Alright, let's dive deep into this head-to-head between the Motorola Edge (2022) and the Asus ROG Phone 8. We've got a mid-range contender versus a powerhouse gaming phone, so the differences are going to be significant. I'll break down the specs, offer my insights, and help you figure out which one fits your life better.
1. Specifications Breakdown
Here's a detailed comparison table, focusing on the practical implications of each spec:
| Feature | Motorola Edge (2022) | Asus ROG Phone 8 | Real-World Implications |
|---|---|---|---|
| Design | |||
| Launch Date | 2022-09-22 | 2024-01-18 | ROG Phone 8 is significantly newer, likely with more up-to-date tech. |
| Size | 160.9 × 74.2 × 8 mm | 163.8 × 76.8 × 8.9 mm | ROG Phone 8 is larger and thicker; slightly less pocketable, but may offer more space for internals and cooling. |
| Weight | 170g | 225g | Edge (2022) is notably lighter, making it more comfortable for extended handheld use; ROG Phone 8 is heavier but may feel more robust. |
| Build | Standard | Standard | Both phones feature standard non-folding design. |
| Display | |||
| Size | 6.6" | 6.78" | ROG Phone 8 has a slightly larger display for more immersive viewing. |
| Resolution | 1080x2400 | 1080x2400 | Both offer sharp, detailed images with the same resolution; no clear advantage here. |
| PPI | 399 | 388 | Very similar pixel density; both offer a crisp display. |
| Technology | OLED | AMOLED | Similar quality; both offer deep blacks, vivid colors, and great contrast. |
| Refresh Rate | 144Hz | 165Hz | ROG Phone 8 has a slightly smoother display; great for gaming and fast scrolling. |
| Brightness | 0 nits | 2500 nits | ROG Phone 8 is vastly superior in outdoor visibility, perfect for bright sunlight. |
| Performance | |||
| Chipset | Dimensity 1050 (6nm) | Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 (4nm) | ROG Phone 8's chip is far more powerful, resulting in smoother performance, especially for gaming and demanding tasks. |
| AnTuTu Score | 522,375 | 2,020,000 | ROG Phone 8 is significantly faster; handles any task you throw at it with ease. Edge is suitable for daily tasks but lacks raw power. |
| GPU | Mali-G610 MC3 | Adreno 750 | ROG Phone 8 has a vastly superior GPU for top-tier gaming. |
| Camera | |||
| Standard Camera | 50MP f/1.8, 1/1.55" | 50MP f/1.9, 1/1.56" | Edge (2022) slightly wider aperture and larger sensor, potentially better low-light. However, ROG 8 sensor (Sony IMX890) is quite strong |
| Selfie Camera | 32MP f/2.45 | 32MP | Comparable front-facing cameras. |
| Wide Angle Lens | 13MP f/1.5 | None | Edge (2022) offers a dedicated ultrawide lens. |
| Macro Lens | 20MP f/2.4 | 5MP f/2.4 | Edge (2022) has a dedicated macro camera with significantly higher resolution. |
| Wide Angle + Macro | None | 13MP f/2.2 | ROG Phone 8 has a dedicated Wide Angle + Macro camera. |
| Video Recording | 4K@30fps | 8K@24fps, 4K@60fps | ROG Phone 8 offers much more advanced video recording options. |
| Battery Life | |||
| Capacity | 5000mAh | 5500mAh | ROG Phone 8 has a larger battery; potentially better endurance. |
| Charging | 30W | 65W | ROG Phone 8 charges significantly faster, reducing downtime. |
| Features | 15W Wireless charging, 5W reverse charging | None | Edge (2022) offers wireless and reverse charging features; ROG 8 lacks wireless and reverse charging features |
| Software | |||
| Operating System | Android 12 (upgradable to 13) | Android 14 (upgradable to 16) | ROG Phone 8 has the newest version, providing most up-to-date features and security patches; ROG will likely get updates for longer |
| Connectivity | |||
| WiFi | Wi-Fi 6 | Wi-Fi 7 | ROG Phone 8 has the latest Wi-Fi standard for faster speeds and lower latency. |
| Bluetooth | 5.2 | 5.3 | ROG Phone 8 offers more advanced Bluetooth features. |
| GPS | A-GPS, GLONASS, Beidou, SUPL, Galileo | A-GPS, GLONASS, Beidou, QZSS, GPS (L1+L5), GLONASS (L1), BeiDou (B1), Galileo (E1+E5a), BeiDou (B2), NavIC System, QZSS (L1 + L5) | ROG Phone 8 has more advanced GPS capabilities, with support for more satellite systems. |
| SIM | Dual SIM (Nano SIM + eSIM) | Dual SIM (Nano SIM + Nano SIM) | Edge (2022) supports eSIM; ROG Phone 8 uses two physical nano SIMs. |
| Storage | |||
| Internal Storage | 128 GB or 256 GB | 256 GB | Both have same maximum internal storage, neither has expandable storage. |
| RAM | 6 GB or 8 GB | 12 GB or 16 GB | ROG Phone 8 has substantially more RAM for smoother multitasking and heavy workloads. |
| Audio | |||
| Quality | Dolby Atmos | DTS / DTS X | Both feature stereo speakers. Edge with Dolby Atmos, ROG with DTS / DTS X. |
| Security | |||
| Features | Basic fingerprint sensor | Basic fingerprint sensor | Both phones have basic fingerprint sensors. |
| Build Quality | |||
| Screen Protection | Gorilla Glass 3 | Gorilla Glass Victus 2 | ROG Phone 8 features a much more robust screen protection. |
| Sensors | |||
| Sensors | Biometric: Fingerprint; Proximity: Proximity; Motion: Accelerometer, Compass, Gyroscope, Magnetometer; Environmental: Barometer | Biometric: Fingerprint; Proximity: Proximity; Motion: Accelerometer, Compass, Gyroscope | Edge (2022) includes additional environmental sensors while ROG 8 has a Gravity Sensor. |
2. Key Insights
Motorola Edge (2022):
- Strengths:
- Lighter and more comfortable for one-handed use.
