Alright, let's dive into a head-to-head comparison of the Motorola Edge (2022) and the Asus ROG Phone 7. I'll break down the specs, focusing on what these differences actually mean for you, the user.
1. Specifications Breakdown
Here’s a detailed table breaking down the key specifications, with a focus on real-world implications:
| Feature | Motorola Edge (2022) | Asus ROG Phone 7 | Real-World Implications |
|---|---|---|---|
| Design | |||
| Physical Size | 160.9 x 74.2 x 8 mm | 173 x 77 x 10.3 mm | The Asus ROG Phone 7 is noticeably larger and bulkier, less comfortable for one-handed use. |
| Weight | 170g | 239g | The Motorola Edge is significantly lighter, making it more comfortable for extended use, while the ROG Phone 7 is more hefty. |
| Foldable | Standard | Standard | Both are standard smartphones, not foldable. |
| Display | |||
| Size | 6.6" | 6.78" | The Asus ROG Phone 7 has a slightly larger screen, offering a bit more viewing area for content consumption. |
| Resolution | 1080 x 2400 | 1080 x 2448 | Both phones have sharp, clear displays; the differences are minimal and won't be noticeable in daily use. |
| Pixel Density (PPI) | 399 | 395 | Both phones have similar pixel densities, rendering content similarly crisp and clear. |
| Technology | OLED | AMOLED | Both technologies offer excellent color reproduction and deep blacks. |
| Refresh Rate | 144Hz | 165Hz | The Asus ROG Phone 7 provides a slightly smoother user interface and gaming experience, though both are already very smooth. |
| Brightness | 0 nits | 1500 nits | The Asus ROG Phone 7 is drastically better for use in bright sunlight due to its much higher peak brightness. |
| Performance | |||
| Chipset | MediaTek Dimensity 1050 (6nm) | Qualcomm Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 (4nm) | The Asus ROG Phone 7 offers significantly higher processing power, leading to faster app loading, smoother multitasking, and superior gaming. |
| AnTuTu Score | 522,375 | 1,603,292 | The Asus ROG Phone 7 scores nearly three times as high, indicating far better overall performance. |
| GPU | Arm Mali-G610 MC3 | Adreno 740 | The Adreno 740 in the ROG Phone 7 provides significantly better graphics performance for gaming and other graphics-intensive tasks. |
| Battery Life | |||
| Capacity | 5000mAh | 6000mAh | The Asus ROG Phone 7 offers a larger battery, potentially leading to longer usage time between charges. Actual endurance depends on usage. |
| Charging | 30W Fast Charging | 65W Fast Charging | The Asus ROG Phone 7 charges much faster, reducing downtime. |
| Battery Features | Wireless Charging, Reverse Charging | Bypass Charging, Reverse Charging, 65W Adapter | Asus ROG Phone 7's bypass charging is a game changer for gamers, and the ROG includes a charger, which Motorola does not. |
| Camera | |||
| Main Camera Resolution | 50MP | 50MP | Both offer 50MP main cameras, suitable for detailed photography. |
| Main Camera Aperture | f/1.8 | f/1.9 | Motorola Edge's slightly wider aperture might allow for better performance in low light. |
| Main Camera Sensor Size | 1/1.55" | 1/1.56" | Both have similar sensor sizes, but the difference is marginal. |
| Main Camera Sensor Model | Omnivision OV50A | Sony IMX766 | Different sensors, with the Sony IMX766 of the ROG Phone 7 generally being considered superior, though not definitively. |
| Selfie Camera Resolution | 32MP | 32MP | Both offer a 32MP front camera, suitable for high-resolution selfies. |
| Wide Angle Aperture | f/1.5 | f/2.2 | The wider aperture of the Motorola Edge allows more light, potentially improving low-light wide-angle shots. |
| Macro Resolution | 20MP | 5MP | The Motorola Edge provides significantly higher resolution for macro photography. |
| Video Recording | 4K@30fps | 8K@24fps, 4K@60fps | The Asus ROG Phone 7 offers a much better video recording experience, with the possibility for 8K video, 4K@60 and better stabilisation options. |
| Camera Features | OIS | RAW, Night Mode, 4K and 8K Video | Each phone has its own strengths; the Motorola features OIS and the ROG phone has 4k and 8K video and a RAW setting. |
| Software | |||
| OS | Android 12 | Android 13 | The Asus ROG Phone 7 runs on a newer version of Android, likely offering better performance and the latest features. |
| Max Version | 13 | 15 | The Asus ROG Phone 7 is likely to be supported for longer. |
| Connectivity | |||
| Wi-Fi | Wi-Fi 6 | Wi-Fi 7 | The Asus ROG Phone 7 supports the latest Wi-Fi standard for faster speeds and better performance in congested networks. |
| Bluetooth | Bluetooth 5.2 LE | Bluetooth 5.3 | The Asus ROG Phone 7 offers a newer Bluetooth version with broader support. |
| GPS | GPS, A-GPS, etc | GPS, A-GPS, etc. | The Asus ROG Phone 7 supports more satellite systems for higher location accuracy, particularly with dual frequency. |
| SIM | Nano SIM + eSIM | Nano SIM + Nano SIM | The Motorola Edge offers the flexibility of an eSIM while the ROG Phone 7 offers Dual SIM. |
