Okay, let's dive into a detailed comparison of the Motorola Edge (2022) and the Asus Zenfone 11 Ultra. As a tech journalist, my aim isn't just to list specs, but to translate what those numbers mean for your daily life.
1. Specifications Breakdown
Here's a comprehensive look at the key specs of both phones, focusing on their real-world implications:
| Feature | Motorola Edge (2022) | Asus Zenfone 11 Ultra | Real-World Implications |
|---|---|---|---|
| Design | |||
| Dimensions | 160.9 x 74.2 x 8 mm | 163.8 x 76.8 x 8.9 mm | The Zenfone is noticeably larger and bulkier; the Edge is more pocketable. |
| Weight | 170g | 224g | The Edge is much lighter, better for one-handed use and extended periods. |
| Build | Standard | Standard | Both are standard, non-foldable phones. |
| Display | |||
| Size | 6.6" | 6.78" | Slightly more screen space on the Zenfone. |
| Resolution | 1080x2400 | 1080x2400 | Both are sharp, offering similar visual detail. |
| Pixel Density | 399 PPI | 388 PPI | Similar sharpness; negligible difference to the naked eye. |
| Technology | OLED | AMOLED | Both offer vibrant colors and deep blacks. |
| Refresh Rate | 144Hz | 144Hz | Both provide buttery-smooth scrolling and animations, which is great for gaming and general use. |
| Brightness | 0 nits | 2500 nits | Zenfone is drastically brighter making it much better for outdoor visibility in direct sunlight. |
| Performance | |||
| Chipset | MediaTek Dimensity 1050 (6nm) | Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 (4nm) | Zenfone offers significantly faster performance, smoother multitasking and more power for demanding games and apps. |
| Antutu Score | 522,375 | 1,532,000 | Zenfone is a performance beast, offering superior speed and responsiveness. |
| GPU | Arm Mali-G610 MC3 | Adreno 750 | The Zenfone handles graphics-intensive apps and games with ease. |
| Camera | |||
| Standard | 50MP (f/1.8, 1/1.55") | 50MP (f/1.9, 1/1.56") | The Edge has a wider aperture (f/1.8) and larger sensor (1/1.55"), suggesting slightly better low-light performance. |
| Selfie | 32MP (f/2.45) | 32MP (f/2.5, 1/3.2") | Edge has a marginally wider aperture, which could give slightly better low-light selfies. |
| Telephoto | None | 32MP | Zenfone offers telephoto lens for zoom capabilities; the Edge lacks it. |
| Wide-Angle | 13MP (f/1.5) | 13MP (f/2.2) | The Edge has a wider aperture for ultrawide shots. |
| Macro | 20MP (f/2.4) | None | The Edge has a dedicated macro camera for close-up shots; the Zenfone lacks it. |
| Video | 4K@30fps, 1080p@120fps | 8K@24fps, 4K@60fps, 1080p@240fps | Zenfone captures higher resolution videos and also has much higher frame rate in lower resolution. |
| DXOMark | Not tested | 125 (Mobile) | The Zenfone has received a good score by independent camera test. |
| Battery Life | |||
| Capacity | 5000mAh | 5500mAh | The Zenfone offers slightly longer battery life. |
| Charging | 30W Fast | 65W Fast | The Zenfone charges much faster. |
| Features | 15W wireless, 5W reverse | 15W wireless, 10W reverse (wired) | Both phones offers wireless charging, but the Zenfone has higher wired reverse charging |
| Software | |||
| OS | Android 12 (upgradeable to 13) | Android 14 (upgradeable to 16) | The Zenfone has a newer OS and is guaranteed future Android OS upgrades, extending its life. |
| Connectivity | |||
| Wi-Fi | Wi-Fi 6 | Wi-Fi 7 | Zenfone has faster and more reliable Wi-Fi (and supports Wi-Fi MiMO technology) |
| Bluetooth | 5.2 | 5.4 | Zenfone has a newer and more energy-efficient Bluetooth version. |
| GPS | GPS, A-GPS, GLONASS, Beidou, SUPL, 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) | Zenfone offers more comprehensive GPS support, so it is able to be more accurate in location. |
| SIM | Dual SIM Dual Standby (Nano SIM + eSIM) | Dual SIM Dual Standby (Nano SIM + Nano SIM) | Both support dual SIM, but the Edge has eSIM for easier digital carrier switching. |
| Storage & Memory | |||
| Internal | 128/256 GB | 256/512 GB | The Zenfone offers more storage options and higher storage. |
| RAM | 6/8 GB | 12/16 GB | The Zenfone offers more RAM, enabling smoother multitasking and faster app loading. |
| Expandable | No | No | Neither phone supports expandable storage. |
| Audio | |||
| Quality | Dolby Atmos, Noise cancellation microphone, Stereo Speakers, 3 microphones | Hi-Res Audio, Noise cancellation microphone, Stereo Speakers, 2 microphones | The Edge offers immersive spatial audio, clearer calls with more microphones and better voice capture; while Zenfone has high-resolution audio, with better audio quality for music. |
| Security | |||
| Features | basic fingerprint sensor | basic fingerprint sensor | Both phones have same security standard using a fingerprint sensor. |
| Build Quality | |||
| Screen Protection | Corning Gorilla Glass 3 | Corning Gorilla Glass Victus 2 | The Zenfone has superior screen protection technology |
| Sensors | |||
| Available Sensors | Biometric: Fingerprint; Proximity: Proximity; Motion: Accelerometer, Compass, Gyroscope, Magnetometer; Environmental: Barometer | Biometric: Fingerprint; Proximity: Proximity; Motion: Accelerometer, Compass, Gyroscope, Gravity, Hall | Edge has Barometer for environmental data. Zenfone has Gravity and Hall sensors. |
2. Key Insights
Motorola Edge (2022)
Strengths:
- Lighter and more compact design: More comfortable for prolonged use and pocketable.
