as the newer one on the ROG Phone 8.
* **Outdated OS**: It's running Android 11, which is behind modern versions of Android and will likely no longer receive updates.
3. User Profiles and Recommendations
- Motorola Edge 20 Pro: This phone is best for users who prioritize a sleek, light weight phone with decent performance for everyday tasks. The reverse charging can be very useful for charging other devices on the go, but it is severely lacking in modern performance and technologies.
Asus ROG Phone 8: This is the phone for gamers, power users, and anyone who wants the absolute best performance and features. It’s built for intensive gaming, media consumption, and content creation.
Use Cases:
- Edge 20 Pro: Casual browsing, social media, photography, everyday productivity.
- ROG Phone 8: High-end gaming, video editing, heavy multitasking, content creation, and anyone who wants the most advanced and powerful device.
4. Buying Decision Framework
Here are three questions to help you decide:
- How much do you value cutting-edge performance? If you're a serious gamer or need top-tier performance, the ROG Phone 8 is the clear winner. If you're looking for a basic phone for light usage, then the Edge 20 Pro could serve its purpose.
- How important is battery life and fast charging? The ROG Phone 8's bigger battery and faster charging are invaluable for heavy users and those on the go. The Edge 20 Pro falls behind.
- What kind of camera experience do you prioritize? The Edge 20 Pro has a higher resolution on the primary camera and a dedicated telephoto lens, but the ROG Phone 8 has better quality sensors and stabilization, alongside a macro lens.
My Choice
If I were choosing, I would go with the Asus ROG Phone 8. While I do appreciate the lighter build of the Edge 20 Pro, the sheer power and advanced features of the ROG Phone 8 are too compelling to ignore, especially with the latest OS and cutting edge connectivity. The dramatic difference in performance is noticeable, and the larger battery, faster charging, superior audio, brighter display, and upgraded camera system make it a no-brainer. The ROG Phone 8 is a significant investment, but it's an investment that pays off with a top-tier experience for years to come. The Edge 20 Pro, being an older device, feels like a phone from a previous era. It's not a bad phone per se, but it is outclassed in almost all aspects, where the ROG Phone 8 is a true flagship.
