Alright, let's dive into a head-to-head comparison of the Motorola Edge (2022) and the Asus ROG Phone 8 Pro. These two phones occupy different niches in the smartphone world, and understanding their core strengths and weaknesses is key to finding the right fit for your needs.
1. Specifications Breakdown
Here's a detailed table comparing the key specs, with a focus on real-world implications:
| Feature | Motorola Edge (2022) | Asus ROG Phone 8 Pro | Real-World Implications |
|---|---|---|---|
| Design | |||
| Dimensions | 160.9 x 74.2 x 8 mm | 163.8 x 76.8 x 8.9 mm | ROG Phone 8 Pro is slightly larger, which could mean less comfortable single-handed use. |
| Weight | 170g | 225g | Motorola Edge is noticeably lighter, better for longer usage. |
| Display | |||
| Size | 6.6" | 6.78" | ROG Phone 8 Pro has a slightly larger screen for more immersive viewing. |
| Resolution | 1080 x 2400 | 1080 x 2400 | Both have the same sharpness, ideal for crisp images and text. |
| Refresh Rate | 144Hz | 165Hz | ROG Phone 8 Pro provides a slightly smoother experience, particularly in gaming. |
| Brightness | 0 nits | 2500 nits | ROG Phone 8 Pro screen is dramatically brighter, much better for outdoor use in sunlight. |
| Technology | OLED | AMOLED | Both provide excellent contrast and vibrant colors. |
| Performance | |||
| Chipset | MediaTek Dimensity 1050 | Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 | ROG Phone 8 Pro has a far more powerful chip, leading to smoother, faster performance. |
| AnTuTu Score | 522,375 | 2,020,000 | ROG Phone 8 Pro has a vastly superior performance, for demanding apps and games. |
| GPU | Mali-G610 MC3 | Adreno 750 | ROG Phone 8 Pro has a substantially more powerful GPU, better for graphics-intensive tasks. |
| Camera | |||
| Main Camera | 50MP f/1.8 | 50MP f/1.9 | Similar performance; slightly wider aperture of Edge lets more light in. |
| Selfie Camera | 32MP f/2.45 | 32MP | Comparable selfie performance. |
| Telephoto Lens | N/A | 32MP f/2.4 | ROG Phone 8 Pro offers optical zoom capabilities not available on the Edge. |
| Wide Angle Lens | 13MP f/1.5 | N/A | Edge has an ultrawide lens for broad landscape shots. |
| Macro Lens | 20MP f/2.4 | N/A | Edge has dedicated Macro lens for close-up photography, lacking on the ROG Phone. |
| Wide Angle + Macro | N/A | 13MP f/2.2 | ROG phone has a wide-angle with Macro functionality, a compromise. |
| Video Recording | 4K@30fps w/EIS | 8K@24fps w/HDR, EIS | ROG Phone 8 Pro offers higher video recording quality with advanced HDR options. |
| Battery Life | |||
| Capacity | 5000mAh | 5500mAh | ROG Phone 8 Pro has a larger battery for longer usage. |
| Charging | 30W fast charging | 65W fast charging | ROG Phone 8 Pro charges much faster, significantly reducing downtime. |
| Wireless Charging | 15W | N/A | Motorola Edge offers wireless charging for more convenient options. |
| Reverse Charging | 5W | N/A | Motorola Edge can charge other devices wirelessly. |
| Software | |||
| OS | Android 12 (up to 13) | Android 14 (up to 16) | ROG Phone 8 Pro has newer software and more years of expected upgrades. |
| Connectivity | |||
| WiFi | Wi-Fi 6 | Wi-Fi 7 | ROG Phone 8 Pro has the latest Wi-Fi generation for faster and more reliable performance. |
| Bluetooth | 5.2 | 5.3 | ROG Phone 8 Pro has a newer Bluetooth version for improved audio connectivity. |
| GPS | 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 Pro supports more satellite systems for better location accuracy and reliability |
| SIM | Dual SIM Dual Standby (Nano SIM + eSIM) | Dual SIM Dual Standby (Nano SIM + Nano SIM) | Both phones support dual sim; Motorola Edge has an additional eSIM capability, for digital carrier switching. |
| Storage | |||
| Internal Storage | 128/256GB | 512GB/1024GB | ROG Phone 8 Pro has significantly more internal storage for apps, media. |
| RAM | 6/8GB | 16/24GB | ROG Phone 8 Pro has far more RAM, making it much smoother for multitasking. |
| Expandable Storage | No | No | Neither phone has expandable storage, so choose your configuration wisely. |
| Audio | |||
| Quality | Dolby Atmos, Noise cancellation microphone, Stereo Speakers, 3 microphones | DTS / DTS X, Stereo Speakers, 3 microphones | Motorola Edge has a slightly better feature set, featuring Dolby Atmos and Noise cancellation microphone. |
| Security | |||
| Features | Basic fingerprint sensor | Basic fingerprint sensor | Both phones have standard fingerprint security. |
| Build Quality | |||
| Protection | Corning Gorilla Glass 3 | Corning Gorilla Glass Victus 2 | ROG Phone 8 Pro has much better screen protection, less prone to scratches and cracks. |
| Sensors | |||
| Sensors | Biometric: Fingerprint; Proximity: Proximity; Motion: Accelerometer, Compass, Gyroscope, Magnetometer; Environmental: Barometer | Biometric: Fingerprint; Proximity: Proximity; Motion: Accelerometer, Compass, Gyroscope, Gravity | Motorola Edge (2022) has more extensive environmental sensors, while Asus ROG Phone 8 Pro has more advanced motion sensors |
2. Key Insights
- Motorola Edge (2022): Strengths
- Lightweight Design: Much more comfortable to hold for long periods.
