Alright, let's break down the Motorola Edge 20 Pro and the Asus ROG Phone 8 Pro. These two phones come from different design philosophies, so understanding their strengths will help you find the best fit for your needs.
1. Specifications Breakdown
Here's a detailed comparison table, translating those raw specs into real-world implications:
| Feature | Motorola Edge 20 Pro | Asus ROG Phone 8 Pro | Real-World Implications |
|---|---|---|---|
| Design | |||
| Launch Date | 2021-08-16 | 2024-01-18 | Asus is much newer, with more recent tech and software. |
| Dimensions | 163 × 76 × 8 mm | 163.8 × 76.8 × 8.9 mm | The Asus is slightly larger, especially thicker, which affects pocketability. |
| Weight | 190g | 225g | Motorola is noticeably lighter, which is better for all-day comfort. |
| Display | |||
| Size | 6.7" | 6.78" | Negligible difference in size. |
| Resolution | 1080x2400 | 1080x2400 | Both offer sharp images. |
| Pixel Density | 385 PPI | 388 PPI | Both are equally sharp. |
| Technology | OLED | AMOLED | Similar quality, vibrant displays. |
| Refresh Rate | 144Hz | 165Hz | Asus has a slightly smoother experience for gaming and scrolling. |
| Brightness | 0 nits | 2500 nits | Asus has massively better outdoor visibility, crucial for bright environments. |
| Performance | |||
| Chipset | Snapdragon 870 | Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 | Asus has a significantly faster and more modern processor. |
| AnTuTu Score | 813,800 | 2,020,000 | Asus is substantially more powerful for demanding games and multitasking. |
| GPU | Adreno 650 | Adreno 750 | Asus has a much faster GPU for gaming and graphics-intensive apps. |
| Battery Life | |||
| Capacity | 4500mAh | 5500mAh | Asus has a larger battery, potentially offering longer usage time. |
| Charging | 30W | 65W | Asus charges much faster, minimizing downtime. |
| Features | Reverse charging | Non-removable | Motorola offers reverse charging, useful for topping up other devices. |
| Camera | |||
| Main Camera | 108MP (f/1.9) | 50MP (f/1.9) | Motorola has higher resolution, but the Asus has larger pixels and a better sensor |
| Selfie Camera | 32MP (f/2.3) | 32MP | Both offer comparable selfies. |
| Telephoto | 8MP (f/3.4) | 32MP (f/2.4) | Asus has much better zoom capabilities. |
| Wide/Macro | 16MP (f/2.2) | 13MP (f/2.2) | Motorola slightly higher resolution on the wide lens, but Asus has better pixels |
| Video | Up to 8K@60fps w/ EIS | Up to 8K@60fps w/ EIS and HDR | Both can shoot up to 8k but the Asus has HDR capability |
| Additional Camera Features | Digital Zoom, Optical Zoom, Triple Camera, Digital Image Stabilization, Autofocus, Touch Focus, Manual Focus, Continuous Shooting, Geotagging, Panorama, HDR, Face Detection, White Balance Settings, ISO settings, Exposure Compensation, Scene Mode, Self-Timer | Digital Zoom, Optical Zoom, Triple Camera, Digital Image Stabilization, Optical Stabilization (OIS), Gimbal, Autofocus, Touch Focus, Continuous Autofocus, Manual Focus, Laser Autofocus (LAF), Continuous Shooting, Geotagging, Panorama, HDR, Face Detection, White Balance Settings, ISO settings, Exposure Compensation, Scene Mode, Self-Timer, Night Mode | The Asus has optical image stabilization, gimbal, laser autofocus and night mode making it a more versatile camera setup |
| Software | |||
| OS | Android 11 | Android 14 | Asus has a newer OS with better features, updates, and security. |
| Connectivity | |||
| Wi-Fi | Wi-Fi 6 | Wi-Fi 7 | Asus has better, more modern Wi-Fi capabilities for faster speeds, reduced lag and better connection. |
| Bluetooth | 5.1 | 5.3 | Asus has a slightly newer version of bluetooth. |
| GPS | Multiple | Multiple | Asus has more satellite support for better location accuracy. |
| SIM | Dual SIM (Nano) | Dual SIM (Nano) | Both support dual SIM functionality. |
| Storage | |||
| Internal Storage | 128/256GB | 512GB/1024GB | Asus has much more storage for your photos, videos, and games. |
| RAM | 12GB | 16GB/24GB | Asus has more RAM for better multitasking. |
| Expandable Storage | No | No | Neither supports expandable storage. |
| Audio | |||
| Quality | Basic | DTS / DTS X, Stereo Speakers, 3 microphones | Asus has a much better audio system with dedicated features. |
| Security | |||
| Features | Side-mounted fingerprint | Basic fingerprint sensor | Motorola has an edge with a side-mounted fingerprint reader. |
| Build Quality | |||
| Screen Protection | Gorilla Glass 5 | Gorilla Glass Victus 2 | Asus offers better screen protection. |
| Sensors | |||
| Sensors | Fingerprint, Proximity, Accelerometer, Compass, Gyroscope | Fingerprint, Proximity, Accelerometer, Compass, Gyroscope, Gravity | The Asus includes a gravity sensor as well. |
2. Key Insights
Motorola Edge 20 Pro:
- Strengths: Lightweight, comfortable design, a decent high-refresh-rate display, and reverse charging make it a good all-rounder, especially for everyday users. The 108MP camera sensor is great for those who like high-resolution images.
