Okay, let's break down the Motorola Edge (2022) and the Asus Zenfone 10. This is a fascinating comparison because we have two phones that, while both aiming for the premium mid-range, approach the market with very different design philosophies and priorities. Let's get into it:
1. Specifications Breakdown
| Feature | Motorola Edge (2022) | Asus Zenfone 10 | Real-World Implications |
|---|---|---|---|
| Design | |||
| Launch Date | 2022-09-22 | 2023-07-10 | Zenfone 10 is a newer device. |
| Form Factor | Standard | Standard | Both are traditional smartphones. |
| Dimensions | 160.9 x 74.2 x 8 mm | 146.5 x 68.1 x 9.4 mm | Motorola is taller and wider, Zenfone is thicker |
| Weight | 170g | 172g | Virtually the same in hand. |
| Display | |||
| Size | 6.6" | 5.92" | Motorola has a noticeably larger screen. |
| Resolution | 1080x2400 | 1080x2400 | Sharpness is similar on both. |
| PPI | 399 | 445 | Zenfone slightly sharper due to higher pixel density. |
| Technology | OLED | AMOLED | Both provide vibrant colors and deep blacks. |
| Refresh Rate | 144Hz | 144Hz | Ultra-smooth scrolling and animations on both. |
| Brightness | 0 nits | 1100 nits | Zenfone excels in bright outdoor conditions. |
| Performance | |||
| Chipset | Dimensity 1050 | Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 | Zenfone has a substantially more powerful processor. |
| AnTuTu Score | 522,375 | 1,532,000 | Zenfone is much faster in apps and games. |
| GPU | Mali-G610 MC3 | Adreno 740 | Zenfone has a better GPU for gaming. |
| Battery | |||
| Capacity | 5000mAh | 4300mAh | Motorola has a larger battery for longer runtime. |
| Charging | 30W | 30W | Both fast-charge at the same speed. |
| Wireless Charging | 15W | 15W | Same wireless charging capability. |
| Other Features | Reverse, 5W rev. | 5W rev wired | Motorola offers reverse wireless, Zenfone wired |
| Camera | |||
| Main Camera | 50MP f/1.8 | 50MP f/1.9 | Motorola has a slightly wider aperture. |
| Main Sensor Size | 1/1.55" | 1/1.56" | Very similar sensor sizes. |
| Main Sensor | Omnivision OV50A | Sony IMX766 | Different sensors used. |
| Selfie Camera | 32MP f/2.45 | 32MP f/2.5 | Motorola has a wider aperture. |
| Ultrawide | 13MP f/1.5 | 13MP f/2.2 | Motorola has wider lens. |
| Macro | 20MP f/2.4 | - | Motorola has a dedicated macro. |
| Ultrawide + Macro | - | 13MP f/2.2 | Zenfone has this combo. |
| Video Recording | 4K@30fps | 8K@24fps | Zenfone supports higher resolution video. |
| Software | |||
| OS | Android 12 | Android 13 | Zenfone ships with a newer version of Android. |
| Max Version | Android 13 | Android 15 | Asus offers two more software updates. |
| Connectivity | |||
| Wi-Fi | WiFi 6 | WiFi 7 | Zenfone has the latest WiFi standard. |
| Bluetooth | 5.2 | 5.3 | Zenfone has a newer Bluetooth version. |
| GPS | Standard | Advanced | Zenfone supports more satellite systems. |
| SIM | Nano + eSIM | Dual Nano SIM | Motorola has eSIM support. |
| Storage | |||
| Internal Storage | 128/256GB | 128/256/512GB | Zenfone offers more storage options. |
| RAM | 6/8GB | 8/16GB | Zenfone can have much more RAM for multitasking. |
| Expandable Storage | No | No | Neither offers expandable storage. |
| Audio | |||
| Audio Features | Dolby Atmos | Hi-Res Audio | Different audio enhancements. |
| Microphones | 3 | 2 | Motorola has an additional microphone. |
| Security | |||
| Fingerprint | Basic | Side-Mounted | Zenfone has more convenient fingerprint scanner. |
| Build Quality | |||
| Screen Protection | Gorilla Glass 3 | Gorilla Glass Victus | Zenfone offers better screen protection. |
| Sensors | |||
| Sensors | Barometer, Magnetometer | Hall, Gravity | Motorola has additional environmental sensors while Asus has sensors for more advanced features. |
2. Key Insights
Motorola Edge (2022) Strengths:
- Larger Display: The 6.6-inch OLED screen is great for media consumption and multitasking.