- Versatile Camera System: Offers a dedicated ultrawide and macro lens.
- Wireless Charging: A convenient feature often missing in this price range.
- eSIM Support: Offers flexibility for digital carrier switching.
- Dolby Atmos: Good for spatial audio.
- More sensors: Has an additional environmental sensor such as barometer and magnetometer.
- Motorola Edge (2022): Weaknesses
- Lower Performance: The MediaTek chip can't compete with the Snapdragon.
- Lower Brightness: Screen visibility in bright sunlight is limited.
- Older Software: Will receive fewer OS updates.
- Plastic Build: Material that is not as premium as other phones in the market.
- Asus ROG Phone 8 Pro: Strengths
- Top-Tier Performance: The Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 provides blistering speeds.
- High Refresh Rate Display: Smoother animations and gaming experience.
- Exceptional Brightness: Excellent visibility in outdoor conditions.
- Larger Battery & Faster Charging: Better battery life and quicker charge times.
- Superior Camera System: Has a telephoto camera, optical zoom, 8K recording.
- More Storage and RAM: Ample storage and RAM for heavy multitasking.
- Newer Software: More future updates.
- Better Screen Protection: Corning Gorilla Glass Victus 2
- WIFI 7: Better performance than older WIFI versions.
- Asus ROG Phone 8 Pro: Weaknesses
- Bulkier Design: Less comfortable to hold for long durations.
- Heavier: Can feel heavy after prolonged usage.
- No Wireless Charging: Missing convenience compared to the Motorola Edge.
- No macro lens: Lacks dedicated macro lens.
3. User Profiles and Recommendations
- Motorola Edge (2022): Ideal For
- Users who prioritize a lightweight and comfortable phone.
- Those who need a versatile camera system, including ultrawide and macro capabilities.
- Users who value convenience of wireless charging and reverse charging.
- Users who do not require a high degree of performance in games or apps.
- Asus ROG Phone 8 Pro: Ideal For
- Gamers and power users who need top-tier performance.
- Users who prioritize a bright screen for outdoor visibility.
- Those who want the best possible battery life and fastest charging.
- Users who need the most storage and RAM.
- Users who prefer a high-quality video capturing device.
4. Buying Decision Framework
To help you decide, consider these questions:
Performance Requirements: How much power do you need for apps and games? If you need top-tier performance, the ROG Phone 8 Pro is the clear winner. If it is not essential, then the Motorola Edge might be sufficient.
Design and Comfort: Is a lightweight, comfortable phone more important than raw power? The Motorola Edge is much lighter and easier to use for extended periods.
Battery and Charging: How essential is it for you to have long battery life and fast charging capabilities? If this is high on your priority list, then the ROG Phone is the way to go.
Scenario-Based Recommendations:
- The Casual User: If you primarily use your phone for browsing, social media, and basic tasks, the Motorola Edge is a solid choice due to its comfortable design and versatile camera system and a more affordable price.
- The Mobile Gamer: If you're a serious gamer or a power user, the Asus ROG Phone 8 Pro is the clear winner. Its incredible performance, high refresh screen, and superior battery life offer an unmatched gaming experience, even if it is bulkier and heavier.
- The Photographer: If you frequently take photos of landscapes and small objects, the Motorola Edge has a slight edge by offering both a wide-angle and macro lens. If instead, you frequently take photos of people at a distance, the Asus ROG Phone 8 Pro is better due to the telephoto lens.
- The Frequent Traveler: The Motorola Edge is a good choice for travelers, given its compact design, eSIM feature, and wireless charging capabilities. If instead, the traveler will be frequently using maps and needs very precise location tracking, the Asus ROG Phone 8 Pro would be a more appropriate choice, due to its more reliable navigation system.
My Choice
If it were my choice, I would pick the Asus ROG Phone 8 Pro. While I appreciate the lightweight design and convenience features of the Motorola Edge, the sheer power and advanced features of the ROG Phone 8 Pro are too compelling to ignore. I often find myself pushing my devices to their limits, whether it's through gaming, photo editing, or heavy multitasking. The ROG Phone 8 Pro, with its Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 processor, massive RAM, and high refresh rate display, is designed to handle these tasks with ease. I also spend a lot of time outdoors and the super bright screen is essential for me.
Although the ROG Phone is larger and heavier, I'm willing to accept the trade-off for such a substantial boost in performance and battery life. Furthermore, the lack of a dedicated macro lens is something I can live with, and I am more interested in the telephoto lens provided in the Asus phone, given that this is a feature that I use more often in my daily activities.