- Competitive Advantages: It’s lighter than the Asus and offers reverse charging.
- Trade-offs: The older chipset limits its performance in demanding tasks, and the brightness is disappointing for outdoor use. The camera system is decent but less versatile than the Asus.
Asus ROG Phone 8 Pro:
- Strengths: This is a powerhouse, with a top-tier chipset, an exceptional display, and a massive battery. It's designed for gamers and power users, with excellent thermals and a feature-rich camera setup. The audio capabilities are fantastic for immersive gaming.
- Competitive Advantages: The cutting-edge Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 chip, outstanding display brightness, more RAM and storage, advanced camera features like OIS and gimbal, and better audio.
- Trade-offs: It's heavier and thicker, so it is not as comfortable for prolonged use. Also, no reverse charging.
3. User Profiles and Recommendations
Motorola Edge 20 Pro:
- Ideal User: Someone who values a lightweight and comfortable phone for everyday use, with decent camera quality and a good display for media consumption.
- Use Cases: General day-to-day tasks, social media, and light gaming. The reverse charging feature is beneficial for travelers who carry other devices.
- Price-to-Value: A good option for budget-conscious buyers looking for a balance between features and price.
Asus ROG Phone 8 Pro:
- Ideal User: Hardcore gamers, content creators, and anyone who needs top-tier performance. People who value having a top-end camera and excellent display for photography.
- Use Cases: Demanding mobile gaming, video editing, content creation, photography, and any task that requires the utmost power and responsiveness.
- Price-to-Value: While pricier, it offers leading-edge specs and features. The higher price tag is justified for those who need it.
4. Buying Decision Framework
Here are three questions to help you decide:
- How important is performance to you? If you're a serious gamer or need a phone for demanding tasks, the Asus ROG Phone 8 Pro is the clear choice. If you mostly stick to everyday apps and casual gaming, the Motorola Edge 20 Pro will suffice.
- How important is battery life and fast charging? If having longer battery life is very important, and being able to rapidly recharge it is critical, the Asus ROG Phone 8 Pro is better. If you don't mind charging your phone more often, the Motorola will work well.
- How important is the camera to you? If you want a capable camera that has many features for both photos and videos, with the possibility of doing high zoom shots and using it in low light, the Asus is far superior. If you only use the camera for social media, the Motorola does a good job.
Scenario-Based Recommendations:
- Budget-Conscious User: Choose the Motorola Edge 20 Pro for everyday usage and balanced features.
- Mobile Gamer: Choose the Asus ROG Phone 8 Pro for unparalleled gaming performance and an exceptional display and sound.
- Content Creator: Go for the Asus ROG Phone 8 Pro, as its superior performance, brighter display, enhanced camera, and long battery life are critical for a more enjoyable experience.
- All-Around User: If you want to have a light phone with a big display for general usage, and you don't care about having the latest and greatest technology, the Motorola is a great and cheaper option.
Which Would I Choose?
Personally, I would choose the Asus ROG Phone 8 Pro. My decision is based on a few key points that align with what I prioritize in a smartphone:
- Future-Proofing: The Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 is a massive leap in performance over the older Snapdragon 870. As someone who works with tech every day, I want a device that won't feel outdated quickly. The enhanced connectivity with wifi 7 also is something I'm looking forward to.
- Display Superiority: The dramatically higher brightness of the Asus display makes it more usable outdoors. The better refresh rate and slightly larger screen also are welcome additions.
- Camera Versatility: While the Motorola has a high-resolution main sensor, the Asus's overall camera system with OIS, gimbal, and laser autofocus offers much better results in different scenarios, something I highly value for the content I create.
- Battery and Charging: I hate the anxiety of running out of battery, and the 5500mAh battery with fast charging ensures I can use the phone throughout the day without issues.
- Audio Experience: The DTS/DTS:X with stereo speakers and triple microphones creates an immersive experience that is better for consuming media or gaming.
Yes, it's heavier and a bit bulkier, but the trade-offs in performance, display quality, camera, and overall longevity make it worth it for me. The Asus ROG Phone 8 Pro simply offers a more robust and premium experience that suits my needs as a tech journalist and enthusiast. While the Motorola is a very capable device, the Asus is just too much of an improvement to ignore.