- Bigger Battery: 5000mAh battery offers better longevity.
- Versatile Camera System: Includes a dedicated macro lens, adding more creative options.
- eSIM Support: Offers flexibility with dual SIM use and digital carrier switching.
- Additional Sensors: Offers Barometer and Magnetometer
- Dolby Atmos and 3 Microphones: Enhanced audio experience and voice quality.
Asus Zenfone 10 Strengths:
- Superior Performance: Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 provides flagship-level performance.
- Compact Design: More pocketable and easier to handle with one hand.
- Brighter Display: 1100 nits make it great for outdoor use.
- Better Main Camera Sensor: Sony IMX766 provides more detail and better images.
- Advanced Video: 8K video recording and a gimbal mode.
- Latest Connectivity: Supports WiFi 7 and Bluetooth 5.3.
- More RAM and Storage: Up to 16GB of RAM and 512GB of storage.
- Advanced Fingerprint Sensor: Side-mounted sensor is more accessible.
- Superior Screen Protection: Corning Gorilla Glass Victus is much more robust.
- Hi-Res Audio Support: For audiophiles seeking best sound quality.
Trade-offs:
- The Motorola Edge (2022) sacrifices processing power for a larger screen and a bigger battery.
- The Zenfone 10 trades battery size and display size for top-tier performance and a more compact form factor.
- The Motorola is slightly older, with older software version and two less guaranteed major software updates.
3. User Profiles and Recommendations
Motorola Edge (2022) is best for:
- Media Consumers: Those who watch a lot of videos and want a big, vibrant display.
- Casual Gamers: Users who enjoy less demanding games and value battery life.
- Travelers: The eSIM and a bigger battery make it a good travel companion.
- Users who value a versatile camera experience with dedicated macro
Asus Zenfone 10 is best for:
- Power Users: Those who need maximum performance for demanding apps and games.
- One-Handed Users: People who prefer a smaller, more ergonomic phone.
- Photography Enthusiasts: Users who want a great camera system with advanced video features.
- Tech Enthusiasts: Those who always want the latest and greatest connectivity features.
- Audiophiles: High-quality audio through Hi-Res Audio support.
4. Buying Decision Framework
Here are three key questions to help you decide:
- Prioritize Display or Portability? If you value a larger screen for media consumption, the Motorola is your pick. If you want something compact, the Zenfone is ideal.
- Performance or Battery Life? If you need top-tier performance, go with the Zenfone. If you prioritize battery longevity, the Motorola will serve you better.
- Camera or Software Support? The Zenfone has more advanced camera capabilities and the latest Android, while the Motorola has a more versatile camera system.
Scenario-Based Recommendations:
- Traveler: The Motorola Edge (2022) with eSIM and better battery life.
- Gamer: The Asus Zenfone 10 with top-tier performance.
- Casual User: Either phone is a solid choice depending on if they value screen size or portability and single hand use.
- Photographer: The Asus Zenfone 10 with its advanced features.
- Audio Enthusiast: The Zenfone 10 with Hi-Res Audio capabilities
My Choice
Personally, I would choose the Asus Zenfone 10. While the larger display and battery of the Motorola are attractive, the superior performance of the Snapdragon 8 Gen 2, combined with the more compact design, and the better camera are more aligned with my needs. The fact that the Zenfone also offers better screen protection, updated connectivity and software and more ram really seals the deal for me. I also appreciate the additional software support it offers. For me, it provides a better balance of power and portability, with less compromises.
This was a fun comparison and I hope it helped you.
