Okay, let's dive deep into the Motorola Edge 20 and Asus Zenfone 11 Ultra, putting on my tech analyst hat and seeing how these two stack up. I'll break down the specs, what they mean for you, and help you decide which might be the better fit.
1. Specifications Breakdown
Here's a detailed look at the key specs, focusing on real-world implications for users:
| Feature | Motorola Edge 20 | Asus Zenfone 11 Ultra | Real-World Implications |
|---|---|---|---|
| Design | |||
| Launch Date | 2021-08-16 | 2024-04-14 | The Zenfone is significantly newer, benefiting from more recent technological advancements. |
| Dimensions | 163 x 76 x 7 mm | 163.8 x 76.8 x 8.9 mm | The Edge 20 is slimmer, while the Zenfone is slightly taller, wider, and noticeably thicker, making the Edge 20 more pocketable but the Zenfone potentially more robust. |
| Weight | 163g | 224g | The Edge 20 is much lighter, making it more comfortable for extended use; Zenfone feels more substantial but can be tiresome over long durations. |
| Display | |||
| Size | 6.7" | 6.78" | Virtually identical screen size; negligibly bigger on the Zenfone. |
| Resolution | 1080x2400 | 1080x2400 | Both have FHD+ resolution, delivering crisp visuals. |
| Pixel Density | 385 ppi | 388 ppi | Very similar sharpness, meaning both screens are going to look clear. |
| Technology | OLED | AMOLED | Both use quality display tech for vibrant colors and deep blacks; AMOLED is typically an enhanced version of OLED, generally more power-efficient and with potentially better color accuracy. |
| Refresh Rate | 144Hz | 144Hz | Both offer super smooth scrolling and gaming. |
| Brightness | 0 nits | 2500 nits | Zenfone is vastly superior for outdoor use with peak brightness, meaning it remains visible even in bright sunlight. |
| Performance | |||
| Chipset | Qualcomm SM7325 Snapdragon 778G 5G (6 nm) | Qualcomm SM8650-AB Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 (4 nm) | The Zenfone's chipset is a flagship-level processor, much faster and more efficient, resulting in snappier app loading, multitasking, and gaming than the Edge 20's mid-range chip. |
| AnTuTu Score | 589,200 | 1,532,000 | This benchmark reinforces that the Zenfone offers significantly superior performance across the board, approximately 160% more powerful. |
| GPU | Adreno 642L | Adreno 750 | Zenfone's GPU will deliver vastly superior gaming graphics and faster rendering. |
| Camera | |||
| Main Camera | 108MP, f/1.9, 1/1.52", 0.70µm, S5KHM2 | 50MP, f/1.9, 1/1.56", 1.00µm, Sony IMX890 | The Edge 20 has a higher megapixel count, but the Zenfone has larger pixel size and newer sensor tech for better low-light performance. |
| Selfie Camera | 32MP, f/2.3, 0.70µm | 32MP, f/2.5, 1/3.2", 0.70µm, OV32C | Similar resolutions; Edge 20's wider aperture should allow in slightly more light. |
| Telephoto Lens | 8MP, f/2.4 | 32MP, f/2.4, 0.70µm | The Zenfone has a significantly higher resolution telephoto camera, resulting in clearer zoomed-in images. |
| Wide Angle Lens | 16MP, f/2.2 | 13MP, f/2.2, 1.12µm | The Edge 20 does not have a Wide Angle Lens, while the Zenfone does, with a larger pixel size. |
| Video Recording | Up to 4K@30fps, EIS, 720p@960fps slow-mo | Up to 8K@24fps, EIS, HDR, 720p@480fps slow-mo | The Zenfone offers 8K recording with HDR, and a slightly slower max framerate slow-motion recording, making it a more capable camcorder. |
| DXOMark | Not tested | Main score: 125, Photo: 131, Video: 115 | The Zenfone has scored well in photo and video quality from DXOMark, a standardized assessment of camera quality. Edge 20 hasn't been assessed for camera performance by DXOMark. |
| Features | Optical zoom, Manual focus | Optical Stabilization (OIS), Gimbal, Continuous autofocus, Phase detection autofocus (PDAF), PDAF Omnidericional, RAW | The Zenfone has superior hardware stabilization, autofocus and manual controls for more professional photos. |
| Battery Life | |||
| Capacity | 4020mAh | 5500mAh | The Zenfone's significantly larger battery should offer much longer battery life. |
| Charging | 30W Fast Charging | 65W Fast Charging | The Zenfone charges much quicker. |
| Features | Reverse charging | 15W wireless charging, 10W reverse wired | The Zenfone supports wireless charging and reverse charging via wired connections, with greater flexibility. The Edge 20 offers only reverse charging, not wireless. |
| Software | |||
| OS | Android 11, Max Android 12 | Android 14, Max Android 16 | The Zenfone offers a more up-to-date version of the OS with the promise of further updates. |
| Connectivity | |||
| WiFi | Wi-Fi 6 (802.11ax) | Wi-Fi 7 (802.11be) | The Zenfone offers faster and more reliable Wi-Fi with the new standard. |
| Bluetooth | Bluetooth 5.2 LE | Bluetooth 5.4 LE | The Zenfone offers more advanced Bluetooth connectivity. |
| GPS | GPS, A-GPS, GLONASS, Beidou, Galileo | GPS, A-GPS, GLONASS, Beidou, QZSS, Galileo, GPS (L1+L5), GLONASS (L1), BeiDou (B1), Galileo (E1+E5a), BeiDou (B2), NavIC System, QZSS (L1 + L5) | The Zenfone has much more GPS capability for better location accuracy. |
| Storage | |||
| Internal | 128 GB or 256 GB | 256 GB or 512 GB | The Zenfone offers larger internal storage options. |
| RAM | 6 GB or 8 GB | 12 GB or 16 GB | The Zenfone has much more RAM, making it a better phone for heavy multitasking. |
| Audio | |||
| Quality | Basic audio features | Hi-Res Audio, Noise cancellation microphone, Stereo Speakers, 2 microphones | Zenfone's audio quality is significantly better. |
| Security | |||
| Features | side-mounted fingerprint sensor | Basic fingerprint sensor | The Edge 20 has a slightly more practical fingerprint sensor placement. |
| Build Quality | |||
| Screen Protection | Corning Gorilla Glass 3 | Corning Gorilla Glass Victus 2 | The Zenfone offers superior screen protection against scratches and impacts. |
| Sensors | |||
| Features | Fingerprint, Proximity, Accelerometer, Compass, Gyroscope | Fingerprint, Proximity, Accelerometer, Compass, Gyroscope, Hall | The Zenfone has a larger number of sensors, improving user experience. |
2. Key Insights
Motorola Edge 20
Strengths:
- Light and Slim: Its primary advantage is its extremely lightweight and thin design, making it very comfortable to carry and hold.