| Storage | |||
| Internal Storage | 128GB/256GB | 256GB/512GB | The Asus ROG Phone 7 has greater storage capacity and the higher-end variant has double the storage of the Motorola edge. |
| RAM | 6GB/8GB | 8GB/12GB/16GB | The Asus ROG Phone 7 can offer significantly more RAM, leading to better multitasking performance. |
| Expandable Storage | No | No | Neither phone allows for expandable storage. |
| Audio | |||
| Audio Quality | Dolby Atmos | DTS / DTS X, Hi-Res Audio | The Asus ROG Phone 7 is designed for audiophiles, with enhanced audio features, while Motorola uses Dolby Atmos technology. |
| Security | |||
| Security | Fingerprint | Fingerprint | Both phones offer fingerprint sensors as their main form of biometric security. |
| Build Quality | |||
| Screen Protection | Corning Gorilla Glass 3 | Corning Gorilla Glass Victus | The Asus ROG Phone 7 has the superior screen protection technology. |
| Sensors | |||
| Sensors | Barometer, Magnetometer | Hall | Motorola Edge features two additional sensors that ROG phone 7 is lacking. ROG has a hall sensor, which is not on the Motorola Edge. |
2. Key Insights
Motorola Edge (2022)
- Strengths: Lightweight and comfortable, better macro camera, wider aperture wide angle camera, eSIM capability, wireless charging. The Motorola Edge is also equipped with a barometer and magnetometer.
- Competitive Advantages: More portable due to its lighter and slimmer design, the Motorola also provides a higher-resolution macro camera, a wider aperture wide angle camera, and includes wireless charging.
- Trade-offs: Significantly weaker performance, inferior screen brightness and slower charging, and inferior video capabilities, particularly in the lack of 4K@60 video.
Asus ROG Phone 7
- Strengths: Blazing-fast performance, higher refresh rate, vastly brighter display, far superior battery life, faster charging, better video recording, better audio capabilities. It also offers superior screen protection.
- Competitive Advantages: The ROG Phone 7 excels in gaming, multimedia consumption, and demanding applications. It has a top tier chipset, enhanced audio experience and is overall a very powerful piece of hardware.
- Trade-offs: Larger and heavier, less focus on portability. Not all users need the level of power it provides.
3. User Profiles and Recommendations
Motorola Edge (2022)
- Best Suited For: Users who prioritize portability, a lighter build, and a decent enough camera system for everyday use. Those who may not be heavy gamers, but want a good all-rounder with some useful features.
- Use Cases: Everyday social media browsing, taking casual photos, watching videos, making calls, and light gaming.
- Value Proposition: A well-rounded phone with decent features at a more accessible price point compared to high-end gaming smartphones.
Asus ROG Phone 7
- Best Suited For: Hardcore gamers, power users, and those who prioritize cutting-edge performance and multimedia experiences.
- Use Cases: Demanding mobile games, high-resolution video editing, heavy multitasking, content creators needing better video recording, and anyone requiring top-tier screen brightness for outdoor use.
- Value Proposition: The ROG Phone 7 is a premium device designed for performance and a flagship gaming experience, justifying its higher price tag with premium hardware and features.
4. Buying Decision Framework
To help you decide, ask yourself these three questions:
- Do you need top-tier gaming performance and maximum brightness? If yes, the Asus ROG Phone 7 is the better option.
- Do you prioritize a lightweight device that is more comfortable to handle for everyday tasks? If yes, the Motorola Edge might be better suited.
- How important is video recording quality to you? If very important, the 8K and 4K@60 video of the ROG Phone 7 are far superior.
Scenario-Based Recommendations:
- The Gamer: Choose the Asus ROG Phone 7 without hesitation. Its performance, screen, and battery are optimized for gaming.
- The Everyday User: The Motorola Edge will probably suffice, but for the price, the ROG Phone 7 is a better piece of tech, if you don't mind the size and weight.
- The Casual Photographer/Videographer: The ROG Phone 7 gives you the option for 8K and 4K@60 video, with better software, while the Edge has OIS.
- The On-the-Go Professional: The portability of the Motorola Edge makes it a solid choice, but the performance and battery life of the ROG are better for work.
My Pick
If I were choosing between these two, I would go with the Asus ROG Phone 7. My reasoning is simple: the sheer performance difference, vastly superior battery, much brighter screen, and significantly better video recording quality are compelling. While the size and weight are less than ideal for pocket portability, the improved performance, screen brightness and significantly better battery life more than make up for it. For the price, it is a superior piece of tech, that is well worth the investment.
