Okay, let's dive into a detailed comparison of the Motorola Edge 20 and the Asus Zenfone 10. I'll approach this with my typical blend of technical analysis and real-world usability, so you get a clear picture of what these phones bring to the table.
1. Specifications Breakdown
Here’s a detailed comparison table, breaking down the key specs and their real-world implications:
| Feature | Motorola Edge 20 | Asus Zenfone 10 | Real-World Implications |
|---|---|---|---|
| Design | |||
| Launch Date | 2021-08-16 | 2023-07-10 | The Zenfone 10 is significantly newer, benefitting from more recent tech advancements. |
| Size | 163 × 76 × 7 mm | 146.5 × 68.1 × 9.4 mm | The Edge 20 is larger and thinner, while the Zenfone 10 is more compact and a bit thicker. This impacts in-hand feel and pocketability. |
| Weight | 163g | 172g | The Edge 20 is lighter, which may feel better for longer use. |
| Display | |||
| Size | 6.7" | 5.92" | The Edge 20 has a noticeably larger display, ideal for media consumption. The Zenfone 10’s compact size makes it more manageable. |
| Resolution | 1080x2400 | 1080x2400 | Both are sharp, but the smaller screen of the Zenfone 10 makes it appear crisper. |
| Pixel Density (PPI) | 385 | 445 | The Zenfone 10 has a sharper display due to its higher pixel density. Expect noticeably more detailed visuals. |
| Technology | OLED | AMOLED | Both offer excellent contrast and vibrant colors. |
| Refresh Rate | 144Hz | 144Hz | Both offer buttery-smooth scrolling and animations. |
| Brightness | 0 nits | 1100 nits | The Zenfone 10 will be far more visible in bright outdoor conditions. The Edge 20's brightness is essentially not rated, a significant drawback. |
| Performance | |||
| Chipset | Qualcomm Snapdragon 778G 5G (6 nm) | Qualcomm Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 (4 nm) | The Zenfone 10 boasts a significantly faster and more efficient processor, for snappier performance in all tasks and gaming. |
| AnTuTu Score | 589,200 | 1,532,000 | The Zenfone 10 is a much more capable device, performing almost three times better in benchmarks and in real-world applications. |
| GPU | Adreno 642L | Adreno 740 | The Zenfone 10’s GPU is substantially more powerful, giving it a significant edge in graphics-intensive tasks and gaming. |
| Camera | |||
| Main Camera | 108MP, f/1.9, 1/1.52" Samsung S5KHM2, 0.70µm | 50MP, f/1.9, 1/1.56" Sony IMX766, 1.00µm | The Edge 20 has a higher resolution sensor, but the Zenfone 10 has larger pixels which usually result in better low-light performance. |
| Front Camera | 32MP, f/2.3, 0.70µm | 32MP, f/2.5, 1/3.2" Omnivision OV32C, 0.70µm | The Edge 20 has a slightly wider aperture which may allow more light in. |
| Telephoto Lens | 8MP, f/2.4 | None | The Edge 20 has a telephoto lens, while Zenfone 10 does not offer dedicated telephoto capabilities. |
| Wide/Macro Lens | 16MP, f/2.2 | 13MP, f/2.2, 1/3.06" Omnivision OV13B10, 1.12µm | The Edge 20 has a slightly higher megapixel count, while the Zenfone 10 has larger pixels on its wide angle camera which may allow better quality. |
| Video | 4K@30fps, EIS | 8K@24fps, 4K@60fps, HDR, EIS | The Zenfone 10 offers significantly more advanced video recording capabilities with higher resolution, frame rates, and HDR. |
| Features | Digital zoom, Optical zoom, Triple cam, EIS, Autofocus, etc. | 8K Video, Digital zoom, Dual camera, OIS, Gimbal, Autofocus, etc. | The Zenfone 10 has gimbal stabilization, OIS, and shoots 8K video, while the Edge 20 offers optical zoom with a telephoto lens. |
| Battery Life | |||
| Capacity | 4020mAh | 4300mAh | The Zenfone 10 has a slightly larger battery, potentially offering a bit more battery life. |
| Charging | 30W Fast Charging | 30W Fast Charging, 15W Wireless, 5W Reverse Wired | The Zenfone 10 includes wireless charging and reverse wired charging, adding more convenience. |
| Software | |||
| OS | Android 11, upgradable to 12 | Android 13, upgradable to 15 | The Zenfone 10 comes with a more recent Android version and will receive more updates. |
| Connectivity | |||
| Wi-Fi | Wi-Fi 6 (802.11ax) | Wi-Fi 7 (802.11be) | The Zenfone 10 is compatible with the latest Wi-Fi standards for faster and more stable connections. |
| Bluetooth | Bluetooth 5.2 | Bluetooth 5.3 | The Zenfone 10 features a newer Bluetooth standard, offering improvements in efficiency and range. |
| GPS | GPS, A-GPS, GLONASS, Beidou, Galileo | GPS, A-GPS, GLONASS, Beidou, QZSS, Galileo and more | The Zenfone 10 supports more satellite systems, improving location accuracy. |
| Storage | |||
| Internal Storage | 128GB/256GB | 128GB/256GB/512GB | The Zenfone 10 offers an additional 512GB storage option for users needing more space for media and apps. |
| RAM | 6GB/8GB | 8GB/16GB | The Zenfone 10 offers more RAM, especially the 16GB variant, improving multitasking performance, and offering smoother overall performance. |
| Expandable Storage | No | No | Neither phone offers expandable storage. |
| Audio | |||
| Quality | Basic audio | Hi-Res Audio, Stereo Speakers, Noise cancellation | The Zenfone 10 provides a superior audio experience with high resolution playback, stereo speakers and improved microphone setup. |
| Build Quality | |||
| Screen Protection | Corning Gorilla Glass 3 | Corning Gorilla Glass Victus | The Zenfone 10 uses a more modern and durable version of Gorilla Glass for better screen protection. |
| Sensors | |||
| Sensors | Fingerprint, Proximity, Accelerometer, Compass, Gyroscope | Fingerprint, Proximity, Accelerometer, Compass, Gyroscope, Hall | The Zenfone 10 includes an additional sensor, which may offer some additional functional capabilities and use cases. |
2. Key Insights
Motorola Edge 20 Strengths:
- Larger Display: The 6.7" screen is great for media consumption and multitasking.