- Decent Display: The 144Hz OLED screen is very smooth.
- Practical Fingerprint Reader: side-mounted fingerprint sensor is easy and intuitive to use.
Competitive Advantages:
- Its lightweight and slim design is rare in today's market.
- Presents a good mid-range performance.
Trade-offs and Limitations:
- Lower Performance: The mid-range chipset can't compete with the Zenfone in terms of raw power.
- Subpar Camera: While offering a high-resolution main sensor, it falls short in low-light performance and lacks the versatile options of the Zenfone.
- Lower Battery Capacity: Battery life is significantly less, and charging is slower.
- Outdated Software: Running older versions of Android means it might miss out on new features and security updates.
Asus Zenfone 11 Ultra
Strengths:
- Flagship Performance: Its cutting-edge Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 chipset provides top-tier performance for gaming, multitasking, and demanding apps.
- Stunning Display: The AMOLED screen with 2500 nits brightness is fantastic for outdoor visibility, and the 144Hz refresh rate makes everything buttery smooth.
- Excellent Camera System: The camera system is vastly superior, with impressive low-light capabilities, versatile lenses, and high-quality video features like 8K recording and gimbal.
- Long Battery Life and Fast Charging: The larger battery ensures all-day use and the faster charging means less time tethered to a plug.
- Premium Build: It features a more robust build with Corning Gorilla Glass Victus 2.
- Updated Software: Comes with the latest version of Android, and the assurance of future updates.
Competitive Advantages:
- It's a powerhouse for performance-hungry users with a fantastic display and camera.
- Has superior and premium build quality.
Trade-offs and Limitations:
- Bulkier Design: It's significantly heavier and thicker than the Edge 20.
- Basic Fingerprint Sensor: The fingerprint scanner is not side-mounted.
- Potentially Higher Cost: Expect a higher price tag due to its premium features and components.
3. User Profiles and Recommendations
Motorola Edge 20:
- Best for: Users who prioritize a slim, lightweight phone and are not too demanding when it comes to performance.
- Use Case: Ideal for casual users, who value portability and basic functionality over high-end performance.
Asus Zenfone 11 Ultra:
- Best for: Power users, gamers, and photography enthusiasts who require top-tier performance, great battery life, and a versatile camera system.
- Use Case: Perfect for heavy multitasking, graphic-intensive games, capturing high-quality photos and videos, and anyone who needs a reliable phone for all-day usage.
4. Buying Decision Framework
Here are three key questions to help you decide:
- Performance Needs: How crucial is top-tier performance to you? (Gaming, heavy apps, multitasking) If it is very important, the Zenfone is the better option.
- Portability vs. Battery Life: Do you prefer a light, slim design or a robust device with longer battery life? If portability is paramount, the Edge 20 has an edge; otherwise, choose the Zenfone.
- Camera Versatility: How much do you value advanced camera capabilities, including low-light performance and zoom? If photography is high on your list, the Zenfone is a much better choice.
Scenario-Based Recommendations:
- The Casual User: If you mainly browse, use social media, and don't require intense gaming or photography, the Motorola Edge 20 is adequate.
- The Mobile Gamer: If you're an avid gamer and need maximum performance, the Asus Zenfone 11 Ultra is essential.
- The Photography Enthusiast: For anyone who values a capable camera system, the Asus Zenfone 11 Ultra will offer vastly superior performance.
- The On-the-Go User: If you need the lightest phone possible, the Motorola Edge 20 is a great option, but understand you will be sacrificing a great deal of performance.
My Choice
If I had to choose, I'd pick the Asus Zenfone 11 Ultra. As someone who appreciates the latest in technology and values performance, its processing power, superior display, advanced camera system, and long battery life are huge wins. While I do value lightweight phones, the improvements in the Zenfone 11 Ultra are far too substantial to pass over. As a tech journalist, I use my phone a lot and need it to be fast, reliable, and have a camera that can capture high-quality images on the fly. The Zenfone checks all those boxes, even if it means a slightly bulkier form factor.