- Wider aperture on main and wide-angle cameras: Potentially better in low-light conditions for ultrawide and standard images.
- Macro lens: Allows for detailed close-up shots.
- Dolby Atmos and 3 microphones Provides better spatial audio, and clearer calls with better voice capture.
- eSIM support: Offers flexibility for carrier switching.
- More environmental sensors More data for environmental-based apps.
- Lower price: More budget-friendly, though the price will vary depending on the vendor.
Competitive Advantages:
- Budget-friendly option that doesn't compromise too much in performance.
- More lightweight: Easy to carry around.
Trade-offs:
- Weaker chipset: Less powerful for heavy gaming and intensive tasks.
- Lower screen brightness: Can be harder to view in direct sunlight.
- Older Android version: Less guaranteed software updates.
Asus Zenfone 11 Ultra
Strengths:
- Superior performance: Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 chipset is a powerhouse.
- Brighter screen: Excellent outdoor visibility.
- Better video recording: Supports 8K video at 24fps, 4K at 60fps, and 1080p at 240fps.
- Telephoto lens: Offers zoom capabilities.
- Larger battery: Provides longer battery life.
- Faster charging: Charges significantly quicker.
- Newer Android OS: Latest and longer OS updates.
- Better Wi-Fi: Newer Wi-Fi standard with Wi-Fi MiMO.
- Better GPS: More accurate GPS, supporting more satellite systems.
- Higher resolution Audio: Enjoy high quality music.
- Superior screen protection: Gorilla Glass Victus 2 provides improved durability and scratch resistance.
- Higher storage & RAM More storage and multitasking power.
Competitive Advantages:
- Top-tier performance: Ideal for power users, gamers, and content creators.
- Future-proofed: Latest chipset, newer Android OS, and future software upgrades.
Trade-offs:
- Bulkier and heavier: Less ergonomic and pocketable.
- More expensive: Higher price tag due to premium features.
- No Macro lens: Doesn't allow for close-up detailed shots.
3. User Profiles and Recommendations
Motorola Edge (2022) is best for:
- **Budget-conscious users:** Those seeking good value without breaking the bank.
- **Users who prioritize portability:** People who value a light and compact design.
- **Casual users:** Those who use their phone for everyday tasks and light gaming.
- **Users who prefer better wide-angle and Macro images** Those who prioritize these image capabilities
Asus Zenfone 11 Ultra is best for:
- **Power users:** Those who need top-tier performance for demanding apps and games.
- **Content creators:** Those who record high-quality videos and edit on the go.
- **Users who need excellent outdoor visibility:** Those who spend time in bright sunlight.
- **Users who prefer Telephoto lens** Those who prioritize zoom capabilities.
- **Users who want long-lasting performance** Those who prioritize better battery life and future OS updates.
4. Buying Decision Framework
Here are three practical questions to help users decide:
- Do you prioritize performance and battery over portability and budget? If yes, the Zenfone 11 Ultra is the better choice. If portability and budget are more important, the Edge is more suitable.
- Do you need the best video quality and future software support? If yes, then the Zenfone 11 Ultra is a better option due to its high video resolution, faster frame rate and future OS upgrades.
- Do you use your phone mostly indoors or in direct sunlight? If you're mostly indoors, the Edge's screen is sufficient; but if you're outdoors a lot, the Zenfone's much brighter screen is a game changer.
Scenario-Based Recommendations
For the Casual User: If you mainly browse social media, send messages, and take occasional photos, the Motorola Edge (2022) is a solid, more affordable choice.
For the Gamer: The Asus Zenfone 11 Ultra with its high-end processor, faster RAM, and brilliant display is much more ideal.
For the Content Creator: The Asus Zenfone 11 Ultra's superior video capabilities, telephoto lens, and powerful processor make it the obvious choice.
For the Everyday User Who is On the Go: The Motorola Edge will be the ideal option, since it is lighter and more compact.
My Choice
If I were making this decision for myself, I'd choose the Asus Zenfone 11 Ultra. While I appreciate the lighter design and lower price of the Motorola Edge, the sheer power of the Snapdragon 8 Gen 3, combined with the brighter display, better video recording capabilities, and the promise of future software updates make it the more compelling device. As a tech journalist and smartphone analyst, I frequently use my phone to test demanding applications, take high-quality videos, and analyze complex data, which makes the Zenfone 11 Ultra the obvious choice. The price difference is a trade-off I'm willing to make for superior performance and longevity.
Ultimately, the best choice depends on your specific needs and priorities, but I hope this detailed comparison gives you a clear path towards making an informed decision.