- Slightly Lighter: This makes the device a bit more comfortable to hold for extended periods.
- Optical Zoom: Dedicated telephoto capabilities allow for greater zoom options.
Asus Zenfone 10 Strengths:
- Significantly More Powerful: The Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 chip provides a massive performance boost for gaming, multitasking, and general app usage.
- Sharper, Brighter Display: The higher pixel density and substantially higher brightness make the screen look more vibrant and visible in different lighting conditions.
- Superior Cameras: The Zenfone 10's primary camera with larger pixel size and the option to record in 8K, coupled with gimbal stabilization and OIS are clear advantages.
- Better Battery Features: The inclusion of wireless charging and reverse charging are added conveniences.
- Newer OS & Software Support: Starting with Android 13 and promised updates, the Zenfone 10 offers a more modern and longer lasting software experience.
- Modern Connectivity: With Wi-Fi 7 and Bluetooth 5.3, the Zenfone 10 is more future-proofed.
- High Quality Audio: The Zenfone 10 has more and higher quality audio playback features.
- Superior Screen Protection: With Gorilla Glass Victus, the Zenfone 10 offers significantly greater protection against scratches and damage.
Trade-offs:
- The Motorola Edge 20 is a budget-focused device, but comes with an older chipset that is far less powerful and less future-proof than that of the Zenfone 10.
- The Asus Zenfone 10, whilst being the far superior device of the two, is likely to come with a higher price tag.
3. User Profiles and Recommendations
Motorola Edge 20:
- Ideal For: Users who want a large display for media consumption at an affordable price point, a camera with telephoto capabilities.
- Use Case: Watching videos, browsing, light social media use.
- Recommendation: Suitable for budget-conscious users who need a large screen and are not performance oriented.
Asus Zenfone 10:
- Ideal For: Power users, gamers, photographers, and videographers who want a compact device that doesn’t compromise on performance or features.
- Use Case: Demanding gaming, professional photography/videography, heavy multitasking, and users who need a pocketable device with a great screen and camera.
- Recommendation: The best overall device, suitable for users who need power, premium features and a great experience in a smaller form factor, and are willing to pay more for it.
4. Buying Decision Framework
Here are three key questions to guide your decision:
- What is your budget? If affordability is your top priority, the Motorola Edge 20 may be the better choice, though it is far less capable. If your budget allows, the Zenfone 10's far superior capabilities justify the additional cost.
- Do you prioritize performance or screen size? If gaming and intensive tasks are important, the Zenfone 10 is the clear winner. If a larger screen is a must-have, and you aren't particularly concerned with performance, then the Motorola Edge 20 may suit your needs.
- How important are camera capabilities? If you're looking for the best possible photos and videos, especially in low light and a wide variety of situations, the Zenfone 10 will provide the better experience, although the Motorola Edge 20 offers a dedicated telephoto lens.
Scenario-Based Recommendations:
- For the Casual User: If your primary use is social media, browsing, and watching videos, and you are on a budget, the Motorola Edge 20 may suffice.
- For the Power User: If you need a device that can handle demanding tasks like gaming, video editing, and professional photography, the Asus Zenfone 10 is far and away the better choice.
- For the Camera Enthusiast: If you value superior video quality and advanced features like OIS and gimbal stabilization in a phone's camera, the Asus Zenfone 10 is the better choice.
Which one would I choose?
Personally, I would choose the Asus Zenfone 10. The performance jump is too significant to ignore, and the Zenfone 10 offers so much more in a smaller, much more manageable package. The brighter screen and significantly upgraded camera capabilities are enough for me to prefer the Zenfone 10. The wireless charging is also a huge convenience that the Motorola Edge 20 lacks. Yes, the Motorola Edge 20 is more affordable and has a bigger screen and a telephoto camera, but those factors do not outweigh the overall quality and experience provided by the Asus Zenfone 10. The faster processor and GPU on the Zenfone 10 also make it a more long-term device. It is also worth noting that the Motorola Edge 20 has an unrated brightness while the Zenfone 10 has a rating of 1100 nits, meaning it can be seen in bright daylight while the Motorola likely cannot. For me, the Zenfone 10 represents a much more balanced and complete package, and would be a better fit in my life.