- Excellent screen quality with a 144Hz refresh rate for smooth visuals.
- Versatile camera setup with dedicated ultrawide and macro lenses.
- Wireless charging and reverse wireless charging capabilities.
- eSIM support for digital carrier switching.
- Competitive Advantages:
- More affordable than the ROG Phone 8.
- The additional environmental sensors might be useful for specific applications.
- Good balance of features for general use.
- Trade-offs/Limitations:
- Significantly weaker performance than the ROG Phone 8, especially in gaming.
- Not as bright display; harder to see in direct sunlight.
- Slower charging speeds.
Asus ROG Phone 8:
- Strengths:
- Extremely powerful processor and GPU for the best gaming and performance.
- Significantly brighter display, excelling in outdoor use.
- Smoother refresh rate display for gaming.
- Significantly faster charging.
- Advanced camera features, including 8K recording and Gimbal.
- Superior Wi-Fi and Bluetooth.
- Latest Android version, ensuring long-term support.
- Competitive Advantages:
- Top-tier performance for gaming and demanding tasks.
- Advanced GPS and Audio.
- Most up-to-date tech specs and newer device
- Trade-offs/Limitations:
- Significantly heavier and bulkier.
- Lacks wireless charging and reverse wireless charging.
- No microSD card slot.
- More expensive than the Motorola Edge (2022).
3. User Profiles and Recommendations
Motorola Edge (2022) is ideal for:
- Casual Users: Those who need a reliable phone for everyday tasks like browsing, social media, and media consumption.
- Budget-Conscious Buyers: Those who want a solid device without breaking the bank.
- Those who prefer a lighter phone - It’s significantly lighter and easier to carry.
- Users who need wireless charging.
Asus ROG Phone 8 is best for:
- Hardcore Gamers: Those who need the absolute best performance and gaming features.
- Power Users: Those who need a phone capable of handling heavy multitasking and demanding applications.
- Mobile Photographers/Videographers: Those who need high-quality video recording with advanced features and the absolute best screen for editing and reviewing on the go.
- Tech Enthusiasts: Those who want the most cutting-edge mobile technology and are willing to pay the premium.
4. Buying Decision Framework
Here are three questions to help you decide:
- How important is gaming to you?
- If gaming is a primary use case, the ROG Phone 8 is the clear winner.
- If you're a casual gamer, the Edge (2022) is fine but less powerful.
- What's your budget?
- If cost is a significant factor, the Edge (2022) is a much more affordable option.
- If you are ready to pay for top-tier specs and performance, the ROG Phone 8 is your pick.
- Do you prioritize size, weight, and ease of handling?
- If a lighter device is important, the Edge (2022) is better for you.
- If you need the best viewing experience with a super bright screen, go with the ROG Phone 8.
Scenario-Based Recommendations:
- Everyday User: If you use your phone mainly for calls, social media, and general web browsing, the Motorola Edge (2022) is a solid, budget-friendly pick.
- Mobile Gamer: If you’re spending hours gaming every week, the Asus ROG Phone 8 will be worth the investment.
- Media Enthusiast: If you’re watching movies and videos often and prefer a super bright screen, the ROG Phone 8 offers a more immersive experience.
- Tech Power User: If you require top-end processing for multitasking, the ROG Phone 8 is your go-to.
My Choice
If I were choosing between these two phones, I would opt for the Asus ROG Phone 8. While the Motorola Edge (2022) is a capable device, I personally prioritize performance, display quality, and future-proofing. The ROG Phone 8's significantly superior chipset, brighter display, faster charging, and better camera features, along with a newer version of Android and more robust connectivity, all justify its higher price point for me. Plus, as a tech journalist, I always want the most advanced gadget in my hand.
Despite being larger and heavier than the Edge, the gains in overall user experience would make those trade-offs worthwhile for me. It aligns more closely with my needs and offers a superior experience for tasks like content creation and gaming, which are often part of my daily workflow.
That being said, if I were on a tighter budget or looking for a lighter and simpler device, the Motorola Edge (2022) would still be a good option. But given the choice, the raw performance and capabilities of the ROG Phone 8 win me over.
